"Prof. Poppendorf," said the Disagreeable Woman, "why do you not lecture on Bismarck, instead of the dry subject you have announced?"
"You admire Bismarck, then, my dear lady?"
"Not at all."
"But I don't understand."
"The people are interested in him. They don't care for the 'Material and the Immaterial.'"
"That is a good suggestion, Professor," said the widow. "I would much rather hear about Bismarck. I admire him. Why do you not, Miss Blagden?"
"Because he was a second-hand autocrat," said the Disagreeable Woman.
"Again I do not understand," said the Professor.
"He was the servant of the Emperor. His authority did not come from the people."
There was some further conversation, and Prof. Poppendorf promised that his next lecture should be upon Bismarck.