The Man in Possession — page 244: what you’re looking at

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

THE MAN IN POSSESSION. 239 ranks as the old drop ont. I envy them the hopeful- ness—the zeal—the enthusiasm they lavish on.all and everything they take up. I know it can’t last—lI know it will be of so very little use—I know that however new the song seems, it is only sung to the same old tune. But, for all that, I like to watch the singer, and hear the fresh voice lending its own en- thusiasm to that old song.” He rose then as if to depart. ‘‘It may occur to you,” he said, ‘‘after I’m gone, of course, that ’ve been too blunt and too outspoken. But remember, I’m only a rough soldier of fortune, and have only the virtue of perfect frankness. When I said you interested me, I meant it. When I said I read something of your story in your face, I meant it Now I won't bore you with my company any longer. Only I'll say this, ‘Don’t despair.’ Half the mischief of life and half its sorrows come from some trifling misapprehension, and now—good- night.” He held out his hand, and Tom shook it warmly. ‘‘You've done me no end of good,” he said. . ‘‘I hope you'll come and see me again—very soon.” ‘‘T’m staying at the Langham Hotel,” said Colonel Lawrence, ‘‘and as no friendship in England can possibly be cemented without the ceremony of a dinner, you must come and dine with me there. Shall we say to-morrow? Mytimeis uncertain; I’ve come to look for a friend. I’m not even sure if— if the person is in London. But that lends a vague charm to the search. Well, shall it be to-morrow? Seven-thirty ?” ECOTMICLOOO SS) (SO