described, would no more be compatible with
the sombre colorings in which a true picture of modern progress would
have to be exhibited, than the noonday sun with the shadows of evening.

My memoranda concerning Mechtild, which, despite studied soberness,
betrayed a considerable degree of admiration, made known to my parents,
naturally enough, the secret of my heart. Hence it came that a quiet
smile passed over my father's face every time I commenced to speak of
Mechtild. Holt's manly deed at the mock procession had already gained
for him my father's esteem, and, as I spoke a great deal about Holt's
thoroughness as a cultivator, my father began to look upon him as a
very desirable man to employ.

"We want an experienced man on the 'green farm,'" said father, one day.
"Offer the situation to Holt, and tell him to come to see me about it.
I want to talk with him."

"Give the good man my compliments," said mother; "tell him I would be
much pleased to become acquainted with Mechtild, who sympathized with
you so kindly on that memorable day!"

I wrote without delay. Holt came, and so did Mechtild. But few moments
were necessary to enable mother to detect the girl's fine qualities.
Father, too, was delightfully surprised at her modesty, the beauty of
her form, and grace of her manner. He visited the farm accompanied by
Holt. The cultivator's extraordinary knowledge, his practical manner of
viewing things, and the shrewdness of his counsels in regard to the
improvement of worn-out land and the cultivation of poor soil,
completely charmed my father. A contract containing very favorable
conditions for Holt was entered into, and three weeks later the family
took charge of the "green farm."

Upon mother's suggestion, Mechtild was sent to an educational
institution, where she acquired in ten months' time the learning and
culture necessary for associating with cultivated people.

Father and mother had received her on her return like a daughter. This
reception was given her not only in consideration of Holt's skilful and
faithful management of business, but also on account of Mechtild's own
splendid womanly character--perhaps, too, partly on account of my
unbounded admiration for the rare girl.

"The girl is an ornament to her sex," lauded my father. "Her polished
manner and ease in company do not suffer one to suspect ever so
remotely that she at any time plied the reaping-hook, and came out of a
stubblefield to regale a wear