"Instantly." Elsa understood the quality of courage that had stirred the colonel.
"Thanks."
But ruthlessly: "I should, however, like your point of view in regard to what you consider my conduct."
"Is it necessary?"
"I believe it would be better for my understanding if you made a full confession." She did not mean to be relentless, but her curiosity was too strong not to press her advantage.
"Well, then, over here as elsewhere in the world there are standards by which we judge persons who come under our notice."
"Agreed. Individuality is not generally understandable."
"By the mediocre, you might have added. That's the difficulty with individuality; it refuses to be harnessed by mediocrity, and mediocrity holds the whip-hand, always. I represent the mediocre."
"Oh, never!" said Elsa animatedly. "Mediocrity is always without courage."
"You are wrong. It has the courage of its convictions."