Page:Ruth of the U.S.A. (IA ruthofusa00balm).pdf/83

 stayed there a long time together. She had done with him, well! She smiled woefully to herself; at least it seemed to have aided her that the Germans thought so.

It would have puzzled her more, certainly, if she had known that after the time when Gerry Hull and she forgot to whisper and forgot, indeed, everyone but themselves, the woman had heard almost every word which was said; and that the woman's opinion of the girl who was playing the part of Cynthia Gail was that she was a very clever one to know enough and dare enough to take single and violent opposition to Gerry Hull. For the Germans, in preparation for this war, had made a most elaborate and detailed study of psychology of individuals and of nations. That study of nations has not shown conspicuously successful results; but their determination of factors which are supposed to influence individuals is said to have fared far better.

Their instructions to a woman—or a girl—who is commanded to make an impression upon a man inform that a girl in dealing with a weak character progresses most certainly and fastest by agreeing and complying; but when one has to do with a man of strong character, opposition and challenge to him bring the surest result.

Of course that is not an exclusively German discovery; and to act in accordance with it, one is not obliged to be truly a German spy and to know it from the tutorings of a German psychologist. Indeed, one does not have to know it at all; one need merely be a young girl, thoughtful and honest, as well as impulsive and of quick but deep passions, who admires and cares so very much for a young man who has talked serious things with her, that she can-