The alterations that he would have perceived were those caused by
the natural progress of time. The Benson home was brightened into
vividness by the presence of the little Leonard, now a noble boy
of six, large and grand in limb and stature, and with a face of
marked beauty and intelligence. Indeed, he might have been
considered by many as too intelligent for his years; and often
the living with old and thoughtful people gave him, beyond most
children, the appearance of pondering over the mysteries which
meet the young on the threshold of life, but which fade away as
advancing years bring us more into contact with the practical and
tangible--fade away and vanish, until it seems to require the
agitation of some great storm of the soul before we can again
realise spiritual things.
But, at times, Leonard seemed oppressed and bewildered, after
listening intent, with grave and wondering eyes, to the
conversation around him; at others, the bright animal life shone
forth radiant, and no three months' kitten--no foal, suddenly
tossing up its heels by the side of its sedate dam, and careering
around the pasture in pure mad enjoyment--no young creature of
any kind, could show more merriment and gladness of heart.
"For ever in mischief," was Sally's account of him at such times;
but it was not intentional mischief; and Sally herself would have
been the first to scold any one else who had used the same words
in reference to her darling.
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