" I do not know what we thought he
would do with us, but the sight of one always sent us breathless
with fright to the shelter of the maternal wing. I did not at
all like the picture of Christian on his way to the wicket-gate,
in "Pilgrim's Progress," before I had read the book, because he
had "a pack on his back." But there was really nothing to be
afraid of in those simple, honest old times. I suppose we
children would not have known how happy and safe we were, in our
secluded lane, if we had not conjured up a few imaginary fears.
Long as it is since the rural features of our lane were entirely
obliterated, my feet often go back and press, in memory, its
grass-grown borders, and in delight and liberty I am a child
again. Its narrow limits were once my whole known world. Even
then it seemed to me as if it might lead everywhere; and it was
indeed but the beginning of a road which must lengthen and widen
beneath my feet forever.
II.
SCHOOLROOM AND MEETING-HOUSE.
THERE were only two or three houses between ours and the main
street, and then our lane came out directly opposite the finest
house in town, a three-story edifice of brick, painted white, the
"Colonel's" residence.
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