White Heather (Volume II of 3)

It can hardly be wondered at that these suddenly presented ambitious projects-this call to be up and doing, and getting forward in the general race of the world-should add a new interest and fascination, in his eyes, to the society of the American father and daughter who had wandered into these distant wilds. And perhaps, after all, he had been merely wasting his time and throwing away his life? That solitary, contented, healthy and happy existence was a mistake-an idle dream-an anachronism, even? The common way of the world was right; and that, as he heard of it in the echoes brought by these strangers from without, was all a pushing and striving and making the most of opportunities, until the end was reached-independence and ease and wealth; the power of choosing this or that continent for a residence; the radiant happiness and glow of success.