The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1893-09-29
CHAPTER X.


usual, but perfectly self possessed. The
loving hearts around her needed no words
to teach them that all allusion to the
painful conversations of the previous
evening should be avoided.
Lillian proposed that Rose should ac-
company her mother on the exploring
expedition, alleging that Roses taste
and Judgment would be more adapted
to the taste of the whole family than
her own.
The proud girl OWNED at once her sis
ter's real meaning, and with heightened
color and contracted brow shrank as
from blow. Her mother came to her
rescue, remarking quietly she preferred
Lillian should go, as Rose could more
advantageously aid in experimenting
various changes at home that should be
arranged at once and in which her
brothers could be effective assistants,
judging, with her usual sagacity, even
laborious employment for the comfort
and welfare of the family would be the
most certain cordial for her wounded
spirits.
Those sent to spy out the land re-
turned in the afternoon and brought
back most enthusiastic report of the
beauties of the place, its great capacity
for profitable employment, the conven-
fence Of the house and outbuildings, SO
arranged as to save much labor, and
therefore peculiarly desirable in their
estimation, as it was well understood
they must dispense with servants. In
deed, Mrs. Newton told her husband it
was the facsimile of such place as they
had often dreamed over.
The prospects this glowing report
opened were so in unison with the natural
taste and good Judgment of the whole
family, giving field for the working of
each individual and peculiar talent, that
nothing remained but to hasten the bust
ness arrangement between Mr.. Dunbar
and Mr.. Newton and enter at once upon
their labors- The good wife and mother
thought that no repairs were necessary
but such as could be better attended to
when on the ground. Mr.. Newton then
offered to take lease of the property for
a certain number of years, paying rent
equal to that paid in the vicinity for
farming property, the papers to be at
once drawn up and possession taken i'm
mediately.
Dunbar, on the contrary, urged that he
should so soon deprive them of Lillian's
aid it was only fair that rent should be
considered but proper equivalent from
himself and his Lilly for the loss of their
valuable services.
He was interrupted by an outburst of
started of course by Ralph
at Eustace's expense, for his high esti-
mate of their capabilities, in which even
Rose Joined with something of her usual
sparkling repartee. But Dunbar was not
to be silenced, even though his gentle
Lilly was leagued against him. Mr..
Newton finally replied that no argu-
ments would avail. He must enter upon
his work according to his own ideas of
independent action or not at all.
A few days saw all the changes COM
pleted. The splendid mansion where the
Newtons had passed 80 many happy
hours was transferred to other hands,
not without natural regrets, but without
q murmur. Selecting such articles as
would suit their altered circumstances,
the family removed Immediately to their
new home, leaving such property as they
could claim to be sold at auction. When
all was sold and fully settled, Mr.. New
ton was thankful to find that between
"a 900 and $4,000 clear remained in his
hands, besides the unpretentious furnish
ings of the farm home and the expenses
of removal. Part of this money he at
once safely invested, reserving only what
would supply their wants till they might
hope to receive something available from
the farm, having also purchased from
Eustace the stock and farming imple-
ments he had secured with the place.
A very honest and efficient farmer,
who had for some years lived in little
cottage near by and superintended the
work, was also retained, Mr.. Newton
being aware that he should economic by
securing trusty and experienced farm
laborers till such time as he might hope
to acquire the requisite knowledge him
self. During the coming winter, while
epgrossed in such preparatory labor as
every farmer understands is essentialfor
summer operations, he would at the
same time become familiar with both
theoretical and practical agriculture.
The storm that threatened Roses peace
had quietly subsidized. and her spirits rose
often to their natural tone, but at times
O dscordant note told too plainly that
her heart was not fully treasured. The
young man meanwhile was assiduously
trying to Danish every cloud from the
sweet girls brow, and all his really ex-
sellent qualities were called into action
and his hasty temper and natural haul
teur were wisely controlled when at the
farm, which by no means was infre-
quent.
And so, happy in their new occupa-
lions, without ennui or discomfort, each
actively employed during the day, look
ing forward with even more than the
old exhilaration to the peaceful evenings,
which always gathered them together to
mingle in pleasant conversation or in
structive reading. the winter glided
cheerfully on.
Fearful of another explosion from
Granville the family had all been very
careful not to hazard any remark in his