xt flowering almonds, roses, spireas and syringas; then
came the drooping long leaf sugar pines, with an artistic mingling of
slender limbed graceful silver birches: farther back were the taller
firs and spruces, interspersed with thick clumps of small copper
beeches, extending to and joining at the back of the cottage, the dense
forest of tall, straight bodied elms, oaks and maples which partly hid
and shaded the stables and the kitchen portion of the cottage.

The cottage itself was built of gray stone; with thick walls and large,
low, deep seated windows. It was two stories in height, with three
square towers rising twenty feet higher. The central tower was larger,
and gave space within its walls for one grand room of magnificent
proportions, thirty feet square and with a fifteen foot ceiling. The
general effect of the cottage, lawn, and crescent background of foliage
and forest, was as novel as it was beautiful. As the carriage entered
the farther gateway, Fillmore Flagg was surprised and delighted:

"How perfectly exquisite!" he exclaimed: "A real gem! A romantic scene
from fairyland! Rightly named 'Fairy Fern Cottage!' It is a fitting home
for Fern Fenwick."

"Thank you, Mr. Flagg," said Fern Fenwick as they stepped from the
carriage to the porch: "I appreciate your praise of my cottage home. I
love it, I am proud of it, I give you a hearty welcome to its halls. May
your memories of it prove always pleasant. Let us enter. During your
stay you are to occupy the front room on the second floor, the one
under the right hand tower. I think you will find the view from the
windows very pleasing and attractive. The luncheon bell will sound in
just half an hour."

In the dining room Fillmore Flagg found Mrs. Bainbridge who greeted him
very cordially. She sat at the left of Fern Fenwick, who was at the head
of the table. The table itself was oval shaped, very large, seemingly of
rich, solid mahogany; the china and silver were elegant and artistic.
The center piece was a large silver tray filled with a wonderful
collection of rare ferns. Around it a ring of cut glass bouquet holders,
filled with spikes of flaming gladioluses, formed a most effective
border.

"You are to sit here at my right, Mr. Flagg," said Fern Fenwick.

As Fillmore Flagg took the proffered seat, he thought her a most
charming hostess, admirably fitted to preside over this exquisitely
decorated table. He looked in vain for her father; finally conclud