"Oh, I am an old sailor, child, and the distance from Cornwall to Northumberland does not look so great to one who has been two or three times round the world."
"Have you really been round the world?" I asked.
"Yes, niece, more than once, and would like to do it again to-morrow. What say you, girls, shall we charter a fast-sailing vessel and set off on a voyage of discovery?"
"I should like it, but I don't believe Amabel would," said I, feeling myself greatly drawn toward this lively old gentleman. "She was dreadfully seasick coming from France this summer."
"Ah, then I fear we must give up our cruise round the world, and be content with one around Newcastle instead. It is too late this afternoon, but to-morrow, we will go about and see the town a little."
Captain Corbet—such was his title, he having been for many years commander of a great ship trading to India—spent the evening with us, and made himself very agreeable. He told us stories of his travels in all sorts of outlandish places, and gave us a very interesting account of the English colonies in the North America. We were surprised to learn that the people there were quite as civilized as ourselves—that they had churches, schools, and colleges—and were much given to reading.
"They will be an important addition to the British Empire in time," remarked Mr. Cheriton, who had come to pay his respects to my uncle—very kind in him, I am sure.
"It is my opinion that they will not always belong to the British Empire," replied Captain Corbet. "They are growing a great people, and are like enough to set up a nation for themselves some day, though none of us may live to see it."
Nevertheless almost all of us have lived to see it. The British colonies have really set up for themselves after fighting seven years for the privilege, and seem likely enough to do well.
"There is a great difference, sir, between the English and Spanish colonies in the New World," remarked young Mr. Thorpe, who was also present. He was staying with his aunt over at Gateshead, and we saw him now and then, but not often. He had known Captain Corbet in foreign parts, and hearing of him from Mrs. Thorpe, had asked permission to pay his respects to him.