Would I, with my principles, invest capital in this
speculation if I didn't think it full of hopes and chances for my
brother man?'
Martin tried to look convinced, but he thought of New York, and found it
difficult.
'What are the Great United States for, sir,' pursued the General 'if not
for the regeneration of man? But it is nat'ral in you to make such an
enquerry, for you come from England, and you do not know my country.'
'Then you think,' said Martin, 'that allowing for the hardships we are
prepared to undergo, there is a reasonable--Heaven knows we don't expect
much--a reasonable opening in this place?'
'A reasonable opening in Eden, sir! But see the agent, see the agent;
see the maps and plans, sir; and conclude to go or stay, according to
the natur' of the settlement. Eden hadn't need to go a-begging yet,
sir,' remarked the General.
'It is an awful lovely place, sure-ly. And frightful wholesome,
likewise!' said Mr Kettle, who had made himself a party to this
conversation as a matter of course.
Martin felt that to dispute such testimony, for no better reason
than because he had his secret misgivings on the subject, would be
ungentlemanly and indecent.
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