The Gilded Age


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of which he talked so much.  
Harry did not neglect to endeavor to make himself agreeable to Mrs.  
Bolton, by paying great attention to the children, and by professing the  
warmest interest in the Friends' faith. It always seemed to him the most  
peaceful religion; he thought it must be much easier to live by an  
internal light than by a lot of outward rules; he had a dear Quaker aunt  
in Providence of whom Mrs. Bolton constantly reminded him. He insisted  
upon going with Mrs. Bolton and the children to the Friends Meeting on  
First Day, when Ruth and Alice and Philip, "world's people," went to a  
church in town, and he sat through the hour of silence with his hat on,  
in most exemplary patience. In short, this amazing actor succeeded so  
well with Mrs. Bolton, that she said to Philip one day,  
"
Thy friend, Henry Brierly, appears to be a very worldly minded young  
man. Does he believe in anything?"  
"Oh, yes," said Philip laughing, "he believes in more things than any  
other person I ever saw."  
To Ruth, Harry seemed to be very congenial. He was never moody for one  
thing, but lent himself with alacrity to whatever her fancy was. He was  
gay or grave as the need might be. No one apparently could enter more  
fully into her plans for an independent career.  
"My father," said Harry, "was bred a physician, and practiced a little  
322  


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Quick Jump
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