"What do you intend to do now, Franzel?" interrupted Edwin, who during the whole conversation had been sitting on the window sill, stroking Balder's cat.
"That's a secondary consideration. Tell me instead whether you approve of what I have done?"
"Will that undo it?"
"As if I would recall it! But you know I value the thought, that we three at least--even if others have a different opinion--"
He paused and looked at Edwin almost timidly.
"What I think," replied the latter, "is no secret to you. But I am firmly persuaded of many truths, and yet should hesitate a long time before demonstrating them to a crowd of strangers. However, why should we discuss the matter? You will do what you cannot leave undone, and as you have very enthusiastic ideas about the equality of men, even in their powers of thought--"
"He who does not work for all, works for none, or at least only for himself."
"Pardon me, my dear fellow. That's a false conclusion. You yourself will not deny that the division of labor is a useful arrangement. Well then, one begins from below, another from above. If I convince ten of the best minds, give them even a little light in regard to the hardest problems, does not my work in time aid others also? Mens' gifts are as different as their ambitions."
Franzelius was about to make some reply, but restrained himself with evident effort, and only said:
"And you, Balder? Are you too of the opinion, that only a mad ambition urges me to let the little light that is in me shine before the multitude?"