profession, and
sharply conscious that the time for vague ambitions had gone by. A post
had presented itself, a post of importance, in the gift of the Home
Office. It meant, no doubt, the abandonment of more brilliant things;
Darrell was content to abandon them. His determination to apply for it
seemed, indeed, to himself an act of modesty--almost of sacrifice. As to
the technical qualifications required, he was well aware there might be
other men better equipped than himself. But, after all, to what may not
general ability aspire--general ability properly stiffened with
interest?

And as to interest, when was it ever to serve him if not now--through
his old friendship with Ashe? Chivalry towards a much-solicited mortal,
also your friend--even the subtler self-love--might have counselled
silence--or at least approaches more gradual. It had been far from his
purpose, indeed, to speak so promptly. But here were the hour and the
man! And there, in a distant country town, a woman--whereof the mere
existence was unsuspected by Darrell's country-house acquaintance--sat
waiting, in whose eyes the post in question loomed as a
condition--perhaps indispensable. Darrell's secret eagerness could not
withstand the temptation.

So, with a nervous beginning--"By-the-way, I wished to consult you about
a personal matter. Of course, answer or not, as you like. Naturally, I
understand the difficulties!"--the plunge was taken, and the petitioner
soon in full career.

After a first start--a lifted brow of astonishment--Ashe was
uncomfortably silent--till suddenly, in a pause of Darrell's eloquence,
his face changed, and with a burst of his old, careless freedom and
affection, he flung an arm along Darrell's shoulder, with an impetuous--

"I say, old fellow--don't--don't be a damned fool!"

An ashen white overspread the countenance of the man thus addressed. His
lips twitched. He walked on in silence. Ashe looked at him--stammered:

"Why, my dear Philip, it would be the extinguishing of you!"

Darrell said nothing. Ashe, still holding his friend captive, descanted
hurriedly on the disadvantages of the post "for a man of your gifts,"
then--more cautiously--on its special requirements, not one of which did
Darrell possess--hinted at the men applying for it, at the scientific
and professional influences then playing upon himself, at his strong
sense of responsibility--"Too bad, isn't it, that a duffer like me
should have to decide thes