96 The Illumination of Joseph Keeler, Esq. 



their economic studies and philosophical discussions. The 

 three other members of the Keeler family still under the family 

 roof have also begun to see the more serious side of life's duties. 

 Tom, during the last two years or so has been developing splen- 

 didly, taking on himself many of the duties which his 

 father's new undertakings have forced upon him, and, as the 

 responsible business assistant of his father, is showing a broad 

 grasp of the larger phases of a successful business house. Even 

 the haughty Maud, associating with her generous-hearted, 

 practical brother, is evincing some qualities of heart and mind 

 which have hitherto lain dormant and undiscovered. 



Madam Keeler, with a deepened sense that in life there are 

 contained many elements of Tragedy as of Comedy, is now 

 feeling something of its seriousness, which lends a real dignity 

 to her social demeanour, and as she becomes more quiet and 

 sedate her real goodness of heart has an opportunity for its 

 active exercise. 



Fanny and Ernest keep things lively in all departments at 

 the Farm; the boy's unrestrained enjoyment in his daily activ- 

 ities, based upon a sturdy young manhood, supported by his 

 sister's never-failing happy disposition, making them favourites 

 with every employee and with their kindly neighbours. There 

 is nothing which they do not encourage to make life amongst 

 their young neighbours more sociable, enjoyable and elevating; 

 while, supported by the serious energies of John Keeler, the 

 evolution of farming along scientific and business lines is stead- 

 ily making headway in the district and stamping its impress 

 upon every cooperating farmer. 



The mutual understanding between Mary Morrison and John 

 Keeler, which had ripened into an "engagement," is being cul- 

 tivated assiduously by these now serious, if not ardent lovers, 

 and it has become generally known in their circle that the wed- 

 ding of these two, once prominent in the giddy circle of Toronto 

 society, is to take place in the coming winter, whenever John's 

 now very serious occupation in developing the new business 

 of the cold-storage warehouse at the Farm shall have become 

 less strenuous. Polite Toronto society, which had at first 

 been very critical as to the wisdom of Mary Morrison's action 

 in becoming "engaged," has now begun to congratulate her 



