 few, indeed, on
any subject. And it has not been,« added Walter, after a moment's pause, »all
heedlessness on my part, Sir; for I have felt an interest in Mr. Carker ever
since I have been here, and have hardly been able to help speaking of him
sometimes, when I have thought of him so much!«
    Walter said this from his soul, and with the very breath of honour. For he
looked upon the bowed head, and the downcast eyes, and upraised hand, and
thought, »I have felt it; and why should I not avow it in behalf of this
unfriended, broken man!«
    »In truth, you have avoided me, Mr. Carker,« said Walter, with the tears
rising to his eyes; so true was his compassion. »I know it, to my disappointment
and regret. When I first came here, and ever since, I am sure I have tried to be
as much your friend, as one of my age could presume to be; but it has been of no
use.«
    »And observe,« said the Manager, taking him up quickly, »it will be of still
less use, Gay, if you persist in forcing Mr. John Carker's name on people's
attention. That is not the way to befriend Mr. John Carker. Ask him if he thinks
it is.«
    »It is no service to me,« said the brother. »It only leads to such a
conversation as the present, which I need not say I could have well spared. No
one can be a better friend to me:« he spoke here very distinctly, as if he would
impress it upon Walter: »than in forgetting me, and leaving me to go my way,
unquestioned and unnoticed.«
    »Your memory not being retentive, Gay, of what you are told by others,« said
Mr. Carker the Manager, warming himself with great and increased satisfaction,
»I thought it well that you should be told this from the best authority,«
nodding towards his brother. »You are not likely to forget it now, I hope.
That's all, Gay. You can go.«
    Walter passed out at the door, and was about to close it after him, when,
hearing the voice of the brothers again, and also the mention of his own name,
he stood irresolutely, with his hand upon the lock, and the door ajar, uncertain
whether to return or go away. In
