Even I (and you know how painfully shy
and bashful I was) felt myself more at home there than in my
father's house; and if I didn't talk much, I had a pleasant feeling
of being in harmony with those who did.
"Well, 'twas in the early part of '45--I think in April,--when we
were all gathered together, discussing, as usual, the possibility
of leading a life in accordance with Nature. Abel Mallory was
there, and Hollins, and Miss Ringtop, and Faith Levis, with her
knitting,--and also Eunice Hazleton, a lady whom you have never
seen, but you may take my wife at her representative--"
"Stick to the programme, Enos," interrupted Mrs. Billings.
"Eunice Hazleton, then. I wish I could recollect some of the
speeches made on that occasion. Abel had but one pimple on his
temple (there was a purple spot where the other had been), and was
estimating that in two or three months more he would be a true,
unspoiled man. His complexion, nevertheless, was more clammy and
whey-like than ever.
"`Yes,' said he, `I also am an Arcadian! This false dual existence
which I have been leading will soon be merged in the unity of
Nature.
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