COMPANIONS OF MY SOLITUDE. W CHAPTER I. HEN in the country, I live much alone : and, as I wander over downs and commons and through lanes with lofty hedges, many thoughts come into my mind. I find, too, that the same ones come again and again, and are spiritual companions. At times they insist upon being with me, and are resolutely intrusive. I think I will describe them, that so I may have more mastery over them. Instead of suffering them to haunt me as vague faces and halffashioned resemblances, I will make them into distinct pictures, which I can give away, or hang up in my room, turning them, if I please, with their faces to the wall; and in short be free to do what I like with them. B |