in the future,
Ellen, overcoming the timidity which had before prevented her speaking,
exclaimed:

'O Joel! how much you have done--all alone, too! When you get what is
coming to me, won't _that_ help you? and you shall have the whole of it,
dear Joel, every dollar!'

She stopped and blushed, half-frightened at her boldness. Tears came
into Joel's eyes, he was so happy. He threw his arms around his beloved
and pressed her to his heart.

* * * * *

People could now understand where the village was to be. The new road
had been laid out and was in course of construction. It passed along the
ridge near the centre. On computing the distances, it was found this
point would be a convenient one for a stage-house, where passengers
could pass the night. Joel sold to the stage company what lots they
required, at a very low price, on condition that they would erect a
first-rate public house. The water-power at 'Slab City,' three fourths
of a mile distant, attracted attention. The 'fell' was large, and the
supply of water abundant. One man started with a turning-machine, which
was attached to the mill. Another, with more capital, established a
fulling-mill, and so on. Joel avoided the ordinary errors of
landholders. He did not attempt to carry on all sorts of business
himself, neither did he hold his lots at too high prices. To actual
settlers he sold very cheap; to speculators he would not sell at all.
The old merchant continued his friend. By his recommendation a man with
considerable capital visited the place, and being well pleased,
purchased some of the water-power and built a large button-factory,
Joel's views proved most judicious. By laying out the village on the
ridge, he secured a beautiful site, which was relieved from a close
proximity to shops and mills and factories, while it had really the
support of all these. Several fine houses were now erected. Two stores
were started, and a meeting-house built, for which Joel gave nearly all
the lumber. Next a post-office was established, and the place called
Burnsville. It was a beautiful spot, and how it grew and flourished! But
Burnsville would have amounted to little had it not been for Slab City.
Joel took care not to lose an opportunity for strengthening _it_.
Water-power could always be had of him cheap. I forgot to say he erected
a 'grist-mill,' which was much needed. Two other saw-mills beside his
own were built a little way further u