own constructive period he will look with awe upon this process of life in another: he will realize as never before the almost infinite possibilities rising within the unspoiled child, confirming thus his surmise that the child-spirit is the one rare, certain thing in the world that takes directly hold on heaven. The values of his picture of life will be restored: its proper atmosphere will return. Wordsworth's Intimations will no longer appear to him transcendental, nor Pater's Child in the House fanciful. He may refine on them in his thought as they refine on the Child literature of the day. He will have used the laboratory for what it teaches and return to life. The child will no longer be to him a specimen-the proper subject of expert books, nor he the teacher of old who has but seen children as bushes walking. As he leaves the Interpreter's House in this sweet companionship he will be more sure than he was at the wicket-gate of a sight of The City from the Delectable Mountains. Together they will trudge along the pilgrimage and the little child shall lead him-enlightened, inspired, by a new and living way. CHARLES WILLIAM STOUGHTON. |