The sun meanwhile was sinking behind the steadfast range beyond, and I could not help feeling that I must depart with my wants unsatisfied.I had brought away no historic fragment: I absolutely knew little or nothing new regarding George Washington.I had been addressed variously by the names of different members of the family who were dead and forgotten; I had stood for an hour in the past:
yet I had not added to my historical knowledge, nor the practical benefit of your readers.I spoke once more of Washington, and she replied with a reminiscence of Perkins.
Stand forth, O Josiah W.Perkins of Basking Ridge, N.J.Thou wast of little account in thy life, I warrant; thou didst not even feel the greatness of thy day and time; thou didst criticise thy superiors; thou wast small and narrow in thy ways; thy very name and grave are unknown and uncared for: but thou wast once kind to a woman who survived thee, and, lo! thy name is again spoken of men, and for a moment lifted up above thy betters.
End