Year: 1877




Twas a very bold and fearless child,
and my brothers and sisters often dared
me to go into lonely places in the dark,
or do perilous feats of various kinds,
which challenges never refused.


Very probably the consciousness that
they. were about to dupe me gave me
more courage than would otherwise
have had, for any unusual noise or ap-
pearance would be attributed to one or
another coming to frighten me.


But, night and day, used to go
straight up to and touch whatever
seemed fearful, and finding the object
Of doubt resolved itself into very simple
elements, / acquired an ease which
stood me instead in times Of real danger.


We lived in large old-fashioned
country house. Il opened to the south,
and the two large parlors looked to the
east and west.


The dining-hall and spacious kitchen
formed the square of the house, while
At the west and back was another large
room. sometimes called the great porch,
and at the east and back was the dairy
and another porch.


There were three stairways leading to
the upper rooms, and a garret, whose
ample space was broken only by the
great chimney in the center a'7


We had gay and lively house. for
my parents were much given to the old
fashioned virtue of hospitality.


Tho humblest wRyfarer coming in at
the porch was entertained kindly and
bade God-speed, as well as the guest
whose elegant carriage and span drove
round to the front door on the southern
side.


lam not going now to tell you Of my
handsome indulgent parents, or my
brothers and sisters only about myself.


There were a great many of us when
we were all at home, especially in the
winter holidays, but at times we we're
nearly all away.


Boarding schools, academies, travel
ing-they all claimed us at various
times. Yet it was rare indeed that one
was home alone.


1t 30 happened, however, and to me.


1t was q summer day, and warm,
bright and beautiful. The morning
promised lovely day. just after our
early breakfast, a merry party came rid
ing down the lane, in carriages and on
horseback, and calling ioyously for my
father and mother TO accompany them
on a pleasure trip. They were accus-
toned to this mode Of impromptu fes-
tivity, and gayly answered that they
would soon be ready.


II was only the day before that my
father had returned from California and
had brought with him q bag of gold. 1
knew he had this, for / had seen him
the night before counting some Of it,
and putting il into another bag, and /
badly wanted 10 ask him TO give me one
Of the pretty coins, but was too we'll
taught TO interrupt or tease him.


Thomas brought the carriage to the
door. Fathers favorite black horse,
whose coat looked Like lustrous velvet,
and who stepped 50 proudly, was paw
ing the ground impatiently, as he APP
peared. He handed in my beautiful
mother. aad stood looking on in
childish pleasure at her beauty and rich
dress that 90 became her. Ny father
suddenly turned 10 me and said, taking
his key 70 his iron-bound box:


Run. Ann, and get me the little bag
you saw me put away last night"


Twas proud 10 be SO trusted; but when
quickly returned with it, he was al
ready in the carriage, and part way to
the gate. He looked out and said:


No matter, now, Ann, you may put
It back again, for we are going another
road, and viii pay Harris tomorrow.