“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. “Ellis, can you handle those two big trunks alone?” “Yes, Guv'nor. I'm a leetle bit heavier built than Abbott.” Quincy drew Alice's attention to the Eagle Hotel. “There's where we hatched the plot that downed Mr. Obadiah Strout, when he was an enemy of mine. Say, Ellis, drive up by the Poor House, through the Willows, and then back down the Centre Road to Mason Street. That will carry us by some of the old landmarks.” As they passed the Poor House they saw “pussy” Mr. Waters, sitting on the piazza and Sam standing in the barn doorway. “There's where my Uncle James died,” said Quincy. “Did I ever tell you, Alice, that he left some money and it went to found the Sawyer Public Library? He made me promise not to tell that he left any, and it has always troubled me to receive a credit that really was not my due.” “But you could have kept the money, couldn't you?” “Oh, yes. He gave it to me outright.” “Then I think you are entitled to full credit for the good use you made of it.” “Looking at it that way, perhaps you are right, Alice. Here are the Willows.” “What a lonely place.” “You didn't think so, Alice, when we used to drive through here.” “I was blind then and couldn't see except with your eyes. You didn't say it was lonesome.” “How could I say so, when I was with you?” Alice squeezed his hand lovingly. As they turned into Mason Street, Quincy exclaimed: “There's where Uncle Ike's chicken coop stood until he set it on fire.” “Did he set it on fire?” cried Alice. “Now I've let out another promised secret. Can you see 'Zeke's house ahead?” “Yes, how inviting the old place looks. I'm glad Hiram Maxwell has it, for we can sit in the old parlour and sing duets as we used to.” “Now we're going up Obed's Hill,” said Quincy. “Deacon Mason's house looks as neat as ever.” “Do you remember when Huldah Mason broke her arm, Quincy?”