anada, and from far-away
India. His spirit was as gentle as a child's; but he welded men and
women to him as with bonds of steel. Yet he had never tried a cause, nor
built a bridge, nor saved a life as a physician, nor laid one down as a
soldier. He hasn't even left a sermon in print, for he never wrote one."

John hesitated. Sir Peter rustled "The Times" uneasily. Phyllis sat
perfectly still, waiting.

"My father taught me more than I learned at Magdalene, and he gave me my
ideals. Perhaps they are unusual, but I believe they are true. They may
be told in a few words,--to face life fearlessly, live it cleanly and
fully, and use it to what end one's conscience and one's talents direct
without too much regard for the careless opinion of the world. I haven't
anything behind me that I am ashamed of. I am far from being ashamed of
my profession though I admit it has seemed to require defense rather
often since I came to London. My father encouraged me to adopt it when I
suggested the idea to him. I will tell you what he said to me. It was
this: 'All work is fine. Of course, I think labor in the Church of God
is the finest. But every profession offers opportunities for useful
service; and trade is honorable to honorable men. But, John,' said he,
'one imperishable poem is worth more to mankind than all the gold and
silver stored in the stronghold of the Bank of England. You may never
write one, but a lifetime devoted to trying will not be wasted.' That
was what my father said, sir."

"That would be like him as I recall him," said Sir Peter shortly. He had
no inkling yet of John's errand. He was disposed to be generous to this
quixotic young man for his father's sake.

Phyllis wondered how any one could look at John or hear him speak, and
not love him; but she had momentary pangs of foreboding; a vague
presentiment of impending unhappiness.

"I settled his few affairs,--he did not owe a penny,--and I came to
London. There had been some correspondence between Dr. Thorpe and my
father, and I called at Saint Ruth's. I thought I saw a chance of
touching a larger life and of doing a little good; I have given some of
my afternoons and all of my evenings there ever since. Dr. Thorpe is a
brick, as you know, sir; he and his wife have been very kind to me. I
was rather lonely at first, and--all that. My mornings I devote to my
profession. I think I have made some progress, if only in finding the
wrong ways of putting words togethe