ered over the
township; whichever way we drive, we see elegant mansions nestling in a
copse of wood, or crowning some hill-top.

"The valley through which we approach Chappaqua is faced on either side
by a succession of beautiful undulating hills that are thickly covered
with dark-green foliage. This farm, consisting of eighty-four acres
(for you know that there is another lying adjacent of nearly the same
size), presents very beautiful and varied scenery. Near the house in
the woods, where uncle and aunt lived so many years, a pretty brook
winds down by the lower barn, and goes singing away through the meadows
bright

"'With steadfast daisies pure and white.'

But this is not all; this lovely, babbling brook fills a large pond,
high up in the woods, then flows over a stone dam, and comes rushing
down in a succession of waterfalls, stopping for breathing-space in one
of the wildest story-telling glens I ever saw.

"And here, in the gloom of the forest-trees, where the birds love to
congregate, and a thousand perfumes of clover and new-mown hay, and the
aroma of the evergreen grove, come up, Ida and I spend many an hour,
forgetful of city life, and heedless about ever returning to it.

"This year we are occupying the roadside house, which, although not so
beautiful as the new one on the side-hill, nor so retired and romantic
as the one in the woods still is lovely and has a very charming
prospect. It stands on sloping ground that is skirted by forest and
fruit trees. Some of them throw their grateful shade on the piazza and
balcony that run the width of the front of the house. My room opens on
the balcony by three French windows, and here I often walk to catch the
last gleam of departing day, or linger after nightfall to see the
far-away stars come out. The moonrise here is perfectly enchanting,
climbing up as it does over the eastern hills, and throwing its pensive
light over the silent meadows, and distant, dark woods.

"But I have filled my sheet before speaking of your engagement. As I
have not seen your handsome doctor, you will not expect me to be
enthusiastic. I hear that he is intelligent, clever in his profession,
and of excellent character, but not rich. Well Evangeline, you know I
approve of wealth, combined with other good qualifications; but if I
had to choose between a man of mind and a man of money, I don't think I
would hesitate long which to take; so you are sure of my approbation,
and