rsh, abrupt, and deep.

"I've lied often enough in my life," he said, "and may again, but I
think never to you till to-day. You're such a clean-minded, big-hearted
man that you don't understand a mind of my build--a mind that can't
forgive, that can't forget, that's fed full for years on the thought of
revenging that frightful blow in the past. What you feared and hinted
just now was partly the truth, and I know it well enough. But that is
only to say my motives in this matter mixed."

"None but a brave man would admit so mucn, but now you wrong yourself,
as I wronged you. We are alike. I, too, have sometimes in dark moments
blamed myself for evil thoughts and evil deeds beyond my real deserts.
So you. I know nothing but your sense of duty would make you post that
letter."

"We've wrecked each other's lives, he and I; only he's a boy, and his
life's before him; I'm a man, and my life is lived, for I'm the sort
that grows old early, and he's helped Time more than anybody knows but
myself."

"Don't say that. Happiness never comes when you are hungering most for
it; sorrow never when you believe yourself best tuned to bear it. Once I
thought as you do now. I waited long for my good fortune, and said
'good-by' to all my hope of earthly delight."

"You were easier to satisfy than I should have been. Yet you were
constant, too,--constant as I was. We're built that way. More's the
pity."

"I have absolutely priceless blessings; my cup of happiness is full.
Sometimes I ask myself how it comes about that one so little deserving
has received so much; sometimes I waken in the very extremity of fear,
for joy like mine seems greater than any living thing has a right to."

"I'm glad one of us is happy."

"I shall live to see you equally blessed."

"It is impossible."

There was a pause, then a gong rumbled in the hall, and the brothers
went to dinner. Their conversation now ranged upon varied local topics,
and it was not until the cloth had been removed according to
old-fashioned custom, and fruit and wine set upon a shining table, that
John returned to the crucial subject of the moment.

He poured out a glass of port for Martin, and pushed the cigars towards
him, then spoke,--

"Drink. It's very good. And try one of those. I shall not post that
letter."

"Man, I knew it! I knew it well, without hearing so from you. Destroy
the thing, dear fellow, and so take the first step to a peace I fear you
have not known for m