The Man in Possession — page 294: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 289 money ; you are not hampered by professional or business engagements. You will beall the better for a change of that sort. Here you move too much in one groove. Try a year or two of the life I recom- mend. Go to the States to begin with. The bustle and energy, the widely different elements of life and society, the novelty and immensity of everything you will meet with—all this will be a wholesome ~ change. I don't say it will cure you, but it will keep you from brooding over your disappointment. Be- sides, it will be of immense service to you in the future if you intend to go in for a parliamentary career. To study our Republic is a liberal educa- tion.” He spoke with just pride and contentment. He had all an American’s gratified and wondering ad- miration of America. He was not blind to his countrymen’s faults, and he did not declare them to be virtues in disguise, but for all that he considered that they were a great nation and fit to be the wonder of all others. His enthusiasm did not affect Tom very materially just then. The young fellow was too disheartened and too seriously unhappy to dream as yet of con- solation. He could not afford to deceive himself, and he knew that he was a long way from anything like peace or resignation. But he encouraged the Colonel in his enthusiasm, and he listened and tried to believe the novelty and the marvels he heard of might prove as ‘‘ balm of Gilead” to his aching heart and wounded pride, 19 COMicloe (Sri C(O)