"As I told you, I am inexperienced in these matters," Stamfordham said, "but perhaps while one still counts by months it is more difficult to assert one's authority." "My wife," said Rendel, "does not wish to leave her father, who is in delicate health. Sir William Gore, you know." "Oh, Sir William Gore, yes," said Stamfordham, with an inflection which implied that Sir William Gore was not worth sacrificing any possible advantages for. "I am very, very sorry," Rendel said gravely. "I would have given a great deal to have been going to Africa just now." "Yes, indeed. There will be infinite possibilities over there as soon as things have settled down," said Stamfordham. And he looked at a table that was covered with papers of different kinds, among them some notes in his own handwriting, and said, "Pity my unfortunate secretaries! I don't think I have ever had any one who knew how to read those impossible hieroglyphics as you did." "I don't know whether I ought to say I am glad or sorry to hear that," said Rendel, as he went towards the door. "What are you going to do if you don't go to Africa?" Stamfordham said. "Something else, I hope," said Rendel, with a look and an accent that carried conviction. "Shan't you go into the House?" said Stamfordham. "I mean to try," Rendel said. Then as he went out he turned round and said, "I daresay, sir, there are still possibilities in Europe, after all." "Very likely," said Stamfordham; and they parted. One of the most difficult tasks of the philosopher is not to regret his decisions. The mind that has been disciplined to determine quickly and to abide by its determination is one of the most valuable instruments of human equipment. But it certainly needed some philosophy on Rendel's part, during the period that elapsed between his refusal of Lord Belmont's offer and the departure of the newly appointed governor, not to regret that he himself was remaining behind. Day by day the papers were full of the administrators who were going out, of their qualifications, of their responsibilities. Day by day Rendel looked at the map hanging in his study and wondered what transformations the shifting of circumstances would bring to it.