Nothing can smother them. Only-you must give them
out.'
'If only I knew how--!'
'Keep close to the children,' sifted the strange answer through the
fruit-trees; 'the world is a big child. And catch it when it lies
asleep--not thinking of itself,' he whispered.
'The time is so short--'
'At forty you stand upon the threshold of life, with values learned
and rubbish cleared away. So many by that time are already dead--in
heart. I envy your opportunities ahead. You have learned already one
foundation truth--the grandeur of toil and the insignificance of
acquisition. The other foundation thing is even simpler--you have a
neighbour. Now, with your money to give as flowers, and your Belief to
steer you straight, you have the world before you. And--keep close to
the children.'
'Before there are none left,' added Rogers under his breath. But the
other heard the words and instantly corrected him--
'Children of any age, and wherever you may find them.'
And they turned slowly and made their way in silence across the
soaking lawn, entering the house by the drawing-room window.
'Good-night,' the old man said, as he lit his candle and led him to
his room; 'and pleasant, happy, inspiring dreams.'
He seemed to say it with some curious, heartfelt meaning in the common
words.
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