Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/26

 man asseverated solemnly, What you lack is balance.

Balance?

Balance.

But. ..

Plumbing, the young man announced, and the allied artisanships serve their purposes. He rose, and with the utmost nonchalance stooped to toss a log on the waning blaze in the fireplace. Max Beerbohm's dictum that you should never poke a friend's fire unless the friendship dates back at least seven years invaded Paul's mind, and yet he did not feel resentful.

For a few moments the only sounds audible in the chamber were the crackling of the fire and the wailing of the wind smiting the chimney. Then the young man spoke again.

Have you ever thought of the meaning of life? he inquired.

I don't ever think of anything else! I've been thinking about it all the afternoon.

Well, what conclusion did you reach? Does it lie in service? or delight? or the approach to non existence?

I had about decided to give up the search. . . I had come to the conclusion that it had no meaning. . . until. . . What is it? What does it mean?

You see I'm not a preacher, the young man appeared to be apologizing.