“Nevertheless, the dams look bulky enough to hold back the Nile.”
“Appearances are often deceitful. They are simply strong enough for the work they have to do. American engineering practice does not go in for useless encumbrance. Each dam serves two purposes. It holds back the water and it contains a power-house. In some of these power-houses turbines and dynamoes are already placed.”
“Ah, now I understand. You must perceive that I am a very stupid individual.”
“You are a very persistent person,” said the young woman decisively.
Stranleigh laughed.
“Allow me to take advantage of that reputation by asking you what you intend to do with the electricity when you have produced it?”
“We have no plans.”
“Oh, I say!”
“What do you say?”
“That was merely an Anglicised expression of astonishment.”