By the time the music had ceased, he had reached the castle bridge. A
sub-officer was watching the graceful movements of the swans gliding
double over the waters of the moat. He was a young Doctor of Laws who
just now was serving as secretary to His Excellency--a university man
mobilized by the war.
On speaking with Don Marcelo, he immediately revealed his academic
training. The order for departure had surprised the professor in a
private institute; he was just about to be married and all his plans had
been upset.
"What a calamity, sir! . . . What an overturning for the world! . . .
Yet many of us have foreseen that this catastrophe simply had to come.
We have felt strongly that it might break out any day. Capital, accursed
Capital is to blame."
The speaker was a Socialist. He did not hesitate to admit his
co-operation in certain acts of his party that had brought persecutions
and set-backs to his career. But the Social-Democracy was now being
accepted by the Emperor and flattered by the most reactionary Junkers.
All were now one. The deputies of his party were forming in the
Reichstag the group most obedient to the government. . . . The only
belief that it retained from its former creed, was its anathematization
of Capital--responsible for the war.
Desnoyers ventured to disagree with this enemy who appeared of an
amiable and tolerant character.
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