A God and His Gifts Read Online Free PDF Page B

Emmeline.
    â€œI think there is not,” said her aunt. “Real knowledge must have depth and scope. I say nothing for the condensed or more likely the reduced form of it.”
    â€œWell, it is better than nothing,” said Ada. “Though again I glimpse the gulf between us. Half a loaf may be better than no bread.”
    â€œHalf is a good deal,” said Emmeline. “And is it much good for a thing to be great, when it is failure?”
    â€˜Well, what is the talk?” said a deep voice, as Penelope’s brother entered the room, a tall, handsome, grey-haired man, whose features suggested his sister’s controlled to a better form. “Let me know the matter in hand.”
    â€œThe great failure, Father,” said Ada. “Aunt Penelope pleads ably for it. I was content to take a humbler stand.”
    â€œIf by great, you mean on a considerable scale, I would hardly plead for it. I am involved in one.”
    â€œOh, no, you are not, Father. It is the exhaustion after a prolonged effort. You need not fear. I do not for you.”
    â€œI share people’s fears for themselves,” said Penelope. “They have the true basis.”
    â€œBut we need not encourage them. We can render a better service. I do feel my line is right there.”
    â€œMr. and Miss Egerton,” said a servant at the door.
    â€œNow you have come at an opportune moment,” said Ada. “You find my father out of heart, and can say a word to cheer him. You can be no strangers to the reaction after endeavour. You have a twofold knowledge of it, as your two lives are one.”
    â€œIt is true,” said Hereward. “But reaction may not come by itself. It tends to carry a sense of unsuccess. You are right that I am no stranger to it. I can offer nothing better than sympathy.”
    â€œBut that may be the best thing. To feel that someone suffers what you do, that it is not an isolated experience, may lift the heart more than anything. You may have said the word that was needed. I somehow felt you would.”
    â€œWe are helped in trouble by knowing we are not alone in it,” said Penelope, with a note of condoning the truth.
    â€œYes, Aunt Penelope. If either was flushed with success, the other might feel the contrast, would be bound to feel it. As it is, each is uplifted. I am sure I am right.”
    â€œYou may be,” said Zillah. “It does sound like knowledge of our nature.”
    â€œWell, that is a thing I have. It is a fair claim. It is my own peculiar province, natural to me. It comes to me not out of books, but from something in myself. Human life goes on all round me; human nature is emplified in it. I have watched it and drawn my own conclusions, weighed them in the balance and not found them wanting. I am a companion for anyone on that ground.”
    â€œThen will you be my companion, Ada?” said Hereward, moving towards her. “My province is the same as yours. We need the same companionship. My sister and I have it, and would give it to you. And be grateful if you would take and return it.”
    There was the moment of silence. Ada’s father came to her side. She was the first to find her words.
    â€œWhy, I did not know that proposals took place in public like this.”
    â€œThey do not. This is not a usual one,” said Hereward. “It offers what is usual, but it asks more. You would share a home with my parents and my sister. Share me with her, and give her a part of yourself. You see why I make it in your father’s hearing. It seemed that he should know the whole.”
    â€œDear Sir Michael and Lady Egerton! It would be a privilege to share a home with them. And I have always wanted Zillah’s friendship, and felt it was presumptuous of me. There is only advantage for me there.”
    â€œThen if you will share even more with me, and share it always, may I feel our word is pledged?” said Hereward, taking her