

Hunt overlooks no opportunity to mock me.” Rolling his eyes, Westcliff told Matthew, “As you can see, Mr. “How fortunate,” Hunt commented, “that in this case what is best for the public also happens to be best for you.” “I happen to have the public’s best interest in mind.” “Not to mention,” Hunt interrupted slyly, “the fact that Westcliff and I don’t want the government cutting into our future profits.” And the monopoly would stifle the industry’s ability to compete, resulting in higher taxes, not to mention-”

The government would run the railroads as inefficiently as they do everything else. God save us from yet more interference from politicians. “The last thing the public needs is for government to take control of the industry.

The subject caused a scowl to appear on Westcliff’s brow. “Good God, don’t get him started on that,” Hunt said. “I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on the matter, my lord.” “I’ve read of the recent movement in Parliament for nationalization of the British railroad industry,” he said to Westcliff. Matthew decided to nudge the conversation in a different direction. Swift’s talents are needed to built a factory and start a company office in Bristol.” “I’m afraid my father-in-law would object. Westcliff’s mouth twitched with amusement. “He has a talent for flattery,” he remarked. “Obviously the combination is highly successful,” Matthew replied. He and his brother-in-law are my business partners.” “Much as I would like to take all the credit, modesty compels me to reveal that Westcliff had something to do with it. “I think we are hosting the most intelligent mice in New York!”įrom that moment on Matthew had never refused an invitation to the Bowman mansion, not just because it pleased the old man but because it gave him the chance to see Daisy. “And what is that?” Bowman had asked sourly. “Is this true, daughter?” Thomas Bowman had rumbled, his gaze filled with ire as he stared at Daisy. One of the servants had reported that Daisy had been sneaking around the house at night, deliberately tripping all the traps to keep the mice from being killed. It seemed that the Bowman household had lately become overrun with mice because all the traps they set had failed. He had been secretly amused when Thomas Bowman had chastised Daisy in front of everyone for her latest mischief. It had immediately become apparent to Matthew that any conversation Daisy took part in was apt to veer into unexpected and charming directions.
