FOURTEENTH WEEK. 



^g^N these golden latter August days, Na- 

 ture has come to a serene equilibrium. 

 Having flowered and fruited, she is en- 

 joying herself. I can see how things are going : 

 it is a down-hill business after this ; but, for the 

 time being, it is like swinging in a hammock, 

 such a delicious air, such a graceful repose ! I 

 take off my hat as I stroll into the garden and 

 look about ; and it does seem as if Nature had 

 sounded a truce. I did n't ask for it. I went 

 out with a hoe ; but the serene sweetness dis- 

 arms me Thrice is he armed who has a long- 

 handled hoe, with a double blade. Yet to-day 

 I am almost ashamed to appear in such a bel- 



