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the usual training of average men. Why should they be above them? We should not hope, or perhaps even wish for it.”
    â€œThere are cases of a literary father and son,” said Merton. “And either of them may be the better. But it is idle to plan the future. It must take care of itself.”
    â€œI did not find it did,” said Hereward. “The effort fell to me. I found it a long, hard service. And you may do the same. I even hope you will. It might be better for you in the end.”
    â€œWhy are early struggles so much recommended? They may not lead to success, because they end in it.”
    â€œWell, may you do all you hope, my boy. No one would be prouder than your father.”
    â€œNo one is prouder of you, than I am in my way, Father. Of course it must be in my way. Our opinions and aims are different. They would hardly be the same.”
    â€œI thought aims were always the same,” said Joanna. “And I believe they are.”
    â€œThey are more so than is thought,” said Zillah. “They tend to meet, as time goes by. They are adapted to achievements, and those do come nearer to each other.”
    â€œHave you found that true, Father?” said Merton.
    â€œI think there is truth in it. But I have never been concerned with aims. We give out what is in us.”
    â€œIs not that saying the same thing?”
    â€œI daresay it is,” said Joanna. “It so often is, when people say different things.”
    â€œLet us leave our aims,” said Salomon. “I like to forget them, as I have none. Mother, you spoke of your sister. Why has she passed from our lives? I remember so well when she was in them.”
    â€œShe lives at a distance,” said Hereward. “And her marriage has widened it, as marriages will.”
    â€œMy Emmeline!” said Ada. “I hardly feel I have lost her. Reuben gives her back to me. And more with every day.”
    â€œThere is a great likeness,” said Zillah. “And it seems to grow with him. I suppose a real likeness would.”
    â€œIt is not only in his looks and ways. There is something that defies words. It is the touch I have missed myself. It is impossible to define it. I don’t know if it will lead anywhere.”
    â€œThat would need something with more depth and force,” said Merton.
    â€œI don’t think Merton has a touch,” said Reuben.
    â€œIt is an elusive thing,” said Ada. “We can’t give it a place.”
    â€œWe have given it one,” said Reuben. “It is in Aunt Emmeline and me.”
    â€œAunt Emmeline! How natural it sounds! How I wish we had heard it oftener!”
    â€œWhy have we not?” said Merton. “Why do we never see her? There must be a private reason. I suppose some family trouble.”
    â€œThere is or there was,” said his mother. “So that is enough.”
    â€œBut it is not,” said Salomon. “Not nearly enough, as you know.”
    â€œWe can add to it,” said Merton. “I expect it had to do with money.”
    â€œYou are wrong,” said Hereward. “Money is not the whole of life.”
    â€œIt is often the whole of quarrels, Father”
    â€œIt was no part of this one.”
    â€œI am surprised that there was trouble, Father,” said Salomon. “I remember you and my aunt together.”
    â€œThere was no trouble between her and me.”
    â€œPerhaps it was the opposite,” said Merton. “Ah, that is nearer the truth.”
    â€œSo it is out,” said Ada. “Well, it had to come. Questions are asked in the end, and carry their answers. Yes, yourfather and my sister were becoming too much to each other. And it led to a breach that has remained. Not an estrangement, not a silence. But a parting of the ways.”
    â€œHow I long to ask a question!” said Reuben.
    â€œWell, what is it?” said his father.
    â€œWhat do you feel for Aunt