"It is rather a comforting faculty I have--this unconscious
companionship with the absent. Once I told you that you had been
with me while you supposed yourself to be at Silverside. Do you
remember? Now, here in the city, I walk with you constantly; and we
often keep pace together through crowded streets and avenues; and
in the quiet hours you are very often, seated not far from where I
sit. . . . If I turned around now--so real has been your presence
in my room to-night--that it seems as though I could not help but
surprise you here--just yonder on the edges of the lamp glow--
"But I know you had rather remain at Silverside, so I won't turn
around and surprise you here in Manhattan town.
"And now your next question: Yes, Boots is well, and I will give
him Drina's love, and I will try my best to bring him to Silverside
when I come. Boots is still crazed with admiration for his house.
He has two cats, a housekeeper, and a jungle of shrubs and vines in
the back yard, which he plays the hose on; and he has also acquired
some really beautiful old rugs--a Herez which has all the tints of
a living sapphire, and a charming antique Shiraz, rose, gold, and
that rare old Persian blue.
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