The Treasure of Heaven - A Romance of Riches by Marie Corelli
page 16 of 612 (02%)
page 16 of 612 (02%)
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America, of course, just as there are decent folk everywhere, but they
are in the minority. Even in the Southern States the 'old stock' of men is decaying and dying-out, and the taint of commercial vulgarity is creeping over the former simplicity of the Virginian homestead. No,--I would not go back to the scene of my boyhood, for though I had something there once which I have since lost, I am not such a fool as to think I should ever find it again." Here he looked round at his listener with a smile so sudden and sweet as to render his sunken features almost youthful. "I believe I am boring you, Vesey!" he said. "Not the least in the world,--you never bore me," replied Sir Francis, with alacrity. "You are always interesting, even in your most illogical humour." "You consider me illogical?" "In a way, yes. For instance, you abuse America. Why? Your misguided wife was American, certainly, but setting that unfortunate fact aside, you made your money in the States. Commercial vulgarity helped you along. Therefore be just to commercial vulgarity." "I hope I am just to it,--I think I am," answered Helmsley slowly; "but I never was one with it. I never expected to wring a dollar out of ten cents, and never tried. I can at least say that I have made my money honestly, and have trampled no man down on the road to fortune. But then--I am not a citizen of the 'Great Republic.'" |
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