All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

3o6 ALL JN A GARDEN FAIR.
One of the juniors asked him if he knew—if he
had considered—the kind of life he was about
to choose.
Allen said that he supposed it would be a
life of poverty and, perhaps, hardship. But
there would be compensations.
' Wliat compensations are there ? ' asked the
])arLner, who belonged to three good clubs,
lived in the Cromwell Eoad, dined every day
like Dives, and saw a doctor twice a week, in
order to keep himself and his digestion in good
order. * What possible compensations are there
for poverty and hardship ? '
' -:\j-t,' said Allen proudly, * compensates for
everything.'
' Good morning, young man,' said the
partner.
In this way did Allen leave Brimage and
Waring's, and turned his back upon the City.
Then they sent for Will, and made him the
same offer.
He accepted with an eagerness which con-
trasted favom'ably with Allen's hesitation,