I had left it temporarily, and of the experiences on
the road. No sooner had I related what had befallen me at the Stanleys'
than Mrs. Vedder disappeared into the house and came out again presently
with a tray loaded with cold meat, bread, a pitcher of fine milk, and
other good things.

"I shall not offer any excuses," said I, "I'm hungry," and with that I
laid in, Mr. Vedder helping with the milk, and all three of us talking
as fast as ever we could.

It was nearly midnight when at last Mr. Vedder led the way to the
immaculate little bedroom where I spent the night.

The next morning I awoke early, and quietly dressing, slipped down
to the garden and walked about among the trees and the shrubs and the
flower-beds. The sun was just coming up over the hill, the air was
full of the fresh odours of morning, and the orioles and cat-birds were
singing.

In the back of the garden I found a charming rustic arbour with seats
around a little table. And here I sat down to listen to the morning
concert, and I saw, cut or carved upon the table, this verse, which so
pleased me that I copied it in my book:

A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot!
Rose plot,
Fringed pool,
Ferned grot--
The veriest school of peace; and yet
the fool
Contends that God is not--
Not God! in gardens? when the even
is cool?
Nay, but I have a sign,
'Tis very sure God walks in mine.

I looked about after copying this verse, and said aloud:

"I like this garden: I like these Vedders."

And with that I had a moment of wild enthusiasm.

"I will come," I said, "and buy a little garden next them, and bring
Harriet, and we will live here always. What's a farm compared with a
friend?"

But with that I thought of the Scotch preacher, and of Horace, and Mr.
and Mrs. Starkweather, and I knew I could never leave the friends at
home.

"It's astonishing how many fine people there are in this world," I said
aloud; "one can't escape them!"

"Good morning, David Grayson," I heard some one saying, and glancing up
I saw Mrs. Vedder at the doorway. "Are you hungry?"

"I am always hungry," I said.

Mr. Vedder came out and linking his arm in mine and pointing out various
spireas and Japanese barberries, of which he was very proud, we walked
into the house together.

I did not think of it especially at time--Harriet says I never see
anything really worth while, by which she means dishes, dresses,
doil