No young
man should dare to neglect literature. At some period of his life
he will surely need consolation. And he may be certain that should
he live to be an old man, there will be none other,--except
religion. But for that feeling of self-contentment, which creates
happiness--hard work, and hard work alone, can give it to you.'
'Books are hard work themselves sometimes,' said Gerald.
'As for money,' continued the father, not caring to note this
interruption, 'if it be regarded in any other light than an as a
shield against want, as a rampart under the protection of which
you may carry on your battle, it will fail you. I was born a rich
man.'
'Few people have cared so little about it as you,' said the elder
son.
'And you, both of you, have been born to be rich.' This assertion
did not take the elder son by surprise. It was a matter of course.
But Lord Gerald, who had never as yet heard anything as to his
future destiny from his father, was interested by the statement.
'When I think of all this,--of what constitutes happiness,--I am
almost tempted to grieve that it should be so.
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