A perception, for a moment, of one's eventual and moral self, as if it
were another person,--the observant faculty being separated, and looking
intently at the qualities of the character. There is a surprise when
this happens,--this getting out of one's self,--and then the observer
sees how queer a fellow he is.
July 27th.--Left home [Salem] on the 23d instant. To Boston by stage,
and took the afternoon cars for Worcester. A little boy returning from
the city, several miles, with a basket of empty custard-cups, the
contents of which he had probably sold at the depot. Stopped at the
Temperance House. An old gentleman, Mr. Phillips of Boston, got into
conversation with one, and inquired very freely as to my character,
tastes, habits, and circumstances,--a freedom sanctioned by his age, his
kindly and beneficent spirit, and the wisdom of his advice. It is
strange how little impertinence depends on what is actually said, but
rather on the manner and motives of saying it. "I want to do you good,"
said he with warmth, after becoming, apparently, moved by my
communications.
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