The Boys of Grand Pré School: Illustrated — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
The Boys of Grand Pré School: Illustrated
John Stuart Mill · en
That day was Sunday, and they had to remain in the village. The doctor,
however, found occupation. There was no clergyman stationed here, but
there was a little chapel, where services were held about once a month.
Here he performed the duties of his sacred office, and the villagers,
hearing of his arrival, turned out in force. The doctor had a crowded
house, and was so gratified by their attendance in the morning, and so
touched by their quiet but earnest attention, that he held forth again
in the afternoon.
As to the mistake that the doctor had made, he acknowledged it in the
handsomest manner. In the presence of all the boys, he said that Bruce
had been right, and he had been wrong. He acknowledged his ignorance of
the woods, and advised them, if they ever again went roaming through the
forest, never to trust to the guidance of a doctor of divinity. He
felt that he might be of some small service in guiding them through
figurative forests,--in pointing out the true way through that “obscure
wood” by which Dante once symbolized this world of man,--but as to ever
again leading them, or having anything to do with them in any literal,
material wood, he begged to be excused; and he also advised them not
to have anything to do with him. He praised them all for their patient
endurance in following him, and hoped finally that they would look back
upon this adventure with such pleasant memories that all the troubles
that they had endured would be forgotten.
On the other hand, every one of the boys declared that they had had a
most delightful time, and that they would not want a better leader than
the doctor; all of which showed plainly that the toil and trouble of
these wanderings had already been forgotten in the peace and pleasure
which had marked their journey’s end.
There remained now the consideration of their homeward journey. On
Saturday night the doctor had spoken to Bennie about it, and Bennie
said he would see about getting conveyances for them as far as the place
where the doctor’s horses had been left. But the doctor refused to let
him make any arrangements on Sunday. As he wished to be back at Grand
Pré on Monday in time to begin the school, he saw that it would be
impossible to get Bennie’s conveyances without breaking the Sabbath. But
he couldn’t do this. So there was only one alternative; and that was,
to start very early on Monday morning, and walk to the place where the
horses were. This he determined to do.
So, on Monday morning, at four, they all rose, and after partaking of
a substantial breakfast, they bade Mr. and Mrs. Bennie an affectionate
farewell, and departed. It was about five before they left. It was past
seven when they reached their destination. The doctor found the horses
and wagons all safe; but it took some time to feed the former, and it
was after eight o’clock before they were able to start.
Then they drove home as fast as they could.