“No,” said Sewell decidedly. “That doesn't follow. I have thought of such things; there was such a case within my experience once,”--he could not help alleging this case, in which he had long triumphed,--“and I have always felt that I did right in advising against a romantic notion of self-sacrifice in such matters. You may commit a greater wrong in that than in an act of apparent self-interest. You have not put the case fully before me, and it isn't necessary that you should, but if you contemplate any rash sacrifice, I warn you against it.” “You said that we ought to act unselfishly.” “Yes, but you must beware of the refined selfishness which shrinks from righteous self-assertion because it is painful. You must make sure of your real motive; you must consider whether your sacrifice is not going to do more harm than good. But why do you come to me with your trouble? Why don't you go to your father--your mother?” “I have none.” “Ah--” She had risen and pushed by him to the outer door, though he tried to keep her. “Don't be rash,” he urged. “I advise you to take time to think of this--” She did not answer; she seemed now only to wish to escape, as if in terror of him. She pulled open the door, and was gone. Sewell went back to his tea, bewildered, confounded. “What's the matter? Why didn't he come in to tea with you?” asked his wife. “Who?” “Barker.” “What Barker?” “David, what _is_ the matter?” Sewell started from his daze, and glanced at his children: “I'll tell you by and by, Lucy.” XXXIII A month passed, and Sewell heard nothing of Lemuel. His charge, always elusive and evanescent, had now completely vanished, and he could find no trace of him. Mr. Corey suggested advertising. Bellingham said, why not put it in the hands of a detective? He said he had never helped work anything up with a detective; he rather thought he should like to do it. Sewell thought of writing to Barker's mother at Willoughby Pastures, but he postponed it; perhaps it would alarm her if Barker were not there; Sewell had many other cares and duties; Lemuel became more and more a good intention of the indefinite future. After all, he had always shown the ability to take care of himself, and except that he had mysteriously disappeared there was no reason for anxiety about him.