CHAPTER XVII.
CROSSING THE RUBICON.
Bernard assumed the Presidency of the Imperium and was duly inaugurated in a manner in keeping with the importance of his high office.

He began the direction of its affairs with such energy and tactful discretion as betokened great achievements.
He familiarized himself with every detail of his great work and was thoroughly posted as to all the resources at his command.

He devoted much time to assuaging jealousies and healing breaches wherever such existed in the ranks of the Imperium.

He was so gentle, so loving, yet so firm and impartial, that all factional differences disappeared at his approach.
Added to his great popularity because of his talents, there sprang up for him personal attachments, marvelous in depth.

He rose to the full measure of the responsibilities of his commanding position, and more than justified the fondest anticipations of his friends and admirers.
In the meanwhile he kept an observant eye upon the trend of events in the United States, and his fingers were ever on the pulse of the Imperium.