Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-16
A Philosopher.

From the New York Press.
Rathburn sat in the little library Of the
home Of his friend. whose daughter he was
to marry. He laid down volume OF
Schopenhauer's essays and unused; Peopie
who live in such security and comfort as
1 enjoy have little opportunity to put phil
osophy into practice"
He rose and entered the drawing room.
where he saw a young man who had just
been shown in.
.0Nhy. Escott," he said, Fastening for
ward to shake hands with the youth. Il
thought you were in London.
THE house called me back, explained
the young man, whose face wore pensive
expression
you don't look exactly well, my boy"
Escott smiled and sat down.
I've been bothered some" the youth
said, embarrassedly. Then in an outburst
Of candor he added: You see, before
went away l thought l was soon to marry.
We didn't have her fathers consent, but
we thought that would be all right. Well.
her father wanted to marry her on to some
friend of his-she didn't even tell me his
name-and she decided to please her
father"
do 1 know her?'
1T would hardly be right to tell you who
she is. although you are an old friend of
mine. You might misjudge her."
Not at all, replied Rathburn. consratu-
lating himself on the occasion to apply
some of his philosophy at last. II only in
another case
"She may have been quite right. Her
obligations to her father may outweigh her
duty to you. The multitude magnifies the
Importance Of love. The love of man for
woman, or vice versa. is not by any means
the highest or most meritorious thing that
can engage a human beings thoughts.
There are other and loftier things than
love. A man who resigns himself entirely
to love Is not worth taking seriously. 1
wouldn't give much for a person who
couldn't overthrow disappointment in
love"
Il know all that" said the younger man
gloomily. He rose and paced the room.
stopped and heaved a sigh. Presently he
resumed:
"A man is a fool. / admit who over
estimates love. Yet IT is every mans pre-
rogative to make that kind of a fool of
himself at some period of his life. AS far
as know. though. you have escaped"
Rathburn laughed guiltily. No. 1 have
not. I've been caught at last But my
being a fool doesn't prevent me from know
ing that I'm one. l do think a great deal
OF love a; the present moment. In fact
I'm going to marry"
Congratulations. old fellow. Who is
she9"
Rathburn pointed to a portrait. Escott
looked first as If he doubted the correctness
OF his vision. Then he stared in OPEN
mouthed establishment.
Are you surprised" asked the other
man.
"why-yes-I never imagined that you
were the enc"
1t was now Rathburn's turn to be as
tonished. But he speedily controlled him.
SELF When he spoke q moment later IT
was with quietness and coherency
My dear boy. neither did / imagine it,
So she loves you. l half suspected there
was some one. That gives you the privilege
OF being the fool In this case and me the
opportunity Of acting the philosopher l
love her, l acknowledge. But even at this
moment l see clearly that there are greater
things in this life than love- and / know
that ! shall outgrow this experience She
belongs to you But I'd rather you'd tell
her said SO. I'll see her father" And he
started toward the door.
My dear friend" murmured Escott in
whom gratitude was too great to find ade-
Quate expression on the instant.
"Hsh!' replied Rathburn, motionine
toward the doorway curtains at the rear
OF the drawing room. Escott looked. The
glri stood there. She had evidently heard
Rathburns speech Of remuneration, for she
dropped her fearful. smiling eyes and stood
waiting Tor Escott to approach her. A
moment later the two young people were
vaguely conscious of the closing of the
outer door, e
Rathburn. walking down the street
forced MS breath to a regular and tenn
perate pace and compelled every other feel
ing TO give way to a pardonable bride in
having proved the practical efficacy of phil
life. ,S n''ie