reluctant departure.

A week later Quincy and Alice were in Boston making preparations for
their trip to Fernborough.

"I am going to buy the tickets this morning, Alice--we must have
seats in a parlour car. How shall we go--to Cottonton or Eastborough
Centre?"

"To Eastborough surely," said Alice. "We will drive over the old
road. Do you remember the day that you took me to see Aunt Heppy
Putnam after her husband died?"

"Alice, every day I passed at Mason's Corner near you was like Heaven
to me, and, now, for a week or more I mean to live in Paradise again.
What a joy it will be to see the old scenes and faces, hear the
familiar voices, and remember the happy days we have had there."

"I'm afraid, Quincy, some of the charm has departed. Things have
changed, and, in spite of our resolves, we change with them."

When they alighted at Eastborough Centre, Ellis Smith stood there
with his carriage.

"How do you do, Ellis, and how's your brother Abbott? Will you take
us to the Hawkins House?" said Quincy. Turning to his wife, he added,
"Mrs. Rawkins is a good cook--her rooms are large and clean. We can
go a visiting during the day and have quiet times by ourselves when
we wish." His wife nodded her acquiescence with the plan proposed.