Waterbury evening Democrat., 1891-01-08

al KNOW YOU THROUGH AND THROUGH"
and that except in ordinary matters I
was hardly companion for you"
intellectually" cried Russell, in
amazement. "Why. man, you might as
we'll talk of the intellect of plug of
tobacco. l have read few good books
and q world of trash. And have sat
here in this room to do it when / should
have been learning what was going on
around me-"
Brown shook his head and smiled in
credulously.
"You always moderated yourself"
said he, but l know you through and
through. You have a mind that have
always envicd you the possession Of
keenly philosophical, but healthy and
we'll balanced"
Russell wondered what Brown would
think If he knew the absurd scheme
which had been evolved by the healthy
and well-balanced' mind, but he was
sufficiently philosophical to realize that
every mans character is a sealed book
to his friend no less than to stranger.
II have always admired you as con-
tented man." continued Brown. 'You
are one Of those who know how to live.
You are never led away by chimerical
hopes. The noise of the struggle for
wealth never disturbs your meditatons.
You will progress soberly to moderate
success in the affairs of this world, and
every step of your way will be in the
line of the strictest rcctitude."
You knew that had lost my position
with Annett & Co. p" said Russell.
mo; 1 hadn't heard of it, but l do
not regard it as serious matter. A
man of your ability and character will
| not fail to secure something better very
! soon-something with greater chance
Of advancement. can see that the loss
of the position has not depressed you.
1t will be rather to your advantage, i
think"
! Perhaps" said Russell. "Who can
prophesy the consequences of trifes?"
Il was telling you what good fellow
you are" continued Brown. 1T is a
favorite subject with me. If you have a
fault it is lack OF sentiment | can
| hardly imagine your falling In love.
/ But" he added, with a smile, this only
makes me the more certain that you are
the man to whom can look for help in
an unusual need"
There is q reason, then, for all this"
said Russell. You have not drawn up
! this catalogue of virtues merely to set
| my conscience working?"
There is q reason, my dear boy.
am going away for two years. A chance
has been offered mo to go as civil engi-
neer to superintend great work in the
j heart of Africa. The duties, the respon-
{ ,1 10
| this undertaking are far beyond any
| thing deserve or could have asked for
But the opportunity has come, and I
have no choice but to accept it thank
fully. l sail tomorrow.
"Do you propose that go with you?"
asked Russell.
mo, indeed" said Brown; ''you will
be better off here. have known men
who needed to be taken out of this CEN
ter of all temptations into the wilder
ness for the safety of their souls, but
you are not one of them. The glitter of
the almighty dollar does not dazzle you"
| 81 am to execute some commission for
you here; you are to leave something in
my care?"
That will seem strange way of
| phrasing it when you know what it is"
| SesAN DAO"hs ou1 pSthapS Gue OK preston
Is accurate enough. Do you know what
1 most deeply regret to leave behind
me?"
"a decent climate and the comforts
of civilization, I should suppose"
my dear boy, leave my heart be-
hind me; ] am IN love-"
An amused smile crept over Russell's
face.
"Well," said he. at length, 'it there
is any matter on earth or elsewhere,
which is wholly beyond my possibilities
of usefulness, think you have named
it."
You are mistaken" said his friend,
earnestly; 'for this is not wholly an af-
fair Of the heart. 1t is not money
either; though saw the suspicion in
your face. Let me state the case: The
girl / love is Alice Ray. She il the
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