XI THE PATH OF GOOD INTENTIONS ^> 



ONCE more the hands have crept round the dial, 

 and we stand with backs to the past and faces 

 to the future, each man laying his own causeway 

 whereon he shall walk. Ever and anon there is a 

 backward glance over the shoulder at the old trail 

 started upon a year ago, then a neat paved way, now, 

 alas ! a confused track of uprooted stones, scarcely 

 to be recognized for a way at all. The sight causes 

 a smile, a shrug, or a sigh, as the case may be ; but 

 in most cases it has no further effect. The past and 

 the future are widely sundered just now, and we turn 

 to our good resolutions with enthusiasm undiminished, 

 confidence undisturbed. To-morrow marks the dawn- 

 ing of a new era ; the new year brings the golden age 

 in which a man can go steadfast and secure. From 

 this moment we and our better selves are at unity 

 and peace. 



Thump the first paving-stone is heavy carrying, 

 and I fear it has fallen slightly askew. It is no 

 light matter this year to abandon that project of 

 March browns. Yellow -bodied they were to have 

 been, and so like a fresh-water shrimp as they moved 

 in short jumps under the water that no trout could 



126 



