I04 Life of Audubon, 



he did, and I was relieved. This is the second instance 

 of disinterested generosity I have met with in my Hfe, the 

 good Dr. Provan of Natchez being the . other. And now 

 I have in hand one hundred and thirty dollars to begin 

 my journey of three thousand miles. Before this I have 

 always thought I could work my way through the world 

 by my industry; but I see that I shall have to leave 

 here, as Wilson often did, without a cent in my pocket. 



" July 26. Reuben Haines, a generous friend, invited 

 me to visit Mill Grove in his .carriage, and I was impa- 

 tient until the day came. His wife, a beautiful woman, 

 and her daughter, accompanied us. On the way my 

 heart swelled with many thoughts of what my life had 

 been there, of the scenes I had passed through since, 

 and of my condition now. As we entered the avenue 

 leading to Mill Grove, every step brought to my mind the 

 memory of past years, and I was bewildered by the rec- 

 ollections until we reached the door of the house, which 

 had once been the residence of my father as v/ell as my- 

 self. The cordial welcome of Mr. Wetherill, the owner, 

 was extremely agreeable. After resting a few moments, 

 I abruptly took my hat and ran wildly towards the woods, 

 to the grotto where I first heard from my wife the ac- 

 knowledgment that she was not indifferent to me. It 

 had been torn down, and some stones carted away ; but 

 raising my eyes towards heaven, I repeated the promise 

 we had mutually made. We dined at Mill Grove, and 

 as I entered the parlor I stood motionless for a moment 

 on the spot where my wife and myself were for ever join- 

 ed. Everybody was kind to me, and invited me to come 

 to the Grove whenever I visited Pennsylvania, and I re- 

 turned full of delight. Gave Mr. Haines my portrait, 

 drawn by myself, on condition that he should have it 

 copied in case of my death before making another, and 

 send it to my wife. 



