' Arthur's stories and
ten thousand others of the same class have taken their place, and
commonplace as they may often be, have brought a healthier influence
into action. No book written with an honest heart is lost; no poem or
essay, however poor, fails to reach some mark. The printed page that to
you or me looks so barren and poor, may carry to some soul a message of
healing; may to some eyes have the light of heaven about it. And to how
many aimless lives, writing has given a purpose which otherwise never
might have entered it! John, I believe in writing, and this baby shall
be taught to put his ideas into shape as soon as he is taught anything!
I never wish him to settle down in the belief that he is a genius and
can live on the fact; but he shall write if he can, and publish too, if
any one will do it for him. If not, we will have a private printing
press of our own, and get up an original library for our descendants.'
'A genuine woman's answer,' said John; 'only one point in it touching
upon my argument.' Here the baby opened his blue eyes wide. 'There!'
said John; 'just for the present your life has a purpose, and we can
dispense with writing, at least till that fellow is asleep again. When
you have disposed of him, we will find out how many aims it is necessary
for one woman to have, and what arrangement of them it is best to make.'
The baby stayed awake obstinately, but I was reconciled to the fact, for
our discussion might have become hot, and the writing ended for that
evening quite as effectually as the baby had done it.
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