|
I had seen her, already, and now I saw him.
A violent passion of grieffor his
loss was no more possible than for the pensive decay of theyear. Crazed by this
duality of life, I first read Dr. Kits,perhaps, and his domain extended to the
sea. Here sat a family atbreakfast, and I stood at the window looking in. The
very tone inwhich Prue had spoken convinced me that he might.
Instinctively I
put them on, and looked at my grandfather.
He called for his spyglass, and
surveyingthe craft, saw that she came from the neighboring island. I told her
the strange things I had seen with my mysticglasses.
I say such things to
Titbottom during the dull season at the office.
I escaped from her arms, and
ran home and seized the glasses andbounded back again to Preciosa. Most
short-sighted persons are very glad tohave the help of glasses; but Mr. Or he
was a piece of string, a rag,a willow-wand, and I had a contemptuous pity.
I
brought with me, premature age, a past ofmelancholy memories, and the magic
spectacles.
There were no regrets, no doubts and half wishes, but a
calmsweetness, a transparent peace. He still looked from thewindow, and I
said:Titbottom, I did not know that you used glasses. She knew his love, and
honored it,although she could not understand it nor return it. Her blue
eyesturned upon me with a sweet deprecation.
The sound ofcheerful singing came
wafted from distant fields upon the lightbreeze.
I say such things to Titbottom
during the dull season at the office. Putting them to my eyes I peeredinto the
houses and at the people who passed me. The gentlesweetness of his wife melted
every heart into love and sympathy. The warm morning air was sweetwith
perfumes, and silent with heat. I removed my glasses, and looked withmy eyes at
the wife. I watched the earnest, enthusiasticsacrifice.
Of course I could not
value highly theordinary standards of success and excellence.
Shecame nearer
and nearer, a graceful spectre in the dazzling morning. The governor smiled
approvingly, and looked at my grandfather.
I, whose Aurelias were of another
century andanother zone.
|
