"Russia, Germany, Austria, Turkey, for example?"
(Click) "I think we may neglect Russia."
"Yes? In the case of Roumania?"
"I think that Roumanian sentiment has veered round toward Germany."
"Well now, let us ignore opinions; and go to these racial differences of which you speak."
"I am of opinion that the Roumanian people find themselves in sympathy with the German peoples," Signor Panciera persisted.
"Bulgaria then?"
Signor Panciera took two or three journeys to the window and back, vigorously clicking the balls. "Holiness, You do not ask for my opinion; and I only can give You the speculations of an amateur ethnologist." (Click-click) "I have——" (Click) "I can tell You what my studies have taught me—no more."
"But that is most interesting, Signore. We are all students. Some are anxious to learn: some are not: but both are better off than the man who knows that he has nothing more to learn. Tell Us what your studies have taught you."