d scenes of fortune
passed his view as on a rolling panorama, there were moments when
Fabens felt that the scheme was too magnificent to contemplate alone,
and Mrs. Fabens and Fanny ought at once to be admitted to the blissful
secret, and participate his joy. Then again, he happened to remember
Julia's love for the old home, and her questioning, slow-footed
caution, and he refrained from a disclosure.

But he could not refrain from sounding her mind a little, as he
returned from the field for his meals, to ascertain if his own dreams
could possibly be too extravagant, and if there were any hope of a
consent from her, provided in the end he should have an earnest desire
to accept the tempting offer. He asked her several questions of
considerable meaning to himself, which she answered, with little
suspicion of the thoughts that lay concealed beneath the surface of the
words.

"Our fields never looked more beautiful to me, not even in June, than
they have for a few days now of this lovely weather," said Mrs. Fabens,
gazing from her favorite window upon the rich landscape in view, on the
first day of the Week of Reality.

"We are somewhat retired, and cannot see a great distance north or east
from the house, but what we can see is so bound up with all my dearest
feelings and pleasantest thoughts, I would not change it away for more
pretending views from new situations. I love to look at our east woods
very well; and the hill pasture; and the orchard in blossom is a
charming sight, and more charming still when tossing the yellow pippins
to the sun, as in this pleasant breeze."

"You think the old farm is pretty near the centre of the world, I
suppose," said Fabens.

"It holds my heart as if balanced on the world's centre," replied Mrs.
Fabens.

"And nothing would tempt you to leave it? not even a larger house, or
nearer sights of lovely water, or pleasanter walks?"

"No, indeed!"

"But, you always thought Judge Garlock's place very handsome."

"O, it is handsome to look at as you pass; it is nearer the lake than
ours; and no doubt it is the dearest spot on earth to Mrs. Garlock, she
has lived there so long; but I would not leave this place for that."

"But you forget her splendid house, her white pebble walks, her grounds
looking like an Eden; and--"

"No doubt they are very dear to her, but I would not exchange houses,
or grounds, or gardens, or sights with her."

"Not if we had more money, to live as the