"Go on and elucidate," I said. "I don't quite follow your parable."
She considered a bit.
"Well, here's a more direct parallel. Back in the 18th century, the world was wild about Democracy—Democracy was going to do all things for all men. Then, with prodigious struggles, they acquired some Democracy—set it going. It was a good thing. But it took time. It grew. It had difficulties. In the next century, there was less talk about all the heavenly results of Democracy, and more definite efforts to make it work."
This was clearer.
"You mean," I followed her slowly. "That what was called socialism was attained—and you've been improving upon it?"
"Exactly, Brother, 'you are on'—as we used to say. But even that's not the main step."
"No? What else?"
"Only a New Religion."
I showed my disappointment. Nellie watched my face silently. She laughed. She even kissed me.
"John," said she, "I could make vast sums by exhibiting you to psychologists! as An Extinct Species of Mind. You'd draw better than a Woolly Mammoth."