t the effect of such
a stirring speech on the assembled co-operators was unusually
impressive. They seemed to be inspired with a deeper reverence and a
more perfect loyalty of devotion for this remarkable woman, who had so
charmed them by the power of her eloquence. Swayed by the intensity of
this deep feeling which could not well express itself in noisy cheering;
they eagerly pressed forward in a quiet orderly way toward the stage,
where George Gerrish was waiting to introduce them individually to our
heroine, the patroness of the farm. Smiling graciously as they
approached and were presented, she took each one by the hand in such an
earnest cordial manner, that all feelings of shyness or embarassment
were quickly banished. After the exchange of a few words of pleasant
greeting, they quietly returned to their seats. As the reception
progressed, many of the members improved the brief moments in expressing
their grateful appreciation, for the words of praise which she had so
enthusiastically bestowed upon them, in a speech they could never
forget.

When all were again seated, George Gerrish announced that the program
for the evening would close with three short selections, to be given by
volunteer members from the ranks of the musical and dramatic clubs. With
this part of the entertainment finished, before the people could be
dismissed, Fern Fenwick arose to bid them good night, and to thank them
for such a charming reception, which she pronounced "simply delightful!"

CHAPTER XXVII.

THE FESTIVAL.

Fortunately for the tree-planters, the day of the celebration at
Solaris, proved exceptionally fine! No one could resist the exhilarating
tonic of such a perfect day! A day made more glorious by a cloudless
expanse of blue sky, a flood of golden sunlight, and breezes, soft as
the balmy breath of gentle spring could make them!

The tools and the potted trees, each labeled with the name of the
planter, were hauled in wagons from the nursery to the site of the
future forest, where the ground had already been prepared to receive
them.

At nine o'clock in the morning the band in the public square began to
play, as the signal for the people to assemble. At ten the procession
was formed, ready to march to the planting grounds. First: the band
under the leadership of Gilbert Gerrish. Second: the children in
alternating fours of boys and girls. Third: the adults in the same
order; followed by the carriages with the Pre