I too saw these things as you and Brooks see them to-day. I
do not wish to preach pessimism to you. I fought and was worsted. So
will you be. The whole thing is a vast chimera, a jest of the God you
have made for yourself. But as long as the world lasts the young will
have to buy knowledge--as I have bought it. Don't go into the fray
empty-handed--it will only prolong the suffering."
"You speak," she protested, gently, "as though it were impossible to do
good."
"It is absolutely and entirely impossible to do good by any means which
you and Brooks and the whole army of your fellow-philanthropists have
yet evoked," he answered, with a sudden fierce note in his tone. "Don't
think that I speak to you as a cynic, one who loiters on the edge of the
cauldron and peers in to gratify cravings for sensation. I have been
there, down in the thick of it, there where the mud is as black as
hell--bottomless as eternity. I was young--as you--mad with enthusiasm.
I had faith, strength, belief. I meant to cleanse the world. I
worked till the skin hung on my bones. I gave all that I
had--youth--gifts--money.
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