If he had found in those days a literary godfather, he would, without doubt, have been presented to the world as a genius.
Then, with money in his pocket, clad once more in decent apparel, he made one more effort to do his duty.

He sent for Ellen and little Alfred to come up and see him.

He sent them a little extra money, and he wrote as kindly as possible.

He wanted to do the right thing; he was even anxious about it.

He determined that he would do his very best to bridge over that yawning gulf.