Then with what a bewildering success the traveller, under convoy of the delighted Rose, comes down upon the family of the Tourtelots! What an elaborate toilette Almira matures for his reception! and how the Dame nervously dusts and redusts her bombazine at sight of his grand manner, as she peeps through the half-opened blinds!
The Deacon is not, indeed, so much "taken off the hooks" by Phil, but entertains him in the old way.
"Pooty well on't for beef cattle in Cuby, Philip?"
And Rose's eyes glisten, as Brother Philip goes on to set forth some of the wonders of the crops, and the culture.
"Waäl, they're smart farmers, I've heerd," says the Deacon; "but we're makin' improvements here in Ashfield. Doän't know as you've seen Square Wilkinson's new string o' wall he's been a-buildin' all the way between his home pastur' and the west medders?"
Phil has not.
"Waäl, it's wuth seein'. I doän't know what they pretend to have in Cuby; but in my opinion, there a'n't such another string o' stone fence, not in the whole caounty!"
And Phil has had his little private talks with Rose,—about Adèle, among other people.
"She is more charming than ever," Rose had said.
"I suppose so."