We all know that." Monsieur Douaille smoked thoughtfully for several moments.
"Very well," he pronounced at last, "I am rather inclined to agree with all that you have said.

Yet it seems to me that you evade the great point.

The status quo is what we desire, peace is what the world wants.
If, before such a war as you have spoken of is begun, people realise what the end of it must be, don't you think that that itself is the greatest help towards peace?
My own opinion is, I tell you frankly, that for many years to come, at any rate, there will be no war." Herr Selingman set down his glass and turned slowly around.
"Then let me tell you that you are mistaken," he declared solemnly.
"Listen to me, my friend Douaille--my friend, mind, and not the statesman Douaille.

I am a German citizen and you are a French one, and I tell you that if in three years' time your country does not make up its mind to strike a blow for Alsace and Lorraine, then in three years' time Germany will declare war upon you." Monsieur Douaille had the expression of a man who doubts.

Selingman frowned.