“I bethought of some condign punishment for so heartless a crime, but there is little hope for it under the administration of this Mr. Hunter. Yes, sir; were I once more in the presence of my royal cousin, there would quickly be an end to this delusion, and the colony should be once more restored to a healthful state. The men of a generation should cease to lord it over the men of a century. But we must be wary of letting our design, my dear sir, get wind: it is a truly Dutch idea, and the profits, both pecuniary and political, should belong to the gentlemen of that descent—My dear Van Beverout—?”
“My good Lord?”
“Is the blooming Alida obedient? Trust me, there has no family event occurred, during my residence in the colony, in which I have taken a nearer interest, than in that desirable connexion. The wooing of the young Patroon of Kinderhook is an affair of concern to the province. It is a meritorious youth!”
“With an excellent estate, my Lord!”
“And a gravity beyond his years.”
“I would give a guarantee, at a risk, that two-thirds of his income goes to increase the capital, at the beginning of each season!”
“He seems a man to live on air!”
“My old friend, the last Patroon, left noble assets,” continued the Alderman, rubbing his hands; “besides the manor.”
“Which is no paddock!”
“It reaches from the Hudson to the line of Massachusetts. A hundred thousand acres of hill and bottom, and well peopled by frugal Hollanders.”