"
"You'll find it very inconvenient being a lord
on a thousand; you might as well be a beggar."
"I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll.
In fact, a New York gentleman requires more than a trifle
to support him. I can't dress on less than two hundred
pounds a year."
"Your American tailors are high-priced, then?"
"Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors,
of course, but I generally go to Bell."
Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman
of fashion. Carl, who followed at a little distance
behind the pair, was much amused by
his remarks, knowing what he did about him.
"I think a little of going to England
in a few months," continued Stuyvesant.
"Indeed! You must look me up," said Bedford, carelessly.
"I should, indeed, be delighted," said Stuyvesant, effusively.
"That is, if I am in England. I may be on the Continent,
but you can inquire for me at my club--the Piccadilly."
"I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord.
I have a penchant for good society. The lower
orders are not attractive to me."
"They are sometimes more interesting,"
said the Englishman; "but do you know, I am
surprised to hear an American speak in this way.
I thought you were all on a level here in a republic."
"Oh, my lord!" expostulated Stuyvesant,
deprecatingly. "You don't think I would associate
with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?"
"I don't know. A cousin of mine is
interested in a wine business in London.
He is a younger son with a small fortune, and
draws a very tidy income from his city business.
Pages:
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181