Sister Carrie: A Novel
returned in his original beauty and glory, he could not now have
allured her. She had learned that in his world, as in her own present
state, was not happiness.
Sitting alone, she was now an illustration of the devious ways by which
one who feels, rather than reasons, may be led in the pursuit of
beauty. Though often disillusioned, she was still waiting for that
halcyon day when she would be led forth among dreams become real. Ames
had pointed out a farther step, but on and on beyond that, if
accomplished, would lie others for her. It was forever to be the
pursuit of that radiance of delight which tints the distant hilltops of
the world.
Oh, Carrie, Carrie! Oh, blind strivings of the human heart! Onward
onward, it saith, and where beauty leads, there it follows. Whether it
be the tinkle of a lone sheep bell o’er some quiet landscape, or the
glimmer of beauty in sylvan places, or the show of soul in some passing
eye, the heart knows and makes answer, following. It is when the feet
weary and hope seems vain that the heartaches and the longings arise.
Know, then, that for you is neither surfeit nor content. In your
rocking-chair, by your window dreaming, shall you long, alone. In your
rocking-chair, by your window, shall you dream such happiness as you
may never feel.