essary conditions had been created, the whole
movement organized and well in hand. Fillmore's work for the education
and elevation of the agricultural classes, had given her energy and
inspiration to accomplish a similar and co-operative work among people
of wealth and leisure, who, ignorant of the true object and purpose of
life, were unwittingly wasting precious years in leading indolent and
aimless lives, by lending themselves body and soul to the care and
canker of the fashionable game of killing time. One year's experience
had taught her that the task was a difficult one, to accomplish which
required time, patience and perseverance, reinforced by courage, skill
and tact.

CHAPTER XXI.

HIS WOOING PROSPERS WHILE OUR HERO ENJOYS HIS FIRST VACATION.

Fern Fenwick's interest in the experimental farm was intense. She read
with eagerness the weekly reports from Fillmore Flagg, which were
accompanied by such charmingly ardent love letters. She was very proud
of the success he had achieved in two short years. She blushed as she
thought how dear to her he had become in those busy months which swiftly
passed. How much she should miss him and his fascinating love letters,
if by evil chance anything should happen to take him away from her! She
could not contemplate such a possibility without a shudder. Now that her
studies were finished and her plans perfected, why not send for him to
come to Fenwick Hall for a week's vacation? He had certainly earned the
privilege which he would prize so much. The opportunity to personally
compare notes and exchange suggestions would no doubt prove helpful to
the farm work and to her own. She longed for the confidential
companionship of some one who was in perfect sympathy with her, who
could understand her work, and appreciate her motives in carrying it
forward; some one who would be able to advise her wisely and
unselfishly; one in whom she had implicit confidence. Who so capable and
so desirable as Fillmore Flagg? Acting on the impulse of the moment, she
wrote the letter directing him to come at once.

To Fillmore Flagg, the summons to Washington proved as welcome as it
was unexpected. He came at the earliest possible moment. The hope of
again meeting the noblest, sweetest, and dearest woman in the world for
him, his heart's idol; of again being permitted to look long and
lovingly into her gloriously beautiful eyes, stirred his emotional
nature intensely, and fired his throbbin