At the close of these remarks, the gentlemen were received. Sir Howard,
true to his obligation, had found a seat beside his daughter Mary.
"Papa," she exclaimed, "my knight is true,--'A good knight and true.'"

"At Lady Douglas' suggestion, I am duly bound to disclose some views
upon New Brunswick and its capital. In the first place, I must plead
ignorance, from want of sufficient time to note the general aspect,
features and surroundings. This is a primitive soil, populated and
toiled by a primitive people. Agriculture is yet in its infancy, and no
prospect at hand for the furtherance of this important calling. Well
wooded land, fertile valley and pleasing variety, show that this should
be the great and only resource of this country. What facilities are
afforded to the farmer for the importation of produce, were this noble
river to be opened up with steam navigation. In a year hence, if my life
be spared, I shall be able to afford you some information on life in the
back settlements, and the means resorted to by the settlers. At present
there are only five roads in the whole Province; three of which you have
seen, as they lead from this city in different directions; the one to
St. John; also, that passing our door to Quebec; and the third which I
shewed you last week as leading to Miramichi. The fourth leads to St.
Andrews, a small seaport in the south-west; while the fifth leads to
Halifax." "Pardon me, Your Excellency, I could not help observing that
the condition of these roads pay small tribute to McAdam, or Telford,
being a rapid and sudden succession of up hill and down dale." "One
would need a vigorous constitution," returned Sir Howard, "to make a
practical test. People do not have much traffic upon these roads, from
the fact that the settlements are more numerous along the river, which
holds out more advantages."