" More than once
he admitted to his wife that his early privations had made his life in
Harrisville selfish and inconsiderate, that the questions of higher
civilization were involved in the vigorous efforts of humanity for a
closer brotherhood, and that if God permitted him he would lend a helping
hand.
Mrs. Harris, naturally proud, was slow to respond to the colonel's new
ideas, but he felt that under Gertrude's generous influences his wife
would prove a help rather than a hindrance. Mrs. Harris knew that
Gertrude and George, who had received a broad education, were ambitious
to do good, and besides she trusted and loved them both.
It was clear to George and Gertrude that little or no hindrance would be
offered to wise plans of usefulness. It was finally agreed that Colonel
Harris and George should spend a week or two visiting some of the great
industrial centers of Europe, and that Alfonso and Leo should accompany
the ladies to Paris, and then visit the haunts of the old portrait
painters of the Netherlands.
It was also decided by George and Gertrude that they would be married in
Paris. This made the two lovers happy; for soon the two diamonds and ruby
would be advanced to the ring finger, as promised by Gertrude on Mt.
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