So Ephraim sat down by his father, and expected to receive the invitation.
It was a mellow May evening. As the two sat side by side, old Ephraim came slowly into the room and joined them.
“Manton,” said the latter, “I am an old man.”
“Yes, father, but not very old.”
“I can travel on the cars.”
“Yes, as well as I.”
“I never been to many places in my long life.”
“No. I wish that you could go to the Fair, father.”
“Manton, I want to go. Why, I have been preaching peace in the old Meeting-House on the Hill for forty years, and I would feel as though I could depart in peace, if I could only attend the meetings of the Peace Congress. I have been reading about that proposed Congress, and dreaming about it.”
“Young Ephraim,” said Mr. Marlowe, “I know that you want to go to the Fair; but would you not rather have grandfather go?”