"About getting to Heaven? Of course. That's simply his insurance policy against fire in the next world."
"Oh, don't talk nonsense, Jim. The possession of money is not a crime."
"No. Crime, Nan, is in the heart and its seed always springs from the soul. Its roots must always strike one soil to live—the selfish will to have what one wants regardless of the cost to others."
"Is it a crime," Nan asked, passionately, "to wish to live a life that's worth the struggle? You must take conditions as you find them."
"That's just it. I won't. I'd rather create new conditions and mould life. I'd rather lead, organize and inspire, than follow. I refuse to become a mere money-grubber, because I'm in love with Life."
"And you would be willing," the girl said dreamily, "to sacrifice the happiness of all those you love and all who love you to follow this whim?"
"Sacrifice your happiness? Why, the one purpose of my life is to make you happy——"
"Well, I can't be happy in poverty. The man I love must be rich. Oh, Jim, you shall be! Wealth is the only road now from the vulgar crowd—the only way to climb on top."
"But, suppose I don't wish to climb on the top of people?"
"You can't be such a fool!"