“Well, Sir, the fact is that Stone and myself have been thinking a good deal lately about our duties as citizens. We were wondering whether we were really doing all we could. It’s such a splendid opportunity here, Sir. We could lay the foundations of so much.”
“Certainly, Waugh, certainly, an admirable thought.”
“And, Sir, we were wondering whether you had ever considered the possibilities of Finland, Sir.”
“Finland, Waugh.”
“Yes, Sir. I believe it’s the coming centre of the herring trade, and I’m sure if some of these fellows here realised it, they would be only too keen to try their luck there, and it would be a great thing for the Empire, Sir, if we could collar the herring trade.”
And Colonel Westcott, whose ideals of citizenship were more surely laid than his knowledge of commerce, would not be able to withhold a grunt of assent.
“But, Sir,” I should go on, “the fact is that in order to trade with the Finns one must be able to speak their language, and you see, Sir, it’s the only language they’ve got, and they’re very sensitive about it.”
“Of course, of course, very natural, very natural indeed.”
“And, Sir, Stone and I, well, I’ve lived there a good deal, and so has Stone, and we thought, Sir, it might be a good thing to start a Finnish class.”
“Admirable, Waugh, of course, if you think you can do it.”