Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1894-09-14

drov1 on the various mOuoS or culture
and crops. like men who were 10 strau-
"ars 70 all me dern Improvements in agri-
culture.
The name of Metcalf frequently oc-
Cured in the convers ltion rs coniirna-
tion Of their own theories. or export
mehls Nathan Metcalf gave preference
70 This fertilizer, TO this machine for
winnowipp; this breed of cattle was in
trodnced by him. Nathan Metcalf did
his Nathan Me,calf did that, and the
tanners did like him, and found it to their
" leland found the Congressman had
not exaggerated the local importance OF
this personage, and that it Was most es-
sent al to conclliate him. Resolving,
therefore. to call on him during the day,
he meanwhile went to breakfast
The duty toward himself fulfilled, the
Young man ged on the Veranda, as
he had the evening before, and com
monced smoking.
Though it was near midday, 1t was
doubtful to him if tho solitude md 81
lence appeared less complete and oppres-
sive than on the preceding evening a
bushed cackliny of fowls, the Growsy
! hum of bees. and the muliied chime OF a
distant bell--these were all.
Leland louuged on the yeranda, dream
inq of his club, Of the noisy crowd, OF
the rumbling stages and stroet-carS, OF
the playbiil of the Mad son Square The
ater' of Che drives in Central Park ana
The memory of the least of those ell
chantments brought infinite pelce to his
soul.
The inhabitant of New York hes one
hinh ba HOCc not take
into account until he suffers from lt' 10 $
one great half of his existence is filled
up without the least trouble TO hlmSet.
The all-potent vitality which ceasoies .ly
envelops him takes aw~y, In vast de-
OF, @. the exertion of amusing him elf.
The roar Of the city, rising like great
bass aronnd him, fills up the gap III his
thoughts. and never leaves that disagree
able sensation-a void.
Now. Leland had within himself moro
resources than most men to conquer the
blue devils; but in these early hours or
hs experience in country life, depr we'd OF
his club. his hor,es, aud his Frenr h cook;
banished from all his old haunts and
habits, he began to feel terribly the
weight of time. 1t therefore approached
delicious sensation for him to suddenly
he that regularly recurring beat upon
tho road which 10 his trained ear an
nounced the approach Of seye al Ildln9
horses.
Next moment he saw advancing up the
sombcr avcnuo and turning into his own
grounds, three lovely females on horse
back. one of whom was a mere Sl;I IN
poilt of years.
Though quite amazed at this charming
&, ectacie. LELAND remembered his duty
rs gentleman, and descended the steps
of the vcranda But the ladies, Mt sight
of him, appeared equally surprised aj
himself, suddenly dew rein,. and con-
ferred hastily together.
Then recovering, tboy continued tn II
course, taking the private caIriage way
TO a road in the rear, and disappeared IN
the d rect on of lovely lake, proml-
nent feature in the neighborln9 nd
scape.
As they passed The corner Of the house,
Leland Lowed low, and they letuned his
salutation by slight incl nation; but he
was quite sure, in S lite OF the wells that
foated from their rldin hats, tn. It he
recognized tho lovely singers and tie
young pianist. c..,
After moment he called to Seth Grid
@Gridley," he said, oin'ing TO The car
rage WY, is this public road?'
at certainly is Iot Il public road, Mr..
Leland, replied Seth.
81 hen what do those ladies me by
using it,"
"BIoss mel Mr.. ] Gland, it is so long
since your Grandfathers death, aud since
any of the family have lived herel These
ladies mean no harm b, pass ng through
Your grounds: and sometimes they even
stop at the house while my wife Glvos
them fresh milk. Shall / tell them thai
this displeases you, sir?"
"Displeascs mei Why the deuce do
you suppose it displeases me? | only asked
information. And noW, VINO are tnl
ladies?"
"Oh. sir. they are very nice ladies. IN
deedl Mrs. Denton her danGh or Edl H.
and their friend Miss Mildred.
Mrs. Denton ell? And her husband
Mr. Denton, does he never ride out wltl
thCm?'
Great Scott no, sir. He never ride;
with them" And grim Seth Grldley
smiled dry smile.
why not pray2"
"Why not? He has been among the
dead this ten years, as, no doubt yo'
very we'll know
Granting that | know it, filend GRID
ley, 1 wish 1t distinctly understood tba
these ladies are not to he interfored with
You comprehend"
Gridley seemed pleased that he was no
TO be the bearer o so disagreeable mes
sage and Leland suddenly concelvcC
that his stay at RoXbury would not only
lie prolonged indefinitely but at the sam
time be very agreeable.
Thinking thus, lie directed his step
toward the residence of Nathan Melcalf
of which, at last. from Seth, he had ob
tanned correct informal on.
lie took She same road as the precedInt
evening, passed the quaint old dwell NJ
that he believed held Mrs. Denton ant
her lovely friend, glanced his eye at th'
great oak that had served him for an oh
servatory, and about half mile fartbc
on discovered the somewhat imposing
house he sought.
He swung open the gate, sauntered vi
the well-kept path, and reached th
broad veranda, which was shaded b!
climbing vines and rose bushes.
LTo BE CONTINUED