He had learned the primer lesson of large success--that one must build upon the hard, pessimistic facts of human nature's instability and fate's fondness for mischief, not upon the optimistic clouds of belief that everybody is good and faithful and friendly disposed and everything will "come out all right somehow." The instant Madelene suggested Whitney as the cause, Arthur's judgment echoed approval; but, to get her whole mind as one gives it only in combating opposition, he continued to object.

"But suppose," said he, "Whitney insists on selecting the new management?
As he's the only one competent, how can they refuse ?" "We must find a way round that," replied Madelene.

"It's perfectly plain, isn't it, that there's only one course--an absolutely new management.

And how can Mr.Whitney object?
If he's not guilty he won't object, because he'll be eager to try the obvious remedy.

If he's guilty he won't object--he'll be afraid of being suspected." "Dory suggested--" began Arthur, and stopped.
"That you be put in as manager ?" "How did _you_ know _that_ ?" "It's the sensible thing.