'I will not say that they are, but I do not know. Having Anglican
tendencies I have been wont to contradict my countrymen when they
have told me of the narrow exclusiveness of your nobles. Having
found your nobles and your commoners all alike in their courtesy,--
which is a cold word; in their hospitable friendships,--I would now
not only contradict, but would laugh to scorn any such charge,'--so
far he spoke somewhat loudly, and then dropped his voice as he
concluded,--'were it anything less than the happiness of my child
that is in question.'
'What am I to say, sir? I only know this; I am not going to lose
her.'
'You are a fine fellow. I was going to say that I wished you were
an American, so that Isabel need not lose you. But, my boy, I have
told you that I do not know how it might be. Of all whom you know,
who could best tell me the truth on such a subject? Who is there,
whose age will have given him experience, whose rank will have
made him familiar with this matter, who from friendship to you
would be least likely to decide against your wishes, who from his
own native honesty would be most likely to tell the truth?'
'You mean my father,' said Silverbridge.
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