A WAY TO BE HAPPY. 189

 

“That is, certainly, a very comfortable
state of mind to be in. I find a rainy day
hard to get through.”

“T don’t think I would, if I were in
your place,” said the old acquaintance. “If
“I could do no better, I would lie down and
sleep away the time.”

‘ And remain awake half the night in
return for it. No; that won't do. To lie
half-asleep and half awake for three or four
hours makes one feel miserable.

The hatter thought this a very strange
admission. He did not believe that, if he
could afford to live without work, he would
find even rainy days hang heavy upon his
hands.

“Why-don’t you read ?”

“T do read all the newspapers—that is,
two or three that I take,” replied Parker;
“but there is not enough in them for a
whole day.”

“There are plenty of books.”

“Books! Inever read books; I can't
get interested inthem. They are too long;