So, love of art and beauty ruled his mind in spite of envy, and
Markland found real pleasure in the ideal given him by the
description he read. It was, almost, a new sensation.
A friend came in, and spoke in praise of one who had performed a
generous deed. There was an instant motion among the guests in
Markland's heart, the evil inciting to envy and detraction, the good
to approval and emulation. Tranquility moved to the door through
which she had come in, as if to depart; but Good-will, Kindness and
Approbation, drew her back, and held, with her, possession of the
mind they sought to rule. Envy and Detraction were shorn, for the
time, of their power.
Wondering, as he lay on his bed that night, over the strange peace
that pervaded his mind--a peace such as he had not known for many
years--Markland fell asleep; and in his sleep there came to him a
dream of the human heart and its guest-chamber; and what we have
faintly suggested, was made visible to him in living personation.
He saw how evil affections, when permitted to dwell therein, became
its enemies and tormentors; and how, just in the degree that kind
and good affections gained entrance, there was peace, tranquility
and satisfaction.
"I have looked into my own heart," he said, on awaking.
The incident of the child, and the dream that followed, were, in
Providence, sent for Markland's instruction.
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