But with Mrs. Dunn he felt quite
at ease, for with that gentle, kindly soul, her boys' friends were her
friends and without question she took them to her motherly heart.
Immediately upon Mr. Rae's arrival Cameron's future became the subject
of conversation, and it required only the briefest discussion to arrive
at the melancholy, inevitable conclusion that, as Mr. Rae put it, "for
a young man of his peculiar temperament, training, and habits, Scotland
was clearly impossible."
"But I have no doubt," continued that excellent adviser, "that in
Canada, where the demand for a high standard of efficiency is less
exacting, and where openings are more plentiful, the young man will do
very well indeed."
Martin took the lawyer up somewhat sharply. "In other words, I
understand you to mean that the man who is a failure in Scotland may
become a success in Canada."
"Exactly so. Would you not say so, Mr. Martin?"
"It depends entirely upon the cause of failure. If failure arises from
unfitness, his chances in Canada are infinitely less than in Scotland."
"And why?" inquired Miss Brodie somewhat impatiently.
Martin hesitated. It was extremely difficult in the atmosphere of that
home to criticise one whom he knew to be considered as a friend of the
family.
"Why, pray?" repeated Miss Brodie.
Pages:
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117