第78章

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 that­don't myself­but 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 afraid­if 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.

"Lots, but Mama forgot to give 'em to me, and I was rather in a hurry, for Mrs.Atkinson said somebody had come and I couldn't wait," explained Jamie, reposing luxuriously with his head on Mac's legs and his mouth full.