Page 211 - The Story of My Lif

Even the trees seem citified and self-conscious. Indeed, I doubt if they are on

speaking terms with their country cousins! Do you know, I cannot help feeling
sorry for these trees with all their fashionable airs? They are like the people
whom they see every day, who prefer the crowded, noisy city to the quiet and
freedom of the country. They do not even suspect how circumscribed their lives
are. They look down pityingly on the country-folk, who have never had an
opportunity “to see the great world.” Oh my! if they only realized their
limitations, they would flee for their lives to the woods and fields. But what
nonsense is this! You will think I’m pining away for my beloved Wrentham,
which is true in one sense and not in another. I do miss Red Farm and the dear
ones there dreadfully; but I am not unhappy. I have Teacher and my books, and I
have the certainty that something sweet and good will come to me in this great
city, where human beings struggle so bravely all their lives to wring happiness
from cruel circumstances. Anyway, I am glad to have my share in life, whether it
be bright or sad….

TO MRS. WILLIAM THAW

Boston, December 6th, 1898.

My teacher and I had a good laugh over the girls’ frolic. How funny they must
have looked in their “rough-rider” costumes, mounted upon their fiery steeds!
“Slim” would describe them, if they were anything like the saw-horses I have
seen. What jolly times they must have at —! I cannot help wishing sometimes
that I could have some of the fun that other girls have. How quickly I should
lock up all these mighty warriors, and hoary sages, and impossible heroes, who
are now almost my only companions; and dance and sing and frolic like other
girls! But I must not waste my time wishing idle wishes; and after all my ancient
friends are very wise and interesting, and I usually enjoy their society very much
indeed. It is only once in a great while that I feel discontented, and allow myself
to wish for things I cannot hope for in this life. But, as you know, my heart is

usually brimful of happiness. The thought that my dear Heavenly Father is
always near, giving me abundantly of all those things, which truly enrich life and
make it sweet and beautiful, makes every deprivation seem of little moment
compared with the countless blessings I enjoy.