on the hill, facing the east, in front of the Ash plantation."

"You are wise. Our chimneys will smoke all the better for being a little
apart."

"And you, my mother, are lady and mistress of Hatton Hall as long as you
live. I will suffer no one to infringe on your rights." Then he stooped
his handsome head to her lifted face and kissed it with great
tenderness; and she turned away with tears in her eyes, but a happy
smile on her lips. And John was glad that this question had been raised
and settled, so quickly, and so lovingly.




CHAPTER III

LOVE VENTURES IN


Man's life is all a mist, and in the dark
Our fortunes meet us.

John had been thinking about building his own home for some time and he
resolved to begin it at once. Yet this ancient Hatton Hall, with its
large, low rooms, its latticed windows and beautifully carved and
polished oak panelings, was very dear to him. Every room was full of
stories of Cavaliers and Puritans. The early followers of George Fox had
there found secret shelter and hospitality. John Wesley had preached in
its great dining-room, and Charles Wesley filled all its spaces and