Of course the boy thought as Longfellow did, and it was a very happy boy that evening who, in full view of the large audience in the immense theatre, sat in that box.  It was, as Longfellow had said, a play of laughter, and just who laughed louder, the poet or the boy, neither ever knew.

Between the acts there came into the box a man of courtly presence, dignified and yet gently courteous.

“Ah!  Phillips,” said the poet, “how are you?  You must know my young friend here.  This is Wendell Phillips, my boy.  Here is a young man who told me to-day that he was going to call on you and on Phillips Brooks to-morrow.  Now you know him before he comes to you.”

“I shall be glad to see you, my boy,” said Mr. Phillips.  “And so you are going to see Phillips Brooks?  Let me tell you something about Brooks.  He has a great many books in his library which are full of his marks and comments.  Now, when you go to see him you ask him to let you see some of those books, and then, when he isn’t looking, you put a couple of them in your pocket.  They would make splendid souvenirs, and he has so many he would never miss them.  You do it, and then when you come to see me tell me all about it.”

And he and Longfellow smiled broadly.

An hour later, when Longfellow dropped Edward at his hotel, he had not only a wonderful day to think over but another wonderful day to look forward to as well!

He had breakfasted with Oliver Wendell Holmes; dined, supped, and been to the theatre with Longfellow; and tomorrow he was to spend with Phillips Brooks.

Boston was a great place, Edward Bok thought, as he fell asleep.

CHAPTER VI

PHILLIPS BROOKS’S BOOKS AND EMERSON’S MENTAL MIST

No one who called at Phillips Brooks’s house was ever told that the master of the house was out when he was in.  That was a rule laid down by Doctor Brooks:  a maid was not to perjure herself for her master’s comfort or convenience.  Therefore, when Edward was told that Doctor Brooks was out, he knew he was out.  The boy waited, and as he waited he had a chance to look around the library and into the books.  The rector’s faithful housekeeper said he might when he repeated what Wendell Phillips had told him of the interest that was to be found in her master’s books.  Edward did not tell her of Mr. Phillips’s advice, to “borrow” a couple of books.  He reserved that bit of information for the rector of Trinity when he came in, an hour later.

“Oh! did he?” laughingly said Doctor Brooks.  “That is nice advice for a man to give a boy.  I am surprised at Wendell Phillips.  He needs a little talk:  a ministerial visit.  And have you followed his shameless advice?” smilingly asked the huge man as he towered above the boy.  “No?  And to think of the opportunity you had, too.  Well, I am glad you had such respect