6 THROUGH LIBRARY WINDOWS 



gold barring the light, a center-table with costly- 

 books, not for use but exhibition — everything 

 suggesting a quiet of refined order, and noth- 

 ing even hinting hard work and its exquisite 

 enjoyment. Such a library is not ours ; ours is 

 the living workshop, and the well-used tools 

 are handy to the touch. Glass cases are non- 

 conductors; a book-lover wants to know his 

 books by touch and sight, so we have open 

 shelving. Our books are not in elegant bind- 

 ings to excite admiration, but "Puritans and 

 Quakers all, valued for their souls, not their 

 dresses." Light pours into ours freely from 

 each window, curtains rarely check it, floor is 

 hardwood and rugged in places. Yes, a couch, 

 and I confess to its invitations and that I occa- 

 sionally accept them and — ruminate ! 



Pictures and books cover the wall spaces, 

 which are choicer depends on the mood, for 

 pictures are books and books are pictures; we 

 enjoy both. There is a wholesome activity in 

 our library by day, and alas ! too often by night 

 and far into it, for we have a weakness, after 

 company is gone and all are at rest, of talking 

 with our friends on the shelves and listening 

 with rapt attention to their tales and teachings. 

 How mellow and fragrant and rich these mid- 

 night readings ; fiction, poetry and art at night, 



