He
procured garments of different colors, but they were accustomed to
wear each article in common, and the result was only a mixture of
tints for both. They were sent to different schools, to be
returned the next day, equally pale, suffering, and incapable of
study. Whatever device was employed, they evaded it by a mutual
instinct which rendered all external measures unavailing. To John
Vincent's mind their resemblance was an accidental misfortune,
which had been confirmed through their mother's fancy. He felt
that they were bound by some deep, mysterious tie, which, inasmuch
as it might interfere with all practical aspects of life, ought to
be gradually weakened. Two bodies, to him, implied two distinct
men, and it was wrong to permit a mutual dependence which
prevented either from exercising his own separate will and
judgment.
But, while he was planning and pondering, the boys became young
men, and he was an old man. Old, and prematurely broken; for he
had worked much, borne much, and his large frame held only a
moderate measure of vital force.
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