man my father had been. Life and business matters had hitherto been much
a sealed book for me. I was seized of consternation when a man came
riding over from the little Wallingford bank, asking attention to word
from Abrams & Halliday, bankers of Fredericksburg. I understood vaguely
of notes overdue, and somewhat of mortgages on our lands, our house, our
crops. I explained our present troubles and confusion; but the messenger
shook his head with a coldness on his face I had not been accustomed to
see worn by any at Cowles' Farms. Sweat stood on my face when I saw that
we owed over fifteen thousand dollars--a large sum in those simple
days--and that more would presently follow, remainder of a purchase
price of over a hundred thousand dollars for lands I had never seen. I
looked about me at the great house of Cowles' Farms, and a coldness came
upon my heart as I realized for the first time that perhaps this home
was not ours, but another's. Anger again possessed me at this thought,
and with small adieu I ordered the man from the place, and told him I
would horsewhip him if he lingered but a moment. Then, too late, I
thought of more business-like action, and of following the advice my
father had given me, at once to see his associate, Colonel Meriwether.
Thereafter I consulted my mother.

In the chaotic state of affairs then existing, with the excitement of a
turbulent election approaching, it may be supposed that all commercial
matters were much unsettled. None knew what might be the condition of
the country after the fall elections; but all agreed that now was no
time to advance money upon any sort of credit. As to further pledges,
with a view to raising these sums now due, I found the matter hopeless.

Colonel Sheraton might, perhaps, have aided us, but him I would not ask.
Before this time I had acquainted him of my intentions in regard to his
daughter; and now I went to him and placed the matter before him,
explaining to him the nature of our affairs and announcing my intention
to make a quick journey to the West, in order to obtain assistance from
Colonel Meriwether, of whom I hoped to find instant solution of the
financial problems, at least. It seemed wise for me to place before Miss
Grace's father the question of advisability of allowing her to remain
pledged to a man whose fortunes were in so sad a state. I asked him what
was right for me to do. His face was very grave as he pondered, but he
said, "If my girl's