'Oh, that's true enough,' Sybert returned, with a short laugh. 'Everything in the world depends on one's point of view; the worst place is all right if you only choose to think so. I dare say hell would be pleasurable enough to a salamander, but the point is--I'm not a salamander.'
Melville shrugged his shoulders helplessly and turned back to his seat.
'There's no use arguing with you, I know that. You're wasting your ability where it isn't appreciated, but I suppose it's nobody's business but your own. Some day you'll see the truth yourself; and I hope it won't be too late. But now as to this committee business--for your uncle's sake you ought to carry it through. I will tell you frankly--I imagine it isn't news--that the Italian government has its eye on you; and if you manage to get yourself arrested, rightly or wrongly, for stirring up sedition, it will make an ugly story in the papers. The editor and staff of the _Grido del Popolo_ were arrested this morning. The police are opening telegrams and letters and watching suspicious persons. You'd better step carefully.'
Sybert laughed, with a gesture of dissent. 'There's no danger about me. The enthusiastic head of the Foreign Relief Committee is safe from government persecution.'
'Oh, I don't know--I'll think it over. It's a deuced hole to have got into; though I suppose it is, as you say, about the only way to help. No doubt I can raise money and distribute bread as well as another.'
'Appoint Copley on a sub-committee. He'll be glad to give.'
'I don't like to ask him. He doesn't go in for alms; he's all for future--though in a time like this----'
'In a time like this we're all willing to step aside a bit. I'm glad you've decided to work on the side of the government. It is, as things stand, the only sensible thing to do.'
'I haven't decided yet. And I do not, as I told you before, care a rap what becomes of the government. It's the people I'm helping.'
'Oh, very well. You're incorrigible. At least keep your opinions to yourself.'
'I'm not likely to shout them abroad under the present régime. And as to this infernal committee--oh, well, I'll think about it.'
'Very well; think favourably. It's the only way to help, remember--and very good policy into the bargain. Some day, my boy, maybe you'll grow sensible. Good-bye.'