CHAPTER XVII 



THE LEGAL EVOLUTION OF AN AGRICULTURIST 



The autumn tints had faded and the chilling winds had driven 

 the whirling leaves from the trees, while frosts and light snow- 

 falls gave a wintry appearance to the landscape, dull with 

 November clouds. John Keeler had assumed the responsibili- 

 ties of the Farm, when Ernest had gone away to college. During 

 the summer of his moral convalescence John had unconsciously 

 become initiated into many matters, which belong to farming, 

 and now was to be seen daily engaged in seeing to the storing 

 of winter food for the cattle, and in having them properly housed. 

 But especially was he busy with the work of clearing the space 

 for Fanny's new farm cottage and in ordering the lumber, while 

 the men were preparing the heavy timbers necessary for the 

 foundation walls. 



Plans had been gone over again and again by Fanny and him- 

 self, while a pleasant site with a southerly outlook over the lake 

 had been selected. Excavations were made, framing begun, 

 and soon the gang of workmen were busy erecting the walls. 

 Fanny was daily to be seen viewing operations, dressed in 

 warmest garments, gaining daily rugged health in the crisp 

 wintry air. A splendid appetite gave zest to existence, and 

 early hours and deep slumbers brought such a sense of well- 

 being to the happy girl as she had seldom before enjoyed. Soon 

 the walls and roof were constructed, and the interior work begun. 

 The cottage was protected by the tall pines to the north and 

 east and had a large sitting-room looking to the south, with a 

 neat flower-room to the southwest. From this extended easterly 

 an ample verandah with a glass balcony overhead, on to which 

 Fanny's sleeping-room with French windows opened. She had 

 learned the meaning of fresh air, and intended that her old tent- 

 life of the summer should be carried on, sleeping in the open. 

 The rooms everywhere were lined with selected woods and pat- 

 terned to suit the young lady's fancy; while the workmen, 



81 



