And one thinks how Governments have taxed, and tortured, and robbed, and fleeced--Oh, surely, surely, the world improves!" She clasped her hands tightly on her knee, as though trying by the physical action to restrain the feeling within.

"And to see here the actual foundations of a great state laid under your eyes, deep and strong, by men who know what it is they are doing--to see history begun on a blank page, by men who know what they are writing--isn't it wonderful, _wonderful_!" "Dear lady!" said Delaine, smiling, "America has been dealing with emigrants for generations; and there are people who say that corruption is rife in Canada." But Elizabeth would not be quenched.
"We come after America--we climb on her great shoulders to see the way.
But is there anything in America to equal the suddenness of this?
Twelve years ago even--in all this Northwest--practically nothing.

And then God said: 'Let there be a nation!'-- and there was a nation--in a night and a morning." She waved her hand towards the great expanse of prairie.

"And as for corruption--" "Well ?" He waited maliciously.
"There is no great brew without a scum," she said laughing.

"But find me a brew anywhere in the world, of such power, with so little." "Mr.Anderson would, I think, be pleased with you," said Delaine, drily.
Elizabeth frowned a little.
"Do you think I learnt it from him?
I assure you he never rhapsodises." "No; but he gives you the material for rhapsodies." "And why not ?" said Elizabeth indignantly.