ult or raised her voice in anger. She was
a woman of few words and few tears. Her hands, while not those of a
lady, were those of a capable, hard-working mother and had a touch of
gentle softness for the cheek of those she loved. Only when Mary and
Susie were both home did she find time to rest.

Caleb was even more an egotist than when a boy. When he did not talk
about himself his other subject of discussion was the charms of his
wife, yet John, and others thrown with him, discovered he was not a
fool. Under the tutelage of his wife he was gradually acquiring another
faculty or subject of conversation, and that was the power unstintedly
to praise any vain person who might prove of service to him. He had
improved in speech and knowledge, but by contact. He scarcely ever
looked into a book, except to memorize a passage. He always carried a
pocket dictionary and when an unfamiliar word was used in his presence,
surreptitiously consulted it and, familiarizing himself with the meaning
of the word, used it the first time occasion offered. If he once heard a
thing he seemed never to forget it, nor a man's name or face. If his
wife wrote out a speech and read it to him a couple of times it was his
for delivery in practically her words. He struck John as a man devoid of
conscience, yet, at first blush, of pleasant manner and appearance.

To John it seemed the years had made Rosamond nearer the Rosamond of his
dream than the youthful Rosamond who had wandered over the hills with
him and to whom he had made love. The thought occurred that Caleb must
prove a strong and zealous contender for this world's honors to satisfy
his wife's ambition, else he might lose his handsome wife to a greater
champion. He spoke of this impression to Mary and she shared his view,
though Rosamond was in no sense flirtatious.

"Mary, I love all your family, except John Calhoun."

"Well, John, you married me, not the family, though I would have been
unhappy had you not liked mother, father and Susie."

"You must make your mother visit us as soon as we are settled. I believe
she really needs the rest. I know that she and mother will be great
friends and I know your father would like to put in a month hunting up
old friends and knocking about the hills; he must come, too."

They remained at the Saylor homestead for three days. The night before
they left for home, they were entertained by Mrs. John Calhoun Saylor,
who was really proud of these two mem