19/29 The book had its passionate admirers, its lovers from the first. Men, women, and boys took it to their hearts. Happy day when _Lavengro_ first fell into boyish hands. It brought adventure and the spirit of adventure to your doorstep. No need painfully to walk to Hull, and there take shipping with Robinson Crusoe; no need to sail round the world with Captain Cook, or even to shoot lions in Bechuanaland with that prince of missionaries, Mr.Robert Moffat; for were there not gypsies on the common half a mile from one's homestead, and a dingle at the end of the lane? |