1847.] Mcholas Bradford. 143 



lature and into congress too. He is taking the right course for 

 it. He was always fond of his books, and when he is in college 

 I'm told he studies with the best of them, and when he comes 

 home, he puts right in and helps the old man, whatever he is do- 

 ing. If he were to set up for the assembly next fall, he would 

 run better than Bradford, who spends half his time in fishing for 

 votes." 



How far this opinion of Jackson in regard to Henry was worthy 

 of universal adoption, we will not stop to consider ; but content 

 ourselves with remarking that it is quite probable that this opinion 

 was modified by the partiality of Henry for that black-eyed girl 

 of seventeen, to whom allusion has been made. 



The two neighbors had reached the widow's cornfield where 

 they were soon joined by Henry,and theirjoint labors were continued 

 till sunset. A close observer might have noticed that young Barn- 

 well looked at the sun pretty often as it neared the horizon, still he 

 showed no signs of going over till the patch was hoed out." 

 " Come," said Jackson to him, " go home with me." 

 " I think I shall come and bring that book this evening." 

 " Never mind the book, you can bring that some other time. 

 1 told Milly that it was likely as not that you would come home 

 to supper with me." 



This Mr. Jackson supposed would be conclusive, but he was in 

 error. Henry's wardrobe had materially improved since his con- 

 nexion with college, and if there was any occasion in which it 

 was put in especial requisition, it was when about to visit Miss 

 Amelia Jackson. 



" You will be round in time for supper then ?" 

 " I guess so." 



" Henry hastened home, and after a copious use of cold water, 

 began to make such a disposition of his dress-as he deemed advisa- 

 ble. Several collars proved quite refractory, and his success in 

 folding a new necker chief was by no means gratifying. He was 

 ready at last, and with the book in his hand, was on his rapid 

 Avay to the end of the lane. It was quite dark before he reached 

 it. A white figure that he saw in the door way, assumed very dis- 

 tinct and perfect proportions, notwithstanding the darkness. The 

 table was spread, and they were soon seated at it, and Milly un- 

 dertook to " pour out," — with the difficulties of which act she 

 was evidently unacquainted, since with the best possible inten- 

 tions, she twice failed to mix the ingredients in Henry's cup ac- 

 cording to his directions. After the " things" were " taken 

 away," a feat that was performed by Milly without any blushing, 

 in a remarkably dexterous and graceful manner (at least so thought 

 Henry,) conversation became animated, though perhaps Mr. Jack- 

 son was disposed to appropriate more than Henry would have 



