Absalom's Hair

A gloomy tale of an ill-matched pair and of the son who inherited is mother's red hair and her emotional nature, his father's likeness, and from both the spirit of rebellion that wrecked his parent's lives and maimed his own almost beyond the cure of his final self-conquest.

There are some people who always will hold aloof. They are as irresponsive as a sooty kettle when you strike it. They are like peevish children who say "I won't," or surly old dogs who growl at every one. But HE was so exceedingly genial, a capital fellow with the highest spirits. He had looks as well; he was six feet high; and all those six feet were clothed in perfect taste. He had large flashing eyes and a broad forehead. He was practised in making clear to others all in which he was interested, and at such times how handsome he looked!