“None that I know of,” I said.
“And when we are gone what will you do?”
“Obtain some situation, I hope.”
“You hope, my boy. It is a poor prospect, that. I do not like to say, come with us to this new land, though I believe any enterprising lad would be sure to make his way.”
“Then why shouldn’t I come?”
“Because prosperity will have to be fought for, and obtained at so great a cost. Civilisation has to be left behind. It will be a rough life.”
“But if a delicate lady could bear it, why should not I?”
“I have told you why I could bear it,” she said, smiling. “You must not judge hastily, Mayne. I am afraid to say come.”
“Would you both like me to come?” I said, looking from one to the other.
“For our own sakes, yes. For yours we are afraid to speak,” said Mrs John, and her husband nodded his acquiescence in her words.