Ravenshoe. By Henry Kingsley.

72 RAVENSHOE.
rooks; but his mind was drawn off by Charles having led him
into a warm, southern corner, and set him down in the sun.
Mary did her errand well, for in a few moments Cuthbert advanced rapidly towards them. Coming up, he took Charles's
hand, and shook it with a faint, kindly smile.
He had grown to be a tall and somewhat handsome'young
man, - certainly handsomer than Charles. His face, even now
he was warmed by exercise, was very pale, though the complexion was clear and healthy, His hair was slightly gone from his
forehead, and he looked much older than he really was. The
moment that the smile was gone, his face resumed the expression
of passionless calm that it had borne before; and sitting down by
his brother, he asked him how he did.
"I am as well, Cuthbert," said Charles, "as youth, health, a
conscience of brass, and a whole worldful of friends can make
me. I'm all right, bless you! But you look very peaking and
pale. Do you take exercise enough?"
" I? 0 dear, yes. But I am very glad to see you, Charles.
Our father misses you. Don't you, father?"
" Very much, Cuthbert."
"Yes. I bore him. I do, indeed. I don't take interest in
the things he does; I can't; it's not my nature. You and he
will be as happy as kings, talking about salmon and puppies and
colts."
" I know, Cuthbert; I know. You never cared about those
things as we do."
"No, never, brother; and now less than ever. I hope you will
stay with me, - with us. You are my own brother. I will have
you stay here," he continued, in a slightly raised voice; " and I
desire that any opposition or impertinence you may meet with
may be immediately reported to me."
" It will be immediately reported to those who use it, and in a
way they won't like, Cuthbert. Don't you be afraid; I sha'n't
quarrel. Tell me something about yourself, old boy."
" I can tell you but little to interest you, Charles. You are of
this world, and rejoice in being so. I. day by day wean myself
more and more from it, knowing its worthlessness. Leave me to
my books and my religious exercises, and go on your way. The
time.will come when your pursuits and pleasures will turn to
bitter dust in your mouth, as mine never can. When the world is
like a howling wilderness to you, as it will be soon, then come to
me, and I will show you where to find happiness. At present you
will not listen to me."
"Not I," said Charles. "Youth, health, talent like yours,are these gifts to despise?"
"They are clogs to keep me from higher things. Study, medi