Don't you see, Professor Stewart? And just because
you don't come out honestly and teach them the truth. Because you
won't say to them: 'The world is too full; and you've got to get out
of the way, so as to give us a chance.' Why, look, sir--you defeat
your own purposes! These people stay, and they keep on having more
children, and everything gets worse instead of better; and they have
diseases and vices--they ruin the whole world. What's the use of
having a world if it's got to be like this town--crowded with hovels
full of dirty people, and sick people, and starving and miserable
people? I can't see how you who live up here on the heights can enjoy
yourselves while such things continue."
"Um--no," said Professor Stewart; and he gazed at Samuel with knitted
brows--unable, for the life of him, to feel certain whether he ought
to feel amused, or to feel touched, or to feel outraged.
As for Samuel, he realized that he was through with the professor. The
professor had taught him all that he had to teach. He did not really
understand this matter at all--that was because he belonged to the
other world, the world of successful and fit people. They had their
own problems to solve, no doubt!
This non-comprehension was made quite clear by the professor's next
remark. "I'm sorry to have disappointed you," he said. "If a little
money will help you--"
"No," said the other quickly.
Pages:
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70