problem with which the foolish world is still wrestling.

We told each other all our secrets, too, for all the world like a pair
of girls. Although Brandon had seen so much of life, having fought on
the continent ever since he was a boy, and for all he was so much a
man of the world, yet had he as fresh and boyish a heart as if he had
just come from the clover fields and daisies. He seemed almost
diffident, but I soon learned that his manner was but the cool
gentleness of strength.

Of what use, let me ask, is a friend unless you can unload your heart
upon him? It matters not whether the load be joy or sorrow; if the
former, the need is all the greater, for joy has an expansive power,
as some persons say steam has, and must escape from the heart upon
some one else.

So Brandon told me of his hopes and aspirations, chief among which was
his desire to earn, and save, enough money to pay the debt against his
father's estate, which he had turned over to his younger brother and
sisters. He, as the eldest, could have taken it all, for his father
had died without a will, but he said there was not enough to divide,
so he had given it to them and hoped to leave it clear of debt; then
for New Spain, glory and fortune, conquest and yellow gold. He had
read of the voyages of the great Columbus, the Cabots, and a host of
others, and the future was as rosy as a Cornish girl's cheek. Fortune
held up her lips to him, but--there's often a sting in a kiss.