where I learned to distinguish between the finite and infinite, ceasing to
envy any, while I inclined to worship one. The benevolence of
Providence is extended to all its creatures, each receiving it in a mode
adapted to its own powers of improvement. My destiny being toward a
communion with man--or rather with woman--I have ever looked upon
these silent communications with the astronomer as so much
preparatory schooling, in order that my mind might be prepared for its
own avenir, and not be blinded by an undue appreciation of the
importance of its future associates. I know there are those who will
sneer at the supposition of a pocket-handkerchief possessing any mind,
or esprit, at all; but let such have patience and read on, when I hope it
will be in my power to demonstrate their error.

{avenir = future; esprit = soul or vital spirit }



CHAPTER II.

It is scarcely necessary to dwell on the scenes which occurred between
the time I first sprang from the earth and that in which I was "pulled."
The latter was a melancholy day for me, however, arriving prematurely
as regarded my vegetable state, since it was early determined that I was
to be spun into threads of unusual fineness. I will only say, here, that my
youth was a period of innocent pleasures, during which my chief delight
was to exhibit my simple but beautiful flowers, in honor of the hand that
gave them birth.

At the proper season, the whole field was laid low, when a scene of
hurry and confusion succeeded, to which I find it exceedingly painful to