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Chapter XX 



A MEMORY OF SUMMER 



N the pine woods, or 

 floating under overhang- 

 ing branches on the 

 silent and almost motion- 

 less river, I have had visions 

 of my study fire during the 

 summer months, and, now that I find myself 

 once more within the cheerful circle of its 

 glow, the time that has passed since it was 

 lighted for the last time in the spring seems 

 like a long, delightful dream. I recall those 

 charming days, some of them full of silence 

 and repose from dawn to sunset, some of 

 them ripe with effort and adventure, with a 

 keen delight in the feeling of possession 

 which comes with them; they were brief, 

 they have gone, but they are mine forever. 

 The beauty and freshness that touched 

 them morning after morning as the dew 

 touches the flower are henceforth a part of 

 my life ; they have entered into my soul as 

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