" 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