Summer Lesson.

AS I leaned on the railing of the sea-wall, the sun's beneficence soothed my spirit. My eyes rested on the intense blue of the ocean, and the tiny stings of the week were erased as by a blue-bag. Half-shutting my lazy eyes, I still saw the green-and-black-ness of the island slashing the cerulean of sea and sky. The iron railing was warm under my hands.

* * *

Below me on the sands, a young girl, a slim bud of a thing in a wisp of scarlet costume, was solemnly turning cartwheels. Oblivious of watching eyes, she tipped herself over, waveringly at first, but with growing confidence. Blood coursed under the tan of her cheeks. Breathless at last she flung herself on the warm sands and seemed to sleep, spread-eagled, hat tilted over nose.

* * *

I straightened, standing there, and took myself to task. That was the way to tackle life—breathe deep, be “one with Nature,” attack the business of the moment with zest, surmount obstacles by continued effort. When healthily tired, desist and relax with complete abandon. When working, work, when resting, rest.

* * *

So I have come back to my task of the moment. All this glorious day has instilled its essence in my veins, and I glow with superb confidence in my ability to tackle anything. When I retire to-night I will relax as did the young girl on the warm sand, and perhaps to-morrow, if the gods be kind, my well-being will have mounted again to the perfect pitch of to-day.

* * *