ersation, and it required only the briefest discussion to arrive
at the melancholy, inevitable conclusion that, as Mr. Rae put it, "for
a young man of his peculiar temperament, training, and habits, Scotland
was clearly impossible."

"But I have no doubt," continued that excellent adviser, "that in
Canada, where the demand for a high standard of efficiency is less
exacting, and where openings are more plentiful, the young man will do
very well indeed."

Martin took the lawyer up somewhat sharply. "In other words, I
understand you to mean that the man who is a failure in Scotland may
become a success in Canada."

"Exactly so. Would you not say so, Mr. Martin?"

"It depends entirely upon the cause of failure. If failure arises from
unfitness, his chances in Canada are infinitely less than in Scotland."

"And why?" inquired Miss Brodie somewhat impatiently.

Martin hesitated. It was extremely difficult in the atmosphere of that
home to criticise one whom he knew to be considered as a friend of the
family.

"Why, pray?" repeated Miss Brodie.

"Well, of course," began Martin hesitatingly, "comparisons are always
odious."

"Oh, we can bear them." Miss Brodie's smile was slightly sarcastic.

"Well, then, speaking generally," said Martin, somewhat nettled by her
smile, "in this country there are heaps of chaps that simply can't fall
down because of the supports that surround them, supports of custom,
tradition, not to speak of their countless friends, sisters, cousins,
and aunts; if they're anyways half decent they're kept a going; whereas
if they are in a new country and with few friends, they must stand alone
or fall. Here the crowd support them; there the crowd, eager to get on,
shove them aside or trample them down."

"Rather a ghastly picture that," said Miss Brodie.

"But true; that is, of the unfit. People haven't time to bother with
them; the game is too keen."

"Surely the picture is overdrawn," said Doctor Dunn.

"It may be, Sir," replied Martin, "but I have seen so many young fellows
who had been shipped out to Canada because they were failures at home. I
have seen them in very hard luck."

"And what about the fit?" inquired Miss Brodie.

"They get credit for every ounce that's in them."

"But that is so in Scotland as well."

"Pardon me, Miss Brodie, hardly. Here even strong men and fit men have
to wait half a lifetime for the chance that calls for all that's in
them. They must march in the pr