The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-01-04

H NV
GERALD CRUSHED THE PAPER IN HIS HAND.
'seeing America" and possibly profiting
by the, splendor OF seray smile or two
from that mighty man, Judge Rathbone,
alIured him not little. His brother
Gerald stood in the way of such project
he was dearly fond of Gerald, though
sometimes thinking him almost blasphem-
Gus in his indifference to religious things.
And yet, Sylvan began to muse, why
should year or so of separation be held
been enough money for four of them;
there would surely be enough now for two.
Everything had been left by their English
mother (who had received al his property
intact from her American hIisband) TO the
eldest-born. But Sylvan was willing to
share his last pound with Gerald. Still,
both boys wanted more pounds if they
to work for them as well. But
dollars were easier to get than pounds; to
this effect young Rathbone sapientiy as
sured the elder brother, who shared the
large faith which has lately grown up in
England that s'the states" and quick
money-making are very closely allied.
Gerald, on his side. ired at the mere idea
of an American residence. He was going
to be doctor, he! Medical questions were
already of the deepest import to him, and
as Sylvan one day laughingly told him, his
Greek roots threatened to turn into those of
rhubarb and quinine "If that should prove
the case" Gerald as gayly answered. 81
them on Western soil. Whenever | go up
to London I've morbid impulse for stroll
ing through Harley street. l begin at
Cavendish Square and end at Regents
Park: and count SO many doctors plates
on the door-panels that l grow depressed
at their multitude. 1t consoles me, Sylvan,
to reject that there may be no such place
there isn't. I'm decidedly curious to go
there and md out for myself"
As it turned out, Gerald did not make
his exclusive inquiries for some time after
he left Cambridge. Sylvan sailed away
from him, however, in the company of
Rathbone, and later Gerald pursued
course of medical study on English
shores. His brother wrote him that he
thought this plan best. A man could
study TO be physician in one country and
seek his patients in another. 1t was diff
ferent with lawyer. And I'm now a
lawyer" Sylvan at length continued to
write, sin full blossom of activity. Old
Judge Rathbone has been vastly kind to
me, and since I've quilted the Columbia
Law school find his aid ruby beyond
price. 1t will serve me well, l feel more
than sure. Keep straight. dear brother,
and study hard in the profession you've
chosen. | think that there really may be
a good chance for you here. hated New
York at tirst, but am far more reconciled
vulgarity in this land is merely national
difference in the way of doing things.
There are traits of New York refinement
that can beat some London ones ALI
hollow as you would say, dear boy"
After several more months came a letter
that shocked and by no means pleased
Gerald. His brother had quite suddenly
married young American girl whom he
described as possessing much beauty and
every charm of culture. Her name was
Lucia Fythian, and she was the daughter
of a gentleman who now was dead. but
who once had been jurist of great note.
Lucia Is his orphan child, wrote Sylvan,
land when | nrst met her she was the
ward of an austere aunt who sowed the
household air with little jibes and sneers
if her poor niece ventured to ask for a new
pair of gloves. 1t was horrible, Gerald,
and ii woke my warm pity. Love soon
slipped into my heart by the same door
which pity had left ajar. | dare say it is
often Just like that with us: don't you
think ii is? Well, Lucia is my wife now,
and fond little wife she makes. | am
perfectly happy-or would be but for YOUR
self. dear brother. OF course l always can
spare you something until your own
future proweSs puts you nrmly on your
feet. Still, you will understand that my
living expenses must now undergo a
marked augment, and" Gerald read no
more, Tor the present, but crushed the
paper in one hand. with his fair Saxon
skin crimsoning below his sunny locks.
1t was cruel of Sylvan 10 serve him such
trick. But never mind, he would move
heaven and earth now 10 show that ne
could shift for himself. This was the un-
just British law of primogeniture. Still
let Sylvan keep all, since ne legally had il.
I'll live on a crust a day." fumed Gerald.
rather than play pensioner. This Lucia
Fythian twho possibly married Sylvan
just to get those pairs of gloves that her
aunt was so stingy about giving her)
shan't be bored by any nuisance of a
brother-in-law overseas. I'll turn sweep
hrst; by Jove | will"
But as it happened. there was no need
for Gerald to turn sweep. Hardly a day
after he had made his proud resolve, a
stranger called at his rather humble lodg-
ings. Gerald read Or Ross Thorndyke''
on the card handed 10 him, without at
first the faintest thrill of memory. Soon
afterward il dashed upon him that his
fathers old Cambridge friend had borne
that name, and he went 10 meet DIR.
Thorndyke with a sparkle in his azure eve
and heartiness IN his hand-grip which
cheered the visitor like magical draught
Il see lots of your father in you" Ross
ThOrndyke al length said. His ewes were
gray, but yours would he exactly like
them if they were not blue. And so your
brother Sylvan Is in America !? How un-
fortunate that | should not have known il
who have lived in Chicago for an age.
might SO easily have looked him up be-
fore | boarded the steamer I'M New York. !.
Its too bad YOU didn't know he was
there, F" said Gerald. You told me a few
minutes ago. / think, that you greatly
wanted 10 see him"
Yes, greatly. crossed the ocean for
that purpose"
Just 10 see Sylvan? ReaIly?n
DIR. Thorndyke slowly nodded He
seemed 70 muse in the most absorbed way
Gerald watched his aged and altered face
That grayish beard. those lined features
that badness which ennobled his fine
brow. Just as il sometimes be;rays and
cheapens others-all were marks of change
that had their saddening effect upon his
own youth. For il Is true of Us that when
We ara ycung the matured features of those
whom we have last looked on as freed
from ell fly7aefs hn~Sha- f..rNhss