The habit was formed, however, and I went on
writing little books of ballads, which I illustrated with colors
from my toy paintbox, and then squeezed down into the cracks of
the garret floor, for fear that somebody would find them.
My fame crept out among the neighbors, nevertheless. I was even
invited to write some verses in young lady's album; and Aunt
Hannah asked me to repeat my verses to her. I considered myself
greatly honored by both requests.
My fondness for books began very early. At the age of four I had
formed the plan of collecting a library. Not of limp, paper-
covered picture-books, such as people give to babies; no! I
wanted books with stiff covers, that could stand up side by side
on a shelf, and maintain their own character as books. But I did
not know how to make a beginning, for mine were all of the kind
manufactured for infancy, and I thought they deserved no better
fate than to be tossed about among my rag-babies and playthings.
One day, however, I found among some rubbish in a corner a
volume, with one good stiff cover; the other was missing.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170