GUILLOTINE PARTY
45
France only lends distinction to a name which would otherwise
have gained no historic embellishments. We, in France, we have
plenty of political old men to spare. So, as you Americans say,
what the hell!"
"Yes, but now isn't this question of oblivion and fame in
nistory one relative to the elements of circumstance and fortuity
playing dramatic roles? How do we know who will be famous,
and given the most attention in the works of future historians?
It's a profound subject. Now take any one of a number of cases,
oh, say, well the Duke of Wellington.... "
Mrs. Soules interrupted Brooks to deplore a public exe–
cution.
"Soon we might all lose our heads. So what the devil!"
Sorel said, ignoring the previous remarks of both Brooks and
Mrs. Soules. "The politicians. These fools
I
Assassins
I
Crooks
I
Lice
I
They have nothing else to do, so they are making a nice
shambles of a war for all of us. And it's all foolishness. But
when these assassins make this war, then," Sorel shrugged his
shoulders in a gesture of utter weariness, "but then, since I'm
an officer in the reserve, I'll have to go to my post. I'll have none
of the war, but I'll do my duty. Maybe everybody will be killed,
or else forced to live in the shambles they are making. So what
the devil! This poor fool has his head severed by
Monsieur
Paris.
Another poor fool who was elected President of France,
because the politicians didn't know what else to do with him, he
is assassinated by a crazy Russian. And I shall be killed in a
war that I will have none of." Sorel again wearily shrugged his
shoulders.
"But honestly, do you think there will be another war?"
Mrs. Soules asked dubiously.
"The frontier of civilization on the Vistula must be de–
fended," Art Reynolds said, looking pointedly at Sorel.
"Reynolds, you are a fine chap with much talent. You write
like a Frenchman. But you think like an American, a child. You
have your sympathy for the common people. It is sentimental.
It is weak. The common people
I"
Scorn grew in Sorel's voice.
"Fools
I
Cattle! And you and your Russians. They are all crazy.
They want to make a paradise for pigs, so that they can destroy
civilization. So sooner or later we French will have
to
save
civilization."
"You're right, Jacques. A social system that will enable
all of the masses of people
to
share in their own productions, that
