"Not for me the task," he murmured. "Not for me. I am not worthy. It is for me to learn, not to teach." He tore the manuscript and burned it. He had forfeited the right to show his brethren the path of duty. At length he came to the end of his labors. Before he retired to rest he prayed long and fervently, and offered up supplications for forgiveness. At nine o'clock in the morning Mr. Moss presented himself, and reported what he had done. "Everything is in such straight order," he said, "that the whole business can be finished to-morrow." "It will be a great weight off my mind," said Aaron, "when all the papers are signed. I have letters from Rachel and Rose." He passed the young girl's letter to Mr. Moss. "She says there is no change in Rachel, but that she thinks the air and change of scene are doing her good. If you write to Rose do not hint of any impending trouble, and do not mention Ruth's name, lest Rachel should suspect that something was wrong. I ought to tell you, Mr. Moss, that I have resolved to retire into private life; I shall be much happier, and I am sure Rachel will be. It is a sudden resolution, and I dare say my friends will be surprised, but I am fixed; nothing can make me change my mind." "And your contracts, Cohen?" asked Mr. Moss, who was sufficiently familiar with Aaron's character to know that remonstrance at present would be thrown away. "I shall transfer them. My earnest wish is that I shall be forgotten, and allowed to live in peace. I am growing old; let my place, which I unworthily hold, be occupied by a better man." "That is hardly likely to come to pass," said Mr. Moss gravely. "You are not old; you are in the prime of life, with very many years of usefulness before you. But I will not argue with you; when you have recovered from your depression, when Rachel is well again, you will think better of it. We need you; no other man can fill your place. You deliver your address on Sunday, do you not?" "No." "But, Cohen, it is expected; it is looked forward to, and the best results are anticipated from it. You will not go from your word?" "I must. The address is destroyed. I must bear whatever is said of me; I accept it as part of my punishment." "Of your punishment! I do not understand you." "You will by and by. Mr. Moss, the man who presumes to set down the laws of right and wrong should be above reproach. Can a thief preach honesty? Can a liar lift his voice in praise of truth?" "These are strange utterances, Cohen, from your lips." "There is a sad foundation for them. To know yourself--that is the height of human wisdom; and I have learned too late. Pray do not continue the subject; you stand in the dark, I in the light." "Well, well," said Mr. Moss, with a sigh, "we will speak of this another time. Have you seen the papers this morning?" "I have not opened them." "They are full of your praises for putting an end to the strike; they say it is due alone to your character and powerful influence."