"Yes, for it is a national axiom, powerful as a religious dogma. Add to that, money, official position, decorations, titles of nobility, and all advantages which the government can give"--
"Then you speculate on human weaknesses, cupidity, vanity, ambition?"
"You have said it. All the science of statesmen worthy of the name is summed up in working men through their vices. To speculate on virtue is only a dream, a childish illusion. Why? Because in humanity vice always predominates over virtue."
Muse, who practised after her own fashion the maxims of Bavorof, believed, nevertheless, that it would look better for one of her sex to appear shocked, and cried:--
"Oh, Monsieur le Comte, your ideas are really shocking."
"Pardon me, mademoiselle, they were not said for your charming ears."
Pikulinski let fall a loud "yes," being sure that he could not compromise himself this time.
"You know, however," replied Muse, "that just now most of our women are mixed up in politics. We are accustomed to hear everything, and our influence is widespread."
"It is a misfortune. It does not well become your white hands to stir up the filth of life, nor to penetrate, elegant and perfumed, into the laboratory where are prepared the drugs for the maladies of humanity."
Pikulinski thought this remark merited a repeated "yes, yes."