hout having any definite information
to give on the subject, that perhaps philosophy was regarded less as a
separate science, and had become the groundwork of all the sciences.

"Are you of opinion," asked the Prince, "that the categorical
imperative of Kant, and the French Revolution, have tended to the same
results?"

Bella laid back her head, and looked up into the blue sky. The men were
entering upon themes which, in deference to her, ought to be postponed
to another time, but she would be patient and listen.

Eric explained that the principle of Kant, "So act that you can wish
the rule of your actions to be the rule of all human actions,"
established the same ideal as the French Revolution, with its equality
before the law; there are to be no more privileged classes.

"But does not this equality destroy all greatness, all genius?" asked
the Russian.

Bella thought this a good opportunity for breaking her silence, and
quickly choosing her side, she added:--.

"I would go further, and ask if richly endowed natures do not make new
laws in the intellectual and political world, as well as the aesthetic."

Clodwig smiled to hear his wife thus trotting out her hobby-horse, but
Eric answered, smilingly,--"That is the miserable mistake for which
Jesuitism in the Church, and frivolity in the world, are equally
answerable. Peculiar natures have been granted by the world, and have
come to claim for themselves, certain exceptional privileges and
immunities, which, if generally allowed, would be subversive of human
society. What are called superior natures have greater responsibilities
than others, but no exceptional rights. Before God and the moral sense
of humanity, we are all equal, as Christianity exhaustively expresses
in the words, 'we are all children of God.' Children are equal before
their father. But the Church grants indulgences; the State, rights of
primogeniture; sophistry, moral exemptions. No single man of iron will
come to establish the new kingdom of equality; the kingdom is at hand;
its road is the iron rail, its horse is the steam."

"You speak well; it is a great pleasure to me to have made your
acquaintance," said the Prince to Eric. "I pray you to come often to
see me; or will you let me come to you?"

Eric, who, in his excitement, had said more than he intended, expressed
his thanks, saying at the same time that he must consecrate his time
and strength to his pupil. He was angry with himself at t