whom he frankly adored, despite the
many exceedingly plain-spoken criticisms and exhortations received from
his lips.

"Your sister has been telling me about that rhyming craze of yours," the
little man said suddenly one day. "Likewise about her own very pretty
little scheme for the subjugation of my brother. Told you that she'd
told me, eh? Expect she did! She is pleased to believe she is a
designing little adventuress, whereas as a matter of fact she's as clear
as crystal, and any one with half an eye could see through her schemes.
Well! I laid down the law that neither she nor you are to worry my
brother about business matters during his holiday, for, to tell you the
truth, he has had his full share of worry of late. But what about me?
I'm a plain, common-sense, steady-going old fellow, who might perhaps be
able to give you a word or two of advice! What's all this nonsense
about throwing aside a post that's waiting for you, and which means an
income for life, in order to live in an attic, and scribble verses for
magazines? If you knew the world, young man, you would understand that
you are blessedly well off, to have your way made smooth, and would not
be in such a hurry to meet disappointments half way. They will come
soon enough! At the best of it, you will have a hard row to hoe. Why
make it worse?"

Ronald flushed in sensitive fashion, but there was no hint of offence in
his manner, as he replied--

"It is hardly a question of an attic, sir. My father would not
disinherit me because I preferred literature to business. I might have
a pittance instead of a fortune, but I should not have to fear want.
And why should I not live my own life? If I am bound to meet troubles,
surely it is only right to provide what compensations I can, and my best
compensation would be congenial work! I don't want to be rich. Let
some other fellow take the post, and get his happiness out of it; it
would be slavery to me."

"Humph! No boy likes the idea of putting his nose to the grindstone.
They all kick a bit at the thought of an office desk, but nine out of
ten enjoy the life when they get into the swing. It's a great secret of
happiness in this world, to be kept so busy that we have not time to
think of ourselves. We need work for its own sake, even more than for
what it brings; but our work must be worthy. There's no real success
away from that... About those verses now! It's a pleasant occupation
for you t