LE LONG DU SENTIER 



natures; the teachings not of conven- 

 tion, but of the heart. 



There is no gain without loss; our 

 scale of more complex ratios gives dis- 

 cords that are not so easily resolved, and 

 it is hard for us to understand how 

 rapid and how sure are the responses of 

 those who still vibrate to the simple har- 

 monies of life. Even the word to record 

 an intuition is chosen out of all other 

 words, and slipped delicately into its 

 place. After the departure of a guest 

 whom all delighted to honour; who 

 placed himself, effortlessly, in just rela- 

 tion with everyone in the camp by smile 

 or nod, friendly word or little act of con- 

 sideration (gentle and simple ever find 

 common ground) our cook was inditing 

 of the matter. In a muse he cleared the 

 table, and swept away the crumbs ; ab- 

 sent manner and furrowed brow showed 

 that he was troubled by processes of 

 thought. Presently he stopped, dish- 

 cloth to breast, his other hand leaning on 



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