IF BIRDS COULD TALK. 225 



from anotlier State to visit us, liis cliildren and 

 grandcliildren. He would keep on talking 

 gayly and pleasantly until the very moment of 

 his departure had come, when he would sud- 

 denly, and without a word of warning, spring 

 to his feet, pass rapidly around the circle of 

 astonished friends, grasp them by the hands, 

 bid them an unspoken farewell, and then 

 hurry away, wiping a tear from the corner of 

 his eye. He never prolonged the sadness of 

 his leave-taking. The dear old man's example 

 is the one I shall follow, and bid you an ab- 

 rupt but none the less loving adieu ; and while 

 I say good-by without ceremony, I confess 

 frankly I do so with genuine regret, as if part- 

 ing from friends of long acquaintance. 



