But had he not just then made up his mind to yield to that passion which God, as a Principle, has the greatest difficulty in opposing?
Why, then, should he expect that Ella would understand precisely what he meant in saying that he would thank God for his hour of life, his hour of love?
He would have had considerable difficulty in explaining this apparent discrepancy between his scheme of philosophy and his life as a man, had Phyllis asked him to do so; and Phyllis would certainly have asked him to do so had she become acquainted with the contents of his letter to her friend Ella; though Phyllis' father, having acquired some knowledge of men as well as of phrases, would not have asked for any explanation, knowing that a man's philosophy is, in its relation to a man's life, a good deal less important than the fuse is to a bomb.

He would have known that a scheme of philosophy no more brings wisdom into a man's life than a telescope brings the moon nearer to the earth.

He would have known that for a man to build up a doctrine of philosophy around himself, hoping that the devil will keep on the other side of the paling, is as ridiculous as it is to raise a stockade of roses against a tiger.
Herbert Courtland, however, thought neither of philosophical consistency nor of the advantages of having on one's side a sound Principle.

He thought of the stockade of roses, not to keep out the beast but to keep love in.

They would live together in the midst of roses forever, and though each might possibly lose something by the transaction, yet what they might lose was nothing compared to what they should certainly win.
Of that he was certain, and therefore he posted his impassioned line with a light heart.
That was on Tuesday.