THE COUNTRY.


which is in the eyes of the men and women
who live beside the creeks and rivers. On the
contrary, there is a vague and restless self-
consciousness which gives them a keener look,
and hints at some deeper interest in life. Just
what that interest may be is not apparent;
possibly it is religion. It certainly is religion
among the colored people, whose cabins are
found in groups by the side of some scarcely
distinguishable road which wanders across the
barrens from one clearing to another.
 It is almost a pity to define the one absorbing
excitement of the negro as religion, but there
seems to be no other word; and after all, gro-
tesque and fierce as it is, surely it contains the
essential element of all religions, -the abne-
gation of self.
 Buddha, desiring to sink into-

 nameless quiet, nameless joy,
 Blessed Nirvana, sinless, stirless rest,
 That change which changes never;"

the nun in the convent, her pale cheek pressed
against the cross in an agony of supplication;