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THE FOUR PHILANTHROPISTS
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it's really good for her. But of course it's a very different matter with her. She's so much younger than we are. The pursuits of the young do not as a rule impart any lasting bent to the character. It is only a passing phase in her development."

"But I've never heard her make any objection to our removing people—rather the other way. I've always thought she was devoted to furthering the progress of the human race," said Chelubai.

"Of course she is. She has a good heart."

Chelubai thought for a minute; then he said, with almost poignant regret, "Well, I suppose I could quit philanthropy."

"That would make no difference," I said quickly.

"No difference?"

"Certainly not. You have been a murderer on strictly philanthropic lines."

"But as a matter of fact I've never murdered anyone," said Chelubai, brightening.

"No, but it's the principle—the principle I look at. Besides, with decent luck you will yet succeed in one of our philanthropic enterprises. Am I justified in trusting a young girl's happiness to the keeping of a murderer, even though he has been actuated by pure altruism?"

"You know me well enough to know that I should make her happiness my first consideration!" cried Chelubai.