Mary Thacher Higginson, Thomas Wentworth Higginson: the story of his life

[256] an open book before her on a rest. Here she received her friends, and her husband's writing was often done in the midst of lively conversation. Over his desk hung a photograph of the equestrian statue of the Venetian Coleone, and from this picture of the invincible warrior Colonel Higginson felt that he derived strength. The remaining time was given to miscellaneous duties and pleasures.

His old interest in athletics revived, and led him to start a gymnasium which he daily frequented, and where he led a large class. He joyfully recorded that he could do all he ever did ‘despite lingering traces of my army ailment’; and added:—

I have felt that perhaps I should gradually recur to that blissful mood of life in Nature in which I lived at Worcester just before the War. In the Army I was constantly in the presence of nature, but the weight of responsibility submerged it altogether and I can now only look back on Nature as the setting or frame of my life. . . . Sat by Fort Greene after breakfast and thought how much lovelier autumn than summer and what a relief when one gets to it. It gives a sense of permanent enjoyment—no more hurry in the thought that each day is going.

Newport afforded great opportunities for the old recreations, and sailing, rowing, and swimming became once more daily delights. On a friend's boat Colonel Higginson rigged a red Venetian sail ‘to ’