Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-09-11

But he ives amazed to hear tho farmers
he met arguing. in their peculiar Yankee
drawl, on the various modes Of culture
and crops. like men who were no strsn-
gers to all modern improvements in agri-
culture.
The name of Metcalf frequently oo-
Cured In the conversation as confrna-
tion Of their own theories. or experi-
ments. Nathan Metcalf gave preference
TO this fertilizer, to this machine for
winnowing; this breed Of cattle was in
troduced by him. Nathan Metcalf did
this, Nathan Metcalf did that, and the
farmers did like him. and found IL to their
advantage.
Leland found the Congressman had
not exaggerated the local Importance of
this parsonage, and that il was most es-
sentisl to conciliate him. Resolving,
therefore. to call on him during the day,
he meanwhile went to breakfast.
The duty toward himself fulfilled, the
young man lounRed on the veranda, as
he had the evening before, and COM
menced smoking.
Though 1t was near midday, It was
doubtful to him if the solitude and ST.
lence appeared less complete and oppres-
sive than on the preceding evening. A
hushed cacklinz Of fowls, the drowsy
hum OF bees. and the mufied chime Of O
distant bell-these were all.
Leland lounged on the veranda, dream
ing of his club, of the noisy crowd, of
the rumbling stages and street-cars, of
the playbill of the Madison Square The
ater, Of the drives in Central Park-and
the memory of the least of these en-
chantments brought infinite peace to his
soul.
The inhabitant of New York has ons
great blessing, which he does not take
into account until he suffers from its loss
-one great half of his existence is filed
up without the least trouble to himself.
The all-potent vitality which ceaselessly
envelops him takes away, in vast de-
gree, the exertion OF amusing himself.
The roar of the city, rising like a great
bass around him, fills up the gap in his
thoughts. and never leaves that disagree
able sensation-a void.
Now, Leland had within himself more
resources than most men to conquer the
blue devils; but in these early hours of
his experience in country life, deprived Of
his club, his horses, and his French cook;
banished from all his old haunts and
habits, he began to feel terribly the
weight of time. 1t therefore approached
q delicious sensation for him to suddenly
hear that regularly recurring beat upon
the road, which to his trained ear an
nounced the approach Of several riding
horses.
Next moment he saw advancing up the
somber avenue and turning into his own
grounds. three lovely females on horse
back, one Of whom was mere girl in
point Of years.
Though quite amazed at this charming
spectacle, Leland remembered his duty
as q gentleman, and descended the steps
Of the veranda. But the ladies, ct sight
Of him, appeared equally surprised as
himself, suddenly drew rein, and con-
ferred hastily together.
Then recovering, they continued their
course, taking the private carriage way
to road in the rear, and disappeared in
the direction of lovely lake, promi-
nent feature in the neighboring land
scape.
As they passed the corner of the house,
Leland bowed low, and they returned his
salutation by q slight inclination; but he
was quite sure, in spite Of the wells that
hoated from their riding hats, that he
recognized the lovely singers and the
young pianist.
After moment he called to Seth Grid
-Gridley," he said, pointing to the car
riage way, lis this public road2"
TT certainly is not public road, Mr..
Leland" replied Seth.
"Then what do those ladies mean by
using it?"
Bless mel Mr.. Leland, it is so long
since your grandfather's death, and since
any Of the family have lived herel These
ladies mean no harm by passing through
your grounds; and sometimes they even
stop at the house while my wife gives
them fresh milk. Shall tell them that
this displeases you, sir2"
"Displeases me! Why the deuce do
you suppose it displeases me? Ionly asked
information. And now, who are the
ladies?"'
@Oh, sir, they are very nice ladies, in
deedl Mrs. Denton. her daughter Edith,
and their friend Miss Mildred"
Mrs. Denton-eh? And her husband,
Mr.. Denton, does he never ride out with
them?"
@Great Scottl no, sir. He never rides
with them" And grim Seth Gridley
smiled q dry smile"
why not, prav?"
"Why not? He has been among the
dead this ten years, as, no doubt, you
very we'll know"
Granting that know it, friend Grid
ley, wish it distinctly understood that
these ladies are not to be interfered with.
You comprehend"
Gridley seemed pleased that he was NOT
to be the bearer of so disagreeable q mes
sage; and Leland suddenly conceived
that his stay at Roxbury would not only
be prolonged indefinitely but at the same
time be- very agreeable.
Thinking thus. he directed his steps
toward the residence of Nathan Melcalf
Of which, at last. from Seth, he had OBJ
tanned correct information.
He took the same road as the preceding
evening, passed the quaint old dwelling
that he believed held Mrs. Denton and
her lovely friend, glanced his eye at the
great oak that had served him for an OBJ.
servatory, and about half mile farther
on discovered the somewhat imposing
house he sought.
He swung open the gate, saunteredsuI
the well-kept path, and reached the
broad yeranda. which was shaded by
climbing vines and rose bushes.
ITo BE coNTINUED.I