Sir
Ralph regarded me as an _expert_, which, notwithstanding all his long
experience as chairman, he did not himself pretend to be, and _railway
experts_ he held in high esteem. He supported me consistently,
permitting no one but himself to interfere with anything I thought it
right to do. I did not, to be sure, always get my own way, but I
accomplished much, and, what I cared for most, was able to do good work
for the company. Enthusiasm for one's work is a splendid thing, and so
is loyalty to one's employers. I make no boast of possessing these, for
they were common property; they permeated the railway service and
inspired the youngest clerk as well as his chief. Sometimes in these
latter days I imagine such things are changed, though I would like to
think it is only an old man's fancy, as it was in the case of the dear
old Dubliner, who in his time had been a beaux and had reached his
eightieth year. One sunny forenoon when airing himself in a fashionable
street of the city, he was met by another old crony, who accosted him
with:--
"Well, old friend, how are you this morning?"
"Oh, very well, thanks, quite well, only--" he responded.
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