THE LITTLE-OLD MAN WITH A BAG ON HIS BACK.


Grandma Padgett had prepared the noon lunch that very day, but
scarcely expected to make use of it. On the western borders of
Columbus lived a cousin Padgett in such a country place as had long
been the talk of the entire family connection. Cousin Padgett was a
mighty man in the city, and his wife and daughters had unheard-of
advantages. He had kept up a formal but very pleasant intercourse
with grandma's branch; and when he learned at the State Fair, the
year previous, her son Tip's design to cast their future lots in the
West, he said he should take it very ill if they did not spend the
first night of their journey with him. Grandma Padgett decided that
relationship must claim her for at least one meal.

Bobaday and Corinne saw Zene pause at the arched gates of this
modern castle, according to his morning's instructions. Corinne's.
heart thumped apprehensively. It was a formidable thing to be going
to cousin Padgett's. He lived in such overwhelming grandeur. She
knew, although she had never seen his grounds, that he kept two
gardeners on purpose to take care of them. His parlors were covered
with carpets in which immense bouquets of flowers were wrought, and
he had furniture not only of horsehair, but of flowered red velvet
also. I suppose in these days cousin Padgett's house would be
considered the extreme of expensive ugliness, and a violation of all
laws of beauty. But it was the best money could buy then, and that
was considered enough. Robert was not affected by the fluttering care
of his young aunt. He wanted to see this seat of grandeur. And when
Zene walked back down the avenue from making inquiries, and announced