The Country of the Pointed Firs

The grove was so large that the great family looked far smaller than it had in the open field; there was a thick growth of dark pines and firs with an occasional maple or oak that gave a gleam of color like a bright window in the great roof. On three sides we could see the water, shining behind the tree-trunks, and feel the cool salt breeze that began to come up with the tide just as the day reached its highest point of heat. We could see the green sunlit field we had just crossed as if we looked out at it from a dark room, and the old house and its lilacs standing placidly in the sun, and the great barn with a stockade of carriages from which two or three care-taking men who had lingered were coming across the field together. Mrs. Todd had taken off her warm gloves and looked the picture of content. “There!” she exclaimed. “I've always meant to have you see this place, but I never looked for such a beautiful opportunity--weather an' occasion both made to match. Yes, it suits me: I don't ask no more. I want to know if you saw mother walkin' at the head! It choked me right up to see mother at the head, walkin' with the ministers,” and Mrs. Todd turned away to hide the feelings she could not instantly control. “Who was the marshal?” I hastened to ask. “Was he an old soldier?” “Don't he do well?” answered Mrs. Todd with satisfaction.