The Pursuit of the Ideal Page #2

"The Pursuit of the Ideal" is a collection of essays and reflections by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, best known for her beloved Anne of Green Gables series. In this work, Montgomery explores themes of aspiration, creativity, and the quest for a meaningful life. Through her lyrical prose, she delves into her thoughts on nature, beauty, and the power of imagination, offering readers a glimpse into her artistic philosophy and personal struggles. The essays emphasize the importance of pursuing one's dreams and the ideals that inspire us, making it a poignant and insightful read for those interested in Montgomery's life and literary vision.

• Short story

								

himself thinking that Freda had the most charming, glad little laugh
of any girl he knew. He suddenly remembered that he had never heard
the Ideal laugh. She smiled placidly--he had raved to Freda about that
smile--but she did not laugh. Roger began to wonder what an ideal
without any sense of humour would be like when translated into the
real.

He went to Lowlands the next afternoon and found Tim there--in his
chair again. He detested the fellow but he could not deny that he was
good-looking and had charming manners. Freda was very nice to Tim. On
his way back to town Roger decided that Tim was in love with Freda. He
was furious at the idea. The presumption of the man!

He also remembered that he had not said a word to Freda about the
Ideal. And he never did say much more--perhaps because he could not
get the chance. Tim was always there before him and generally
outstayed him.

One day when he went out he did not find Freda at home. Her aunt told
him that she was out riding with Mr. Grayson. On his way back he met
them. As they cantered by, Freda waved her riding whip at him. Her
face was full of warm, ripe, kissable tints, her loose lovelocks were
blowing about it, and her eyes shone like grey pools mirroring stars.
Roger turned and watched them out of sight behind the firs that cupped
Lowlands.

That night at Mrs. Crandall's dinner table somebody began to talk
about Freda. Roger strained his ears to listen. Mrs. Kitty Carr was
speaking--Mrs. Kitty knew everything and everybody.

"She is simply the most charming girl in the world when you get really
acquainted with her," said Mrs. Kitty, with the air of having
discovered and patented Freda. "She is so vivid and unconventional and
lovable--'spirit and fire and dew,' you know. Tim Grayson is a very
lucky fellow."

"Are they engaged?" someone asked.

"Not yet, I fancy. But of course it is only a question of time. Tim
simply adores her. He is a good soul and has lots of money, so he'll
do. But really, you know, I think a prince wouldn't be good enough for
Freda."

Roger suddenly became conscious that the Ideal was asking him a
question of which he had not heard a word. He apologized and was
forgiven. But he went home a very miserable man.

He did not go to Lowlands for two weeks. They were the longest, most
wretched two weeks he had ever lived through. One afternoon he heard
that Tim Grayson had gone back west. Mrs. Kitty told it mournfully.

"Of course, this means that Freda has refused him," she said. "She is
such an odd girl."

Roger went straight out to Lowlands. He found Freda in the snuggery
and held out his hands to her.

"Freda, will you marry me? It will take a lifetime to tell you how
much I love you."

"But the Ideal?" questioned Freda.

"I have just discovered what my ideal is," said Roger. "She is a dear,
loyal, companionable little girl, with the jolliest laugh and the
warmest, truest heart in the world. She has starry grey eyes, two
dimples, and a mouth I must and will kiss--there--there--there! Freda,
tell me you love me a little bit, although I've been such a besotted
idiot."

"I will not let you call my husband-that-is-to-be names," said Freda,
snuggling down into the curve of his shoulder. "But indeed, Roger-boy,
you will have to make me very, very happy to square matters up. You
have made me so unutterably unhappy for two months."

"The pursuit of the Ideal is ended," declared Roger.
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