GIFTS OF GENIUS.

OUT AT ELBOWS.

THE STORY OF ST. GEORGE CLEAVE.

BY JOHN ESTEN COOKE, OF VIRGINIA.

I.


How good a thing it is to live! The morn is full of music; and Annie is
singing in the hall!

The sun falls with a tranquil glory on the fields and forests, burning
with the golden splendors of the autumn--the variegated leaves of the
mighty oaks are draped about the ancient gables, like a trophy of banners.
The landscape sleeps; all the world smiles--shall not I?

I sat up late last night at my accounts; to-day I will take a holiday. The
squire has bidden me good morning in his courteous, good-humored way, and
gone in his carriage to attend a meeting of his brother magistrates:--I am
away for the time from my noisy courts--the domain is mine--all the world
is still!

No;--Annie is singing in the hall.

She sings to herself, I think, this autumn morning, and would not like to