Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-12-14

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 I fancied that they must both be Mrs. Trowbridge's daughters. but she continued the ceremony of presenta- ton by saying:
 Is Miss Jay. They generally stay with Mir. Trowbridge and me pretty nearly all the year round. Patty takes mu- sic lessons in Arcona twice a week Ide helps me look after the house and the milk. I should have hard work to get along without either one of them, 1t seems to me, and I expect shall be before you leave us. Here comes Mir. Trowb bridge now. See, Cousin Jim, here comes your Cousin Hezekiah. He's been hving a swarm of bees. That's why he's got that mosquito net veil around his hat. Something like your automobile one, Lady Betty"
 A man of fifty or more, In white duck trousers and q blulsh shirt with a
 
 neck, was coming toward the house from the direction of the beehive col ony. He had on no coat-in fact, think gray linen thing hanging over wooden rocking chair on the veran- da must have been his. His battered straw hat. with the mosquito net veil" which Mrs. Trowbridge had mentioned, was on the back of his head and when he saw us he snatch ed it off and waved it as his wife had waved her spoon and Ide her towel From distance he looked just an or dinary farmer, but when he came near lures I saw that he was very far from ordinary. He had a splendid head, the head of a statesman, and his face was clear and intellectual, with keen, kind eyes.
 He shook hands, too, with me and MT. Brett, but first he wiped some honey from his fingers on the side of his trousers. AS he did 1t, 1t was a dignified and laudable act There was no reason why he should have been glad to see me, a perfect stranger, but he seemed to be so honestly pleased that it warmed my heart, and made me feel already at home in the sweet, old, red brick farmhouse, which re- minded me, in its soft colors, of a great bunch of wall flowers.
 II reckon we're going to be real good friends" said he If we'd known just how you was coming, Jim, I'd have liked to meet you and her little lady ship-the first ladyship we've had in these parts. You didn't give us any idea, though, and now I see why. But look here, mother, you might have had the front door open. I'm afraid the young lady from England will think were mighty informal"
 '1 shouldn't wonder If that's just about what she'll like to think. father" said Mrs. Trowbridge, with her smile that was so motherly and friendly at the same time. Miss Woodburn would have been over to see you if she could; she was just ready to jump for joy when Patty ran across to tell her you were coming but Mis- Randall is pretty sick, and Sally felt she couldn't leave her yet awhile. So she sent you her love, and she'll be along the minute she can git away
 Just for an instant it struck me as odd 10 hear this simple farm woman in her straight print calmly calling my charming, dainty friend Sally" as if there could be no shadow of doubt in any ones mind of their perfect social But in another second I could have boxed my own ears for my denseness and snobbish stupidity. AL ready-even in these few minutes-1 was beginning faintly to understand some of the points at which Mir. Brett had hinted.
 Maybe you'd like to go and have a look at your room" went on Mrs Patty and Ide have picked you some flowers. and hope you'll find everything right
 "Oh, Mis- Trowbridge, do let me take her" exclaimed Patty.
 Me too" cried Ide.
 "Theyre just like children. I guess well have to humor them this once," laughed AIr. Brett's Cousin Fanny.
 When l smiled at Patty, she cud- dled her arm around me, and then Ide promptly did the same Thus inter- laced the procession moved into the house.
 The door of the veranda opens into 3 coZy sitting room. There is noth ing which you could point out as pretty in the furnishing. and decoration there is none, but the room has de- ! Iicious, welcoming look and makes you want to live in it.
 What d nice room l exclaimed to he girls, pausing for a glance around.
 They looked surprised.
 Do you think so:'' asked Patty. We were afraid maybe you wouldn't. The things you're used to must be a good deal handsomer. Everything's so old here"
 ''l love old things" said l. Our house i 1t home is very old, and wouldn't | nave anything changed for worlds, wen if it were to be made better"
 Why, that's kind of the way feel, oo!' exclaimed Patty. giving my waist sympathetic squeeze. 'I like this wing room. but Ide doesn't admire it little bit"