Page:The Diothas, or, A far look ahead (IA diothasorfarlook01macn).pdf/137



to myself, I strolled slowly along the path that led down the midst of this strange park, or garden. I inhaled with delight the sea-breeze, which blew steadily and with a delicious coolness at this elevation. I was only surprised to see comparatively so few enjoying what, if now available, would prove a constant attraction. The reason, after all, was not far to seek. The city-dwellers, who tended and enjoyed these gardens, were now in the busy part of their day. They resorted hither, either to enjoy the bracing morning air or the evening breeze. The few I saw scattered here and there, at wide intervals, were probably strangers, like myself, to the city. Yet to none could the scene be so strangely novel as to me, seeing that similar roof-gardens were a constant element in urban scenery.

About half-way to the tower, I approached one of the seats placed near the parapet, and, leaning over, looked down into the busy street. I hastily drew back. The parapet, though in reality abundantly strong, seemed to my imagination perilously frail, so frightful was the down-look.

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