The Republican journal., 1888-04-19

Unexpectedly listened to. 1t was a good bit of
comedy, and laughed immoderately during
the entire scene; at times edging in ew lead
ing questions and blandly assisting in drawing
out all of their latent powers. l was taken in
to their hearts at once, and, if l had been am
bilious or designing, might have in time dvid-
ed their allegiance with the geniUS loci, or got
an office. | then and there resolved to attend
that town meeting under any and all circum-
stances. as in such theatre | could see human
nature unfold its many phases, and perhaps
find things undreamt Of in my philosophy.
There was Il faint sweet hint Of coming
spring in the damp still air, as came out into
the Gardening twilight, and wild buoyancy
Went coursing through my blood, sending me
of on a tramp that would have delighted the
heart of the solitary and chilled that Of the
cockney lover of the town. | struck out for
the shores of the East Penobscot, crossing two
lots on my way and passing one of those lone
ly family burying- grounds that stare at one ul-
eNrcctcdly from almost every retired field on |
the island. hurried past with bravery that
excited considerable wonder in my own breast,
and there before me was the long, dark-frOWn- |
Ing waste of waters looking so desolate and de- |
pressing that | instinctyeiy felt like turning |
back for the sight of a human face; but stern
ly >ummonins philosophy TO my aid, was |
able t" go on. and soon stood on the floor of |
ice which covered the little beach, and ran out !
nearly to iow-watcr mark. where it abruptly |
broke OF and became deep, square-cut pier. |
for the black waves to dash against. or gently |
zap. walked out to its edge and tried to take |
in the impressive, solemn beauty of this winter |
shmmerlng stars overhead. and the yellow |
ilaif moon was beginning to scatter light and |
shade upon all around. bringing out in bright |
relief that white. chastity ahutment. and max |
dark. quiet water that stretched far out into |
the night and lightly rose and fell against the |
icy wall at my feet. like
''The turbid ehh and How of human misery"
would have given ali of my Wanted philos-
ophy for the power Of but suggesting on can
vas the wild, still beauty of that shroude,I
shore. and the rare, cold solitude that was like |
n spell. | stood and gazed until felt that I
was becoming an unwilling part of the icy
scene: and remembering. after all. that ''man
is carnivorous production. and must have
meals. gave last admriDg shiver and start
ed for the house, hien@ past the place of graves
without once looking back, and feeling that it
was here. if anywhere. that "thc individual
withcrS.' and the h0me is more and more. |
walked along in undignted haste. vowing
that when again ccmmuned With Nature ii
weuld not be on winters night 10y lonely
shore. with graveyard in the near background.
1t was we'll enough for poets or mad lovers.
but would never do for Il hungry, everyday
with love for living. human
rompanion>hp. My we'll meant enthusiasm
for solitary winter walks calmly ceased on the
night air. and AN incoming wave Of affection
Tor the crowd almost overwhelmed me. | went
to tie store Very often after this, and stood
through the crowded. burly town meeting with
unsurfeitei enjoyment, watching types OF char
arttr and humor seldom. if ever. seen in the
city. left for the .populous pavement soon
after this. and with me the conclusion of the
whole matter is: the town for winter and the
country OF coast for summer. This may have
been remarked bcforc-therc are so manv
it is worth reiteratin@. As it
may save some one from taking an unwiSe
step into the country. and it is as infallible as
evidence.
NJ. p. PENDLETON.