nd idealists who had once given
contemplation and reflection the first place in their existence! . . .

Hartrott again harked back to the inferiority of their racial enemies.
In order to combat successfully, it required self-assurance, an
unquenchable confidence in the superiority of their own powers.

"At this very hour in Berlin, everyone is accepting war, everyone is
believing that victory is sure, while HERE! . . . I do not say that
the French are afraid; they have a brave past that galvanizes them at
certain times--but they are so depressed that it is easy to guess that
they will make almost any sacrifices in order to evade what is coming
upon them. The people first will shout with enthusiasm, as it always
cheers that which carries it to perdition. The upper classes have no
faith in the future; they are keeping quiet, but the presentiment of
disaster may easily be conjectured. Yesterday I was talking with your
father. He is French, and he is rich. He was indignant against the
government of his country for involving the nation in the European
conflict in order to defend a distant and uninteresting people. He
complains of the exalted patriots who have opened the abyss between
Germany and France, preventing a reconciliation. He says that Alsace and
Lorraine are not worth what a war would cost in men and money. . . .
He recognizes our greatness and is convinced that we have progressed so
rapidly that the other countries cannot come up to us. . . . And as your
father thinks, so do many others--all those who are wrapped in creature
comfort, and fear to lose it. Believe me, a country that hesitates and
fears war is conquered before the first battle."

Julio evinced a certain disquietude, as though he would like to cut
short the conversation.

"Just leave my father out of it! He speaks that way to-day because war
is not yet an accomplished fact, and he has to contradict and vent his
indignation on whoever comes near him. To-morrow he will say just the
opposite. . . . My father is a Latin."

The professor looked at his watch. He must go; there were still many
things which he had to do before going to the station. The Germans
living in Paris had fled in great bands as though a secret order had
been circulating among them. That afternoon the last of those who had
been living ostensibly in the Capital would depart.

"I have come to see you because of our family interest, because it was
my duty to give you fair warning. Y