u to be forwarded
to Moleswich, and flinging the knapsack on his shoulders, walked slowly
along the drowsy suburbs that stretched far into the landscape, before,
breathing more freely, he found some evidences of rural culture on
either side of the high road. It was not, however, till he had left the
roofs and trees of pleasant Richmond far behind him that he began to
feel he was out of reach of the metropolitan disquieting influences.
Finding at a little inn, where he stopped to breakfast, that there was
a path along fields, and in sight of the river, through which he could
gain the place of his destination, he then quitted the high road,
and traversing one of the loveliest districts in one of our loveliest
counties, he reached Moleswich about noon.

CHAPTER II.

ON entering the main street of the pretty town, the name of Somers,
in gilt capitals, was sufficiently conspicuous over the door of a very
imposing shop. It boasted two plate-glass windows, at one of which were
tastefully exhibited various articles of fine stationery, embroidery
patterns, etc.; at the other, no less tastefully, sundry specimens of
ornamental basket-work.

Kenelm crossed the threshold and recognized behind the counter--fair
as ever, but with an expression of face more staid, and a figure more
rounded and matron-like--his old friend Jessie. There were two or three
customers before her, between whom she was dividing her attention. While
a handsome young lady, seated, was saying, in a somewhat loud but cheery
and pleasant voice, "Do not mind me, Mrs. Somers: I can wait," Jessie's
quick eye darted towards the stranger, but too rapidly to distinguish
his features, which, indeed, he turned away, and began to examine the
baskets.

In a minute or so the other customers were served and had departed; and
the voice of the lady was again heard, "Now, Mrs. Somers, I want to see
your picture-books and toys. I am giving a little children's party this
afternoon, and I want to make them as happy as possible."

"Somewhere or other, on this planet, or before my Monad was whisked
away to it, I have heard that voice," muttered Kenelm. While Jessie was
alertly bringing forth her toys and picture-books, she said, "I am sorry
to keep you waiting, sir; but if it is the baskets you come about, I can
call my husband."

"Do," said Kenelm.

"William, William," cried Mrs. Somers; and after a delay long enough to
allow him to slip on his jacket, William Somers em