CHAPTER XII 



Fireside Fancies 



With the first advance of the autumn 

 we begin to lay the open fire. In 

 fact, so fond we are of the blazing logs 

 upon the big brick hearth that we take 

 advantage of the slightest drop of the 

 mercury in the thermometer all season 

 through to gather round the chimney- 

 breast, and set the flames a-dancing; 

 and if the day be wet as well as cool 

 outside we have little trouble in making 

 ourselves believe that after all life 

 is not altogether dependent upon per- 

 petual sunshine, even though clear 

 skies and balmy airs are usually deemed 

 essential to the enjoyment of the 

 country. 



It is astonishing how few there are 

 in these degenerate days who know 

 [129] 



