ass before he could
hope to see Fern Fenwick again. The intensity of his love for her urged
an immediate declaration, that he might know his fate before commencing
his long journey; on the other hand, prudence counselled a more patient
waiting and wooing as the only safe and honorable course for him to
pursue, as to declare his love at this time would be, under all the
circumstances which had made him a guest at the cottage, taking an
unfair advantage of the confidence and hospitality of his charming
hostess, who had become so inexpressibly dear to him. Yes, he would take
up the burden of his work, full of confidence in the wisdom and
watchfulness of his guiding star. Hope whispered in his heart: "Fern's
destiny is so closely interwoven with thine own, that no fear of the
future need disturb thee; in peace and contentment await thou the
fulfillment of thy brightest hopes."

Meanwhile, in the heart of Fern Fenwick, the impression left by the
events of the week, were marked and apparent even to herself. A change
in her regard for Fillmore Flagg was manifest. He was so capable, so
loyal to her, and to her interests; and withal so intensely in love with
her, that in turn her admiration for him grew apace--in fact she did not
attempt to hold it in check. She adored an honest frankness as much as
she despised smooth deceit. She knew that Fillmore Flagg was the soul of
honor and that she could trust him under all circumstances, else her
father would not have chosen him to be her worthy and trusted assistant
in the work. In manly beauty he was very near to her ideal; in nobleness
of heart, intellectual development and training, he was her equal:
therefore it was but natural for her to bestow glances of encouragement
on a lover so attractive, so cultured, so unselfish and so ardent.
Perhaps she had met her fate! However, before dismissing the subject,
she decided at the first opportunity to call the attention of her father
and mother to the matter and ask their advice, which would govern her
course in the future. She felt that whatever the advice might be, in any
event, it would not mar or blight her true happiness.

CHAPTER XVII.

SOLARIS FARM.

One year from the time Fillmore Flagg left Fairy Fern Cottage on his
trip to the west, we find him at "Solaris Farm," the title chosen for
the model or experimental co-operative farm. The location was nearly
midway, on one of the through lines of railway which connect St. Lo