His mother died in
Italy. He resembles his mother very much. Perhaps I ought to
provide for him. Shall I disclose myself? No! no! Better he
should taste the sweets of Labor. Penury ennobles the mind and
kindles the Love of the Beautiful. I will act to him, not like a
Father, not like a Guardian, not like a Friend--but like a
Philosopher!"
With these words, Sir Edward entered the Committee Room. His
Secretary approached him. "Sir Edward, there are fears of a
division in the House, and the Prime Minister has sent for you."
"I will be there," said Sir Edward, as he placed his hand on his
chest and uttered a hollow cough!
No one who heard the Baronet that night, in his sarcastic and
withering speech on the Drainage and Sewerage Bill, would have
recognized the lover of the Ideal and the Philosopher of the
Beautiful. No one who listened to his eloquence would have dreamed
of the Spartan resolution this iron man had taken in regard to the
Lost Boy--his own beloved Lionel. None!
"A fine speech from Sir Edward to-night," said Lord Billingsgate,
as, arm-and-arm with the Premier, he entered his carriage.
"Yes! but how dreadfully he coughs!"
"Exactly.
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