That was jest my idee of his face, a mountain in Indgun summer, facin’ the sunrise. Standin’ up so high that it ketches a light on its forward before the world below gets lit up. Firm, solid principles with the edge took off of ’em, and kinder topped off with the experiences, and gradual convictions and discoveries of a noble life. And all softened down by the calmness and quiet of the time of day, and the fall of the year. That was the way Horace Greeley’s face looked to me as I got a full view of it as he set to his desk a writin’.
In the dead of night on my own peaceful goose feather bed at home, I had made a speech all up in my mind for that glorious occasion, when 2 firm and true principled minds should meet--which was Horace’s mind and mine. For though we conflict in some things, the good of the Human Race is as dear as our apples is, in our eyes. But at the first sight of that noble face, my emotions got up and overpowered me so, that I forgot every word of my speech, and all I could say was, in thick tones of feelin’ and principle,
His face grew almost black with fear and anger. He sprang up, and waved me back with his right hand and shouted to me,
“It is in vain madam! you are the 94th woman who has been here to-day after office. Female lobsteress depart! Get thee behind me Sa--female!”
Says I with deep emotion, “Horace you don’t know me! I am not a female lobsteress! I am Josiah Allen’s wife.”
He came forward and shook hands with me, and says he, “I know you will excuse my vehemence, when I tell you, I am almost devoured by office seekers!” He cleared a path through the papers on the floor to some chairs, but as we set down, he continued in tremblin’ tones, for it seemed as if he couldn’t forget his troubles,
“Foxes and woodchucks have holes, but a candidate for the Presidency can’t find none small enough to hide in. I _did_,” says he sithin deeply, “I _did_ have a few peaceful, happy hours in the suller of my dwellin’ house;” he paused, overcome by sad recolections, and says I, deeply sympathizin’ and interested,
“They found the out door suller way; so,” says he sithin agin, “I lost that peaceful haven.”
“Wall,” says I, tryin’ to soothe his agitation,
“You’re one in a high, noble place, Horace.”