Pagina 83 di 134

In the midst of some grand occasion she would be suddenly missed

and on being sought out would be found concealed in some pleasant

nook, or even out in the open air, or beside an open window,

absorbed in meditation or gazing into the heavens. When her

attention was attracted she would start and, with a strange,

far-away look in her eyes that would indicate to a superficial

observer she had been asleep, would allow herself to be led back

and enter the festivities of the hour.

With all their efforts they could not enthuse her with the

excitement and merriment surrounding her. But, if any one should

become serious and express thoughts that appealed to the

interior, she was all attention and the questions that were so

ready when such an opportunity afforded showed plainly that,

although present in body, the soul and interests were in other

realms and spheres than this.