d rejoiced in the society of several dutiful children. Colwell and
his wife were still alive and happy. The Teezles had not succeeded
greatly in worldly affairs; but they had a home and a good family, and
none saw pleasanter days. Uncle Walter and Aunt Huldah lived in a ripe
old age; and he loved a hunt and a fine story, and she loved stubbing
and scouring still; and could boast the whitest linen, the whitest
floor, and clearest maple sugar. And these had all learnt wisdom since
the feast at Aunt Polly Waldron's, and were more refined in thought and
speech.

Tilly Troffater carried still about him, as he did his scars, a few of
his early habits and characteristics; as for instance, his love of
levity slightly corrected; his love of indolence, and an occasional
glass of whisky; his swaggering loquacity, a little improved; and once
in a while the mischief of the busybody. But all regarded him, on the
whole, as a reformed man, and were quick to give him credit and
encouragement, where they could see any change for good; expecting that
he would carry a few peculiarities with him to his grave.

George Ludlow was solidly esteemed and affectionately regarded as a son
by Mr. and Mrs. Fabens, while Fanny responded to his sentiments, and
answered his heart with something deeper, and more a principle of her
soul, than common passional love. He was esteemed by the neighbors as
quite a second Fabens; and those few vain youths and maidens who had
affected contempt for his humble parentage and life, were now compelled
to blush for their heartless folly, and respect him. The week arrived
in which George and Fanny were to be married, and great preparations
were made for the happy bridal day.

XXVIII.

CONCLUSION.

Life in the country has many scenes for pictures. Its customs and
festivities, though sometimes rude and homely, are never without their
romance. The country courtship may not be conducted by laws laid down
in books of etiquette, but it is all the more romantic for its frank
simplicity. The city courtship may appear the most genteel in the
splendid parlor, with the lover on a sofa displaying his stocks and
certificates of wealth to the matron, and through her winning his
sweetheart; while the maiden at her piano opens absorbing ears to catch
his wooing words; but all must confess the country courtship makes the
best picture, with the ruddy maiden in the farm-yard, in her cool
sun-bonnet and clean checkere