He looked forward to an active life; in what direction he had not yet determined. He knew what were his talents and his tastes; and did not wish the former to lie buried, nor the latter, which he regarded as gifts, fitting him for some peculiar work, to be disregarded or thwarted. He rather liked awaiting an object, secure in his own energy to force his way to it, when once he saw it clearly.
from Wives and Daughters, by Elizabeth Gaskell {Chapter 31}
Working on 'direction' and 'secure' and 'clearly' at the moment, maybe, but me too, definitely.
{The Library, by Frederick Frieseke, one of my favorite artists}
5 comments:
I love the quote but, even more, I loved that painting!
Your lovely Elizabeth Gaskill quotes are making me want to read a new or re read a Gaskill, especially as my book club book is not interesting me.
Love the quote and the painting! Is that about Roger Hamley? J'adore Wives and Daughters, it's my favorite Gaskell so far, though North & South was really good too.
Hi, Claire, Joan and Karen...I'm so glad you liked them. (And yes, Karen, this is Roger, before he leaves on his scientific expedition (about where I am now in W&D. Je l'adore, aussi!)
Audrey
I do like this way of reviewing a book as you read it. I've read it but can't remember some of the lines you've quoted!
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