When you once go on foreign service you will not find much occasion
for money. I want you just to hold your own with others. I consider
that it is quite as unfortunate for a young man to spend more than
those around him as it is for him to be unable to spend as much. No, I
don't want any thanks at all. I told your mother I should look after
you, and I am going to, and it has given a vast pleasure to me to have
such an interest. Write to me occasionally, my boy; your letters will
give me great pleasure. And should you get into any scrape, tell me
frankly all about it."
The evening before Mrs. Conway had had a long talk with Ralph. "I do
not think I need to give you much advice, my boy. You have already
been out in the world on your own account, and have shown that you can
make your way. You are going into a life, Ralph, that has many
temptations. Do not give way to them, my boy. Above all, set your face
against what is the curse of our times: over-indulgence in wine. It is
the ruin of thousands. Do not think it is manly to be vicious because
you see others are. Always live, if you can, so that if you kept a
true diary you could hand it to me to read without a blush on your
cheek; and always bear in mind, that though I shall not be there to
see you, a higher and purer eye will be upon you. You will try; won't
you, Ralph?"
"I will indeed, mother.
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