"It was cruel of me to suggest
such a thing so soon. And yet I suppose we must be prepared for
something of the kind sooner or later. You know you have constantly
expressed the hope that neither of them would hang fire like dear
Julia."
"Oh, I know it. I'm a selfish brute, Josephine," I answered, beginning
to hone my razor with the desperate air of one who would fain cut his
own throat as the simplest solution of the problem of living.
And only six months ago the horizon of my domestic happiness looked so
clear and comforting. Not even a cloud of the traditional smallness of
a man's hand marred its serenity. Little Fred was pegging away at
Leggatt & Paine's with commendable steadiness all day, and, though he
was apt to dance all night by way of making up for it, I was comforted
in my solicitude regarding his health by the recollection that I used
to do the same when I was his age, my spiritual countenance to the
contrary notwithstanding. Besides, Leggatt has always a good word to
say for him, and evidently still keeps an eye on him, notwithstanding
that Fred has ceased to kick foot-ball and limps no longer. To be
sure, I have been beguiled once or twice by the dear boy's assurance
that I would make my fortune, if I would follow his advice, into buying
investment securities the market price of which at present is far less
than I paid for them.
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