The professional world. (Columbia, Mo.) 1901-192?, 1903-08-14
them up. At times she's most unnat-


them UP. At times she's most unnat-
ural."
Don't say that, John. I CAD, sir,
what right has n person TO say that
another person is unnatural? Who of
us is appointed to set up the standard
and gauge Of naturalness? Who is
wholly consistent? You may say the
average a All, but if everyone
conformed to the average Their would
be nothing great in the world. There
Is no greater bore than the well-bal-
anced man. He wears us out with his
evenness. You now what he's going
to say before he says IT,"
81 grant you all that; but the we'll
balanced man made it possible for the
genius to make the world great. Gen
ius is the bloom that bursts out
at the top of commonplace humanity"
Eyes, that's all very well;' but just
at present I'd like to have a little
liquor. Be easy, though, and don't let
the mailman know what you're after"
There's not a drop in the house,
Gid, but there's a demijohn in the Of
flee. Let's step out there"
mo, l believe not, john" the old fell
low replied, with a shudder. Cant
you bring it out?"
She'll see me if l do. You must go
with me. Whisky that's not worth 60
ing after is not worth drinking"
"You are right, John; but you have
stated N of these truths that are nev-
er intended to be used except in the
absence of something else that might
have been said. Plain truths are tire
some, John. They never lend grace
to a conversation"
"What do you know about the graces
of conversation? You are better fit
ted to talk of the disgraces of con
duct"
"Slow, John. But I know that a
truth to be interesting must be whim-
or so blunt that it jolts."
But didn't it jolt you when I said
that you must go into the office after
the liquor?"
Eyes; but cruelty, John. You must
never jolt cruelty. l CAD, Pm getting
old. Do you realize that we have
known each other intimately for 80
years?"
Mrs. Cranceford came out upon the
porch. "Ah, said old Gid, without
changing his tone, and as if he were
continuing a moral discourse, thirty
five years ago we heard an old circuit
rider preach at Gum Springs, and
while we could not subscribe to his
fiery doctrine, being inclined to the
broader and more enlightened faith of
the Episcopal church, yet the fervor
and sincerity of his %utterances made
a lasting impression on us. Madam, l
hear with much pleasure that Mr.. Pen.
nington is better"
Eyes, he is feeling quite improved"
she replied, merely glancing az him.
did the Major think enough of him
to tell you?"
The Major looked at Gid, winked at
him, and the old fellow believing that
he knew what was wanted, thus an
swered: Eyes, ma'am, but | first heard
1t from the priest. He knows every
thing, it seems. l met him down the
road and had quite a talk with him.
By the way, I read a number of years
ago a most edyfying book, The Prince
OF the House of David You doubt
less have it in your collection, and may
| ask you to lend it to me?"
She had but small faith in the old
fellows sincerity, and yet she was
pleased to see him manifest an inter-
est in so goodly a book. Eyes, and
will get if for YOU she answered, 60
ing straightway to look for it; and
when she had passed through the door,
Gid snatched a bottle out of his pocket
and held it out toward the Major.
Here, John, hurry out there and fill
this up while she's gone. Meet me
around at the gate. Quick!"
why, you old rascal, do you sup
pose me capable Of completely in such
a fraud?"