|
||||||||
What of America? said I. I have heard that it is a mighty country. I daresay it is, said I; I have heard my father say that the Americans are first-rate marksmen. I heard nothing about that, said Belle; what I heard was, that it is a great and goodly land, where people can walk about without jostling, and where the industrious can always find bread; I have frequently thought of going thither. Well, said I, the Radical in the public-house will perhaps be glad of your company thither; he is as great an admirer of America as yourself, though I believe on different grounds. I shall go by myself, said Belle, unless - unless that should happen which is not likely - I am not fond of Radicals no more than I am of scoffers and mockers. Do you mean to say that I am a scoffer and mocker? I dont wish to say you are, said Belle; but some of your words sound strangely like scoffing and mocking. I have now one thing to beg, which is, that if you have anything to say against America, you would speak it out boldly. What should I have to say against America? I never was there. Many people speak against America who never were there. Many people speak in praise of America who never were there; but with respect to myself, I have not spoken for or against America. If you liked America you would speak in its praise. By the same rule, if I disliked America I should speak against it. I cant speak with you, said Belle; but I see you dislike the country. The country! Well, the people - dont you? I do. Why do you dislike them? Why, I have heard my father say that the American marksmen, led on by a chap of the name of Washington, sent the English to the right- about in double-quick time. And that is your reason for disliking the Americans? Yes, said I, that is my reason for disliking them. Will you take another cup of tea? said Belle. I took another cup; we were again silent. It is rather uncomfortable, said I, at last, for people to sit together without having anything to say. Were you thinking of your company? said Belle. |
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
Copyright: All texts on Bibliomania are © Bibliomania.com Ltd, and may not be reproduced in any form without our written permission. See our FAQ for more details. | ||||||||