And it Was a study
both pleasant and unpleasant. It presented two pictures--one fair
and bewitching, which lit up the student's face with its reflection,
while the other, dark and lowering from its deep and gloomy
appearance, shed a cloud of despondency and sadness upon the
thoughtful brow, leaving thereon an expression that was fretful and
annoying.
"If the fellow were worthy of her I would not care so much, I could
and _would_ live it down; but for me to see her associated with
him through life, it is something dreadful. And what am I to do?
Warn them of the danger myself? oh, no; that will never do! I will
be accused of plotting to secure the prize myself. But you will
certainly do it in justice to the man whom you value as a true
friend, if for nothing else," were the burning thoughts that forced
themselves uppermost, and bade the young man reflect very seriously.
"Yes, that is a motive sufficient to nerve any man; but there is a
deeper one--yes, I will admit it--a selfish one." There was a
struggle going on worthy the soul of this noble-minded youth. He was
trying to solve a problem which vacillated between right and wrong.
It was no common task, for when duty pointed the way, the form of
self overshadowed the path, and showed only fitful gleams of light.
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