The Atlantic Monthly, page 219 by Various Authors
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you. But I'm sure all I have said to you to-day is right; I shall tell her exactly all I have said."
"If Aunt Katy knew what things we fellows are pitched into, who take the world headforemost, she wouldn't be so selfish. Mary, you girls and women don't know the world you live in; you ought to be pure and good: you are not as we are. You don't know what men, what women--no, they're not women!--what creatures, beset us in every foreign port, and boarding-houses that are gates of hell; and then, if a fellow comes back from all this and don't walk exactly straight, you just draw up the hems of your garments and stand close to the wall, for fear he should touch you when he passes. I don't mean you, Mary, for you are different from most; but if you would do what you could, you might save us. But it's no use talking, Mary. Give me the Bible; and please be kind to my dove,--for I had a hard time getting him across the water, and I don't want him to die."
If Mary had spoken all that welled up in her little heart at that moment, she might have said too much; but duty had its habitual seal upon her lips. She took the little Bible from her table and gave it with a trembling hand, and James turned to go. In a moment he turned back, and stood irresolute.
"Mary," he said, "we are cousins; I may never come back; you might kiss me this once."
The kiss was given and received in silence, and James disappeared among the thick trees.
"Come, child," said Aunt Katy, looking in, "there is Deacon Twitchel's chaise in sight,--are you ready?"
"Yes, mother."
[To be continued.]
THE AUTOCRAT GIVES A BREAKFAST TO THE PUBLIC.
Before my friend the Professor takes his place at our old table, where, Providence permitting, he means to wish you all a happy New Year on or about the First of January next, I wish you to do me the favor of being my guests at the table which you see spread before you.
This table is a very long one. Legs in every Atlantic and inland city,--legs in