then busy, and now I am simply happy. I don’t know why, but seem
to be waiting for what is to come next and getting ready for it,
perhaps unconsciously,” she said, looking dreamily away to the
hills again, is if the new experience was coming to her from afar.
Mac watched her thoughtfully for a minute, wondering how many
more leaves must unfold before the golden heart of this human
flower would lie open to the sun. He felt a curious desire to help in
some way, and could think of none better than to offer her what he
had found most helpful to himself. Picking up another book, he
opened it at a place where an oak leaf lay and, handing it to her,
said, as if presenting something very excellent and precious: “If
you want to be ready to take whatever comes in a brave and noble
way, read that, and the one where the page is turned down.?
Rose took it, saw the words “Self-Reliance,” and turning the
leaves, read here and there a passage which was marked: ” ‘My life
is for itself, and not for a spectacle.’
” ‘Insist on yourself: never imitate. That which each can do best,
none but his Maker can teach him.’
” ‘Do that which is assigned to you, and you cannot hope or dare
too much.’ ?
Then, coming to the folded page, whose title was “Heroism,” she
read, and brightened as she read:
” ‘Let the maiden, with erect soul, walk serenely on her way;
accept the hint of each new experience; search in turn all the
objects that solicit her eye, that she may learn the power and the
charm of her newborn being.’
” ‘The fair girl who repels interference by a decided and proud
choice of influences inspires every beholder with something of her
own nobleness; and the silent heart encourages her. O friend, never
strike sail to a fear! Come into port greatly, or sail with God the
seas.’ ?
“You understand that, don’t you?” asked Mac as she glanced up
with the look of one who had found something suited to her taste
and need.
“Yes, but I never dared to read these Essays, because I thought
they were too wise for me.?
“The wisest things are sometimes the simplest, I think. Everyone
welcomes light and air, and cannot do without them, yet very few
could explain them truly. I don’t ask you to read or understand all
of that don’t myself but I do recommend the two essays I’ve
marked, as well as ‘Love’ and ‘Friendship.’ Try them, and let me
know how they suit. I’ll leave you the book.?
“Thanks. I wanted something fine to read up here and, judging by
what I see, I fancy this will suit. Only Aunt Jessie may think I’m
putting on airs if I try Emerson.?
“Why should she? He has done more to set young men and women
thinking than any man in this century at least. Don’t you be afraid
if it is what you want, take it, and go ahead as he tells you
“Without halting, without rest,
Lifting Better up to Best.?
“I’ll try,” said Rose meekly, feeling that Mac had been going ahead
himself much faster than she had any suspicion.
Here a voice exclaimed “Hallo!” and, looking around, Jamie was
discovered surveying them critically as he stood in an independent
attitude, like a small Colossus of Rhodes in brown linen, with a
bundle of molasses candy in one hand, several new fishhooks
cherished carefully in the other, and his hat well on the back of his
head, displaying as many freckles as one somewhat limited nose
could reasonably accommodate.
“How are you, young one?” said Mac, nodding.
“Tip-top. Glad it’s you. Thought Archie might have turned up
again, and he’s no fun. Where did you come from? What did you
come for? How long are you going to stay? Want a bit? It’s jolly
good.?
With which varied remarks Jamie approached, shook hands in a
manly way, and, sitting down beside his long cousin, hospitably
offered sticks of candy all around.
“Did you get any letters?” asked Rose, declining the sticky treat.