The Globe-republican., 1891-01-07

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 a plug of
tobacco. l have read few good books
and q world of trash. And have sat
hero in this room to do it when l 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 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 . sealed book
to his friend no less than to q 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 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."
You knew that had lost my position
with Annett & Cop said Russell.
mo; hadn't heard Of it, but I do
not regard it as q 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.
It will be rather to your advantage,
think"
"Perhaps," said RUSSELL "Who can
prophesy the consequences of trines?"
II was telling you what good fellow
you are" continued Brown. 1T is .
favorite subject with me. II you have .
fault it is lack of sentiment can
hardly imagine your falling in love.
But" he added. with q smile, "this only
makes me the more certain that you are
the man to whom l can look for help in
an unusual need"
There is a reason, then, for all this,n
said Russell. "You have not drawn up
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 90 as civil enRi-
neer to superintend a 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. sail tomorrow"
'Do you propose that go with your"
asked Russell.
mo, indeed" said Brown; you will
be better of 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
Tou here; you are to leave something in
ny care?"
That will seem a strange way of
ohrasing it when you know what it is"
aid Brown, but perhaps the expression
s accurate enough. Do you know what
most deeply regret to leave behind
ne?'
"A decent climate and the comfortR
If civilization, should suppose"
MY dear boy, leave my heart be-
hind me; am In love-"
An amused smile crept over Russelrs
acc.
WELL" said he. 1t length. ''if there
8 any matter on earth or elsewhere,
which is wholly beyond my possibilities
# usefulness, think you have named
t."
"You are mistaken" said his friend,
''for this Is not wholly an If.
air of the heart 1t is not money
'ither; though l saw the suspicion in
'our face. Lot mo state the case: The
,irl love Is Alice Ray. She IL the