ty well;
and, if we have not, like the chipmonks, laid up quite so many nuts in
our nests, we have had acorns of pleasure in thousands, laid up all the
more comfort, and held our ages better."

"Ay, ay," answered Fabens; "these neighborly loves, these social
regards and reunions, have been the life and wealth of our place; and I
for one have been more blest than Hezekiah, as I am sure that more than
fifteen years have been added to my life."

"Our lives are greener and wider, as well as longer for these things,"
said Uncle Walter. "Men are like corn, growing all to stalk, and
looking sallow, and scrawny, when standing alone; but branching out in
broad leaves, abundant silks and lusty ears, when they grow and wave
together."

"Even the young man who came here last night a stranger, Mr. Sumner, I
believe he called his name,"--interrupted Mrs. Fabens, glancing out on
the green where the young people lingered in merriment:--"even he seems
to enjoy it with the rest. I am glad we invited him to stay and
refresh himself, and share our happiness all he can. And I see he is
already acquainted with several, and often smiles. But he frequently
looks serious and absent, as though his mind was away. He may be
reminded of his home, and of some good time like this with hearts near
and dear."

"A stranger?" asked Mrs. Nimblet, "a stranger! and how could you
persuade him to stay where all were strangers to him?"

"We urged him considerably," said Fabens, "and thinking it would rest
and refresh him for finishing his journey, he concluded to tarry and
enjoy what he could. See, there he stands talking with Jeanie Waldron,
near the bee-house on the left,--the girl dressed in white with a
flower in her hair."

"Near the girl with a flower? O I see him, I see him," cried Mrs.
Nimblet. "And I," cried another, "and I" another.

"Well, he's a real nice-looking fellow, I vow he is, if that's he with
Jeanie," said Mrs. Wilson.

"I tell you what, he looks like a manly major," added Uncle Walter.

"I call him handsome," said Mrs. Fabens, "and I know he must be a good
and noble-gifted being; he looks it all from his lovely eyes. And if
he is made happy among strangers, surely we have done something for a
wayfarer, and ought to take pleasure from the deed."

"A deed like that will answer very well in lieu of what the Squire was
going to do for a young man in 'Fabens Academy,' and for a poor
homeless heart in 'Fabens Asylum,' when