t the face of the earth,
the whole business would right itself automatically. The unfit would
die out. A stronger generation would arise, a generation stronger and
better able to look after itself. But come, we have been serious long
enough. You are tired with your day's work, Miss Julia, and Aaron, too.
I've been in the committee room of the House of Commons half the day,
and my head's addled with figures. Here comes our supper. Let us drop
the more serious things of life. We'll try and put a little colour into
your cheeks, young lady."

He served them both and filled their glasses with wine. Then, as he
ate, he leaned back in his chair and watched them. For all her strange
beauty, Julia, too, was one of the suffering children of the world. The
lines of her figure, which should have been so subtle and fascinating,
were sharpened by an unnatural thinness. Aaron's cheeks were almost
like a consumptive's, his physique was puny. There was something in
their expression common to both. Maraton was conscious of a wave of
pity as he withdrew his eyes.

"Sometimes," he said, "I feel almost angry with you two. You carry on
your shoulders the burden of other people's sufferings. It is well to
feel and realise them, and the gift of sympathy is a beautiful thing,
but our own individualism is also a sacred gift. It is not for us to
weaken or destroy it by encouraging a superabundant sympathy for others.
We each have our place in the world, whether we owe it to fate or our
own efforts, and it is our duty to make the best of it. Our own
happiness, indeed, is a present charge upon ourselves for the ultimate
benefit of others. A happy person in the world does good always. You
two have a leaning towards morbidness. If I had time, I would undertake
your education. As it is, we will have another bottle of wine, and I
shall take you to a music hall."

It was an evening that lived in Julia's mind with particular vividness
for years to come, and yet one which she always found it difficult to
piece together in her thoughts. They went to one of the less
fashionable music halls, where the turns were frequent and there was no
ballet. Aaron was very soon able to re-establish his temporarily lost
capacity for enjoyment. Maraton, leaning back in his place with a cigar
in his mouth, appreciated everything and applauded constantly. It was
Julia who found the new atmosphere most difficult. She laughed often,
it is true, but she had always a semi-sub