His old bosom foe was at work; he feared that among new
companions I might meet with some one who would supplant him in my
affections. To one of my nature, this jealous exclusive disposition was
something incomprehensible; later in life I learned to pity him for a
defect of character, which in his case was hereditary, and which he
could no more help than the drawing of his life-breath. I was to leave
Elmwood by the early morning train so we were up betimes; but, early as
it was, we found my mother already up and breakfast awaiting us. The
railway station was a little beyond the village, and more than a mile
from our dwelling. Dr. Gray sent over the horse and carriage very early,
and Charley, with my mother and Flora, was to accompany me to the
depot. The morning air was fresh and invigorating, and under other
circumstances we should highly have enjoyed the drive, as it was that
morning, we were rather a sad and silent party. When we arrived at the
station I moved rapidly about and looked after my luggage with far more
care than was necessary, in order to conceal the sorrow I felt at
leaving home; and I was heartily glad to hear the whistle which
announced the approaching train, that the parting might be the sooner
over.
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