“You put it very comprehensively, Miss Benham; but perhaps it would be better to say that I am the advance agent of prosperity—that sounds rather less mercenary. We must not allow the impression to get abroad that mere money is to be the motive power behind our efforts.”
“But money-making is the real motive, after all?” said Miss Benham, dryly.
“I submit there are several driving forces in life, and that money-making is not the least compelling of them.”
“The other forces?” It seemed to Corrigan that Miss Benham’s face was very serious. But Agatha, who knew Rosalind better than Corrigan knew her, was aware that the girl was merely demurely sarcastic.
“Love and hatred are next,” he said, slowly.
“You would place money-making before love?” Rosalind bantered.
“Money adds the proper flavor to love,” laughed Corrigan. The laugh was laden with subtle significance and he looked straight at the girl, a deep fire slumbering in his eyes. “Yes,” he said slowly, “money-making is a great passion. I have it. But I can hate, and love. And when I do either, it will be strongly. And then—”
Agatha cleared her throat impatiently. Corrigan colored slightly, and Miss Benham smothered something, artfully directing the conversation into less personal channels:
“You are going to build manufactories, organize banks, build municipal power-houses, speculate in real estate, and such things, I suppose?”
“And build a dam. We already have a bank here, Miss Benham.”