“I mean that they have a sort of undisciplined expression, as if he had never been tamed by suffering or sorrow of any sort,” said I.

“That sadness is the true human look,” said the minister, “the look that redeems us from the mere animal expression of enjoyment.  It is the stamp God puts on those He loves.  He chastens them; after that, they are no more servants, but sons of the house.”

I saw by Mr. Lewis’s eyes that he understood and felt this.  Also, that from his nature he bought his enjoyments every step of the way of life.  How differently his cousin laid hold on the cornucopia of enjoyment, and covered himself with bountiful beauty, drinking in at every sense pleasure!  The former, as could be seen too, held his title to happiness by the most uncertain tenure; the nervous quiver betraying, and the sensitive blood witnessing, how keenly he felt and how dearly he paid for every passing pleasure.  I remember, as I saw his purple, thrilling face, that I hoped his home-life was happy, feeling that to such a man it must be everything.  Yet I was sure, from what he did not say, with eye or lips, that he had not learned religious trust.  Still, he did not listen to the mere minister, but to the friend; and there sprang up between the two the corresponding interest and respect belonging to natures kindred in depth and sensibility, though of widely differing experience.  In after-years, he who had already attained was able frequently to hold out a helping hand to his younger brother; but now, only a smile and a look told much.  This acquaintance of the soul is very fascinating.  In the two or three steps we take together, with cognizance and measure of each other, what a long path opens before us of alternate shade and sunshine, and how imagination borders every step of the way with richest heart-blossoms!  In friendship, all is glowing and enriching.  As it has not the depth of love, it neither anticipates nor requires sacrifice.  We do not think of doing or suffering for a friend; but the friend ministers to our weakness, and exalts our strength.  He sympathizes gently with our self-love, he magnifies every excellence.  He is perpetually charmed, alike with the novelty and the similarity of our experience, and unwearied in comparing thoughts and balancing opinions.  All, and more, that he gives us, he receives; and so an incipient friendship is one of the most intoxicating delights of life.  What long leaps in acquaintance we took during our first hour, and while Mr. Remington still walked up-hill before us!

“You will probably have an opportunity to see and judge for yourselves of Mr. Remington, as we are together a great deal, and he is a cousin of Mrs. Lewis’s.  This will be better than for me to attempt a description, I think, and, on the whole, more satisfactory.  He annoys me, and offends me frequently; and then I am not just to him, of course.  But he is a fine fellow, honorable and agreeable; and with a love of natural science that leads him, for the time, like a dog.  Just now, he is wild with floriculture.  Last year, it was geology.  You will see.”