who could read his heart's desire,
and who could see how sincerely in earnest he was to find some channel
wherein the current of his accumulated wealth might flow after his own
death, to fruitfulness and blessing for those who truly deserved it.

"Is it so much to ask of destiny--just one honest heart?" he inwardly
demanded--"Is it so large a return to want from the world in which I
have toiled so long--just one unselfish love? People would tell me I am
too old to expect such a thing,--but I am not seeking the love of a
lover,--that I know is impossible. But Love,--that most god-like of all
emotions, has many phases, and a merely sexual attraction is the least
and worst part of the divine passion. There is a higher form,--one far
more lasting and perfect, in which Self has very little part,--and
though I cannot give it a name, I am certain of its existence!"

Another gust of wind, more furious than the last, whistled overhead and
through the crannies of the door. He rose, and tucking Charlie warmly
under his coat as before, he went out, pausing on his way to thank the
mistress of the little bakery for the excellent meal he had enjoyed.

"Well, you won't hurt on it," she said, smilingly; "it's plain, but it's
wholesome. That's all we claim for it. Are you going on far?"

"Yes, I'm bound for a pretty long tramp,"--he replied. "I'm walking to
find friends in Cornwall."

She opened her eyes in unfeigned wonder and compassion.

"Deary me!" she ejaculated--"You've a stiff road before you. And to-day
I'm afraid you'll be in for a storm."

He glanced out through the shop-window.

"It's not raining,"--he said.

"Not yet,--but it's blowing hard,"--she replied--"And it's like to blow
harder."

"Never mind, I must risk it!" And he lifted his cap; "Good-day!"

"Good-day! A safe journey to you!"

"Thank you!"

And, gratefully acknowledging the kindly woman's parting nod and smile,
he stepped out of the shop into the street. There he found the wind had
risen indeed. Showers of blinding dust were circling in the air,
blotting out the view,--the sky was covered with masses of murky cloud
drifting against each other in threatening confusion--and there was a
dashing sound of the sea on the beach which seemed to be steadily
increasing in volume and intensity. He paused for a moment under the
shelter of an arched doorway, to place Charlie more comfortably under
his arm and button his coat more securely, the while he watched t