better loved than John, because his temper and his position permitted
him a greater familiarity with the hands. They came to John for any
solid favor or any necessary information, they came to Harry for help in
their ball or cricket games or in any musical entertainment they wished
to give. And Harry on such occasions was their fellow playmate, and took
and gave with a pleasant familiarity that was never imposed on.




CHAPTER IV

BROTHERS


The pleasant habit of existence, the sweet fable of Life and Love.

* * * * *
They sin who tell us Love can die,
With Life all other passions fly,
Love is indestructible.

* * * * *

A mother is a mother still, the holiest thing alive.

This afternoon the brothers looked at each other with great love, but
there was in it a sense of wariness; and Harry was inclined to bluff
what he knew his brother would regard with inconvenient seriousness.