"I wouldn't dare."
"Dare?"
"No. Not if I had the wealth of Croesus."
"Why not?"
"It's a crime to rob the world of these masterpieces of genius. They should be the free inheritance and inspiration of all the children of men. The humblest child of the street should own them because he is human. The man who has the power to buy them, of all men, should give to the people whose lives and toil gave him his power."
Nan gazed at Stuart in vague bewilderment and then a mischievous smile crept into the corners of her mouth.
"You're trying to throw dust in my eyes, but I can tell you what you are really thinking. Would you like to hear?"
"Very much."
"You are really wondering why the wicked prosper?"
The man remained silent while a look of deep seriousness overspread his face.