For Love or Gold? The Story of a Great Department Store — page 180: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

*a76. Mr; Forbes Reaches a Decision. | “What proof have you that your reward will come? ‘This _ may be a delusion that you are following.” .- “T am willing to risk it,” said Mr. Denton, solemnly. “Tt is the best a man can do to follow his conscience.’ “But there are duties to one’s family that must be con- sidered,” urged Mr. Forbes. “A man cannot rightfully ignore the fact that he is of the earth, earthy, and that _ there is something tangible needed before we soar into the mysteries.” ' “He must ignore nothing,” said Mr. Denton, gravely, “but, as I said before, he must follow his conscience.’ | “Well, I should like to stay with you, but I cannot do it,’ said Mr. Forbes, “for, while I sympathize with your feelings in many respects, yet I cannot indorse your un- business-like actions. If you think my interest here is _ worth fifty thousand dollars, you can give me that amount, and I will go—then you will be free to spend your fortune according to any freak of your fancy.” “You are more just in your dealings than I expected,” said Mr. Denton, flushing a little. ‘‘After my experience with Mr. Day, I did not look for any mercy.’ “Oh, I have a conscience, too,” said Mr. Forbes, grimly, “and while I did not know it until lately, it has made me very uncomfortable, | can assure you.’ | There was a genuine ring in his voice as he spoke, and as Mr. Denton detected it, he rose and anes ti his hand upon his shoulder. Better | stay with me, brother, and let us work to- gether,” he said gently. “In the vineyard of the Master there can be no unrewarded labor.” Mr. Forbes shook his head and turned away. “We can attend to the legal details some other time,” he said briefly. ‘‘You are busy to-day, so I will not detain you.”’ Mr. Denton sat down at his desk again, and as the door closed behind his partner he bowed his head upon his bosom. “Alone and yet not alone,” he whispered softly. “God grant me strength to do my duty, and if my lot is failure, let me accept it bravely. It is alla man can do. He must follow his conscience.” comicbooks.com —