fit the ideas, inventions and discoveries of others. In short, we,
who used to despise mental fruits, see that it is the most profitable of
trades to work genius. As soon as we see, learn, or even scent that an
important thing is being produced anywhere in the world, we hurry to the
spot and by one means or another--money, cunning, persuasion, main
force, if needs must, we make ourselves master of what we must have if
we mean to be the world's rulers. With a European war impending, even a
lady will see at once of what value an invention is, like M.
Clemenceau's."

"In plain language, you are proposing to me an infamous deed!" she
exclaimed with scathing irony which failed to scare the other.

"I am proposing a matter of business. Where are you going?"

"Straight to my husband--whose confidence you have imposed on by some
deception"

"Dear madame, do not do what you would eternally deplore," said
Cantagnac quietly, and motioning with his broad hand for her to be
seated again. "I deceived your husband with a bit of character acting
which you would, I think, have applauded, as you were once on the
stage--the music hall stage, at least."

She sat down, as if this allusion had stunned her.

"His secret is indispensable to my company and I was given instructions
to try to obtain it, by surprise and for nothing, if possible. Without
it, many another purchase of ours made at great expense, would become
utterly useless. From an incomplete acquaintance with your husband, I
feared I could do nothing with him; from a study of him here, at a later
period, I doubted still more; and, having spoken with him, I am sure."

A previous acquaintance with Clemenceau? It was a ray of light, but
still Cesarine, who did not cease to stare at him, failed to identify
him with a figure in her past. Was this only a new phase of a Proteus?

"Clemenceau is no longer the frank and enthusiastic student but a man of
talent and feeling who has found his true course. In what concerns the
revelation he has had from science, he is reserved and circumspect.
Happily, man that is borne of woman, however great, if a simpleton and
an idealist, almost always is the prey of the sex in one form or
another. When they escape feminine influence, they are impregnable, and
strong measures must be employed."

"Strong measures," repeated Cesarine, shuddering at the icy, passionless
tone like a lecturer's.

"They must be blotted off the book of life--and it is a