But what can you do
about it?"
"I don't know, doctor. I haven't had time to think about it--I've only
just begun to realize it. But I thought if somebody like yourself--
some one he respects--could point it out to him, he might use his
money to some good purpose. If he won't, why then he ought to give it
up."
The other smiled. "I'm afraid, Samuel, he'd hardly do that!"
"But, doctor, things can't go on as they are! Right here in this town
are people dying of starvation. And he has seven hundred thousand
dollars a year! Can that continue?"
"No, I trust not, my boy. It will be better some day. But it must be
left to evolution--"
"Evolution!" echoed Samuel perplexed. "Do you believe in evolution?"
"Why," said the other embarrassed--"what I mean is, that there are
vast social forces at work--great changes taking place. But they move
very slowly--"
"But why do they move so slowly?" objected the boy. "Isn't it just
because so many people, don't care?"
"Why, Samuel--"
"If everyone would take an interest in them--then they would happen
quickly!"
The two walked on for a minute in silence. Finally, the clergyman
remarked, "Samuel, you take a great interest in social questions."
"Yes, sir," said the boy. "You see, I have been down at the bottom,
and I know how it feels. Nobody else can possibly understand--not even
you, sir, with all your kind heart.
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