Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-09-18

But he was amazed to hear the farmers
he met arguing, in their peculiar Yankee
draWl, on the various modes Of culture
and crops, ike men who were no stran-
gers to all modern Improvements In sgFi-
culture.
The name OF MetcaIf frequently oe-
CURED In the Convers alton as c0n6rma-
ton OF their own theories. or expert
ments. latham Metcalf gave preference
to this fertilizer, to this machine for
wlnnOWing; 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 It to their
advantage.
Leland found the Congressman had
not exaggerated the local Importance of
this parsonage, and that it was most es-
sentlal to cOncIliate him. Res solving,
therefore, to call on him during the daY,
ne meanwhile went to breakfast
The duty toward himself fulfilled, the
young man lOunged on the veranda, as
he had the evening before, and com
menced smoking.
Though it was near midday. it was
doubtful to him if the solitude and si-
lence appeared less complete and oppres-
slve than on the preceding evening. A
hUshed cackling of fowls, the drowsy
hum OF bees. and the mufiied chime Of a
distant bel1-these were all
Leland lounged on the veranda, dream
ing Of his club, Of the noisy crowd, Of
the rumbling stages and street-caFs, of
the playbill of the Madison Square The
ater, Of the drives In Central Park-and
the memory of the least Of these en-
ehantments brought infinite peace to his
soul.
The inhabitant of New York has one
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 ali-pOtent vitality which ceaselessly
envelopes him takes away, in a 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:
banishe from all his old haunts and
habits, he began to feel terribly the
weight Of time. 1t therefore approached
a delicious sensation for him to suddenly
hear that regularly recurring beat upon
the road, which to his trained ear an
nOunced the approach of sever al 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 a mere girl in
point of years.
Though quite amazed at this charming
spectacle, Leland remembered his duty
as a gentleman, and descended the steps
of the Yeranda. But the ladies, at 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 a road in the rear, and disappeared in
the direction of lovely lake, a 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 a 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 a moment he called to Seth Grid
ley.
rage way, is this public rOad?"
1t certainly is not a 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 herei 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 I tell them that
this displeases you, sir2"
%DispIeases me! Why the deuce do
you suppose it dispIeases me? IOnly asked
information. And now, who are the
Iadies2"
"Oh, sir, they are very nice ladies, in
deed! Mrs. Denton, her daughter Edith,
and their friend Miss Mildred.
Mrs. Denton-eh? And her husband,
Mr.. Denton, does he never ride out with
Great scottl no, sir. He never rides
with them. And grim Seth Gridley
smiled dry smile.
Why not, praY2"
"Why not? He has been among the
dead this ten years, as, no'doubt, you
very well know.
Granting that 1 know it, friend Grid
ley, I wish it distinctly understood that
these ladies are not to be interfered with.
You cOmprehend?"
Cridley seemed pleased that he was not
to be the bearer of so disagreeabIe a 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 a mile farther
on discovered the somewhat imposing
house he sought.
He swung open the gate, saunteredsup
the wel-kept path, and reached the
broad yeranda, which was shaded by
climbing vines and rose bushes.
ITO BE Continued