And some of the speakers weren't prepared, so it came about
that I, an unknown Columbia senior, had to give the chief speech of the
day. Not that anybody, let alone myself, realized that it was going to
be the chief speech. It just turned out that way. Lucy dear, they
went crazy over it! And all the papers to-night gave it in full. It
was only a thousand words. Why in the name of all the fiends in Hades
do you suppose nothing relieves me in moments of great mental stress
but gambling? You notice, don't you, that I talk to you of Minetta
Lane only when something tremendous, either good or bad, has happened
to me? Other men with the same weakness, you say, turn to drink. I
suppose so, poor devils. Oh, Lucy, I wish I were in the Grand Canyon
to-night! I wish you and I were together in Frank's camp at the foot
of Bright Angel. It is sunset and the Canyon is full of unspeakable
wonder. Even the thought of it rests me and makes me strong. . . .
Those stars mean that I've torn into a million pieces a hundred-dollar
bill I won in Sixth Avenue to-night."
Enoch turned many pages and then paused.
"March 28.--There is a chance, Lucy, that I may be appointed secretary
to the reform Mayor of New York. I would be very glad to give up the
practice of law.
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