PROLOGUE We are so near to those who dwell In the dear land whereof I tell! Sometimes when we are far astray, Their spirit-hands may guide our way; And if we would but pause to hear, What whispered words of tender cheer Might come on those fine airs that blow From the strange Land of Long Ago! The scenes are changed, but we and they Are actors in the same old play. Their blood is in our throbbing veins; Their hopes and joys, their griefs and pains, Bind us fore'er to squire or churl, To stately dame or laughing girl,-- Those shades that wander to and fro In the dim Land of Long Ago. Then let the present hour go by. Turn back awhile, and you and I Through quiet garden paths may stray Where blooms the rose of yesterday, May meet brave men and women fair Who sang life's song to simple air; Mark how their homely virtues glow!-- O pleasant Land of Long Ago! I A RIDE TO TOWN [Illustration] I A RIDE TO TOWN "Make haste, child," called Aunt Jane; "there's mighty little time between dinner and sundown, and if we're goin' to town we'd better be startin'." Aunt Jane came out of the house, drawing on a pair of silk gloves. She was arrayed in her best gown of black alpaca, a silk-fringed cape covered her shoulders, her poke bonnet was draped with a veil of figured lace, and under the lace her face shone with happy anticipation, for a lifetime of trips to town had not dulled her enjoyment of such an event. The horse and buggy stood at the gate. The former had a pedigree as long as that of the penniless lass, and Aunt Jane could tell many wonderful tales of Nelly's spirit and speed in the days of her youth. Some remnant of this fire was supposed to smolder yet in the old thoroughbred, but as I looked at the drooping head and half-shut eyes, I saw there was good reason for Aunt Jane's haste, if we were expected to get back from town before nightfall. "What are we going to town for?" I asked, as I stepped into the buggy and took up the reins. Aunt Jane hesitated. "Well," she said, "I'm goin' to lay in a supply o' soda and cream o' tartar, and I may buy some gyarden seed and one thing or another. I ain't exactly out o' soda and cream o' tartar, and I could git the seed from some o' the neighbors. I reckon if the truth was told, I'm goin' to town jest to be a-goin'."