lement, the Star and
Garter, so to speak, of the only great realm in America, that of high
finance; and the yellow piece of paper I held in my hand instantly
re-magnetized me, renewed my energy, and I hurried home to pack my
bag in order to catch the seven o'clock train. I announced the news to
Maude.

"I imagine it's because he knows I have made something of a study of the
coal roads situation," I added.

"I'm glad, Hugh," she said. "I suppose it's a great compliment."

Never had her inadequacy to appreciate my career been more apparent! I
looked at her curiously, to realize once more with peculiar sharpness
how far we were apart; but now the resolutions I had made--and never
carried out--on that first Christmas in the new home were lacking.
Indeed, it was the futility of such resolutions that struck me at this
moment. If her manner had been merely one of indifference, it would in
a way have been easier to bear; she was simply incapable of grasping the
significance of the event, the meaning to me of the years of unceasing,
ambitious effort it crowned.

"Yes, it is something of a recognition," I replied. "Is there anything
I can get for you in New York? I don't know how long I shall have
to stay--I'll telegraph you when I'm getting back." I kissed her and
hurried out to the automobile. As I drove off I saw her still standing
in the doorway looking after me.... In the station I had a few minutes
to telephone Nancy.

"If you don't see me for a few days it's because I've gone to New York,"
I informed her.

"Something important, I'm sure."

"How did you guess?" I demanded, and heard her laugh.

"Come back soon and tell me about it," she said, and I walked,
exhilarated, to the train.... As I sped through the night, staring out
of the window into the darkness, I reflected on the man I was going to
see. But at that time, although he represented to me the quintessence
of achievement and power, I did not by any means grasp the many sided
significance of the phenomenon he presented, though I was keenly
aware of his influence, and that men spoke of him with bated breath.
Presidents came and went, kings and emperors had responsibilities and
were subject daily to annoyances, but this man was a law unto himself.
He did exactly what he chose, and compelled other men to do it. Wherever
commerce reigned,--and where did it not?--he was king and head of its
Holy Empire, Pope and Emperor at once. For he had his code of ethics,
h