Page 84 - erewhon

Mr. Nosnibor, he continued, ‘is a man of at least 500,000
horse- power’ (for their way of reckoning and classifying
men is by the number of foot pounds which they have mon-
ey enough to raise, or more roughly by their horse-power),
‘and keeps a capital table; besides, his two daughters are
among the most beautiful women in Erewhon.’
When I heard all this, I confess that I was much shaken,
and inquired whether he was favourably considered in the
best society.
‘Certainly,’ was the answer; ‘no man in the country
stands higher.’
He then went on to say that one would have thought
from my manner that my proposed host had had jaundice
or pleurisy or been generally unfortunate, and that I was in
fear of infection.
‘I am not much afraid of infection,’ said I, impatiently,
‘but I have some regard for my character; and if I know a
man to be an embezzler of other people’s money, be sure of
it, I will give him as wide a berth as I can. If he were ill or
poor—‘
‘Ill or poor!’ interrupted the interpreter, with a face of
great alarm. ‘So that’s your notion of propriety! You would
consort with the basest criminals, and yet deem simple
embezzlement a bar to friendly intercourse. I cannot un-
derstand you.’
‘But I am poor myself,’ cried I.
‘You were,’ said he; ‘and you were liable to be severe-
ly punished for it,—indeed, at the council which was held
concerning you, this fact was very nearly consigning you to