n this healthful atmosphere your spirit will regain its long-lost tone,
and embrace once more the ethereal images of Hope and Joy and Faith.
Probably you will yet find some one to love in this wide world of
sorrow; anyway, we hope to send you forth clothed and in your right
mind."

"I hope I'm properly clothed now, or will be with what I've got in my
trunk; and I need to be in my right mind to take in all this eloquence.
I was mistaken about you, Bob; you should have been a preacher. The only
drawback is, you don't stick to one key long enough: these sudden
changes in your woodnotes wild might confuse a congregation."

"The church lacks vivacity and sense of humor, Jim: she's all for a dull
monotone. Old Fuller is dead: his mantle descended on me, but they don't
appreciate that style nowadays. To return to our topic, and deal with
the duty that lies nearest. In an humble and pottering way, we are a
happy family, James. We envy not the rich and great: seek elsewhere
their gilded saloons, and tinsel trappings of pride; but you will find
things pretty comfortable. I regret to say we'll have to do our smoking
out of doors; but it is generally warm enough for that. If we are noted
for anything, it is for modest contentment, unassuming virtue, and
cheerful candor--just as you see them in me. Each face reflects the
genuine emotions and guileless innocence of the heart connected
therewith; more than that, they reflect one another, as in a glass. You
can look at Mabel, and see all that is passing in my capacious bosom. We
share each other's woes, each other's burdens bear, and if we don't drop
the sympathizing tear frequently, it is because there is very seldom any
call for it. We have no secrets from one another: limpid and pure flows
the confidential stream--but it flows no further than the fence. You can
say what you like to any of us, and it will not go out of the
house--unless the servants overhear it; you'll have to look out for
that, of course."

"See here, Bob; judging by you, I had no idea I was coming among such
apostolic manners, or I'd have taken a course of A Kempis. Are there any
prayer-meetings near by, where I can go to freshen up?"

"Within a mile or two, no doubt. Jane can tell you about them; she can
lend you a prayer-book, anyway. But I was not meaning to discourage you:
they will make allowances. My wife is an exemplary woman; if you want to
get on with her, you'll have to take an interest in Herbert's br