I only saw Master Jervie once when he called at tea time, and then I
didn't have a chance to speak to him alone. It was really
disappointing after our nice time last summer. I don't think he cares
much for his relatives--and I am sure they don't care much for him!
Julia's mother says he's unbalanced. He's a Socialist--except, thank
Heaven, he doesn't let his hair grow and wear red ties. She can't
imagine where he picked up his queer ideas; the family have been Church
of England for generations. He throws away his money on every sort of
crazy reform, instead of spending it on such sensible things as yachts
and automobiles and polo ponies. He does buy candy with it though! He
sent Julia and me each a box for Christmas.
You know, I think I'll be a Socialist, too. You wouldn't mind, would
you, Daddy? They're quite different from Anarchists; they don't
believe in blowing people up. Probably I am one by rights; I belong to
the proletariat. I haven't determined yet just which kind I am going
to be. I will look into the subject over Sunday, and declare my
principles in my next.
I've seen loads of theatres and hotels and beautiful houses. My mind
is a confused jumble of onyx and gilding and mosaic floors and palms.
I'm still pretty breathless but I am glad to get back to college and my
books--I believe that I really am a student; this atmosphere of
academic calm I find more bracing than New York. College is a very
satisfying sort of life; the books and study and regular classes keep
you alive mentally, and then when your mind gets tired, you have the
gymnasium and outdoor athletics, and always plenty of congenial friends
who are thinking about the same things you are. We spend a whole
evening in nothing but talk--talk--talk--and go to bed with a very
uplifted feeling, as though we had settled permanently some pressing
world problems. And filling in every crevice, there is always such a
lot of nonsense--just silly jokes about the little things that come up
but very satisfying. We do appreciate our own witticisms!
It isn't the great big pleasures that count the most; it's making a
great deal out of the little ones--I've discovered the true secret of
happiness, Daddy, and that is to live in the now. Not to be for ever
regretting the past, or anticipating the future; but to get the most
that you can out of this very instant. It's like farming. You can
have extensive farming and intensive farming; well, I am going to have
intensive living after this. I'm going to enjoy every second, and I'm
going to KNOW I'm enjoying it while I'm enjoying it. Most people don't
live; they just race. They are trying to reach some goal far away on
the horizon, and in the heat of the going they get so breathless and
panting that they lose all sight of the beautiful, tranquil country
they are passing through; and then the first thing they know, they are
old and worn out, and it doesn't make any difference whether they've
reached the goal or not. I've decided to sit down by the way and pile
up a lot of little happinesses, even if I never become a Great Author.
Did you ever know such a philosopheress as I am developing into?