"If money could avail with a man like you," continued Armstrong, "it
should not be wanting. If ease or luxury could tempt--but you have
trampled them under foot, and what are they to one whose conversation
is in heaven?"

Holden, while he was speaking, had risen from his seat and strode
twice or thrice across the room. When Armstrong had finished speaking
he again approached him.

"It is not for naught," he exclaimed, "that the Lord hath conducted
thee this day unto me. Speak what he shall put into thy mouth to say."

"I would have your confidence," said Armstrong. "As the sick beast or
the hurt bird knows by an infallible instinct what herb or plant will
best promote its cure, so it seems to me does Providence direct me to
you. Repulse me not, but be my kind physician."

"How can the physician prescribe, if he knoweth not the complaint."

"You shall know if you have patience to listen. But I must go back
years to make myself intelligible."

"Speak, my brother," said Holden, gently, "not a word shall fall in
vain."

"Then listen," said Armstrong, "and learn what sorrows the outward
shows of prosperity may gild."

Holden resumed his seat, and Armstrong began his relation.