The wild trees of the forest--all too scattered--were best. They had an air of independence and privacy, as if they might be the amused custodians of world-old secrets that they guarded even beyond the surprisal of those whom they had admitted to fellowship--after long probation. Even the orchards--reared in captivity--looked as if they were aware of their importance in the scheme of things and knew unfathomable mysteries. After weeks of talk about all manner of feverish and unimportant things, the smiling taciturnity of Nature was reassuring and healing. The clear air was laden with the balm of forgetfulness. As I watched the rushing moving-picture show I felt that it was worthy the contemplation of a God, and knew that I was privileged in being allowed a glimpse of it and a glimmer of its significance. To those who love the cities they may be not simply endurable but glorious in times of plenty, but to those who love the country, the country is the perfect home, rich in never-failing fountains of delight and inspiration. Before many months have passed thousands may be forced to choose between them. My choice has been already made and I have no regrets. THE END The Riverside Press CAMBRIDGE. MASSACHUSETTS U. S. A +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Transcriber's Note:-- | | | | Punctuation errors have been corrected. | | | | The following suspected printer's errors have been addressed. | | | | Page 46. inaudibile changed to inaudible. (some inaudible syncopated | | rhythm) | | | | Page 147. physchology changed to psychology. (to the psychology of | | women) | | | | page 173. propellors changed to propellers. (whirling propellers of | | aeroplanes) | | | | Page 188. claustraphobia changed to claustrophobia. (smitten by a | | claustrophobia) | | | +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Affable Stranger, by Peter McArthur