"I might." For the first time in his life Felix Bauer had flash into his soul the power of money to buy, what? Love? Would it be worth anything if it could be bought? And yet women like Helen Douglas felt the power of money and—and—demanded it in the young man who aspired to be a possible wooer in this age. Was she like all the rest? And if he should some time be rich would that make any difference? And if so, what difference?
"Money is a great power nowadays," said Helen calmly.
"Yes," said Bauer, slower than usual. And at that moment Mrs. Douglas came in.
"Are you willing to show this to mother?" asked Helen.
"Certainly," said Bauer, smiling. "I am sure she will not betray my secret."
Mrs. Douglas, who had instantly taken a great liking to Bauer from the moment of his arrival, was as enthusiastic as Helen and praised the inventor until he was well nigh overwhelmed.
"I need all this encouragement to help me face Anderson. He will probably pick some flaw in it somewhere. He is merciless with all the fellows."
"I don't see what a teacher is for," said Helen indignantly. "Half of the teachers I know pound at the students all the time instead of giving them encouragement."
"They probably need it," said Mrs. Douglas, wisely.
"Mr. Bauer is going to get rich with his invention," said Helen gaily.