I always think him a
hero and a mystery, and they won't tell me about him, and I can only dream
and wonder.'
'He has made more people than you dream and wonder, my dear Maud. I don't
know what to make of him. He is a sort of idol, you know, of your father's,
and yet I don't think he helps him much. His abilities were singular; so
has been his misfortune; for the rest, my dear, he is neither a hero nor a
wonder. So far as I know, there are very few sublime men going about the
world.'
'You really must tell me all you know about him, Cousin Monica. Now don't
refuse.'
'But why should you care to hear? There is really nothing pleasant to
tell.'
'That is just the reason I wish it. If it were at all pleasant, it would be
quite commonplace. I like to hear of adventures, dangers, and misfortunes;
and above all, I love a mystery. You know, papa will never tell me, and I
dare not ask him; not that he is ever unkind, but, somehow, I am afraid;
and neither Mrs. Rusk nor Mary Quince will tell me anything, although I
suspect they know a good deal.'
'I don't see any good in telling you, dear, nor, to say the truth, any
great harm either.
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