Welsh Journals

126 WHAT CANNOT LOVE DO. particularly appreciate, but -which seldom offers. Call on Monday, and we will consider meanwhile if we can find you something of a permanent character. Meanwhile this (putting an envelope into Larry's hands) may be useful. Good morning." Larry's shake of the hand then held out wa3 something to receive, and to be remembered ever after. That was his substitute for the words that he could not trust to let loose while his heart was so full. Hurrying away, it was some minutes before he remembered the envelope he had thrust into his pocket. He opened it in the street, and found a cheque for five pounds. How he would like to have given a loud hurrah that should have been heard a mile off, instead of being obliged by the proprieties of the place and of his future to go with sedate features to the bank; and get the cash with the air of being thoroughly used to that sort of thing, and finding it common¬ place. Monday's visit proved even more fortunate. The dramatic critic had been asked when he thought it probable he would be able once more to write, and had written back to say he had just put the matter to his doctor; who had not only advised him against any early resumption of labour, but, further, said the best thing he could do was to take a long sea voyage that would probably completely restore him. So he had taken counsel with friends, and the voyage was^ settled. He must, therefore, relieve the editors from any embarrassment by asking them to consider his engagement at an end. How Larry listened, hanging upon every word, while the end could still only be doubtfully conjectured; and how he felt when the position was really offered him at the close—none could imagine who had not, like him, so wasted past opportuni¬ ties—like him yearned to redeem them, and who, above all,, had, like him, an object to attain dear to him as his own heart's blood. For one moment he felt all was obtained. And although cooler moments followed, and brought back the actual truth that this was but a first step, it coloured even his few words of thanks. " If I could tell you, sir, how much for me hung upon your reception—and which is now decided by your present offer— you would see I ought to be grateful, and am not likely to be negligent." A warm grasp of hands on both sides put the seal to the bargain. And Larry felt exultingly he had already an occupa¬ tion that he preferred to all others, and had taken a first but