AMERICAN'S TRIUMPH.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 76, 23 December 1907, Page 8

AMERICAN'S TRIUMPH.

HEARING THE VOICE OF SPENCER. Some good stories of Herbert Spencer, in his old age are told by a writer in the "Cornhill." \ Casual callers were a. great abhorence. Three ■ Cabinet Ministers bad once been granted five minutes,- and a watch laid on the table had kept them' to the given time. On one occasion a voice, with a decided Transatlantic suggestion, was heard- demanding at the front door if Mr. Herbert Spencer could be seen. Mr. Spencer was just round the corner on the dining-room sofa, waiting for luncheon, and the supposition that the maid might be overpowered, and the inquirer admitted, proved insupportable. When the American on the doorstep became urgent, an amiable omissary went forth and. parleyed. "Mr. Spencer is unable to receive visitors," bo was heard explaining. "But "I have como all the way from NooYork on purpose, sir. I assuro you that with ,us tho name of Herbert Spencer " "Mr. Spencer will very much regret it, but his health precludes——" "1 assuro you, sir, that I would not detain him. Tho reverence that his" great achievements causa him to be held in with us is—-" ■ "I am afraid, however, that Mr. Spencer- " "If I could merely be allowed to hold bis hand, and tell him " But this' proved' too much. Tho agonisod philosopher raised himself on his sofa. "Send him.'away!' Send him away! Don't lot him como in I" ho called out. A Tpausc—everybody's breath held—and tbon iii the ball, in awe-stricken tones— "I havo heard the voico of Herbert Spencer I I can now return to Noo-York satisfied!"