Must hold the roof
up, mater, and pacify the tradesmen. I've given up the doctor idea--
takes too long to make anything. And it's not altogether a nice way
to earn your living. No; on the whole, I think--Canada. . ."
Mrs. Chichester rose in alarm
"Canada! my boy!"
"Nice big place--plenty of room. We're all so crowded together here
in England. All the professions are chock-full with people waitin'
to squeeze in somewhere. Give me the new big countries! England is
too old and small. A fellow with my temperament can hardly turn
round and take a full breath in an island our size. Out there, with
millions of acres to choose from, I'll just squat down on a thousand
or so, raise cattle, and in a year or two I'll be quite independent.
Then back I'll come here and invest it. See?"
"Don't go away, from me, Alaric. I couldn't bear that."
"All right--if you say so, mater. But it does seem a shame to let
all that good land go to waste when it can be had for the asking."
"Well, I'll wander round the fields for a bit, and thrash it all
out. 'Stonishing how clear a fellow's head gets in the open air.
Don't you worry, mater--I'll beat the whole thing out by myself."
He patted the old lady gently on the shoulder, and humming a music-
hall ballad cheerfully, started off into the garden.
Pages:
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336