revailed upon John to join the
party. He rode up to the camp on Friday afternoon and remained until the
following Monday.

The visiting architect, the afternoon of his arrival in Harlan, passed
the Cornwall home with Duffield. He commented upon the artistic
arrangement of the grounds; the contrast between them and the house; and
the opportunity the house offered for easy and artistic improvement.

John, not knowing the visitor was an architect, or that he had even seen
his home, but seeking Duffield's approval of the contemplated
modifications, disclosed his plans and asked for suggestions.

The architect, recalling the house, began making suggestions, in the
main approving John's plans. After they had discussed them for some
time, the visitor stated that when the fishing camp broke up he would
take a look and help out a bit. It was then John learned that Mr.
Bradford was an architect and regarded as an authority on suburban
homes.

"Unless you stay up here and fish a few days with us, Bradford and I
will not help you change the sober face and severe interior of your old,
red-brick house. A home should suggest the character of its occupant,
and your character is growing more in concord with your house each day;
your affinitive expressions in a year or two will be perfect."

"I must go to town Monday morning; it is county court day, but will
return Wednesday evening and remain until I have persuaded Mr. Bradford
to make his home with me while I pump him dry of plans for the
improvement of the old house."

And so Cornwall had the cheerful and gratuitous assistance of an
architect in remodeling his home, who otherwise would have charged more
than he contemplated spending for improvement. When they returned to
town the three, with Mrs. Cornwall, spent several pleasant evenings
discussing and drawing up plans for remodeling it, Mr. Bradford and
Duffield becoming almost as interested as John and his mother.

When the time came for Mr. Bradford to return home, John and his mother
exacted a promise from him to return the following summer and pass his
vacation as their guest.

By the first of November the improvements were completed at a cost of
$3,300.00, making the total cost of the place nearly $10,000.00. It was
conceded to be the most attractive and modern home in the county, though
not the most expensive. Mr. Neal liked it so well that he offered John
$15,000.00, which was declined.

The little mountain city in