 of what Mr. Norris the father had said to the marquess, and of
what Mrs. Norris the mother had said to the marchioness, and of what the
marquess and marchioness had both said, when they said that upon their words and
honours they wished Mr. Norris the father and Mrs. Norris the mother, and the
Misses Norris the daughters, and Mr. Norris Junior, the son, would only take up
their permanent residence in England, and give them the pleasure of their
everlasting friendship, occupied a very considerable time.
    Martin thought it rather strange, and in some sort inconsistent, that during
the whole of these narrations, and in the very meridian of their enjoyment
thereof, both Mr. Norris the father, and Mr. Norris Junior, the son (who
corresponded, every post, with four members of the English Peerage), enlarged
upon the inestimable advantage of having no such arbitrary distinctions in that
enlightened land, where there were no noblemen but nature's noblemen, and where
all society was based on one broad level of brotherly love and natural equality.
Indeed, Mr. Norris the father, gradually expanding into an oration on this
swelling theme, was becoming tedious, when Mr. Bevan diverted his thoughts, by
happening to make some casual inquiry relative to the occupier of the next
house; in reply to which, this same Mr. Norris the father, observed, that »that
person entertained religious opinions of which he couldn't approve; and
therefore he hadn't the honour of knowing the gentleman.« Mrs. Norris the mother
added another reason of her own, the same in effect, but varying in words; to
wit, that she believed the people were well enough in their way, but they were
not genteel.
    Another little trait came out, which impressed itself on Martin forcibly.
Mr. Bevan told them about Mark and the negro, and then it appeared that all the
Norrises were abolitionists. It was a great relief to hear this, and Martin was
so much encouraged on finding himself in such company, that he expressed his
sympathy with the oppressed and wretched blacks. Now, one of the young ladies -
the prettiest and most delicate - was mightily amused at the earnestness with
which he spoke; and on his craving leave to ask her why, was quite unable for a
time to speak for laughing. As soon however as she could, she told him that the
negroes were such a funny people; so excessively ludicrous in their manners and
appearance; that it was wholly impossible for those who knew them well, to
associate any serious
