more
perfect, neighbors are freer-hearted, and a man prospers faster there.
You have good neighbors, and I hear that you have some good times in
the settlement. Think you will like a home in the wild, wild woods,
Julia?"

"I think I shall. Cousin John lives where it is quite new, and I am
delighted to go there. I know I shall like it on the Cayuga. I will
be in my joy, setting my table for a hunting party, or a harvest feast."

"I know you will all like it, and when we all get there, if Heaven
smiles, my joy will be complete."

They retired, and attempted to sleep; the morning came, and Matthew
rose and completed the circuit of his calls and visits. A week flew
away, and his visiting was done, and Julia Wilmer was Julia Fabens, and
with the blessings of fond parents, they departed for their far forest
home.

The journey was long and difficult for Julia to undertake. They could
not then journey as now, on the rapid railway, winding green valleys,
ascending great hills, and gliding through cities and towns, with as
gentle a whirl, and as jocund a clack as if spinning skeins of silk.
They mounted the tardy wagon, and rattled and jounced along behind a
loitering team. But Julia had fortitude and spirit, to meet fatigues
and discouragements bravely. Her early experience now furnished the
fruits that could most refresh her heart; the fruits of courage, hope,
and self-assistance. She expected the journey of life would not always
be smooth, and she hoped it would not have more to buffet her joy, or
jostle, or weary, than the road to the Waldron Settlement.

They came to the land of lakes. Emerging from a dense forest, on the
last morning of the journey, they welcomed the light of an opening, and
the sweet Skaneateles glowed upon their eyes. They were moving along
its foot, and it glimmered and waved like a lake of quicksilver, in
reply to the smiles of a splendid sky.

"Is this your Cayuga? How lovely!--What! are we in the settlement so
soon?" asked Julia, with joy flashing from her eyes, and hope
rekindling on her cheeks.

"No, we are near the settlement," said Matthew. "This is the
Skaneateles. Have courage, my dear. I have brought you over a long,
rough way. You are weary, I know, but have courage now. We shall
reach home to-night."

They refreshed themselves with luncheon from their basket, and cool,
sweet water from the lake, and rode on a few hours longer, and another
lake saluted them with a b