With a vain
discontent for my own failure, I marvelled at the glory which had crowned
his humble efforts. "This, too," I thought, "is a sort of heroism:" and
my spirit of condescension towards the youth took on something new, like
reverence.
It was even with pride that I reflected, "Here is a strength I may rely
upon by and by;" and I was proud that my lover's kiss was so pure upon my
lips, his breath on my cheek--ah, foolish sleeping heart! It was well
that the dream should grow passionate, even intense, for the awakening
was near.
In the bewildered and feverish condition of mind in which I had last left
the Wallencamp school-house, I had been consciously impressed, at least,
with the idea that I should probably never enter those familiar walls
again, never again as the teacher. And now, I had no intention of
resuming my labors there.
But I did not wish to flaunt my boasted independence before the family
circle at Newtown, until my eyes should have assumed a little more nearly
their usual proportions, and my manner of going up and down stairs
should have become less strikingly feeble.
I decided to remain in Wallencamp a few days to recuperate.
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