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both to clan and creed to allow their differences really to
separate them; but there was, undoubtedly, something in their
natures which jarred. Even Tom found it hard at times to bear the
strong infusion of bitter criticism which his mother introduced
into the home atmosphere. He was something of a philosopher,
however, and knowing that she had been through great trouble, and
had had much to try her, he made up his mind that it was natural
therefore inevitable therefore to be borne
The home life was not without its frets and petty trials, but on
one point there was perfect accord. All were devoted to the head
of the house would have sacrificed anything to bring him a few
minutes' peace.
As for Raeburn, when not occupied in actual conflict, he lived in
a sort of serene atmosphere of thought and study, far removed from
all the small differences and little cares of his household. They
invariably smoothed down all such roughnesses in his presence, and
probably in any case he would have been unable to see such
microscopic grievances; unless, indeed, they left any shade of
annoyance on Erica's face, and then his fatherhood detected at once
what was wrong.
It would be tedious, however, to follow the course of Erica's life
for the next three years, for, though the time was that of her
chief mental growth, her days were of the quietest. Not till she
was twoandtwenty did she fully recover from the effects of her
sudden sorrow and the subsequent overwork. In the meantime, her
father's influence steadily deepened and spread throughout the
country, and troubles multiplied.
Who spouts his message to the wilderness,
Lightens his soul and feels one burden less;
But to the people preach, and you will find
They'll pay you back with thanks ill to your mind.
Goethe. Translated by J.S.B.
Hyde Park is a truly national property, and it is amusing and
perhaps edifying to note the various uses to which it is often put.
In the morning it is the rendevous of nurses and children; in the
afternoon of a fashionable throng; on Sunday evenings it is the
resort of hardworking men and women, who have to content
themselves with getting a breath of fresh air once a week. But,
above all, the park is the meeting place of the people, the place
for mass meetings and monster demonstrations.
On a bright day in June, when the trees were still in their
freshest green, the crowd of wealth and fashion had beaten an
ignominious retreat before a great political demonstration to be
held that afternoon.
Every one knew that the meeting would be a very stormy one, for it
related to the most burning question of the day, a question which

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