New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-18
CHAPTER IL.
AN OPPORTUNITY REJECTED.


The village Of Glenfall consisted of a struggling col
ection of frame buildings, scattered along at the tase
of the hills which completely grdled this retired nook.
The mos: of the dwellings were surrounded by inclo-
ures filed with shrubs, grass and flowers. A wide
common slope toward the stream, shaded by trees of
centurys growth, which were scattered at intervals
along tie margin.
Near the centre of the village two immense oaks
spread their gnarled branches large log house.
wbitewashed on the outside, and adorned with doors
and shutters painted Of vivid green. Swinging from
a convenient bough in front, was grim and weather
beaten portrait of Washington, which served sign
to the public house TO which il gave lie nams.
The Washington Honse, as it was ambitiousiy
called, was neither very extensive much given 70
entertaining guests. Occasionally stIageer came to
this secluded spot, which railroad had yet invaded
and the old couple who kept the house welcomed him
most Hospitality, az much fc- the news he brought with
him from the outside world 80 for the trifng sum be
was charged for his board.
Az he came with slow steps toward the village, the
lingering twilight gave the young traveller AN opportu-
nifty of observing all the details We have endeavored TO
set forth Fresh from the heat and turmoil Of the city,
his soul was filed with the quiet charm Of The scene
and the sweet influences Of the hour. HE resolution
taken 10 remain season in GlenfaJl, and prac
tcabe, 70 become the tenant OF the ruined cottage.
He was snRularly free from superstous fears aud for
several reasons the very seelusion its evil reputation
would ensure was its greatest recommendation.
A venerable couple long past middle eye, sat be-
meath the shadows OF the trees, which served as por
tcoi the tavern. The stranger a welcome sight
10 them, for many weeks he'd elspsed since guest
bad sought the shelter Of their roof and this
of such preposseesing appearance gs promised some
thing " interest aud .nliven them.
The young man had an active, well proporioned
md AFR "
His eyes were dark, full and expressive and the
massive brow rose like dome above them. HE
mouth was permitted 70 show its mobile expression
though small mustache carried above finely curved
upper lip, which seemed capable Of quiverng either
With passion or with gee as suited the mood OF its
owner.
His dress was simple, and suited to the pedestrian
tour he was evidently making. A loose linen blouse
belted 10 hs waist showed beneath il pair OF service
able Pants and strong walking boots large souehed
hat Of fine eIaw shaded his hair, which was VI pale
brown, and eorled in short rings round hs temples
Altos ether, the artist was very attractive looking
Dc rsop even in This dusty travelling costume and
his he knew very well, though he was By no means
vain or inclined 10 self-c1neei..
His arrival had already been heraded by the old bog
,ar who was snngly ensconced in the kitchen parak-
Dg Of the suppeT The bounty Of the stranger had ena'
,Jed nin 20 order MIR. Higgins put hi. speotaeies,
hat be might take Satisfactory survey Of the young
nan az he came toward them, and the old lady soon
oliOwed bis example The pleasing impression made
m them confirmed by the cheerful, manly voice
which greeted them;
A good evening to you, my friends; and may yonn
I'VE 10 enjoy many that can soothe the heart and
harm the ., as this does Your little valley ID really
~ beautiful nook Of Eden, and YOU IN your pa
Iaicnai simplicity, seated beneath these magnificent
Iess, might be mistaken for the first man and woman,
cooking out serenely upon the world Won had peopled
and cultivated" VIZ "N'N
many tbanks 70 you, sir but my old woman and |
nc ooss hot ever expect 10 lie elevated TO such |
tho Eral
rom the hand Of God but the frs, man In onr town
snt the oid tavern-keeper, but the owner Of tho |
or living" 's
dhe stranger nail smiled, and good humOredly said
- w sorry v tnd o! the oaSsl tha, my parable