a people who persistently lagged behind in the march of progress,
and permitted a handful of upstart, blatant, self-seeking demagogues
to misrepresent them, in Congress and before the country, by
intemperate language and persistent hostility to a humble but large
and important part of their own constituency. But he was glad to find
that this was the mere froth upon the surface, and that underneath it,
deep down in the hearts of the people, the currents of life flowed, if
less swiftly, not less purely than in more favoured places.

The town needed an element, which he could in a measure supply by
residing there, if for only a few weeks each year. And that element
was some point of contact with the outer world and its more advanced
thought. He might induce some of his Northern friends to follow his
example; there were many for whom the mild climate in Winter and the
restful atmosphere at all seasons of the year, would be a boon which
correctly informed people would be eager to enjoy.

Of the extent to which the influence of the Treadwell household had
contributed to this frame of mind, the colonel was not conscious. He
had received the freedom of the town, and many hospitable doors were
open to him. As a single man, with an interesting little motherless
child, he did not lack for the smiles of fair ladies, of which the
town boasted not a few. But Mrs. Treadwell's home held the first place
in his affections. He had been there first, and first impressions are
vivid. They had been kind to Phil, who loved them all, and insisted on
Peter's taking him there every day. The colonel found pleasure in Miss
Laura's sweet simplicity and openness of character; to which
Graciella's vivacity and fresh young beauty formed an attractive
counterpart; and Mrs. Treadwell's plaintive minor note had soothed and
satisfied Colonel French in this emotional Indian Summer which marked
his reaction from a long and arduous business career.

_Eleven_

In addition to a pronounced attractiveness of form and feature, Miss
Graciella Treadwell possessed a fine complexion, a clear eye, and an
elastic spirit. She was also well endowed with certain other
characteristics of youth; among them ingenuousness, which, if it be a
fault, experience is sure to correct; and impulsiveness, which even
the school of hard knocks is not always able to eradicate, though it
may chasten. To the good points of Graciella, could be added an
untroubled conscience, at