WHAT HE SAID, WHAT HE HEARD, AND WHAT HE SAW.
I intended to have signalized my first appearance by a certain large
statement, which I flatter myself is the nearest approach to a
universal formula of life yet promulgated at this breakfast-table. It
would have had a grand effect. For this purpose I fixed my eyes on a
certain divinity-student, with the intention of exchanging a few
phrases, and then forcing my picture-card, namely, _The great end of
being_.--I will thank you for the sugar,--I said.--Man is a dependent
creature.
It is a small favor to ask,--said the divinity-student,--and passed the
sugar to me.
--Life is a great bundle of little things,--I said.
The divinity-student smiled, as if that was the concluding epigram of
the sugar question.
You smile,--I said.--Perhaps life seems to you a little bundle of great
things?
The divinity-student started a laugh, but suddenly reined it back with
a pull, as one throws a horse on his haunches.--Life is a great bundle
of great things,--he said.
(_Now, then_!) The great end of being, after all, is----
Hold on!--said my neighbor, a young fellow whose name seems to be John,
and nothing else,--for that is what they all call him,--hold on! the
Sculpin is go'n' to say somethin'.
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