Two Years Ago, Volume II. by Charles Kingsley
page 5 of 432 (01%)
page 5 of 432 (01%)
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How easy it is to buy the love of men! Gold will not do it: but there is
a little angel, may be, in the corner of every man's eye, who is worth more than gold, and can do it free of all charges: unless a man drives him out, and "hates his brother; and so walks in darkness; not knowing whither he goeth," but running full butt against men's prejudices, and treading on their corns, till they knock him down in despair--and all just because he will not open his eyes, and use the light which comes by common human good-nature! Presently Tom hurries up, having been originally one of the deputation, but kept by the necessity of binding up the three fingers which the ramrod had spared to poor Jem Burman's hand. He bows, and the Lieutenant--who (Frank being a little shy) acts as her Majesty's representative--introduces him as "deputy medical man to our district of the union, sir: Mr. Thurnall." "Dr. Heale was to have been hero, by the by. Where is Dr. Heale?" says some one. "Very sorry, my lord; I can answer for him--professional calls, I don't doubt--nobody more devoted to your lordship." One need not inquire where Dr. Heale was: but if elderly men will drink much brandy-and-water in hot summer days, after a heavy early dinner, then will those men be too late for deputations and for more important employments. "Never mind the doctor, daresay he's asleep after dinner: do him good!" says the Viscount, hitting the mark with a random shot; and thereby raising his repute for sagacity immensely with his audience, who laugh |
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