the neighborhood.

This was a somewhat singular individual, about thirty years of age,
unmarried, and very rich. He was the son of a merchant in New York; but,
in consequence of feeble health, together with certain eccentric notions
with regard to society, he had resolved to become a gentleman farmer. He
had purchased a valuable estate, lying not far from Mr. Royden's farm;
and there he now lived with a trustworthy tenant, of whom he was
learning the agricultural art.

Mr. Lemuel Kerchey was not easy to get acquainted with. The admirers of
wealthy young men, in the neighborhood he had chosen, courted his
society in vain. He was not timid, but exceedingly taciturn; he was a
good listener, but as a talker he failed. His sociability was of the
negative or passive sort. He could do justice to any good dinner to
which he was invited, but somehow he could not be got acquainted with.

Mr. Kerchey sat alone in one of the most expensive pews in church; and
every Sunday he looked directly at the minister during sermon and
prayer, without once removing his eyes; and appeared just as intent
gazing up at Sarah Royden's rosy face, in the choir, during the
singing.

At noon Mr. Kerchey accepted an invitation to call at Deacon Dustan's,
and partake of a lunch; on which occasion he met Chester. Being
introduced to him, and learning that he was Sarah's brother, the
bachelor made a mighty effort to talk; but he found it so difficult to
express his ideas, that it was really painful to listen to him. However,
Chester inclined to encourage the acquaintance, and spared him the
trouble, by talking so fast himself, that even Jane Dustan, who was a
famous chatterbox, could hardly get in a word.

Mr. Kerchey had driven to church alone in an elegant "buggy," and at the
close of the afternoon services he invited Chester to ride with him. In
return, the latter asked the bachelor to call at his father's house.

"I shall be--much--ah--pleased," said Mr. Kerchey, in his usual hard way
of expressing himself, "to--to--ah--get better acquainted
with--with--your people."

Mrs. Royden was preparing a sumptuous meal. Dinner and supper were
condensed into one grand repast on Sundays. She liked to have the
children come home with keen appetites, which gave their food so
delightful a relish.

But Georgie, that afternoon, had burnt his fingers with a wire Sam was
heating to perforate an elder-stalk for a fife; the baby was unwell and
cross, and, by s