he child knew nothing of what or whom he spoke, but I gathered
the impression that some distinguished guest was about to reach us, to
whom the honours of the city would be extended. The matter did not
interest me; I had so little in common with the people; and I was about
to dismiss it idly, when Boy posed me by demanding that I should
personally conduct him through the events of the gala day. He was
unusually insistent about this; for he was a docile little fellow, who
seldom urged his will uncomfortably against my own. But in this case I
could not compromise with him, and half reluctantly I yielded. I had
no sooner done so than an urgent message to the same effect reached me
from my friend the surgeon.

"Go with the current to-day," he wrote; "it sets strongly. Question it
not. Resist it not. Follow and be swept."

Immediately upon this some neighbours came hurriedly in, and spoke with
me of the same matter eagerly. They pleaded with me on no account to
miss the event of the day, upon whose specific nature they were
somewhat reticent. They evinced the warmest possible interest in my
personal relation to it; as people do who possess a happy secret that
they wish, but may not feel at liberty, fully to share with another.

They were excited, and overflowed with happiness. Their very presence
raised my spirits. I could not remember when I had received precisely
this sort of attention from my neighbours; and it was, somehow, a
comfort to me. I should not have supposed that I should value being
made of consequence in this trifling way; yet it warmed my heart. I
felt less desolate than usual, when I took the hand of my happy boy,
and set forth.

The whole vicinity was aroused. Everybody moved in one direction, like
"a current," as my friend had said. Shining, solemn, and joyous faces
filled the streets and fields. The voices of the people were subdued
and sweet. There was no laughter, only smiles, and gentle expectation,
and low consulting together, and some there were who mused apart. The
"sick of soul" were present with the happier folk: these first had a
wistful look, as of those not certain of themselves or of their
welcome; but I saw that they were tenderly regarded by the more
fortunate. I myself was most gently treated; many persons spoke with
me, and I heard expressions of pleasure at my presence. In the crowd,
as we moved on, I began to recognize here and there a face;
acquaintances, whom I h