"You would like to know, perhaps," observed Mr. Rossitur in rather a low tone,--"that Mr. Carleton is an Englishman."
"Ay, ay?" said Mr. Ringgan. "An Englishman, is he?--Well sir,--what is it that I would like to know?"
"That" said Rossitur. "I would have told you before if I could. I supposed you might not choose to speak quite so freely, perhaps, on American affairs before him."
"I haven't two ways of speaking, sir, on anything," said the old gentleman a little dryly. "Is your friend very tender on that chapter?"
"O not that I know of at all," said Rossitur; "but you know there is a great deal of feeling still among the English about it--they have never forgiven us heartily for whipping them; and I know Carleton is related to the nobility and all that, you know; so I thought--"
"Ah well!" said the old gentleman,--"we don't know much about nobility and such gimcracks in this country. I'm not much of a courtier. I am pretty much accustomed to speak my mind as I think it.--He's wealthy, I suppose?"
"He's more than that, sir. Enormous estates! He's the finest fellow in the world--one of the first young men in England."
"You have been there yourself and know?" said Mr. Ringgan, glancing at his companion.
"If I have not, sir, others have told me that do."
"Ah well," said Mr. Ringgan placidly,--"we sha'n't quarrel, I guess. What did he come out here for, eh?"