Did I know it? Yes, I did. I realized it then as now. I was not
a victim of unconscious joy, to awaken to it at some future period. It
was not to me a dream. The cup was full! I was truly happy!
CHAPTER XIII.
THE FIRST BREAK.
I do not know when or where it was first announced, but the
announcement came like a clap of thunder from a clear sky. Some one was
going to leave us! Who? Was it the "Archon" or the "Professor"?
Certainly this was not expected; but would it be strange if some of the
leaders, feeling too much the pressure and the burden of the financial
and executive business of the society, should grow weary, depart, and
leave their places unfilled forever? Was it any one of the grumblers or
the known discontented or disconcerted ones? No, it was no less than
Peter, the "General"! Why, if the elm tree in the yard of the Hive had
walked off in the night it would not have caused more talk or greater
consternation. Could it be possible?
From that day to this I have wondered how that man could have had such
a hold on our hearts. There was not a handsome feature in him. He had a
large but uneven forehead. His eyes were small, grayish-blue and
deepset. His nose was homely, his teeth were discolored, and he was
ungainly and awkward.
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