[Grandfather’s Chair by Nathaniel Hawthorne]@TWC D-Link book
Grandfather’s Chair

CHAPTER V
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CHAPTER V.THE GOVERNMENT OF NEW ENGLAND.
The children had now learned to look upon the chair with an interest which was almost the same as if it were a conscious being, and could remember the many famous people whom it had held within its arms.
Even Charley, lawless as he was, seemed to feel that this venerable chair must not be clambered upon nor overturned, although he had no scruple in taking such liberties With every other chair in the house.
Clara treated it with still greater reverence, often taking occasion to smooth its cushion, and to brush the dust from the carved flowers and grotesque figures of its oaken back and arms.

Laurence would sometimes sit a whole hour, especially at twilight, gazing at the chair, and, by the spell of his imaginations, summoning up its ancient occupants to appear in it again.
Little Alice evidently employed herself in a similar way; for once when Grandfather had gone abroad, the child was heard talking with the gentle Lady Arbella, as if she were still sitting in the chair.

So sweet a child as little Alice may fitly talk with angels, such as the Lady Arbella had long since become.
Grandfather was soon importuned for more stories about the chair.

He had no difficulty in relating them; for it really seemed as if every person noted in our early history had, on some occasion or other, found repose within its comfortable arms.

If Grandfather took pride in anything, it was in being the possessor of such an honorable and historic elbow-chair.
"I know not precisely who next got possession of the chair after Governor Vane went back to England," said Grandfather.


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