went home at night with a fire upon his brain, and had no doubt but
that he got up his own illuminations; and as for the admonition,
"Beware, Graffam, beware," it doubtless came from the frogs, and was
interpreted by his own conscience. Snag-Orchard, however, was evidently
dreaded until the Lindsays came to live there, when it became less
gloomy: for though the old trees with their heavy foliage were still
there, descending in long sentinel-like rows down the hill-slope, until
the last row drooped their branches into the bright waters of the
brook, yet the rank grass around the house, that had so long raised its
seedy head, and looked in at the windows, was mowed down, and
sociable-looking flowers had taken its place; and then at evening, the
traveler returning from the pond by the way of the plain, realized what
had once been but the brilliant phantasy of poor Graffam's brain--for
though Mrs. Lindsay was a widow, she was neither poor nor deserted. The
reason for her coming there was not at that time known among us. A
gentleman who was projecting the plan of a settlement at the pond, in
reference to mill and factory privileges, bargained for the Croswell
place, and early in the spring this family took up a residence there.
Three months had passed away, and they were still strangers. This was
not from any want of sociability upon the part of their neighbors,--or
from studied indifference upon their own part, but from the time of
their first coming they had seemed fully occupied with company. Gay
parties upon horse-back had frequently issued from the large gate,
where in years gone by oxen had walked demurely in, bearing a
three-story load of hay. The long riding-dresses and feathered caps of
these gay riders, inasmuch as they were new in that old-fashioned
place, were judged of according to the several tastes of the farmers'
wives and daughters. Some thought it pretty business for girls to be
figuring about with men's hats, when there was work enough for women
folks within doors: and others thought (very justly too) that the