much valued in these days. But near to, it was seen to be mediaevalism
adapted to the sunny hospitality of our summer climate, with generous
verandas and projecting balconies shaded by gay awnings, and within
spacious, open to the breezes, and from its broad windows offering
views of lawns and flower-beds and ornamental trees, of a great sweep
of pastures and forests and miniature lakes, with graceful and reposeful
hills on the horizon.

It was, in short, the modern idea of country simplicity. The passion for
country life, which has been in decadence for nearly half a century,
has again become the fashion. Nature, which, left to itself, is a
little ragged, not to say monotonous and tiresome, is discovered to be
a valuable ally for aid in passing the time when art is able to make
portions of it exclusive. What the Arbusers wanted was a simple home
in the country, and in obtaining it they were indulging a sentiment of
returning to the primitive life of their father, who had come to the
city from a hill farm, and had been too busy all his life to recur
to the tastes of his boyhood. At least that was the theory of his
daughters; but the old gentleman had a horror of his early life, and
could scarcely be dragged away from the city even in the summer. He
would no doubt have been astonished at the lofty and substantial stone
stables, the long range of greenhouses, and at a farm which produced
nothing except lawns and flower-beds, ornamental fields of clover,
avenues of trees, lawn-tennis grounds, and a few Alderneys tethered to
feed among the trees, where their beauty would heighten the rural and
domestic aspect of the scene. The Arbusers liked to come to this place
as early as possible to escape the society exactions of the city. That
was another theory of theirs. All their set in the city met there for
the same purpose.

Margaret was welcomed with open arms.

"We have been counting the days," said the elder of the sisters. "Your
luggage has come, your rooms are all ready, and your coachman, who has
been here some days, says that the horses need exercise. Everybody is
here, and we need you for a hundred things."

"You are very kind. It is so charming here. I knew it would be, but I
couldn't bear to shorten my visit in Brandon."

"Your aunt must miss you very much. Is she well?"

"Perfectly."

"Wouldn't she have come with you? I've a mind to telegraph."

"I think not. She is wedded to quiet, and goes away from her l