ok from which I have drawn the greatest
inspiration. It, and the works of the immortal bard of Avon are the
books I recommended above all others to the students of my class. Not
only for the great uplifting influence, but for the wonderful language,
I advised them to drink deeply of those profound wells of purest
English."

"What did you teach at college?" Douglas enquired.

"English Literature, as you can easily guess from my remarks. I was at
Passdale for over fifteen years."

"You must miss such work now."

"Not at all. I have other interests to occupy my time, and my present
leisure affords me the opportunity of carrying out a work which has
long been in my mind."

"And what is that?"

"It is the re-writing and revising of my notes on the plays of
Shakespeare. It is well advanced now, and a noted publisher, a special
friend of mine, will publish it as soon as it is completed."

"You must have found your blindness a great handicap, sir."

"You and others might think so," and the old man smiled. "But there is
an ancient proverb which tells us that when God closes a door he always
opens a window. It was so with sightless Milton, and though I do not
class myself with him, nevertheless, it has been true in my case. It
was Emerson who gave us that wonderful essay on Compensation, and he
knew whereof he wrote."

"But how have you managed to prepare this work of yours?" Douglas
questioned. "You surely must have had some assistance."

"Nell has been my guardian angel ever since my blindness. She does all
my writing, reads the plays and my notes to refresh my memory. She was
reading King Lear this afternoon, and I was much stirred by the sad
trials of the poor old king. I mentally compared my lot with his and
found that the advantage is mine. He had no home, two ungrateful
daughters, and, as far as I can learn, no 'shadow of a rock in a weary
land.' I have a comfortable dwelling, small though it is, two good and
loving daughters, a work which gives me great pleasure, and the hope of
a sure abiding place not made with hands. What more could a man
desire?"

"You are indeed to be congratulated," Douglas replied. "And much
pleasure lies ahead of you when your book is published. You will have
the satisfaction of knowing that it will be of great interest and
assistance to many. I, for one, shall look forward to reading it."

"Will you really?" and the old man's face beamed with pleasure. "But
perh