esources of this vast country are practically in the
hands of half a dozen men. Merely by holding up a finger, these men
could, to suit their own selfish ends, start a universal panic which
might bring about a financial cataclysm, involving the whole world in
disaster. I do not say they would use this power for evil, but they
are in position to do so if it served their purpose. I want to have
such power, only if I had it I would not use it for evil. I would use
it for good. Conditions in the industrial world are very critical. We
are rapidly approaching a crisis. In all countries the forces of labor
and the forces of capital are lined up in silent, grim battalions. The
poor are getting poorer; the rich are getting richer. The cost of
living is going up beyond all reason. Why? Because the men who
control the wealth of the world will it so. The system which is
responsible for this must one day, sooner or later, give way to another
and more humane system, still to be devised, which will enable the man
who produces the wealth of the world at least to enjoy some of the
fruits of his toil. Now it goes into the hands of the privileged few
who use the power their money gives them to keep their less fortunate
fellow men in servile subjection. I want to be rich, very rich, but I
will use my wealth for good. With it I will help my fellow man rise
from the mire. I will help him throw off the shackles with which
conscienceless capitalism has fettered him. I want to be such a power
for good. I want----"

The maid reentered the room.

"Francois is not in his room, m'm."

Kenneth gave vent to an exclamation of impatience. Turning to his
wife, he asked:

"Where is he? Did you send him anywhere?"

Helen shook her head. Quickly she said:

"He's never around except when he's not wanted."

It was so seldom that his wife displayed irritation at any one that
Kenneth looked up in surprise.

"He's shopping, too, I suppose. You know there's little time left and
he has things to get ready the same as I have."

Helen made a gesture of disapproval. Quickly she said:

"I wish you were going with someone else, with anyone but that man. I
never liked him."

Her husband laughed. Carelessly he replied:

"I know you never did and it's the only instance since we're married
where I've found dear little wife to be absolutely unfair. Seriously,
sweetheart, your baseless prejudice against Francois is unworthy of
you.