"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.