Some occupations, however, do seem of themselves to be peace-bringing; I mean, to be so independent of the great good of being occupied at all.

Gardening, sketching, and natural history pursuits, for instance.

Is it partly because one follows them in the open air, in great measure ?--fresh air, that mysteriously mighty power for good! Anodyne, as well as tonic; dispeller of fever when other remedies are powerless; and the best accredited recipe for long life.
Only partly, I think.
One secret of the happiness of some occupations is, perhaps, that they lift one away from petty cares and petty spites, without trying the brain or strength unduly, as some other kinds of mental labour must do.
And how delightful is fellowship in such interests! What rivalries without bitterness; what gossip without scandal; what gifts and exchanges; what common interests and mutual sympathy! In such happy business the holidays went by.

Then the question arose, Were we to go back to school?
Very earnestly we hoped not; and I think the Arkwrights soon resolved not to send Eleanor away again.

As to me, the case was different.