The San Francisco call., 1904-12-11
CHAPTER XXI.
Aspiration and Common Sense.

Rumor spoke truly. Young walter
Blake was back In town with an en-
tirely new crop of aspirations matur-
ing in the ready soil OF his mind.
The first crop had not proved fortu-
nate. 1t had brought him into a po-
sltion most disagreeable and humtliat-
ing TO reflect upon, and into struggles
for which he felt himself little At. He
mad been given time to mediate and
10 cool-to cool even to shuddering
when he recalled that night in the
Sailors Rest and pictured the tragedy
for which he had so nearly become re-
Sponsible. His old desires waning, his
aspirations were transfigured at the
suggestion Of a new attraction. He
had been on the wrong tack-that was
certain. Again virtue seemed to tri-
umph in this admission. He no longer
desired to be made good-it was Gas he
had conceived and attempted it) such a
stormy and soul-shaking process. Now
he desired to be kept good. He did not
now want guiding star which he was
to follow through every peril, over
threatening waves and through the
trough Of an angry sea. The night at
the Sailors Rest disposed OF that meta
phor and that ideal. Now he wanted
an anchor by whose help he might ride
out the storm, or harbor whose placid
bosom should support his gently sway
common sense supplanted imagination,
ardor and self devotion as the requi-
sites his life demanded.
Again Caylesham showed tact. He
would not ask the lady'S name. But
when Blake next dined with him, he en-
Joyed the metamorphosis, and silently
congratulated Grantley ImaSOn.
$50 it's ST. George, Hanover Square.
and everything quite regular this time,
Is it?' he asked with an indulgent hu-
NOR. We'll, fancy you're best suited
to that. Only take care!"
You may be sure that the woman I
marry will be Blake began.
Perfection? Oh, Of coursel That's
universal. But it's not enough" He
lay back comfortably in his armchair,
enjoying his cigar. mot enough, my
boy! 1 may have two horses, and you
may have two horses, and each OF my
horses may be better than either OF
your horses, but when we come TO driv-
ing them, you may have the better pair.
Two good 'uns don't always make a
good pair" He grew quite interested
In his ubject-thanks, perhaps, to the
figure in which he clothed it. ''They've
got to match both in their PAGES and
their ways. They've got TO go kindly
together, to like the feel OF one an
other, don't you know? Each of 'em
may be as good as you like single. but
devil of bad pairl It's double har-
ness we're talking about. Blake, my
boy. Oh. you may think I know moth
ing about ii, but I've seen a bit Well
that's not a thing to boast about; but I
have seen bit, you know"
That's just what I've been think
ing" said young Blake sagaciousiy. He
referred to Caylesham's doctrines, not
his experiences.
"Oh. you've been thinking, have you 90
smiled Caylesham. Come a mucker
then. I suppose?"
IL miscalculated. Well, we must
all learn by experience
"Deuced lucky If We can!'
There's no other way" Blake in
sisted.
Have said there is?'' He looked at
Blake in an amused knowledge. Going
IN for the straight thing this time?''
Half in pride, half in shame. Blake
answered:
Yes"
quite right too" CayIesham was
very approving.
laughing.
quite right for you. mean" There
was a touch Of contempt somewhere IN
his tone. But don't forget what I've
been saying. It's double harness, my
boy! Pace, my boy. and temper, and
the feel-the feel! All the things a fell
low never thinks about"
well. you're a pretty preacher on
this subject"
I've heard a lot OF things you never
have. Oh, well, you may have once,
perhaps" His glance was very acute,
and Blake flushed under it. You're
well out of that affair."" Caylesham
went on. dropping his mask Of ignor-
ance. "Oh, l don't want to know how
it happened. 1 expect can guess"
What do you mean?'' Blake's voice
sounded angry.
You flunked it-eh?''
1t was strong thing to say 70 a man
in your own house. But a sudden gust
Of impatience had swept Caylesham
away. The young man was in the end
so contemplate, so incapable Of
strength, such a barney over his weak
ness.
Now don't glare at me: I'm not
afraid. You tackled too big a Job, I
fancy. Oh. I'm not asking questions.
you know" He got up and patted
Blake's shoulder. Don't mind me.
won't find it impOssibly dulli"
Blake's bad temper vanished. He be-
gan to laugh.
That's right" said Caylesham. I'm
too old to convert, and nearly too old
to fight: but I'll be your best man,
waiter.
It'll keep me straight. Caylesham."
Lord bless you, so 1t will"
He ehuckled in irrepressibIe amuse-
ment.
The other things no goi''
mo more it is. 1t needs No I'm
not going to be immoral any more. &c
ahead! You're made for double harness.
Walter. Choose her well: you'll have
to learn her PAGES. you know"
''Or she miner"
Blake was little on his dignity
again.
Have another whisky and soda"
SAID Caylesham, with admirable tact.
his ADVICE, meant as precautionary,
proved provocative. Memory WORKED
with 1.-THE carking memory of a fail