Then the gong thundered an invitation to luncheon, which proved to be a
truly delightful meal. Alice, with her recovered strength, was filled
with the joy of life, and Douglas, seeing her in such good spirits, was
very merry in his turn. As to the doctor, he made himself so
entertaining in talking of all that was going on in the great world that
Enistor unbent considerably, and silently acknowledged that The
Adversary was better company than Narvaez. By the end of the meal, both
Squire and doctor were on the best of terms. Not for many a long day had
such gaiety reigned at Tremore.
After luncheon Alice and Douglas stole away after the fashion of lovers
who desire solitude to express their feelings freely. Enistor was left
alone to entertain his guest, and conducted the doctor to the library,
to show him certain black-letter folios which were of great antiquity
and great value. Eberstein, charmed with the treasures of the library
and with the spacious room, revealed himself to be no mean judge of
books and furniture and ancient manuscripts. More than ever Enistor felt
that this debonair gentleman was not to be feared and became uncommonly
friendly with him.
"I wish you would come and stay here for a week, doctor," he said
impulsively. "It is such a pleasure to meet any one so well read and
well informed on all subjects as you are."
"You flatter me," responded the doctor cordially. "I should be delighted
to accept your invitation, and may do at a later date. Meanwhile, I have
business which detains me in Perchton for a short time. But you have the
society of Señor Narvaez," he added, with a keen glance. "And I hear
from Mr. Hardwick, whom I met yesterday, that he is most entertaining."
"Hardly the word to be used," said Enistor composedly, and wondering why
the reference was made. "He is learned and serious."
"I don't see why learning need necessarily involve seriousness.
Knowledge should make one happy, and happiness shows itself in gaiety."
Enistor, fidgeting with a parchment, frowned. "Do you think that
knowledge should make one happy?"
"Why not, if the knowledge be rightly applied?"
"In what way?"
"To help others less learned."
"Why should it be?" demanded Enistor defiantly.
"Why should it not be?" countered the doctor swiftly. "What is the use
of hiding one's light under a bushel?"
"That is a strange sentiment from you, doctor. It implies vanity, as if
you wished others to see and envy your light. Well, I suppose that would
be a source of gratification to any one."
"It is but a narrow mind that finds gratification in possessing what
another person lacks. You will find the explanation of my real meaning
in saying what surprises you in the text: 'Let your light so shine
before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father
which is in heaven.' It is the Father who does the works, and the Father
therefore should surely receive the praise."
"Who is the Father?"