At last my brother arrived; he looked pale and unwell; I met him at the
door. 'You have been long absent,' said I.
'Yes,' said he, 'perhaps too long; but how is my father?'
'Very poorly,' said I, 'he has had a fresh attack; but where have you
been of late?'
'Far and wide,' said my brother; 'but I can't tell you anything now, I
must go to my father. It was only by chance that I heard of his
illness.'
'Stay a moment,' said I. 'Is the world such a fine place as you supposed
it to be before you went away?'
'Not quite,' said my brother, 'not quite; indeed I wish--but ask me no
questions now, I must hasten to my father.'
There was another question on my tongue, but I forebore; for the eyes of
the young man were full of tears. I pointed with my finger, and the
young man hastened past me to the arms of his father.