to laugh. We would learn
again." And they went on; and he looked after them wistfully.

They walked more days; and at last they came to the Land of Laughter.
And how do you suppose they knew this? Because they could hear, over the
wall, the sound of joyous laughter--the laughter of men, women and
little children.

And one sat guarding the gate, and they went to her.

"We have come a long, long distance; and we would enter the Land of
Laughter."

"Let me see you smile, first," she said gently. "I sit at the gate and
no one who does not know how to smile may enter into the Land of
Laughter."

And they tried to smile, but could not.

"Go away and practise," she said kindly, "and come back tomorrow."

And they went away, and practised all night how to smile; and, in the
morning, they returned. And the gentle lady at the gate said:

"Dear little boys, have you learned how to smile?"

And they said: "We have tried. How is this?"

"Better," she said, "much better. Practise some more, and come back
tomorrow."

And they went away obediently and practised.

And they came the third day. And she said:

"Now, try again."

And tears of delight came into her lovely eyes.

"Those were very beautiful smiles," she said. "Now you may enter."

And she unlocked the gate and kissed them both, and they entered the
beautiful Land of Laughter.

Never had they seen such blue skies, such green trees and grass; never
had they heard such bird song.

And people, men, women and children, laughing softly, came to meet them,
and took them in, and made them at home; and soon, very soon, they
learned to laugh. All day they laughed, and even in their sleep. And
they grew up here, and married, and had laughing, happy children. And
sometimes they thought of the Land of Riches, and said, "Ah! well"; and
sometimes of the Land of Power, and sighed a little; and sometimes of
the Land of Sacrifice--and their eyes were wistful. But they soon
forgot, and laughed again. And they grew old, laughing. And when they
died--a laugh was on their lips. Thus are things in the beautiful Land
of Laughter.

THE WEB OF CIRCUMSTANCE

CHARLES W. CHESNUTT

Some time, we are told, when the cycle of years has rolled around, there
is to be another golden age, when all men will dwell together in love
and harmony, and when peace and righteousness shall prevail for a
thousand years. God speed the day, and let not the shining thread of
hope become so