Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-09-21
HALLE ERMINIE RIVES,

duTry SdHueTSoH lalu tue VlOilu ChTe- fully in its case and shut the lid before he answered. "Rummy Is impusive." he said dryly. How is your father to- day. Hugh?"
 The other tapped 3he toe of his shin ing patent leather with his cane as he said with a look Of Ill humor:
 About as well as usual. He's plan- ming now to put me in business and ex- poets me to become staid pillar of society-'like Sanderson.' as he says forty times week. How do you do 1t. Harry? There isn't an old lady in town who thinks her parlor carpet half good enough for you to walk on. You're only a month older than am, yet you can wind the whole vestry and the bishop to boot around your finger"
 II wasn't aware of the idolatry." Harry laughed little-a distant laugh. You are observant,, Hugh"
 "Oh. anybody can see 1t. I'd like to know how you do it. It was always so with you, even at college. You could do pretty much as you liked and yet be popular too. Why. there was never a jamboree complete without you and your violin at the head of the ta- ble."
 "That is a long time ago." said Harry. ".
 More than four years. Four years and a month tomorrow, since that last evening of college. Yet imagine it will be longer before we forget it."
 Harry did not speak. An odd con fusion blurred his vision. Perhaps to cover this. he crossed the room to small private safe which stood open in the corner, in which he kept his tithes and his charities. When Hugh, shrug- ging his shoulders as if to dismiss the unwelcome picture he had painted. turned again, Harry was putting into it some papers from his pocket. Hugh saw the action. His eyes fastened on the safe avidly.
 T say" he said after moments pause as Harry made to shut its door. "can you loan me another fifty? I'm flat on my uppers again. and the old man has been tight as nails with me since l came back. I'm sure to be able to return 1t with the rest in week or two" ,...
 Harry stretched his hand again to- ward the safe, then drew 1t back, with compressed lips. He had met Hugh with persistent courtesy. and the other had found him sufficiently obligins with loans. Hugh's lowered gaze saw the arrested movement. and his cheek flushed.
 "Oh, if it's inconvenient I won't trou. ble you for the accommodation" he said. II dare say can raise it.
 The attempt at nonchalance cost him palpable effort. Comparatively small as the amount was. he needed 1t He was in sore straits.
 Ut isn't that 1t is inconvenient. Hugh." said Harry. Its that can't approve your manner of living lately. and-I don't know where the fifty is going"
 The mark on Hugh's brow reddened "I wasn't aware that l was expected to render you an accounting" he said sulkily. If do borrow a dollar or two now and then. What if play cards and drink little when I'm dry? I've got to have bit of amusement once in awhile between prayers. You liked 1t yourself well enough before you dis covered a sudden talent for preach ingw
 Some men hide their talents under . napkin" said Harry. You drown yours-in a bottle. You have been steadily going downhilt. You are de- ceiving your father-and others-with pretended reform which isn't skin deep. You have made them believe you gre living straight when you are ca- rousing: that you keep respectabl ble company when you have taken up with a besotted and discredited gamblerw
 q suppose you mean Dr. Moreau." returned Hugh. There are plenty of people in town who are worse than he is"
 He is quack-dropped from the hospital staff for addiction to drugs and expelled from his club for cheat ing at cards"
 Hes down and out" said Hugh sullenly. "and any cur can bite him. He never cheated me. and find him better company than your sanctimo- nious. psalm singing sort I'm not go- ing to give him the cold shoulder be- cause everybody else does. never went back on a friend yet I'm not that sort!"
 You never had a friend. Hugh." said Harry steadily. "You never real ly loved anybody or anything but yourself. You are utterly selfish You are deliberately lying every hour you live to those who love you. You are playing part-for your own ends! You were only good imitation of good fellow at college. You are a poor imitation of a man of honor now"
 Hugh rose to his feet as he answer. ed hotly: And what are you. I'd like to knowf Just because l take my pleasure as please. while you choose to make a stained glass cherub of yourself. is DO reason why I'm not just as good as you! l knew you