The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-02-18
CHAPTER II.
AN OPPORTUNITY REJECTED.

The village Of Glenfall consisted of q struggling
collection of frame buildings, scattered along at
the base Ct the hills, which completely girdled this
retired nook. The most of the dwellings, were sur
rounded by enclosures filled with shrubs grass and
flowers. wide common soped toward the
stream, shaded by trees of a centurys gro With,
which were scattered at intervals along its margin
Near the centre of the village two imeusc oaks
spread their gDsried branches over a large log
house whitewashed on the outside, and adorned
with doors and shutters painted of vivid green.
Swinging from convenient bough in 'front.' was
grim and weatherbeaten portrait of Washington,
which served as sign to the public house to which
il gave its name.
The Washington House, as it was ambitiously
TO entertaining guests. Occasionally straggler
came TO this secluded spot, which no railroad had
yet invaded and the old couple who kept the house
welcomed him most Hospitality. as much for the
news he brought with him from the outside
world, as for The triaing sum he was charged for
his board
AS he came with slow steps toward the village,
the lingering twilight gave the young traveller an
opportunity Of observing all the details we have
endcavoIed 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 His resolution was taken to remain q season
in Glenfsl and if practicable, to become the tenant
of the ruined cottage. He was singularly free from
superstons fears, and for several reasons the very
seclusoD its evil reputation would ensure was its
greatest Recommendation.
venerable couple, long past middle age, sat be-
meath the shadows Of the trees, which served as
portico TO the tavern. The stranger was o vel
come sight to them, for many weeks had elapsed
since guest had sought the shelter of their roof
and this was of such prepossessing appearance
as promised something to interest and enliveD
them.
The young man had an active, well proportional
figure, and strongly marked though pleasing face
His eyes were dark, full and expressive, and the
massive brow rose like dome above them. His
mouth was permitted to show its mobile express
sion, though small mustache curled above a finely
curved upper lip, which seemed capable of CULVER
ing either with passion or with glee, as suited the
mood Of its owner.
His dress was simple, and suited to the pedestri-
blouse belted to his waist showed beneath il a pair
Of serviceable pants and strong walking boots A
large slouched hat Of fine straw shaded his hair.
Which was OF pale brown, and curled in short
rings around his temples. Altogether the artist
was very attractive looking person, even in his
dusty travelling costume, and this he knew very
wei though he was by no means vain or inclined to
selsconceit.
His arrival had already been heralded by the old
beeear, who was snugly ensconced in the kitchen,
partakng of the supper the bounty Of the stranger
had enabled him to order. Mr.. Higgins put on his
spec'aces that he might take q satisfactory survey
of the young man as he came toward them, and
the old lsdy soon followed his example. The pleas
ing impression made on them was confirmed by the
cheerful, manly voice which greeted them
scSd evening to ySSu my friends and
and charm the eye as this does. Your little valley
is really as beautiful as nook of Eden, and you,
in your pariarchal simplicity, seated beneath these
nagnifcen; trees, might be mistaken for the first
man and woman, looking out serenely upon the
world you had peopled and cultivated.
Many thanks to you, sir, but my old woman and
me does not ever expect to be elevated to such q
honored position as that Adam was the first man
from the hand Of God; but the first man in our
town isn't the old tavern keeper, but the owner of
tue single palace over yonder, who doesn't do
nothing for living
The stranger half smiled, and good humoredly
- am sorry to find at the outset that nv para.
DISC has the faint of envy amid all its loneliness.
was u,inSing rs came along, that the evil pas.
SONS OF our nature should find no place in such a
spot as this yet the story to which listened al the
me.n SsA' w
"Ah, sir, where can human 70 that he does not
carry evii win him. as our preacher says. Envy
on, no SIR, shant plead guilty TO no such mean
thing. don't envy John Withers; but somehow he
IS always interfering with me. As soon as yet an
interesting boarder, who shall come along but