They are very quick, and they
are shrewd and sensible."
"I have no doubt that some of the Sioux are so. But that
is not saying that they are civilised. All civilisation
comes through literature now, especially in our country.
A Greek got his civilisation by talking and looking,
and in some measure a Parisian may still do it. But we,
who live remote from history and monuments, we must read or we
must barbarise. Once we were softened, if not polished,
by religion; but I suspect that the pulpit counts for much
less now in civilising."
"They're enormous devourers of newspapers, and theatre-goers;
and they go a great deal to lectures. The Colonel
prefers them with the stereopticon."
"They might get a something in that way," said the elder
thoughtfully. "Yes, I suppose one must take those things
into account--especially the newspapers and the lectures.
I doubt if the theatre is a factor in civilisation among us.
I dare say it doesn't deprave a great deal, but from what I've
seen of it I should say that it was intellectually degrading.
Perhaps they might get some sort of lift from it;
I don't know. Tom!" he added, after a moment's reflection.
"I really think I ought to see this patron of yours.
Don't you think it would be rather decent in me to make
his acquaintance?"
"Well, if you have the fancy, sir," said the young man.
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