“Yes,” he said, rallying. “But what is civilized life?”
“Oh!... Creative activities in an atmosphere of helpful goodwill,” Peter tried in the brief pause that followed.
Oswald had a disagreeable feeling that he was getting to the end of his discourse before he delivered its beginning. “Yes,” he said again. “Yes. But for that you must have a political form.”
“The World State,” said Peter.
“The League of Free Nations,” said Oswald, “to enforce Peace throughout the earth.”
The next remark that came from Peter was still more unexpected and embarrassing.
“Peace is nothing,” said Peter.
Oswald turned his red eye upon his ward, in profound amazement.
Did they differ fundamentally in their idea of the human future?
“Peace, my dear Peter, is everything,” he protested.