The Irish standard., 1892-08-20
IN arms in your defense I appreciate
it all, though, / assure You. .

IL dill, GaCuRHs dnSuAC y Ous 35ssss5s
.sThat's all right. . he replied. what
ever have done has not been done for
the sake of praise. l only did my duty,
and do not want you to speak Of it.
What object to is that you should lay
as much stress on the little services this
Cornell has rendered you. Anyone else
might have done twice as much and not
elected one-half so much gratitude. I
have shown that by contrast, think. +"
He was silent for a minute or so,
thoughtfully looking down at the floor
and drumming his desk absently with
his fingers. His air and tone were
quite serious - far more serious. l
thought, than the occasion and subject
demanded.
"What l mean," he continued, pres
emily, sis that you give Charles Cornell
too much credit. I'm convinced that
your gratitude isnot altogether simple
gratitude, but that there is deeper
sentiment which inspires your feelings.
Excuse me for speaking plainly. am
positive that you love Charles Cornell. :"
1t appeared to me that Mr.. Bernard
was going entirely too far, and l did
not hesitate to tell him so.
eft may seem SO to you," he contin-
ued, 'but think differently. / dislike
to speak OF these things, and if did
not feel it my duty I would not.
hold myself to some extent responsible
for your conduct while you are in my
employ. You came to US for friend
ship, intrusting yourself to our care,
and should consider that | was
wantonly derelict in the discharge
of kinsman's duty if failed to make
every possible effort 70 train your
thoughts into the right channels. Now,
/ believe you have given Cornell a
place in your affections that friend is
denied, and do not approve Of it. AS
told you once before there is a higher
and brighter destiny for you than that
of becoming a farmers wife. I told
you that wealth and all the pleasures
and luxuries that wealth can give
would be laid at your feet, and repeat
it now. They will, and with them will
be the heart of man overlooking with
love and devotion. This is no dream,
no anticipation, but a truth know It,
know the man."
''Mr. Bernard" said, after a silence,
during which I calmed myself as well
as could. 81 have told you that the
only sentiment know for Charles Cor
yell is that of friendship and gratitude.
/ do not love him, nor do believe he
loves me. So please do not refer to that
again. As to the rich man OF whom
you speak l know nothing and care
nothing. do not want his wealth nor
his heart. I simply ask for the oppor~
tunity Of earning my own living and OF
growing up into life of usefulness. /
appreciate the friendship and aid Of
anyone, and Heaven knows should,
for I stand enough in need of it TO
know it's value. Now please don't say
anything more about Mr.. Cornell, and
don't dislike him on account of my
kindly feelings toward him.
The conversation ended there, some
one coming at that moment to call Mr..
Bernard away. took up my pen and
continued my writing, but all day long
my employers words kept passing
through my mind, and d vague fear,
and dread Of impending evil, took
possession of ne, and try as would l
could not dispel them. It seemed to me
that a chasm had opened at my feet,
and that daily it grew deeper, darker
and wider.