opportunities of our more fortunate city sisters, such as witnessing
plays from Shakespeare, listening to symphony concerts, etc., turn to
'The Friendship of Books,' of which Washington Irving writes: 'Cheer
us with the true friendship, which never deceived hope nor deserted
sorrow.'"

"Yes," said Mary, "but remember, Aunt Sarah, Chautauqua will be held
next Summer in a near-by town, and, as Uncle John is one of the
guarantors, you will wish to attend regularly and will, I know, enjoy
hearing the excellent lectures, music and concerts."

"Yea," replied her Aunt, "Chautauqua meetings will commence the latter
part of June, and I will expect you and Ralph to visit us then. I
think Chautauqua a godsend to country women, especially farmers'
wives; it takes them away from their monotonous daily toil and gives
them new thoughts and ideas."

"I can readily understand, Aunt Sarah, why the poem, 'Life's Common
Things,' appeals to you; it is because you see beauty in everything.
Aunt Sarah, where did you get this very old poem, 'The Deserted
City'?"

"Why, that was given me by John's Uncle, who thought the poem fine."

"Sad is the sight, the city once so fair!
An hundred palaces lie buried there;
Her lofty towers are fallen, and creepers grow
O'er marbled dome and shattered portico.

"Once in the gardens, lovely girls at play,