268 A COMPOSITE FAMILY 



friend, when we have the wedding gifts ready to 

 go, you may see your way to living at the farm 

 again." 



"Yes, an' back up Eph 's well as I can, though 

 it 's only his memory, as she asked, help him by 

 halvin* that last mistake that mebby came through 

 homesickness," said Time o' Year, catching his 

 breath as he moved slowly toward the river path, 

 desiring to be alone. 



I sat still a moment, looking across the meadows 

 glowing with bright flowers, before I went to re- 

 lease Nell. 



We lingered on the river road awhile before 

 going over the hills, for the breeze was taking a 

 noon nap. The New England Aster in its first 

 freshness bloomed in its favorite haunt, the moist 

 edge between road bank and river. What a strik- 

 ing plant this is when seen standing in uncrowded 

 groups close to the water, its rough green leaves 

 veiling the stout stem which, at the height of four 

 or five feet, is crowned with clusters of rich purple 

 flowers, giving a perfect foreground to the river 

 picture that disappeared in the shadows of a green 

 cave, whose walls were low -arching trees. Surely 

 this is the most admirable of all the Asters! 



