all 'the glen.' They kept oh-ing and
ah-ing and exclaiming to each other about some stupid thing every step
of the way,--old pokey nutgalls, bare twigs of trees, and red and
yellow leaves, and ferns! I do wish you could have seen the armful of
trash that those two girls carried into their respective houses. I
would not have such stuff in mine for any thing. I am tired of all
this talk about Nature. I am free to confess that I don't like Nature,
and do like art; and I wish we only lived in New York, where there is
something to amuse one."

[Illustration: "But I detest walking in the country."]

"Well, Lillie dear, I am sorry; but we don't live in New York, and are
not likely to," said John.

"Why can't we? Mrs. Follingsbee said that a man in your profession,
and with your talents, could command a fortune in New York."

"If it would give me the mines of Golconda, I would not go there,"
said John.

"How stupid of you! You know you would, though."

"No, Lillie; I would not leave Springdale for any money."

"That is because you think of nobody but yourself," said Lillie. "Men
are always selfish."

"On the contrary, it is because I have so many here depending on me,
of whom I am bound to think more than myself," said John.

"That dreadful mission-work of yours, I suppose," said Lillie; "that
always stands in the way of having a good time."

"Lillie," said John, shutting his book, and looking at her, "what is
your ideal of a good time?"

"Why, having something amusing going on all the time,--something
bright and lively, to keep one in good spirits," said Lillie.

"I thought that you would have enough of that with your party and
all," said John.

"Well, now it's all over, and duller than ever," said Lillie. "I think
a little spirt of gayety makes it seem duller by contrast."

"Yet, Lillie," said John, "you see there are women, who live right
here in Springdale, who are all the time busy, interested, and happy,
with only such sources of enjoyment as are to be found here. Their
time does not hang heavy on their hands; in fact, it is too short for
all they wish to do."

"They are different from me," said Lillie.

"Then, since you must live here," said John, "could you not learn to
be like them? could you not acquire some of these tastes that make
simple country life agreeable?"

"No, I can't; I never could," said Lillie, pettishly.

"Then," said John, "I don't see that anybody can help your being
unhappy."