inner he
had ordered for me, he would accompany me to the home of my uncle.

The lad before mentioned had given Mr. Egmont so accurate a
description of my uncle's residence that, when we came in view of the
square, old-fashioned farm-house, described by the boy, we at once knew
it to be my uncle's home. As we came in sight of the house, the
question--how will they receive me?--arose in my mind; but the
recollection which I retained of my uncle was of so pleasing a character
that I had little doubt of meeting with a cordial welcome. As we drew
near, I observed an elderly-looking man in the yard, engaged in mending
some farming implement. From the appearance of the place, it seemed that
the front entrance was but little used, the front door and blinds being
closely shut. I was at that time wholly unacquainted with the habits and
customs of country people. As we drove up to the gate, the man I had
before observed, paused in his employment, and regarded us, as I
thought, with no little surprise. Surely, thought I, this man cannot be
my uncle Wayland. At the time of his visit to my mother he was a young
and fine-looking man; but the man I now beheld was bowed as it were by
age, and his hair was nearly white. I should have remembered that since
I had seen him he had laid both of his loved children in the grave. True
it is that sorrow causes premature old age; but, upon a second look at
his countenance, I could clearly trace his resemblance to my mother. His
eyes, when he raised them to look at us, so strongly resembled hers that
my own filled with tears, which I hastily wiped away.

Alighting from the carriage, Mr. Egmont addressed my uncle, saying,--

"Have I the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Wayland?"

He replied in the affirmative, and added,--

"I know not whether or not I am addressing an old acquaintance; but your
countenance is not familiar to me."

Mr. Egmont replied,--

"I am not aware that we have ever met before; but this young lady who is
your niece, Miss Roscom, has travelled in company with myself and wife,
and I wished to leave her in your home before resigning my care of her."

My uncle seemed overjoyed at seeing me. He assisted me to alight, and
embraced me with true affection. He immediately conducted me into the
house, and introduced me to my aunt. She was a middle-aged,
kindly-looking woman; and I also received from her a cordial welcome to
their home. They invited Mr. Egmont to remain till after tea