Page 154 - Fairbrass

of things there. Everyone in the house

had the best of everything, and everyone
loudly complained that everything was not

better than the best. That really summed
up the condition of affairs, but it docs not

follow that the critical complainers were
absolutely discontented. Fairbrass, how­

ever, thought they were ; he was beginning
to fancy that his curiously-acquired fortune

was a curse rather than a blessing, and he
had a great longing to get away from

everyone and to revive old memories. And
so, with faithful, affectionate Pax at his

heels, he descended the hill. There seemed
to be a mute understanding between him

and the dog that they should not talk much
by the way. The hearts of both were

more or less sorrowful; conversation could
only mean the opening of sores that would
best heal if left to themselves, and, loving

each other dearly, they were content to

enjoy the sweet solace of silent, trustful
companionship*
The familiar garden was soon reached,