human
Ray, said Edward anxiously,
gpt
No, answered Ray, smiling, however, as he spoke;
human
I think I am not, because I want to talk instead. I am full of a scheme which needs your help; for once we'll let the lessons go. It is an age since I have heard anything concerning your plans; you have not given up your desire for the ministry, I hope?
gpt
No, Ray; I shall never give that up.
human
I thought not; it would not be like you. That being the case, isn't it time to do something definite?
gpt
Time, certainly, Edward answered gloomily;
human
That brings me to the unfolding of my scheme. Edward, do you know that it was my lifelong desire to reach the point towards which you are looking?
gpt
said Edward, with pitying interest;
human
I never thought of it.
gpt
Well, and Ray smiled sadly,
human
And Ray pressed his thin, wasting hand across his damp forehead.
gpt
It is all over now, _utterly_. The hand did duty now for a moment, shading his eyes from the light. Presently he spoke more cheerily.
human
All over for myself, but not for you; so, Edward, what I want to say to-night, in brief, is this: You have talents, perseverance, and health; I have money,--the four combined cannot fail to speed you in your work. What say you?
gpt
I--I don't understand you,
human
Let me speak more plainly. I want you to go now, _immediately_, to some good preparatory school, thence to college, thence to the seminary, and the means wherewith to do these three important things shall be at your disposal. Isn't that plain?
gpt
Why, said Edward,
human
I don't know what to say; I am too much astonished, and--and thankful.
gpt
Then you will do it?
human
Only,--Ray?
gpt
Well?
human
Isn't there a right kind of pride, about being helped in these things?
gpt
There is a great deal of wrong kind of pride. Let me show you; and he sat up and spoke eagerly.
human
It is right and honourable for people to help themselves in this world, but very vain and foolish to refuse help which would greatly aid the cause that they profess to have at heart. You see how it is: God has given me money; I am ready and waiting to give it back to Him. I would gladly give myself to Him in the ministry; I have longed and prayed for this; but He has seen fit not to answer as I wished. I have no strength to give; you have, and are ready to give it. Do you think God would be less pleased with the offering if we united it, thus giving me a chance to do something?
gpt
No, said Edward, speaking very slowly;
human
That is, you prefer to be a great many years longer in preparation than you need be, and have about half as much strength finally as you would have, had you not overworked, rather than give me a chance to do what I could, since I cannot do what I would.
gpt
But, Ray, there are plenty of people to help, even if you do no more for me. The world is full of poor young men, struggling to get an education.
human
Yes, that is so; and I suppose you would enjoy helping some young man out in Oregon, of whom you had never heard, quite as well as you would me.
gpt
Ray, there is nothing in the world I would not do for you.
human
Will you let me help you into the ministry, as rapidly as money _can_ help?
gpt
I will be glad to; it is a great, noble offer, and I thank you from my heart. You mustn't think that I don't; only I thought--perhaps
human
I know, said Ray, for Edward had stopped doubtfully;
gpt
I understand just how you feel; but I _do_ think the feeling, in this case at least, is wrong; and, my dear brother, you will be glad when you know how thankful you have made me.
human
Yes; and after all you will not be doing any more for me--you _can't_--than you have done. I think money is very little, compared with that. Ray, and Edward sank down among the cushions in front of him,
gpt
I do believe you are more to me than any other human being ever will be.
human
It is all right, he said gently, after a little silence.
gpt
I think you will do so much more than I ever _could_ have done. God bless you, my dear brother!
human
And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away.
gpt
Bob, said Edward, stopping before Bob's counter, two days after this matter was settled,
human
I am going to start for home in the morning.
gpt
Are you, though? Bob answered eagerly, stopping his work to take the sentence in fully.
human
My! I wish I was going along, just to see what folks would say.
gpt
About _you_, do you mean?