Davenport Dunn, a Man of Our Day. Volume 1 (of 2)Lever, Charles
General
Davenport Dunn, a Man of Our Day. Volume 1 (of 2)
Lever, Charles
Aristocracy (Social class) -- Great Britain -- Fiction; Capitalists and financiers -- Fiction
those whose intellects soared loftily among their fellows. “I cannot
share in the tilt with these,” said he. “Mine are no gifts of eloquence
or imaginative power; I am not versed in the mysteries of science, nor
deep-read in the intricacies of law. Let me, however, see if I cannot,
by dexterity, accomplish what is denied to my strength. Every man,
whatever his station, covets wealth. The noblest and the meanest, the
man dignified by exalted aspirations, the true creature of selfish
enjoyments, are all alike enlisted in the pursuit. Let me consider how
this common tendency may be best turned to account. To enrich others,
it is not necessary that I should be wealthy myself. The geographer may
safely dictate the route by which the explorer is to journey through a
desert he has never travelled himself. The great problems of finance
can be worked by suggestions in a garret, though their application may
demand millions.” Starting thus from an humble attorney in a country
town, he gradually grew to be known as a most capable adviser in all
monetary matters. Rich men consulted him about profitable investments
and safe employment of their capital; embarrassed men confided to him
their difficulties, and sought his aid to meet them; speculators asked
his advice as to this or that venture; and even those who gambled on
the eventful fortunes of a ministry were fain to be guided by his wise
predictions. “Dunn has got me the money on reasonable terms;” “Dunn
has managed to let me have five per cent;” “Dunn assures me I may risk
this;” “Dunn tells me that they 'll carry the bill next session,”--such
and such things were the phrases one heard at every turn, till his
opinion became a power in the land, and he grew to feel it so.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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