demands that
presented themselves with an unfailing recurrence; and from such, she
at times indulged herself with the privilege of running away. When
Fanny left her alone--a pathetic little droop took possession of the
corners of her mouth that might not have come there if she had not
been alone. She laid the flowers, only half arranged, on the bench
beside her, as a child would put aside a toy that no longer interested
it. She looked towards the house and could see the servants going back
and forth. She knew if she entered, she would be met by appeals from
one and the other. The overseer would soon be along, with his crib
keys, and stable keys; his account of the day's doings and
consultations for to-morrow's work, and for the moment, she would have
none of it.

"Come, Hector--come, old boy," she said rising abruptly; and crossing
the lawn she soon gained the gravel path that led to the outer road.
This road brought her by a mild descent to the river bank. The water,
seldom stationary for any long period, was at present running low and
sluggishly between its red banks.

Tied to the landing was a huge flat-boat, that was managed by the aid
of a stout cable reaching quite across the river; and beside it
nestled a small light skiff. In this Therese seated herself, and
proceeded to row across the stream, Hector plunging into the water and
swimming in advance of her.

The banks on the opposite shore were almost perpendicular; and their
summit to be reached only by the artificial road that had been cut
into them: broad and of easy ascent. This river front was a standing
worry to Therese, for when the water was high and rapid, the banks
caved constantly, carrying away great sections from the land. Almost
every year, the fences in places had to be moved back, not only for
security, but to allow a margin for the road that on this side
followed the course of the small river.

High up and perilously near the edge, stood a small cabin. It had once
been far removed from the river, which had now, however, eaten its way
close up to it--leaving no space for the road-way. The house was
somewhat more pretentious than others of its class, being fashioned of
planed painted boards, and having a brick chimney that stood fully
exposed at one end. A great rose tree climbed and spread generously
over one side, and the big red roses grew by hundreds amid the dark
green setting of their leaves.

At the gate of this cabin Therese stopped,