f several days, during which time I have found it
impossible to write. I have now several events to record.

Papa came out Saturday afternoon to make us his weekly visit, accompanied
by Mr. Reid.

Papa's "young chief" looked as well as though he had not the weight of
the new nine-story Tribune building upon his shoulders this hot weather,
and was exceedingly agreeable. Those who have only known Mr. Reid in New
York _salons_ and in editorial rooms can have no idea what a different
man he is when enjoying the relaxation of the country. Never could I
have imagined that the haughty young proprietor of _The Tribune_ would
condescend to participate in "ring toss," croquet, and similar
frivolities; but I have found this summer that, besides being an adept in
the masculine accomplishments of driving and riding, he is an
enthusiastic champion of croquet, taking apparently the same pleasure in
sending an adversary's ball to the extreme limits of the croquet-ground
that he would in refuting a _Times_ editorial.

The evening was devoted to cards and ballad-singing, for, although so
prominent a member of New York literary society, Mr. Reid does not, I am
glad to say, think it necessary to dislike music.

For the next day an expedition to Croton Lake had been planned. When
alone, we never drive on Sunday, except to church, lest our sober Puritan
neighbors should be shocked; but as we had a guest for that day, we made
an exception to our usual severe rules; for a Sunday in Chappaqua is
somewhat gloomy to a visitor. Immediately after breakfast, therefore,
the carriage came, and Ida and I, with papa and Mr. Reid, started on this
pleasant little excursion, papa mischievously suggesting that we should
_look_ pious, and the neighbors would never know that we were _not_ going
to church.

One little _contretemps_ marked our departure. The Duchess had been lame
for a day or two, and another horse had been hired for the day to replace
her. The strange horse was evidently the property of a Quaker, and more
accustomed to going to meeting than on frivolous pleasure parties, for
she was a very staid and subdued animal, and strongly _dis_inclined to
keep up with the lively pace adopted by spirited little Lady Alice. The
drive, therefore, was decidedly an interesting one. Papa held the reins,
and Mr. Reid devoted himself to whipping up the laggard beast. In this
style we proceeded over the country at a moderate pace, and finally
reach