As Talked in the Sanctum [pp. 357-360]

Overland Monthly
VOL. XXVII. (Second Series.) —April, I896.-No. I6o.
AS TALKED IN THE
SANCTUM.
+ ~~~~~~H dEDITO
-k, ~n ss IHAVE been thinking,"
remarked the Contribu-
tor, as he carefully dusted the
'~f',~-leather cushion of his accustomed chair, "that there are
; % many points in common between what we call primeval
barbarism and nineteenth century civilization."
IR ~ The Artist rather encouraged the Contributor, the Par I son, and the Occasional Visitor, in their daily monologues.
They did not interfere with his work. But there were times
when they were deemed impertinences by the Editor and the Reader.
"Yes?" remarked the Artist encouragingly.
"Yes," echoed the Contributor, his eyes glowing with a big idea.
Washington's Birthday fell on Saturday this year, making two holidays in succession. The Contributor had taken advantage of the summer-like February days
to climb Mount Tamalpais.
The Contributor. "With Adam and Eve or with the islanders of the South
Seas, life is made up of a series of gorgeous holidays,- legal holidays with the
banks closed,- "
The Artist. " Pardon me one moment, would you mind raising your arm? I
want to get the position of your fingers,- so. Now, go ahead."
The Poet.
"If all the year were playing holidays,
To sport would be as tedious as to work."
The Contributor. "As we emerge from barbarism, life becomes serious and
prosaic, and days set apart for pure enjoyment are unknown. Early Christianity
(Copyright, I896, by OVERLAND MONTHLY PUBLISHING CO.) All rights reserved.
Commercial Publishing Company, S. F.