The Indianapolis journal., 1904-02-14
-By--
Charles Dickens
w
:: : By

Of the early household very softly touching HIS
certed vocal music. The south wind that goes
where II lists, Ly way of Minor Canon Corner
on still night. is not more subdued than Mr.
Crtsparke at such times. regardful of the
slTmbers Of the china shepherdess.
Crisparkie himself When he opens the door
candle in hand. his cheerful face falls, and dis
appointed amazement is in it.
Mr.. Neville. In this disorder! Where have
7 have been to Mr. Jasper's. sir. With his
nephew"
Come in
The Minor Canon props him by the elbow
manner worthy OF his morning trainings) and
turns him into his own little book-room. and
7 have begun ill., sir. I have begun dread
TOO true. You are not sober. Mr. Neville"
sfy a 1an AFRAID 6 ra,a ann not sir though can baS sat
very little indeed to drink and that IL over
came me in the strangest and most sudden
Mr.. Neville. Mr.. Neville" says the Minor
Canon, shaking his head with sorrowful
smile; II have heard that said before" -.
think-it is equally true OF Mr.. Jasper's neph-
Very likely" is the dry rejoinder
We quarreled,' sir. He insulted me most
Mr. Neville" retoins the Minor Cannon.
mildly but firmly II request you not to speak 4n
clench it. If you please"
,u.id HE goaded me: sir" pursues the young man.
durance l cannot say whether or not he
meant i at frst, but he did it; He certainly
pressible outburst, lin the passion into which
he lashed me, l would have cut him down if
L could, and l tried TO do it
You have clenched that hand again." is
Mr.. Crisparkles quiet commentary
Il beg your pardon sir
You know your room, for I showed it you
before dinner. but 1 will accompany you to IL
SnGe f0T be %oTs house Y0gr Is al arm Il you please Softly
scooping his hand into the same scientific
the inert strength of his arm as skilfully as
a Police Expert and with an apparent repose
conducts his pupil to the pleasant and orderly
old room prepared for him Arrived there, the
fiinging his upon his reading table. rests
his head upon them with an air of wretched
sef-reproacl.
The gentle Minor Cannon has had it in his
thoughts to leave the room, without word.
But looking round at the door. and seeing this
detected figure. he turns back to it, touches it
with a mild hand, and says Good -night"' A
SOD is MS only acknowledgment he might
have had many worse; perhaps, could have
Another soft knock at the outer door attracts
his attention as he goes down stairs He opens
it to Mr. Jasper holding in his hand the pu-
we have had an awful scene with him."
Has it been so bad as that?"
Mr. Crisparkle demonstrates: mo. no. no.
Do not use such strong words
my feet. 1t is fault of his that he did not.
But that l was. through the mercy of God:
him down on my hearth"
The phrase smites home. ''Ahr' thinks Mr..
Crisparkle, his wordsi''
Seeing what 1 have tonight. and hear
ing what 1 have heard" adds Jasper with
great earnestness. Il shall never know peace
of mind when there is danger of those two COM
ing together. with no one else to interfere
II was horrible. There is something of the
tiger in his dark blood
All thinks Mr.; Crsparkle. 80 he saidr'
You, my dear sir" pursues Jasper, taking
his hand. even you. have accepted a danger
charge
You need have fear for me- Jasper"
returns Mr.. Crisparke. with quiet smile "I
have none for myself
Il have none for myself returns Jasper
with emphasis the last pronoun, because
/ am not, nor am l in the way OF being, the
object Of his hostility. But you may be-
and my dear boy has been. Goodnight"
Mr.. Crisparkle goes in, with the hat that has
easily, so almost imperceptibly, acquired the
right TO be hung up in his hall; hangs ii up;
and goes thoughtfully to bed.