ASSORTED ENTHUSIASMS.
"Ici bas tous les lilas meurent;
Tous les chants des oiseaux sont courts;
Je cherche aux étés qui demeurent
Toujours."
—SULLY-PRUDHOMME.
And now of the influences which shaped that quest of "the highest things." There were the conversations in our Secret Society, the "Centre-Seekers." Picture a winter's eve, a cosy fire, a weird hall, and a group whose initiation oath was simply "I promise to be sincere."
"There is the solution of Epicurus," remarks Holyoake, our Agnostic; "Pleasure, at least, is real. Wrap yourself in it, for you can do no better. Contentment is but one pleasure, as Salvation is another, and even sensuality may be best to you."
"How about the man who lives for his children?" asked young Fred. Lyle, whose ruddy face was made brighter by the fire glow.
"He has his enjoyment reflected from theirs."
"What do you think of the friend in 'Vanity Fair,' who helps his rival?"
"One of the fools," replied Holyoake, with an air of settling the matter.
Lyle reflected.