Benjamin's little dog digested his dinner in perfect comfort on the hearth.

The parrot in the next house screeched his vocal accomplishments cheerfully.

I don't doubt that it is a great privilege to be a human being.

But may it not be the happier destiny to be an animal or a plant?
The brief respite was soon over; all my anxieties came back.

I was once more a doubting, discontented, depressed creature when I rose to say good-by.
"Promise, my dear, you will do nothing rash," said Benjamin, as he opened the door for me.
"Is it rash to go to Major Fitz-David ?" I asked.
"Yes--if you go by yourself.