; and on Monday they
were to set out for their new home.

Early on Monday morning Ishmael arose and went out to take leave of his
mother's grave; and, kneeling there, he silently renewed his vow to
rescue her name from reproach and give it to honor.

Then he returned and joined the traveling party.

Before the cottage door stood Reuben's light wagon, in which were packed
the trunks with their wearing apparel, the hamper with their luncheon,
and all the little light effects which required care. Into this Gray
placed Hannah and Ishmael, taking the driver's seat himself. A heavier
wagon behind this one contained all Hannah's household furniture,
including her loom and wheel and Ishmael's home-made desk and
book-shelf, and in the driver's seat sat the negro man who had come down
in attendance upon the overseer.

The Professor of Odd Jobs stood in the door of the hut, with his hat in
his hand, waving adieu to the departing travelers. The professor had
come by appointment to see them off and take the key of the hut to the
overseer at the Hall.

The sun was just rising above the heights of Brudenell Hall and flooding
all the vale with light. The season was very forward, and, although the
month was March, the weather was like that of April. The sky was of that
clear, soft, bright blue of early spring; the sun shone with dazzling
splendor; the new grass was springing up everywhere, and was enameled
with early violets and snow-drops; the woods were budding with the
tender green of young vegetation. Distant, sunny hills, covered with
apple or peach orchards all in blossom, looked like vast gardens of
mammoth red and white rose trees.

Even to the aged spring brings renewal of life, but to the young--not
even poets have words at command to tell what exhilaration, what
ecstatic rapture, it brings to the young, who are also sensitive and
sympathetic.

Ishmael was all these; his delicate organization was susceptible of
intense enjoyment or suffering. He had never in his life been five miles
from his native place; he had just risen from a sick-bed as from a
grave; he was going to penetrate a little beyond his native round of
hills, and see what was on the other side; the morning was young, the
season was early, the world was fresh; this day seemed a new birth to
Ishmael; this journey a new start in his life; he intensely enjoyed it
all; to him all was delightful: the ride through the beautiful, green,
blossoming woods; the gli