"You'll have to give your money outright. No strings attached. No chance to be a philanthropist. Also, you'll have to work—have to educate yourself as I instruct you."
"Yes—yes. Whatever you say."
Charlton looked at her dubiously. "I'm a fool to have anything to do with this," he said. "You aren't in any way a suitable person—any more than I'm the sort of man you want to assist you in your schemes. You don't realize what tests you're to be put through."
"I don't care," said Jane.
"It's a chance to try my theory," mused he. "You know, I insist we are all absolutely the creatures of circumstance—that character adapts itself to circumstance—that to change a man or a town or a nation—or a world—you have only to change their fundamental circumstances."
"You'll try me?"
"I'll think about it," said Charlton. "I'll talk with Victor Dorn about it."
"Whatever you do, don't talk to him," cried Jane, in terror. "He has no faith in me—" She checked herself, hastily added—"in anybody outside his own class."
"I never do anything serious without consulting Victor," said Charlton firmly. "He's got the best mind of any one I know, and it is foolish to act without taking counsel of the best."
"He'll advise against it," said Jane bitterly.