We are going to impose Kultur by
force of the cannon."
Argensola continued, saying with his eyes, "They are crazy, crazy with
pride! . . . What can the world expect of such people!"
Desnoyers here intervened in order to brighten this gloomy monologue
with a little optimism. War had not yet been positively declared. The
diplomats were still trying to arrange matters. Perhaps it might all
turn out peaceably at the last minute, as had so often happened before.
His cousin was seeing things entirely distorted by an aggressive
enthusiasm.
Oh, the ironical, ferocious and cutting smile of the Doctor! Argensola
had never known old Madariaga, but it, nevertheless, occurred to him
that in this fashion sharks must smile, although he, too, had never seen
a shark.
"It is war," boomed Hartrott. "When I left Germany, fifteen days ago, I
knew that war was inevitable."
The certainty with which he said this dissipated all Julio's hope.
Moreover, this man's trip, on the pretext of seeing his mother,
disquieted him. . . . On what mission had Doctor Julius von Hartrott
come to Paris? . . .
"Well, then," asked Desnoyers, "why so many diplomatic interviews? Why
does the German government intervene at all--although in such a lukewarm
way--in the struggle between Austria and Servia. . . . Would it not be
better to declare war right out?"
The professor replied with simplicity: "Our government undoubtedly
wishes that the others should declare the war.
Pages:
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174