"I see," Balt Haer said. "And other examples?"
Holland shrugged. "The Chinese Mandarins utilized possibly the most unique method of a governing class perpetuating itself ever known, certainly one of the most gentle."
Haer was scowling at him, obviously out of his depth, as was Joe Mauser for that matter.
Holland said crisply, "The mandarins devised a written language so complicated that it took at least ten years to master reading and writing, thus assuring that only the very well-to-do could afford to educate their sons. When invaded, as so often China has been invaded, only the mandarins were in the position to serve the conquerors by carrying on the paperwork so vital to any advanced society. So, still in control of the machinery of government, they continued to perpetuate themselves, and shortly--as history is reckoned--we found the conquerors assimilated and the mandarins still in power."
Balt Haer said impatiently, "I seem to be under the impression that you were speaking of more current times, when I entered, Mr. Holland."
From the door, Nadine said, "Good heavens, Balt, are you badgering my guests again?"
Balt said nastily, "I am astonished that you persist in bringing members of the lower orders into my home, Nadine."
"Our home, Balt. In fact, if you must bring up such matters before outsiders, you will recall that you converted your portion of the family estate into continental Hovercraft stock, shortly before father met Baron Zwerdling's forces in the recent fracas. No wonder you dislike Major Mauser. Through his efforts, our company won, rather than losing as you had expected."
Her brother, who could have been only slightly her senior, was obviously enraged. "Are you suggesting that I am not welcome to stay in this, our family home, simply because the property is in your name?"
"Not at all," she sighed. "You are always at home here, Balt, I simply demand that you exercise common courtesy to my guests."
He turned and walked stiff kneed from the room.
"Why?" she said simply. "The fact of the matter is that Balt and I are continually at each other. He is quite the active member of the Nathan Hale society."
Joe frowned his ignorance and looked at Holland.
Holland chuckled. "An ultra-conservative--reactionary might be the better term--organization devoted to witch hunting and such in its efforts to maintain the _status quo_, major. Once again, history repeats itself. Such groups invariably evolve when basic change threatens a socio-economic system." He looked at Nadine. "I must be going, my dear. My, how charming you look. If this is the customary garb whilst going a-gliding, I shall have to take up the sport."