just as it stood, house,
furniture, books, horses, cows, and poultry, taking with me only my
clothes and personal requisites, and I desired tenants who would come
in bringing only their clothes and personal requisites, which they
could quietly take away with them when their lease should expire and I
should return home.

In spite, however, of the assurances of the agent, it was not easy to
let my place. The house was too large for some people, too small for
others, and while some applicants had more horses than I had stalls in
my stable, others did not want even the horses I would leave. I had
engaged my steamer passage, and the day for my departure drew near, and
yet no suitable tenants had presented themselves. I had almost come to
the conclusion that the whole matter would have to be left in the hands
of my agent, for I had no intention whatever of giving up my projected
travels, when early one afternoon some people came to look at the
house. Fortunately I was at home, and I gave myself the pleasure of
personally conducting them about the premises. It was a pleasure,
because as soon as I comprehended the fact that these applicants
desired to rent my house I wished them to have it.

The family consisted of an elderly gentleman and his wife, with a
daughter of twenty or thereabout. This was a family that suited me
exactly. Three in number, no children, people of intelligence and
position, fond of the country, and anxious for just such a place as I
offered them--what could be better?

The more I walked about and talked with these good people and showed
them my possessions, the more I desired that the young lady should take
my house. Of course her parents were included in this wish, but it was
for her ears that all my remarks were intended, although sometimes
addressed to the others, and she was the tenant I labored to obtain. I
say "labored" advisedly, because I racked my brain to think of
inducements which might bring them to a speedy and favorable decision.

Apart from the obvious advantages of the arrangement, it would be a
positive delight to me during my summer wanderings in Europe to think
that that beautiful girl would be strolling through my grounds,
enjoying my flowers, and sitting with her book in the shady nooks I had
made so pleasant, lying in my hammocks, spending her evening hours in
my study, reading my books, writing at my desk, and perhaps musing in
my easy-chair. Before these applicants ap