Some of us find the ford and plash through the shallows--shallow ourselves--while others flounder into deep water.
These are they who look right on to the greater events, and fail to note the trivial details of each little step.

Paul was wading through the deep water, and this good friend of his was not inclined to stand upon the bank.

It is while passing through this river that Fortune sends some of us a friend, who is ever afterward different from all others.
Paul stood looking down at the broad, heavy face of the man who loved him like a father.

It was not easy for him to speak.

He seemed to be making an effort.
"I do not want you to think," he said at last, "that it is as bad as it might have been.