But you speak of this affair with such superb confidence and ardor
and affection, that I feel convinced you would succeed. Moreover, you
flatter my own views, for I have long endeavored to show that, if
numerous families are ever to flourish again in France, people must again
love and worship the soil, and desert the towns, and lead a fruitful
fortifying country life. So how can I disapprove your plans? Moreover, I
suspect that, like all people who ask advice, you simply came here in the
hope that you would find in me a brother ready, in principle at all
events, to wage the same battle."
At this they both laughed heartily. Then, on Boutan inquiring with what
capital he would start operations, Mathieu quietly explained that he did
not mean to borrow money and thus run into debt; he would begin, if
necessary, with very few acres indeed, convinced as he was of the
conquering power of labor. His would be the head, and he would assuredly
find the necessary arms. His only worry was whether he would be able to
induce Seguin to sell him the old hunting-box and the few acres round it
on a system of yearly payments, without preliminary disbursement.
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