Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1872-08-14

Just 30 a man may suffer mentally from
diseased Imagination and he never sees till af.
forwards how foolish that imagination is
The practical English novels, in which every
body behaves exactly like very ordinary per-
sons in real life, are better though, to be
sure some Of them grind along rather
slowly"
"The trouble isn't so much that the novel.
mill grnds slowly, as that it griuds exceed
ing small" said Bob. But don't you sec
that you reduce all our affections and gricfs
to one dead level Of empty Imagination p
"Just So said Jack. There isn't any
thing real about it; and almost everybody
sees it so, once or twice in his life, and then
tries to forget it,
"If you are going into the Diogcncs line, -
said one Of the visitors, I've got a tub I'D
like to sell you. The bottom isn't sound, but
the sides are strong, and that's all you want
for a roof You could keep it tight by TAX
ing bath in it occasionally. BY tho way, it
the old Athenian had used his tub for that
purpose occasionally, perhaps he wouldn't
have been a msanthropie. | think philos-
opher 10 tub, in some good position, say the
corner between Harvard aud Hollis, would
be an interesting feature Of the yard. Think
how delightful to have the ladies put up their
glasses, and say, Was the dear disgusting
old fellow once a student here? How inter.
esting Do tell US all about him ="
81 shall certainly have to get a new tub,
said jack entering heartily into the project
" never could live in my tin hat-tub. Just
think how the little muckers would make il
ring with stones But then | could use that
impracticable seat to keep my ratious in"
The idea seemed to restore him to the
height Of good humor aud be lay in his Gus.
tomary position, on the crippled lounge, gent.
ly kicking with his top-boots as before, when
loud knock was followed by the entrance Of
a youth got up in gorgeous style
"Well, Charley, what's up2' said Bob
Been to make my party call on old
Smooth said Charley; and he's out.
thought Ia drop in and tell you that now it,
your time to call"
Two or three Of the visitors rose hastily
and were about leaving.
"My children" said Jack in a greye,
voice. A." is this the way that you heed you
instructions about economy Of labor} fee
panied to think Of such waste Of force
There's no need Of but ones going. lie cal
take all the cards, and walk up and dow
past the house, and leave them all, one allo
another"
But the servant will notice it" objccte
somebody.
4" The servant thinks all the students ar
just alike, and its easy enough to chang
your voice, so as not to be recognized.
none of you want to 60, by Jove, I'll 60 my
I self"
" But you didn't 60 to the reception, AM
don't even know the professor" said Bob.
The professor isn't in," said Jack, put
ting on his overcoat. Now, you fellows
write your cards, if you haven't any with you
and I'll take them"
Why, Jack, you haven't got any cola
on; and those top-boots ~
How many times must tell you, m,
child, said Jack patiently, " the professor i
not at home %
SO he put on his big overcoat with cape
and his fur gloves; aud Bob settled his bea
yer on, after giving his hair parting rumple
lie was just starting, when an idea occurre,
to him.
" Let me take two or three hats, so that
can change them each time"
He stuck them under his cape, and wen
out.
The moon was shining brightly as he cross
ed the yard. 1t had just risen and shont
through the Gothic windows of the library
| lighting them up so that they glimmereC
family across the snow us if the high hal
were filed with the halo of the genius that il
enshrncd. The old ems stood up motionles
against the sky, and the light reflected from
the snow-covered roofs flashed through thei
branches. The snow cracked under his feet
and the clear, cold air sent thrill of life al
through him as he walked rapidly away from
the square towards the professors house
Now and then the sound of bells would come
out of the distance, growing louder, till the
sleigh flashed into the light, and away again
out Of sight and hearing. He half forgot the
object Of his walk, and his mind was full Of
many wandering thoughts. He thought Of
meeting the charming girl with whom he had
just become acquainted, in his own village ia
the coming summer. He thought how happy
he should be if she would favor him, and let
him devote his life to her. lie thought how
pleasant if she were riding with him now il
one Of those sleighs, to watch the everchang
ing forms of the clouds, as the moon lighteC
them up. He almost thought he saw he
image reckoning to him from radiant cloud
then he thought of the warm climes that thu
moon was even then shining on, and of tn
bliss Of wandering with her in some isle 0
changeless summer 1t came over him hoy
much time he had wasted idly that he NIGH
have improved, if he had had such an obiec
before him !; and mighty resolutions aros
within him.
These reflections brought him to the house
aud, laughing to himself to think that he wou
some time tell her about this absurd prank
he turned in at the gate.
The house was dark but, after few Wig
orous charges at the bell, the servant fnalI
unlocked the door, and answered his inquir
with the news that the professor was not a
home.
Jack politely rendered his first card, an
walked away He walked till he reached
favorable corner, when he took off his beaver
and changed it for cap, and sauntered sow
towards the house again.
Again the servant reported, Not at home,
and another card was left He walked bacl
to his base Of supplies, left Of his cape, am
changed his hat again.
Another card was successfully deposited.
Flushed with success, he made ready t.
leave the fourth and last card lie put OF
his cape and beaver, gathered up the hats
and rang again.
All was silent.
Another ringing peal