Now, Mrs. Dr. dear, I call such conduct unreasonable; but all the same,” added Susan, with a sigh, “what with aeroplanes and automobiles and all the rest of it, this Island is not what it used to be.”
The aeroplane soared and dipped and circled, and soared again, until it became a mere speck far over the sunset hills.
“‘With the majesty of pinion
Which the Theban eagles bear,
Sailing with supreme dominion
Through the azure fields of air.’”
quoted Anne Blythe dreamily.
“I wonder,” said Miss Oliver, “if humanity will be any happier because of aeroplanes. It seems to me that the sum of human happiness remains much the same from age to age, no matter how it may vary in distribution, and that all the ‘many inventions’ neither lessen nor increase it.”
“After all, the ‘kingdom of heaven is within you,’” said Mr. Meredith, gazing after the vanishing speck which symbolized man’s latest victory in a world-old struggle. “It does not depend on material achievements and triumphs.”
“Nevertheless, an aeroplane is a fascinating thing,” said the doctor. “It has always been one of humanity’s favourite dreams—the dream of flying. Dream after dream comes true—or rather is made true by persevering effort. I should like to have a flight in an aeroplane myself.”
“Shirley wrote me that he was dreadfully disappointed in his first flight,” said Rilla. “He had expected to experience the sensation of soaring up from
