Ностромо

           Thelethargy—thelethargyofthesearistocrats!Thewantofpublicspirit!Theabsenceofallenterprise!I,withmyprofoundstudiesinEurope,youunderstand—”

           Withonehandthrustintohisswellingbosom,heroseandfellonhistoes,andfortenminutes,almostwithoutdrawingbreath,wentonhurlinghimselfintellectuallytotheassaultofCharlesGould’spolitesilence;andwhen,stoppingabruptly,hefellbackintohischair,itwasasthoughhehadbeenbeatenofffromafortress.Tosavehisdignityhehastenedtodismissthissilentmanwithasolemninclinationoftheheadandthewords,pronouncedwithmoody,fatiguedcondescension—

           “Youmaydependuponmyenlightenedgoodwillaslongasyourconductasagoodcitizendeservesit.”

           Hetookupapaperfanandbegantocoolhimselfwithaconsequentialair,whileCharlesGouldbowedandwithdrew.Thenhedroppedthefanatonce,andstaredwithanappearanceofwonderandperplexityatthecloseddoorforquitealongtime.Atlastheshruggedhisshouldersasiftoassurehimselfofhisdisdain.Cold,dull.Nointellectuality.Redhair.AtrueEnglishman.Hedespisedhim.

           Hisfacedarkened.Whatmeantthisunimpressedandfrigidbehaviour?HewasthefirstofthesuccessivepoliticianssentoutfromthecapitaltoruletheOccidentalProvincewhomthemannerofCharlesGouldinofficialintercoursewastostrikeasoffensivelyindependent.