and Randal meant what he said , for he was as tired of his own style as a watch-maker might be of the magnifying glass through which he strains his eyes all day . He knew that the heart was left out of his work , and that both mind and soul were growing morbid with dwelling on the faulty , absurd and metaphysical phases of life and character . He often threw down his pen and vowed he would write no more ; but he loved ease and the books brought money readily ; he was accustomed to the stimulant of praise and missed it as the toper misses his wine , so that which had once been a pleasure to himself and others was fast becoming a burden and a disappointment . The brief pause which followed his involuntary betrayal of discontent was broken by Ruth , who exclaimed , with a girlish enthusiasm that overpowered girlish bashfulness , -- '' I think all the novels are splendid ! I hope you will write hundreds more , and I shall live to read 'em . '' `` Bravo , my gentle champion ! I promise that I will write one more at least , and have a heroine in it whom your mother will both admire and love , '' answered Randal , surprised to find how grateful he was for the girl 's approval , and how rapidly his trained fancy began to paint the background on which he hoped to copy this fresh , human daisy . Abashed by her involuntary outburst , Ruth tried to efface herself behind Saul 's broad shoulder , and he brought the conversation back to its starting-point by saying in a tone of the most sincere interest , -- `` Speaking of the serial , I am very anxious to know how your hero comes out . He is a fine fellow , and I ca n't decide whether he is going to spoil his life marrying that silly woman , or do something grand and generous , and not be made a fool of . '' `` Upon my soul , I do n't know myself . It is very hard to find new finales . Ca n't you suggest something , Major ? then I shall not be obliged to leave my story without an end , as people complain I am rather fond of doing . '' `` Well , no , I do n't think I 've anything to offer . Seems to me it is n't the sensational exploits that show the hero best , but some great sacrifice quietly made by a common sort of man who is noble without knowing it . I saw a good many such during the war , and often wish I could write them down , for it is surprising how much courage , goodness and real piety is stowed away in common folks ready to show when the right time comes . '' `` Tell us one of them , and I 'll bless you for a hint . No one knows the anguish of an author 's spirit when he ca n't ring down the curtain on an effective tableau , '' said Randal , with a glance at his friends to ask their aid in eliciting an anecdote or reminiscence . `` Tell about the splendid fellow who held the bridge , like Horatius , till help came up . That was a thrilling story , I assure you , '' answered Sophie , with an inviting smile .
But XXXXX would not be his own hero , and said briefly : `` Any man can be brave when the battle-fever is on him , and it only takes a little physical courage to dash ahead . ''
Ca Horatius Randal Ruth Saul bashfulness daisy day starting-point watch-maker