Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/311

 "If we had less politics and more business, we would be better off."

"But the trouble is, General, we can't have more business until politics have settled some things."

"Bah! You're throwing yourself away in politics, young man! There's nothing in it but dirt and disappointment."

"To me, sir, politics is a religion."

"Religion! Politics! I didn't know you could ever mix 'em. I thought they were about as far apart as heaven is from hell!" exclaimed the General.

"They ought not to be sir, whatever the terrible facts, I believe that the Government is the organised virtue of the community, and that politics is religion in action. It may be a poor sort of religion, but it is the best we are capable of as members of society."

"Well, that's a new idea."

"It's coming to be more and more recognised by thoughtful men, General. I believe that the State is now the only organ through which the whole people can search for righteousness, and that the progress of the world depends more than ever on its integrity and purity."

"Well, you've cut out a big job for yourself, if that's your ideal. My idea of politics is a pig pen. The way to clean it is to kill the pigs."

Gaston laughed and shook his head.

When they returned from the mills, Mrs. Worth drew the General into her room.

"Did he ask you for Sallie?"

"No, the young galoot never mentioned her name. I thought he would. But I must have scared him."

"You didn't quarrel over anything?"

"No! But I found out he had a mind of his own."

"So have you, sir."