"Germany," said I, with the solemnity of a Sir Oracle in the
smoking-room of one of the political clubs, "has dreams of an empire
beyond her frontiers, and with a view to converting the dream into a
reality, is turning out battleships nineteen to the dozen."
The Professor nodded his head sagaciously, and looked up at Lola.
"Very profound," said he, "very profound. I shall remember it. I am
a Greek, Monsieur, and the Greeks, as you know, are a nation of
diplomatists."
"Ever since the days of Xenophon," said I.
"You're both too clever for me," exclaimed our hostess. "Where did you
get your knowledge from, Anastasius?"
The Professor, flattered, passed his hand over his bulgy forehead.
"I was a great student in my youth," said he. "Once I could tell you all
the kings of Rome and the date of the battle of Actium. But pressure of
weightier concerns has driven my erudition from me. Pardon me. I have
not yet asked after your health. You are looking sad and troubled. What
is the matter?"
He sat bolt upright, fingering his imperial and regarding her with the
keen solicitude of a family physician.
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