The Irish standard., 1891-01-17

81 KNOW YOU THROUGH AND THROUGH"
and that except in ordinary matters
was hardly a. companion for yon,'
'Intellectually" cried Russell, IN
amazement. 'Why, man, you might as
we'll talk of the intellect of a plug OF
tobacco. have read few good books
and 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.
'sYou always moderated yourself,
said he, ''but know you through and
through. You have mind that have
always envied 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 a stranger.
III q biV1 eSAh1AA Su fSu 0s' - WI
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 meditations.
You will progress soberly to a moderate
success in the affairs Of this world, and
every step OF your way will be in the
line Of the strictest rectitude." y
"You knew that had lost my position
with Annett g. Co.'S" said Russell.
mo; 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 a greater chance
of advancement. can see that the loss
of the position has not depressed you.
1t will be rather to your advantage,
think"
Perhaps" said Russell. "Who can
prophesy the consequences of trifes?"
II was telling you what a good fellow
you are," continued Brown. ''It is
favorite subject with me. If you have 4
fault it is lack Of sentiment can
hardly imagine your falling in love.
But" he added, with 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 reason, then, for all this"
said Russell. ''You have not drawn no
this catalogue of virtues merely to set
my conscience working?'
'There is reason, my dear boy.
am going away for two years. A chance
has been offered me to 70 as civil engi.
neer to superintend great work in the
heart of Africa. The duties, the respon-
sibilities and the promised rewards OF
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. I sail morrow"
''Do you propose that go with. you?"
asked Russell.
mo, indeed" said Brown; ''you will
be better off here. have known mon
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"
II am to execute some commission for
you here; you are to leave something in
my carer"
'That will seem strange way Of
phrasing it when you know what 1t it,"
said Brown, but perhaps the expression
Is accurate enough. Do you know what
! most deeply regret to leave behind
me?'
"A decent climate and the comforts
OF civilization, ! should suppose"
My dear boy. leave my heart BE-
hind me; am IN love"
An amused smile crept over Russellb
face.
"Well," said he. at length, SIT there
IS any matter on earth or elsewhere,
which Is wholly beyond my possibilities
OF usefulness, / think you have named
st." 4sT 4,
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