Grassini and Galli as if they were schoolboys; yet you sit
correcting their proofs like a printer's devil."

"In the first place, I don't spend all my time in correcting proofs; and
moreover it seems to me that you exaggerate my mental capacities. They
are by no means so brilliant as you think."

"I don't think them brilliant at all," he answered quietly; "but I do
think them sound and solid, which is of much more importance. At those
dreary committee meetings it is always you who put your finger on the
weak spot in everybody's logic."

"You are not fair to the others. Martini, for instance, has a very
logical head, and there is no doubt about the capacities of Fabrizi
and Lega. Then Grassini has a sounder knowledge of Italian economic
statistics than any official in the country, perhaps."

"Well, that's not saying much; but let us lay them and their capacities
aside. The fact remains that you, with such gifts as you possess,
might do more important work and fill a more responsible post than at
present."

"I am quite satisfied with my position. The work I am doing is not of
very much value, perhaps, but we all do what we can."

"Signora Bolla, you and I have gone too far to play at compliments and
modest denials now. Tell me honestly, do you recognize that you are
using up your brain on work which persons inferior to you could do as
well?"

"Since you press me for an answer--yes, to some extent."

"Then why do you let that go on?"

No answer.

"Why do you let it go on?"

"Because--I can't help it."

"Why?"

She looked up reproachfully. "That is unkind--it's not fair to press me
so."

"But all the same you are going to tell me why."

"If you must have it, then--because my life has been smashed into
pieces, and I have not the energy to start anything REAL, now. I
am about fit to be a revolutionary cab-horse, and do the party's
drudge-work. At least I do it conscientiously, and it must be done by
somebody."

"Certainly it must be done by somebody; but not always by the same
person."

"It's about all I'm fit for."

He looked at her with half-shut eyes, inscrutably. Presently she raised
her head.

"We are returning to the old subject; and this was to be a business
talk. It is quite useless, I assure you, to tell me I might have done
all sorts of things. I shall never do them now. But I may be able to
help you in thinking out your plan. What is it?"

"You begin by telling me that it is useless for