The Chippendales (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1909. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... "Will be better off than ever before in his life." "But if he doesn't think so?" "He will try socialism, and in the end flee from it in disgust." "Socialism " ejaculated Mr. Avery. "That means the death of the individual, too." He shook his head with the instinct of the man who believes in the triumph of energy and revolts from being confounded with the common herd. At this point the bubbling laugh of the practical Lora intervened and her distinct voice was heard to utter: "What Hugh really means--his moral is that we must all hold on tight to what we have and try to increase it, for the people who fail to do so will soon be nobodies even in Boston/' CHAPTER XVIII It was Sunday, just after morning service. For the past ten minutes people had been gathering in the cloisterlike arcades which surrounded the inner court-yard of the new Public Library--slipping in, as it were, for the occasion was a select one. Those entering had been bidden to a private view of the bronze fountain which had recently, been offered as a central ornament for the court-yard. Before formal acceptance of the gift, the trustees of the library had seen fit to take certain competent minds into their confidence, though the invitation contained no hint that an expression of opinion was sought for. And yet it could be safely taken for granted that such a gathering of the leading citizens of Boston would not approach an object of art in other than a tensely critical spirit. The list had been made out with discernment, for fashion no less than technical knowledge, Cambridge as well as Boston, unfaltering moral worth and travelled scepticism were each in evidence; individuals might be missing, but every point of view was represented, including two clergymen and a bank president, who, spiritually ...