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132
ROMANCE AND REALITY.


'Covered the city like a garment,'

left the heath clear, and the sky blue; and there was sunshine enough to keep me in spirits for the rest of the week."

"A most Cockney expedition, truly!"

"My dear Mrs. Sullivan, why will you indulge in common-place contumely? Believe me, it is only those

'In crowded cities pent'

who fully enjoy the free air above their heads, and the green grass beneath their feet: to them, as to the lately recovered sick man,

'Each opening breath is paradise.'

How often have I closed my book in weariness, or flung down the pen in vexation of spirit, and have gone forth into the open air, at first thoughtfully and heavily; but as the rows of houses give way to hedges, streets to fields crowded with daisies—

'The Danaë of flowers,
With gold heaped in her lap,'

and I catch the shadows of two or three old trees, my heart and steps grow lighter, and I proceed on my way rejoicing. I forget the dull realities of experience—experience, that