"I really haven't the most remote idea. I want it to be something worth while—something which will attract attention."
"Nothing does, nowadays," said Mrs. Carnby, "except air-ships and remarriage within two hours of divorce."
"What are you talking about?" asked Mrs. Ratchett, suddenly abandoning the argument in which it was evident that she was coming out second best.
"My choice of a profession," replied Andrew. "I don't want to make a mistake. But everything seems to be overcrowded."
"Exactly," observed Radwalader. "It isn't so much a question of selecting what's right as of getting what's left. Haven't you a special talent?"
"I'm afraid not," said Andrew.
"And if you had, it wouldn't do you much good in the States," commented Mrs. Carnby. "Nothing counts over there but money and social position. It's the only country on earth where it's less blessed to be gifted than received."
"I had thought of civil engineering," said Andrew.
"Civil engineering?" repeated Mrs. Carnby. "But, my dear Mr. Vane, that's not a profession. It's only a synonym for getting on in society. We're all of us civil engineers!"