There was no snow on the
ground; the fields presented an almost spring-like aspect, in contrast
with the swarthy green of the cedars. The river ran sparkling in
summer-fashion at the foot of "Eagle Hill." From the bay, the sea air
came up fresh and strong. I drank it with deep inspirations. At that
moment it seemed to me that I had indeed been born to perform a mission.
It was so hopeful to turn over an entire fresh leaf in the book of life,
and I was resolved to do it heroically, at any cost. I reflected, not
without a shade of annoyance, that I had forgotten to say my prayers,
after all. At the same time I had a sort of conviction that it wasn't so
unfortunate a remissness on my part as it would have been for some less
qualified by nature to take care of themselves.
I discovered the school-house at the end of the lane. The general air of
the Wallencamp houses was stranded and unsettled, as though, detained in
their present position for some brief and restless season, they dreamed
ever of unknown voyages yet to be made on the sea of life. They were very
poor, very old. Some of them were painted red in front, some of them had
only a red door, being otherwise quite brown and unadorned.
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