It will be seen from these extracts from his journal that he carried out his plan of systematic reading. He luxuriated in books. In their companionship he found communion suited to every mood of mind or feeling, regarding the marshaled ranks of quiet friends on his book-shelves as his highest earthly treasure. It was a pleasant sight to watch him as he read. His mouth relaxed into a half-smiling expression, his bright eye quickly glancing across the page from line to line, his animated countenance, all told of the fascination that held him spell-bound, and the eager, earnest avidity with which he partook of the intellectual feast before him.

He had a passion for books independent of their intrinsic value. Even the little volumes that had pleased him in childhood were fondly looked upon and treasured up as though they had been the rarest gems of the bibliographer. The delight expressed on his countenance when an old copy of Weems's Life of Washington that he feared was lost was brought to him, is still remembered. He had loved it when a boy, and with gratified feelings he put it in its own place beside the Life of Marion, with the other books he had kept from his childhood. Those who understood him not would smile at this as one

of his peculiarities, and think it strange that he could value those little old books, when he possessed so extensive a library, enriched by the most valuable works of history, science, and literature; but surely this feeling was not more strange than the dreamy delight of the artist as he looks fondly on the rude pictured sketches that first awakened a passion for his chosen art. He sees in them more than others see. These little things are connected with the first springing up of mental emotions; they become a part of his individuality, and from them he traces his after progress to a maturity of taste. And with these little books too there were pleasant memories. It was from these that he drew his first enjoyment in history and biography. This love, so early awakened, continued to grow with his growth until he accumulated a store of knowledge such as is rarely gained by those whose lives are spent, as his was, in the business and bustle of life, and in active works of usefulness to society.

CHAPTER V.

FRIEND

INTERCOURSE WITH FEMALE SOCIETY
SHIPS AND SPECIAL ATTACHMENTS.

O the joy,

The rich, deep blessedness-though earth's alloy,
Fear that still bodes, be there-of pouring forth
The heart's whole power of love, its wealth and worth

Of strong affection in one healthful flow,

On something all its own.-MRS. HEMANS.

Nor look, nor tone revealeth aught
Save woman's quietness of thought;
And yet around her is a light

Of inward majesty and might.-M. J. DEWSBURY.

MR. BAKER was of a deeply affectionate nature. But there was nothing, even in his childhood, of that excitable, caressing fondness belonging to the impetuous and the variable, sometimes in connection with exacting selfishness, and too often mistaken for true affection. Writing of himself in a letter to a friend, he says, in a tone of pleasantry: "I cannot exist without loving; before I was three years old I loved a child of beauty, whom I only remember as having worn a yellow calico frock with red spots in it. I

love my dogs, I love my gun. I love Miss

Miss

and

many

and

others too numerous to mention, as the auctioneers' catalogues have it." This playful confession of having loved several was never shown in his conduct, for so great was his difidence in boyhood that he usually withdrew from the family circle when any of their young female visitors were expected. When older, he sometimes spoke of one who used to be his boyish ideal; but during her visits he never came where she was, nor could he be induced to join the children in their sports when she was among them. Like all dreamy, enthusiastic, and reserved natures, it is probable that he fixed upon some one as an embodiment of the spirit that sometimes moved athwart his imaginative sketchings.

When this difidence wore off, as he mingled more in society he took pleasure in female companionship in the social circle, though he never overcame his distaste for the gatherings conventionally termed "large parties." Among his familiar friends and acquaintances he could enjoy society, and become an agreeable companion to all with whom he associated; entering into the sportiveness of the young, whose thoughts and feelings bore only the light impress of the passing hour, and interesting the older, the wiser,

and more deeply intellectual by unfolding the treasures of his own richly endowed mind.

It was to him a pleasant relaxation, after the toils of business, to visit the families with whom he was intimate, attracted sometimes by the music, and at others by their cheerful converse. Toward the elder members he felt as a son, to the younger he was like unto a brother. He would playfully criticise their faults, frankly approve what he thought right, and take the same interest in them as if they had been his sisters. Yet he had no idea of being a lover, nor of supposing that he would be considered as such by others.

He knew that the agreeable associate of an evening's leisure and the companion of a lifetime required far different qualifications. In the maturity of manhood he had formed a high ideal, and was rarely and singularly blesssed in meeting with one who realized all that his heart and his judgment had deemed requisite. He had seen her when a schoolgirl at his own home, and was attracted by her sweet gentleness of manner and her retiring modesty; but it was not until several years afterward that he had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with her. Since the time he first saw her, both had given up