Nature's year's work is done; she puts on her most gorgeous
robes, and holds a festival before she sinks to her winter's sleep."
Marian smiled brightly upon him.
"Yes; my meaning, I believe, only more pointedly expressed."
That smile--that smile! It lightened through all his nature with
electric, life-giving, spirit-realizing power, elevating and inspiring
his whole being. His face, too, was radiant with life as he answered the
maiden's smile.
But something in his eyes caused Marian's glances to fall, and the rosy
clouds to roll up over her cheeks and brow.
Then Thurston governed his countenance--let no ardent or admiring
glance escape, and when he spoke again his manner and words were more
deferential.
"We spoke of the world of nature, Miss Mayfield; but how is it with the
world of man? To many--nay, to most of the human race--autumn is the
herald of a season not of festivity and repose, but of continued labor,
and increased want and privation and suffering."
"That is because society is not in harmony with nature; man has wandered
as far from nature as from God," said Marian.
"And as much needs a Saviour to lead him back to the one as to the
other," replied Thurston.
"You know that--you feel it?" asked Marian, turning upon him one of her
soul-thrilling glances.
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