AUDUBON 



Frosty weather, however, came, and anon was the ground 

 covered with the deep snow. Grouse were abundant along the 

 fir-covered ground near the creek, and as I was in pursuit of 

 game one frosty morning I chanced to meet Mr. Bakewell in the 

 woods. I was struck with the kind politeness of his manner, and 

 found him an expert marksman. Entering into conversation, I 

 admired the beauty of his well-trained dogs, and, apologizing for 

 my discourtesy, finally promised to call upon him and his 

 family. 



Well do I recollect the morning, and may it please God that I 

 may never forget it, when for the first time I entered Mr. Bake- 

 well's dwelling. It happened that he was absent from home, 

 and I was shown into a parlor where only one young lady was 

 snugly seated at her work by the fire. She rose on my entrance, 

 offered me a seat, and assured me of the gratification her father 

 would feel on his return, which, she added, would be in a few 

 moments, as she would despatch a servant for him. Other 

 ruddy cheeks and bright eyes made their transient appearance, 

 but, like spirits gay, soon vanished from my sight ; and there I sat, 

 my gaze riveted, as it were, on the young girl before me, who, 

 half working, half talking, essayed to make the time pleasant to 

 me. Oh ! may God bless her ! It was she, my dear sons, who 

 afterward became my beloved wife, and your mother. Mr. Bake- 

 well soon made his appearance, and received me with the 

 manner and hospitality of a true English gentleman. The other 

 members of the family were soon introduced to me, and " Lucy " 

 was told to have luncheon produced. She now arose from her 

 seat a second time, and her form, to which I had previously paid 

 but partial attention, showed both grace and beauty; and my 

 heart followed every one of her steps. The repast over, guns 

 and dogs were made ready. 



Lucy, I was pleased to believe, looked upon me with some 

 favor, and I turned more especially to her on leaving. I felt 

 that certain "j'e ne sais quoi " which intimated that, at least, she 

 was not indifferent to me. 



To speak of the many shooting parties that took place with 

 Mr. Bakewell would be quite useless, and I shall merely say that 



