Page:The Friendly Stars by Martha Evans Martin.djvu/21

 INTRODUCTION

HE chief aim of this book is to share with others the pleasure which the writer has had in what may be called a relation of personal friendship with the stars. In this relation one knows the more conspicuous ones by name and at a glance; and is able to greet them as pleasant acquaintances when they return year after year in the due seasons, or each evening as they pass over their prescribed paths serene and stately, or dancing and twinkling, according to their several habits.

One has a fine sense of companionship with the stars when he has secured this kind of acquaintance with them—when on looking out of the window at any hour of the night he can see a familiar face twinkling at him as 1