ity, but I didn't know any place
could grow to be so beautiful, and there is something about it, even on
a rainy November day, there is something that catches me in the breast,
on the top of either of these hills, until it almost stifles me. What
is it, Ruth?"

"The Home Feeling!" said mother. "It is in my heart so big this
morning I am filled with worship. Just filled with the spirit of
worship."

She was rocking on her toes like she does when she becomes too happy at
the Meeting House to be quiet any longer, and cries, "Glory!" right out
loud. She pointed to the orchard, an immense orchard of big apple
trees in full bloom, with two rows of peach trees around the sides. It
looked like a great, soft, pinkish white blanket, with a deep pink
border, spread lightly on the green earth.

"We planted that way because we thought it was best; how could we know
how it would look in bloom time? It seems as if you came to these
hilltops and figured on the picture you would make before you cleared,
or fenced a field."

"That's exactly what I did," said father. "Many's the hour, all told,
that I have stopped my horse on one of these hilltops and studied how
to make the place beautiful, as well as productive. That was a task
you set me, my girl. You always considered BEAUTY as well as USE about
the house and garden, and wherever you worked. I had to hold my part
in line."

"You have made it all a garden," said mother. "You have made it a
garden growing under the smile of the Master; a very garden of the
Lord, father."

Father drew up her hand and held it tight against his heart.

"Your praise is sweet, my girl, sweet!" he said. "I have tried, God
knows I have tried, to make it first comfortable, then beautiful, for
all of us. To the depths of my soul I thank Him for this hour. I am
glad, Oh I am so glad you like your home, Ruth! I couldn't endure it
if you complained, found fault and wished you lived elsewhere."

"Why, father!" said my mother in the most surprised voice. "Why,
father, it would kill me to leave here. This is ours. We have made it
by and through the strength of the Lord and our love for each other.
All my days I want to live here, and when I die, I want to lie beside
my blessed babies and you, Paul, down by the church we gave the land
for, and worked so hard to build. I love it, Oh I love it! See how
clean and white the dark evergreens make the house look! See how the
big chestnuts fit i