The San Francisco call., 1904-08-07

too clever, too ready. to despise the
tfivialities Of life. Your success will be
made another way; it will be in an
honorable employment which viii give
YOU pleasure. I came from the theater
to offer it to you-in my service. in that
also Of my sister. You are wise enough
and clever enough not to regard this
as an impertinent intrusion. am sure
you will permit me TO continue"
He waited for her to speak; but she
did not know what answer to make to
him. Conflicting emotions of surprise
and Joy forbade her to express herself
as she wished to do. She sat with
heightened color and beating heart, un-
able TO thank him or even to say
Yes" He understood her difficulty;
he did not nisconstrue it.
You do not answer me-" he con-
tinued. Il appreciate your silence.
London is a terrible city for those who
fail. Miss Venn. The successful know
little of its darker side; 1t is left to the
unsuccessful to discover 1t. The Ca
sino Theater could write a history
which few would have the courage to
read. / heard many pitlful stories
there this morning. They are better
forgotten. Whatever we may do or
wish, there will always be millions of
unfortunates in the world whom we
cannot help. The pleasure of helping
even one should be a privilege. If you
decide to help me, please regard it in
that light"
She turned earnest eyes upon him;
the compliment both surprised and
pleased her.
ITO help youl" she cried, amazed.
"Oh, noi it is you who are offering to
help mel"
Not so, Miss Venn; nothing of the
kind. Your loss of a possible career will
be my gain. I am asking for all your
time. your talent, your fidelity-I do
not offer you any great reward. The
only return I can make is the shelter
of my sisters house. home. friend
ship, the society of cultured people. If
you consent TO my proposal. the rest
will be easy We will settle it at home
in five minutes. Ny carriage is over
there by the palace gates"
Esther looked toward the spot he in
dicated and perceived there an elegant
single brougham drawn by two roam
horses. She felt instinctively that she
was at some crisis in her life. She be-
lieved with the religious faith of her
childhood that this encounter had been
foreordained for her salvation and Sc
curity. Willing to say Yes" and to
say it from her very heart, neverthe-
less a certain prudence restrained her.
Why had this man come to her?
Whittier would he lead her? There was
so much to ask him. She did not know
how 10 begin. fearing greatly that a
question might give offense.
Your offer is very kind" she said.
nervously. "Will you think me un-
grateful if I ask you something?"
You have every right to do so.''
You speak of employment in your
sisters house. What should I be ex-
pected to do there?"
You would be expected to assist a
man who is trying to do what he can
for the human race-especially for your
sex"
You are a doctor: is it in ccnnec-
tion with your profession?
He rested his arms upon the broad
handle Of his ebony cane and looked a
little wistfully across the waters.
Il am not a doctor-I am a pupil.
My page is not in the written book, il
is in the life, the light, the humanity
about US The earth is nay school, the
heavens are my university. 1 do not
study mems bodies; 1 seek to know
their minds. All that the field of ma
ture can give for the happiness OF
mankind, that is my subject No I am
not doctor, Miss Venn-I am a child,
groping blindly for the light which is
hidden"
Ard you think that I could be of
service to you in your studies. sir?"
Il am sure of it. That is why l am
here Consider. you are familiar with
books-bocl1s are meat and drink to
me You like beautiful things-I can
not live without them. You are cast
out, a stranger in this city-I am an
exile from my home and country You
have talent to offer-I have money TO
buy. Is it not what the world calls
business? Let US begin with that.
Business first and friendship after
ward. yes. il must be friendship after
ward, Miss Venn."
He laid a gentle hand upon her arm
rs though 10 bid her follow him. When
Esther looked up. she beheld a pair of
kindly eyes which seemed to say. Il
have need of you" Mouton, her dog,
laid his shaggy head upon the strang-
er's knee and began to make friends
with him. She accepted the omen and
made up her mind without further de-;
lay.
4 will so and see your sister," she
said.