But, as he had overtaxed his eyes, I began to
read to him; and then, as we became better acquainted, he resumed
a habit he had, as I soon learned, of speaking in half-soliloquy
concerning the subjects that occupied his mind. He said that an
invalid sister had indulged him in this habit, and he had tried
to think aloud partly to beguile her weariness. But to me it was
the revelation of the richest and most versatile mind I have ever
known. At last I ventured to show my interest and to ask some
questions, and then he gradually became interested in me for some
reason."
"I can understand his reasons," said Van Berg emphatically.
"He did not know at first how much time father had given me and to
what good uses we had put the books we had. Well, I must be brief.
Every day brought us nearer together, until it seemed that we shared
our thoughts in common. I ought not to complain, for perhaps in
few long lives does there come more happiness than was crowded in
those few weeks. It was the happiness of heaven--it was the happiness
of two souls attuned to perfect harmony and ranging together the
richest fields of truth and fancy. Dear old father was blind to
it all, and I had scarcely thought whither the shining tide was
carrying me until last Tuesday five years ago, Mr.
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