There is an interesting story of Wordsworth, who went to call on Miss Harriet Martineau at Ambleside, in the house which she had built and laid out. There was a gathering of neighbors present, and Wordsworth stood for a long time at the window contemplating the beautiful landscape outside. Then he turned to the party and said, “Miss Martineau, I congratulate you on your beautiful little domain. The views are wonderful, and it will turn out to be the wisest thing you ever did in your life.” He paused for a moment, and the guests expected some comment on the uplifting effect of communion with nature; but Wordsworth, with a fine gesture, continued, “Your property will certainly be trebled in value within the next ten years!”
THE GUTTER-NICKEL
BY ESTELLE LOOMIS
Author of “Out of Bondage”
WITH A PICTURE BY J. MONTGOMERY FLAGG
I
SUCCESS seldom comes as in a lottery—one big prize, and it’s all over, the winner satisfied.