"Better, then, begin at once. Miss Witsus contemplates just such a book. She tells me that she is certain she can write it." "Let her cherish the simple faith to the latest day of her life. Do not encourage her in any audacious attempts to reduce it to practice. She will only lose a pleasant illusion. For my part, I spoke presumptuously, and I most humbly repent it." "Let us change the subject. How do you feel about the elections, Professor?" asked Antony. "I take them as I take the weather, or any other matter beyond my control." "The principles of Democracy----" "Oh, sir!" interrupted the Professor, "the principles are all right; the trouble is in reducing them to practice, for Democracy degrades statesmen into politicians." "The trouble is," said Miss Alida, laughing, "we want more Dutchmen in office. They have some fixed ideas about religion and politics, and they stick to them like grim death." "Dutch again!" "Yes, sir. And I may tell you that I am thinking of founding a Woman's Holland Society. Have you any idea of the wealth and intelligence united in the Men's Holland Society of New York City? Do you know how they honor their noble fatherland? They eat, and drink, and make merry; or they interest themselves in preserving a few old relics. But if the Dutch women form a Holland Society, the Dutch men may prepare to give, and to do, or else to take a lower place. The Dutch Women's Holland Society will found schools and orphanages, and look after the sick and the stranger within our gates. They will encourage Dutch talent and Dutch cleanliness; and stand up for the plain, primitive religion." "My dear madam! Has the millennium indeed arrived?" "There is something in the idea, however, Professor?" "Yes; but we must leave it for future discussion. I have a dear friend waiting for me in your outer vestibule." "A dear friend of yours! And waiting for you in the outer vestibule! Why did you not bring him in? You must have known that he would be welcome." "My friend is my dog Sultan; a noble mastiff, a thorough gentleman, a Republican and Protectionist of the proper sort. He allows no strange dogs to prowl about the place, and grub up his buried bones. Cats, in his eyes, are unfit to cumber the earth. Cows and other dogs he does not permit even to look over the fence. A dog of worth; and when I come again, I will introduce him to you; but for the present--adieu!"