Fireside Fancies 



their shallow natures filled with most 

 congenial people; but those in whom 

 the currents that touch the nobler 

 things of life run deep and high have 

 not often the great good fortune to 

 join themselves in spirit with more than 

 one or two real friends. We all know 

 plenty of people, but how many come 

 into our lives with whom a perfect mu- 

 tual understanding is possible? The 

 rarity of such companionships in actual 

 life explains and emphasizes the price- 

 less value of the literature of the ages. 

 Here at least we may turn and be sure 

 of finding thoughts and sentiments 

 that confirm our own experiences, or 

 give expression to our own ideals. 



I pity the man or woman who is only 

 happy and content where the band 

 is playing. Possibly this is sympathy 

 quite wasted. Possibly those who find 

 all they require in life at the "movies" 

 or in the whirl of the town have the 

 rational view, but there are some who 

 do not court constant touch with the 

 [i33] 



