eelings as easily and carelessly
as he would upon the grass, and go on his way undisturbed, but it is more
painful to see faltering, trembling incapacity for self-assertion,
especially before subordinates. Mr. Furze could not have suffered more
than two or three days' inconvenience if Orkid Jim had been discharged,
but a vague terror haunted him of something which might possibly happen.
Partly this distressing weakness is due to the absence of a clear
conviction that we are right; it is an intellectual difficulty; but
frequently it is simple mushiness of character, the same defect which
tempts us, when we know a thing is true, to whittle it down if we meet
with opposition, and to refrain from presenting it in all its sharpness.
Cowardice of this kind is not only injustice to ourselves, but to our
friends. We inflict a grievous wrong by compromise. We are responsible
for what we see, and the denial or the qualification should be left to
take care of itself. Our duty is, if possible, to give a distinct
outline to what we have in our mind. It is easy to say we should not be
obstinate, pigheaded, and argue for argument's sake. That is true, just
as much as every half truth is true, but the other half is also true.

Mr. Furze, excepting when he was out of temper, never stood up to Orkid
Jim. He needed the stimulus of passion to do what ought to have been
done by reason, and when we cannot do what is right save under the
pressure of excitement it is generally misdone. Orkid Jim had a great
dislike to Tom, which he took no pains to conceal. It was difficult to
ascertain the cause, but partly it was jealousy. Tom had got before him.
This, however, was not all. It was a case of pure antipathy, such as may
often be observed amongst animals. Some dogs are the objects of special
hatred by others, and are immediately attacked by them, before any cause
of offence can possibly have been given.

Jim had called at the Terrace on the morning after the explosion with
Catharine. He came to replace a cracked kitchen boiler, and Mrs. Furze,
for some reason or other, felt inclined to go down to the kitchen and
have some talk with him. She knew how matters stood between him and Tom.

"Well, Jim, how are you getting on now? I have not seen you lately."

"No, marm, I ain't one as comes to the front much now."

"What do you mean? I suppose you might if you liked. I am sure Mr.
Furze values you highly."

Jim was cautious and