“Indeed and indeed,” replied the other. “The Spirit who accompanies the man in this picture is my twin brother—at least I please to think so.” “How you must feel for him,” said Plucritus, sympathetically. “But do you know, Genius, without wishing to tread on your corns in the least, I must admit to being a little vain.” “Of what?” “Well, of my histrionic powers.” “Ha! you had better be careful. I am very jealous;” but he was laughing. “Yes,” continued the other. “I can manage acting with the exact ease and precision with which you can manage it yourself.” “Well, let me see some of your acting,” remarked Genius, “so that I may judge of your opinion of yourself.” “I shall be only too delighted. Now, as you know, Deborah is coming to bed in a few moments.” “Yes, I am waiting for that. It is then that the real teaching begins, the only kind she truly appreciates.” “But for all that you do not monopolise the whole of her attention. Deborah has some little regard for her father.” “A very strong affection,” affirmed Genius. “As you will, but please do not look so serious. The thing I am going to show you is purely farcical.” “Plucritus,” said Virginius, speaking for the first time, “I must ask you to leave this alone; the child is not old enough to fight the battle.” “Fight it yourself then. What else are you here for?” he answered. There was silence, and there came swimming through the mind of Genius the words of Virginius—“When I am most silent, look at me most.” But though he looked he saw nothing. Just then the door opened and Deborah came in. The room was dark, as the gas was very low, but after groping about she managed to turn it up. Then she began to unfasten her frock, and was very soon ready for bed. When ready, she knelt down to pray. Plucritus now stepped forward and sat down by the bedside. He took her two hands in his very tenderly. “Debbie,” said he, “don’t you think it would be a very good thing to pray for your father?” His voice was so low that it sounded just like sweetness. “Oh, yes. But I don’t know how. I can only think it.” “Well, listen to me and I will tell you. Say this after me.” So she clasped her hands very tightly and closed her eyes. “_Please, God, let father live a very, very long time._” “Please, God, let father live a very, very long time,” she repeated. “_And let him be very, very happy._” “And let him be very, very happy.” “_Let the business that he goes to every day be a very prosperous one._” “Let the business that he goes to every day be a very prosperous one.” “_And let his death-bed be a bed of roses._” “And let his death-bed be a bed of roses.” “_And let me soon grow up to work for him._” “And let me soon grow up to work for him.” “_And let me be with him always._” “And let me be with him always.” “_And let me be with him when he dies to comfort him._” “And let me be with him when he dies to comfort him.” “Please, God, oh, please, God, do. Amen.”