among the corn forests a few weeks ago, forbid me
to hope for any respite till St. Nicholas jogs my aunt L.'s
elbow.

"I have left myself no room to say with how much delight I
received your letter, nor with what satisfaction I think of
you as having fairly started in the race. You have entered
your plough, now, Governor, -- quick, quick, for the other
side.

"Thine in the dearest rivalry,

"Will. Rufus Landholm

"All manner of love to mamma, papa, and the little ones, from
Will."

In another corner, -- "I am sorry Mr. Haye makes so little stay
at Asphodel at this time -- you will not see anything of him,
nor of his place."

"I can bear that," thought Winthrop.

He was much too busy to see men or places. One fortnight was
given to the diligent study of Algebra; two other little
fortnights to Latin; and then his father came and took him
home, sooner than he expected. But he had "entered his
plough."

Yet it was hard to leave it there just entered; and the ride
home was rather a thoughtful one. Little his father knew what
he had been about. _He_ thought his son had been "getting a
little schooling;" he had no notion he had begun to fit
himself for College!

Just as they reached the river, at a little hamlet under the
hill at the foot of the north bay, where the road branched off
to skirt the face of the tableland towards the home
promontory, the wagon was stopped by Mr. Underhill. He came
forward and unceremoniously rested both arms upon the tire of
the fore wheel.

"Mornin'. Where' you been?"

"A little way back. 'Been to Asphodel, to fetch my son
Winthrop home."

"Asphodel? -- that's a good way back, ain't it?"

"Well, a dozen miles or so," said Mr. Landholm laughing.

"Has he been to the 'cademy too?"

"Yes -- for a little while back, he has."

"What are you going to make of your sons, neighbour Landholm?"

"Ah! -- I don't know," said Mr. Landholm, touching his whip
gently first on one side and then on the other side of his off
horse; -- "_I_ can't make much of 'em -- they've got to make
themselves."

Neighbour Underhill gave a sharp glance at Winthrop and then
came back again.

"What do you reckon's the use of all this edication, farmer?"

"O -- I guess it has its uses," said Mr. Landholm, smiling a
little bit.

"Well, do you s'pose these boys are goin' to be smarter men
than you and I be?"

"I hope so."

"You do! Well, drive on! --" said he, taking his arms from the
top of t