"Over life's bridge two multitudes pass—one of country boys and girls—with eyes on steeples—the other of old people—city-bowed—city-wrinkled—with eyes on the fodder shocks. We must leave everything to see it as it is—and everybody. We don't reach art through nature, but nature through art –by a longing for the lost— But you're not listening to my fine philosophy, Philip; you're looking 'way over yonder at that threshing-machine. I've often wished I had lived when white flour was a stranger—I know all about, you see," she added with a smile as Philip made bold to tender a surprised glance.

She leaned forward to clasp Button's head.

"Pap and nature are old neighbors—he told me of the trees and vines and berries, the signs of long winter and early spring, the phases of the moon, the calls of birds, the ways of beasts; whenever we found a track in the snow he'd tell me what made it, where it was going and what for. He told me of the herbs that cured the fever; the words that worked charms; the Indian's curious lore---how the youth rode horseback to the forest dance—with some one behind him—both in their homespun, proud as a mountain. And those calls!—on long winter nights, with now and then the screech of a owl; he would fiddle and cry them out as I hopped over floor, and pretend it was a grand ball.

"Pioneer days—seed corn in the rafters, pumpkins in the loft; shot-nun in the corner; almanac hanging by the clock; weather talking in the chimney, peddlers coming round with wonders in their packs, and news from the far-off world. Education was sparse, but character great; manners were simple, but so were hearts; culture was young, but hospitality old; they were strong and impulsive and brave—they were people worth while; the frontier father and mother were making the wilderness polite when kings and queens were making throne-rooms base. Ah, Button these are poor times!"

Her face grew perplexed. "And the zodiac—that was a mystery—Pap would say: 'We'll plant this in the Fish, and that in the Twins.' "

Philip sat upright: "Did he put any dependence on those Twins?"

"Oh, they're infallible for things which grow above ground; but let's talk of something else—of politics," she added, noting his blank expression.