"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. Every one 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 round, 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 fish-hooks
