“I confess it. I confess it frankly and fully.” And the doctor laughed. Brandon felt a thrill of delight. He was like a chemist who learns from a flame in his test tube that he has not deceived himself, and that his great discovery has received the sanction of science. “Yes, his theories are wonderful,” said the doctor, perhaps in answer to the eager look on Brandon’s face. “Moreover, he has an extraordinary faculty of putting them into practice. Many little changes in the life here are due to him. They all make for greater harmony. Somehow, he oils the wheels of our intercourse. And there is one innovation you shall see for yourself if you care to do so.” “There is nothing I should like so much.” “It is one of his devices for keeping our best people amused and interested. He says ideas are the life of the soul, and that creative imagination is its highest function. And he has formed a sort of debating society, which meets every afternoon to discuss the problems of the present and the future.” “Are your patients able to discuss them reasonably?” “Not merely reasonably, I venture to say profoundly. We have some intellectuals here, men who have read and thought perhaps too much, whose brains have given out before their time. And then in all institutions of this kind there are queer, freakish intellects, capable of an intermittent brilliancy although unfit for the routine of practical life, while some of the old men whom we take care of in their declining years have been men of attainment in the heyday of their powers. I tell you all this, because what you are about to see will most probably astonish you. John Smith wields a marvelous regenerative influence in this institution, and I want you to see it at work.” “I shall be delighted to do so.” “Very well. But let us first find out whether the portents are favorable.” Thereupon with a smile Dr. Thorp rose and pressed the button of an electric bell three times. Presently the summons was answered by no less a person than the head attendant, a tall, deliberate, very dour looking Scotsman. “Boswell,” said Dr. Thorp, as it seemed to Brandon, with a twinkle in his eye, “is the Court sitting this afternoon?” “Yes, sir,” said the head attendant with perfect gravity. “The Master took the chair at three o’clock.” “What are they discussing?” “Germany, sir.” The head attendant spoke with a slow solemnity which nearly provoked Brandon to a laugh. “_Toujours l’Allemagne_,” said the doctor. “Still the only question for the Court.” “And likely to be for some little time yet, sir,” said Boswell impressively. “What they are now trying to arrive at is, can Germany be readmitted on any terms to the comity of nations?” “But they were dealing with that question a month ago.” “Well, sir, they are at it still. And I’m afraid they don’t get much forwarder.” “Any good speeches this afternoon?” “Two of the best we’ve had yet, sir. They seem to get better and better.”