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Ballantyne, R. M. (Robert Michael), 1825-1894

"The Dog Crusoe and His Master A Story of Adventure in the Western Prairies"

Much less
do we mean that _perpetual_ smile of good-will which argues more of
personal comfort and self-love than anything else. No; the loving look
we speak of is as often grave as gay. Its character depends very much
on the face through which it beams. And it cannot be counterfeited.
Its _ring_ defies imitation. Like the clouded sun of April, it can
pierce through tears of sorrow; like the noontide sun of summer, it
can blaze in warm smiles; like the northern lights of winter, it
can gleam in depths of woe;--but it is always the same, modified,
doubtless, and rendered more or less patent to others, according to
the natural amiability of him or her who bestows it. No one can put
it on; still less can any one put it off. Its range is universal; it
embraces all mankind, though, _of course_, it is intensified on a few
favoured objects; its seat is in the depths of a renewed heart, and
its foundation lies in love to God.
Young Varley's mother lived in a cottage which was of the smallest
possible dimensions consistent with comfort.


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