There were
cottages that we flew past, reminding me of the Larkum abode; these I
kept wearily peopling with white, sightless faces, and hungry, sad-faced
women and children.
When at last my own thoughts were beginning to consume me, Mr. Winthrop
came and sat near me.
"Is a journey in the cars equal to an hour spent with your widows?" he
asked.
"I have enjoyed the drive. One sees so much that is new, and is food for
thought, only the mind gets wearied with such swift variety."
He was silent for some time, then, with a complete change of topic he
said,
"I have been glad to hear you practicing so industriously on the piano.
Some day you may have a more appreciative audience than Mrs. Flaxman
and myself."
"It has helped to occupy my time. I do not know that much else has been
accomplished."
"That is not a very wise reason for so occupying your time."
"One must get through it some way. In pleasant weather, getting
acquainted with nature, in field and garden and by the seashore, was my
favorite pastime."
"It is an indolent way to seek the acquaintance of so profound a
mistress:--merely sunning one's self under the trees, or listening to the
monotonous voice of the sea, sitting on the rocks."
"In what better way could I discover her secrets?"
"Following in the steps of those who have made her in her varying forms a
life long study, and who have embalmed their discoveries in books."
"But I am young yet, and I need first to discover if I have tastes for
such pursuits.
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