"Longfellow wrote 'The Old Clock on the Stairs' here," said Mr. Emerson pointing out the Appleton house. "The first stanza describes more than one of the old mansions," and he recited:--
"Somewhat back from the village street Stands the old-fashioned country seat. Across its antique portico Tall poplar-trees their shadows throw, And from its station in the hall An ancient timepiece says to all,-- 'Forever--never! Never--forever!'"
"I remember that poem, but I never liked it much;" acknowledged Dorothy; "it's too gloomy."
"It is rather solemn," admitted Mr. Emerson. "You'll be interested to know that merry Dr. Holmes used to come to Pittsfield in the summer. There are many associations with him in the town."
"I'm sure he wrote gayer poems than 'The Old Clock on the Stairs' when he was here."
"Is this a very old town?" Ethel Blue asked.
"It was settled in 1743. Does that seem old to you?"
