“Support and constantly aim to elevate the standard of education in your schools, and remember that the mother and the teacher are the makers of those who are to rule in the future. “Do these things, and you will make Fernborough a worthy member of that galaxy of communities which represents the civic virtues and possibilities in the highest degree--our New England towns, in which the government is by the people, of the people, and for the people, and may God grant that these bulwarks of our freedom may ever be preserved.” It was decided by the committee to have a reception in the Selectmen's room. It was conveniently arranged for such a purpose, having a door at either end, besides the double one near the middle. At the request of Selectman and Toastmaster Strout, the Governor and his wife and the Countess of Sussex, formerly Lindy Putnam, stood in line to greet the citizens of Fernborough. First came Benoni Hill, who had increased in rotundity since selling his grocery store and giving up an active life. “How much is flour a barrel?” asked Quincy as he shook hands with him. “When I kept the store myself everything I wanted I got at wholesale, but now your partners charge me full price.” “That's right,” said Quincy. “You got a good price for the store, and now we're trying to get some of it back,” and he laughed heartily as he extended his hand to young Samuel Hill. His wife, the former Miss Tilly James, was with him. “I am pleased to meet a lion-tamer,” said Tilly. “I never saw a live one,” said Quincy, somewhat puzzled by the remark. “Oh, yes, you have. Our local lion, Obadiah Strout, is as tame as a dove, and we owe it to you.” “If I remember aright, a certain Miss Tilly James aided me when I gave the first lesson.” “Oh! you mean the time you whistled 'Listen to the Mocking Bird.' I wish you had repeated it to-night.” Cobb's Twins, William and James, with their wives, were next in line. “How's farming?” asked Quincy. “Bill and I,” said James, “spend most of our time on our own places, but we help 'Zeke and Hiram out on their hayin' an' potato diggin'.” “Samantha,” said Quincy, addressing Mrs. James Cobb, “do you remember the first time I came to see Miss Putnam?” “Oh, yes, I'd heard about you goin' round with Huldy Mason. Didn't I laugh when I showed you into Aunt Heppy's room? She did the hearin' for both of 'em, for you remember her husband, Silas, was as deaf as a stone post.” “Mrs. Putnam found out all about me before I got away. I shall never forget what she told me about her husband sitting on the ridge pole of the barn, blowing his horn, and waiting for Gabriel to come for him.” As Robert Wood came up, Quincy stepped from the line to greet him. “Your hand ain't quite as hard as it was five years ago,” said Robert. “No, I'm out of practice. You could handle me now.” “It cost me two dollars to get my watch fixed,” said Robert, irrelevantly.