Elinor Wyllys, vol 1 | Page 8

drawing-room. They were
introduced by Mr. Wyllys, and received politely by his daughter and
her niece.
"I am gratified, sir," said the tall and thin Mr. Taylor, with a pompous
tone, "in having so early an opportunity of making our ladies mutually
acquainted."
"We shall hope to see your family often, Mr. Taylor," replied his host.
"You must not forget that we are near neighbours; and we country folk
think a great deal of neighbourhood, I assure you."
"Yes; of course the restraints of society must be much greater in a city,
than in a more sparsely settled section."
"I hope your new purchase suits you on farther examination. The farm
is certainly a very good one; but the house, I should think, must want
repairs."
"It does, sir; I calculate to build, however, next year. The present
dwelling is much too small."
"The house might suit us, I think," observed Mrs. Taylor, who, with
Miss Agnes, had taken a seat, while the young people were standing,
chatting, near them. "If husband would put up a back-building, we
should have room enough."
Miss Wyllys remarked, that even a small addition, often increased very

much the convenience of a house.
"Certainly, madam; but I apprehend, if I had added wings and a
back-building to the premises, as I first intended, Mrs. Taylor would
still have found the house not sufficiently spacious. Now our young
ladies and gentlemen are growing up, we must have, more room for
company."
"Well," added his wife, "I expect to see a good deal of tea and dinner
company, next summer, with the house as it is."
"The young people will be much obliged to you for your kind
intentions, Mrs. Taylor; ours is not a very gay neighbourhood," said
Miss Wyllys.
"So I should conclude," remarked Mr. Taylor.
"I don't know, Agnes," said her father; "if you include Longbridge in
the neighbourhood, I think we may call ourselves a gay set."
"True, sir," said Miss Agnes; "but as we seldom go there ourselves in
the evening, it had not struck me in that light. But very possibly, Mrs.
Taylor and her young ladies may be more enterprising than Elinor and
myself."
"Four miles, madam," interposed Mr. Taylor, "with a good vehicle and
good horses, is no great distance. Longbridge seems to be in a very
flourishing condition, sir;" turning to Mr. Wyllys.
"Yes, the place is looking up; they are very busy just now. They are
building a good deal, this summer."
"I observed several tasty mansions, in what may be called the suburbs;
in particular a brick edifice, being erected, I understand, by Joseph P.
Hubbard."
"The brick house near the bridge? Yes, it will be the largest about here.
Hubbard is building it more to please his daughters than himself, I

fancy."
"It promises a great display of taste--I observe he has reserved half his
lot, in front of the mansion, for a park."
"Hem--Yes, there will be just half an acre in it. Does Hubbard call it a
park?" asked Mr. Wyllys, with an amused expression about his eyes.
"I applied the term myself," replied the knowing Mr. Taylor. "I was
altogether much pleased with the appearance of your village, sir. It has
a lively business for such a small place--things really look quite citified
there. If I had seen Mr. Hubbard's mansion, before concluding my
bargain for my present location, I think I should have made him an
offer."
"I am very glad you did not, husband. I was brought up on a farm, Miss
Wyllys, and I am very happy that we have got in the open country.
Besides, Mr. Hubbard's house will be too large for comfort."
"Ha, ha!" faintly laughed Mr. Taylor; "you seem to like room out of
doors better than within, Mrs. Taylor."
At this moment two persons walked quietly into the room, and were
received very kindly by Miss Wyllys and Elinor. One was a woman of
about forty, plainly, but neatly dressed, with a pleasing face,
remarkable for a simple expression of common sense and goodness.
Her manners corresponded perfectly with her appearance; they were
quiet and pleasant. The lad who accompanied her was a boy of sixteen,
small, and slightly made, with good features, and an uncommonly
spirited and intelligent countenance. They might very naturally have
been taken for mother and son; but they were, in fact, brother and
sister.
"Well, Charlie, my lad," said Mr. Wyllys, placing a hand on the boy's
shoulder, "I hear the important matter is at last under full
consideration."
"Yes, sir; my friends have all but consented; even sister Patsey is

coming round. It will be all settled next week, I hope."
"I wish you joy of your success, Charlie," cried Hazlehurst.
"Not yet, if you please, Mr. Hazlehurst," said Miss