"At your time of life," answered the other, 'the activity of the mind cannot be confined by particular circumstances, or local situations. Retirement will not do for you; travelling will amuse the eye, and give a diversity to your ideas; variety is absolutely necessary to keep the mind alive, and prevent it from dwelling on such circumstances as might, if indulged, overwhelm it with despair, and stagnate the senses: The snow growing firm will be no impediment to your travelling, and for the cold, a soldier should be accustomed to bear it."
"I am not apprehensive of fatigue, or incapable of bearing cold," answered Ferdinand; "but perfectly a stranger to this side of the country, there would be some danger of losing my way, as there are no tracts in the snow to guide me: I think, however, that if the weather continues fair, I will pursue my ramble to-morrow, if you will allow me to partake of your hospitality another day?"
