The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-08-29
Changers Little Place.
a. : S'5S ~"

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NY friend Granger, though born and
bre eL il the CITY, had always been of what
he ealleI "a r,aral turn"--fondof flowers
ndfrees, and ofpictures and poems re-
presenting country scenes and subjects.
Helhad also frequently expressed wish
that he could afford to give up his city
business and retire into the country,
there to devote himself to odelfarming.
Knowing these tastes of: his, ] was not
msch surprised ON returning to the city
after'n rather lengthy business absence,
to find among myletters acard, inscribed:
81. r. Granger, Woodbine Cottage,
Rosei Terrace. with all invitation to
/" call soon." ~. &c. .
I went out on the following Saturday.
The street cars took me into newly
created suburb, and within four.squares
of Rose Terrace, which found to be a
row of tiny new cottages, and so called
from having boen l. # by the recent
grading Mt an elevation of about eighteen
inches above tho. level of the street, or
rather road. Each cottage was buried
inn Gothic portieo or bow window, and
they we're all SO exactly alike that I
might have experienced some difficulty
i'm finding Granger's but for the wood
bine trained over the portico. On reach
ing the garden gate I perceived Granger
himself, attired in a loose jacket and
broad-brimmed straw hat, busted among
some rose bushes and lilacs in the front
yard He had pruning knife in his
hand and sickle and garden hoe lay at
his feet. On seeing me he came forward,
his round, ruddy face beaming with
hospitable welcome.
"You find me rather rusticated, sup
pose, he observed, with zest, "but the
fact is found the place sadly neglected
the lawn quite weedy and the shrub
berry here he pointed to the lilacs and
rose bushes-"Tery much in need Of
pruning; besides the grounds have got
to be laid out, you see."
I found the house snug little affair,
OF two parlors and library'on the first
floor, and couple Of chambers above;
rather more room than was required
by a bachelor, I hinted, though Granger
received the suggestion with contempt.
CA wife is too expensive; and I would
hate to lose my independence" said he.
He took me into the garden Mt the back
OF the house-a space of some fifteen
yards,by ten-and displayed to me with
pride what he had effected. The walks
were tastefully bordered with gooseberry
and currant bushes, but we're rather mar
row, and obliged us to proceed in single
file. There were tiny beds of vegetables
"a strawberry bed and melon patch
cucumbers for pickles, and raspberries
for preserves; besides, trellis-work
'arbor, to be covered with grapevines.
"Yoa see;;" he added, there's moth
ing so pleasant as having fruits and veg
2 stables of your own raising, served fresh
and crispfrom the stalk. It's convenient
also, and renders you so independent of
the market. - -.... '.... p.
-- He called my attention to row of
bee-hiYes not yet tenanted; also pointed
out fancy poultry-house, and patent
dog-kennel. In the midst Of the garden
- rose apigeon-house of elaborate design,
above which was a. weathervane of his
owninyention- "a shepherdess, pointing
with her golden crook in the direction of
. the wind. On this original idea he
greatly prided himself. ~ I.
- "It suits the pastoral nature of the
place, you see," he observed, COM
placently "and indeed would not
d object to apet lamb or two-only I'm
afraid they. might interfere with the
vegetables. . ... /
We we're summon dto supper by Mrs.
NH. The housekeeper, q woman of reso-
: lutte aspect and determined mien. She
I looked sharply at me, and evidently did
not altogether approve of my presence.
Also, it struck me that Granger ap-
peared little subdued while she poured
gut tpurl tea, and Frightened mp when,
that duty performed, she najestically re-
tired.
"You appear to have good house
keeper" T remarked. glancing over the
Widespread table.
"Oh,, decidedly, never saw bette,
: cooking in my life, and for neatness and
: order not to be equaled. In fact, some
persons might be satisfied with less pre-
=. oision and neatness. For instance, she
prefers that should enter at the bach
deer; and thinks 1t best to hang my