“I'm half sorry,” he said one day, “that I didn't go in for a profession. But it is late now. Law, medicine, engineering, architecture, would take years of study.”
“There was Armstrong,” Edith suggested, “who studied law after he was married.”
“But it looks sort of silly for a fellow who has a wife to go to school, unless,” said Jack, with a laugh, “he goes to school to his wife. Then there's politics. You wouldn't like to see me in that.”
“I rather think, Jack”—she spoke musingly—“if I were a man I should go into politics.”
“You would have nice company!”
“But it's the noblest career—government, legislation, trying to do something to make the world better. Jack, I don't see how the men of New York can stand it to be governed by the very worst elements.”
“My dear, you have no idea what practical politics is.”
“I've an idea what I'd make it. What is the good of young men of leisure if they don't do anything for the country? Too fine to do what Hamilton did and Jay did! I wish you could have heard my father talk about it. Abdicate their birthright for a four-in-hand!”
“Or a yacht,” suggested Jack.
“Well, I don't see why a man cannot own a yacht and still care something about the decent management of his city.”