“A voyage to America would be as safe as any other, though it would be a long one.”
“Yes, it would be a long voyage. America is far, faraway. And when you were once there, you might take it in your head to bide there.”
“And you wouldna like that, mother?”
“I mightna like it, but it might be for your good, for all that.”
“It wouldna be for my good to go away anywhere and leave my mother behind me,” said John gravely. “Would you come with me, mother?”
“No, lad; no. I couldna do that for several reasons. But if you were to go there, and should see a prospect of prosperous days, I might follow you.”
“Would you, mother dear?”
John rose and walked up and down the room a good many times. His mother waited with patience till he sat down again.
“Well, John?” said she.
“Do you mean it, mother?”