I hope you made it pleasant, John." "I tried to, aunt." Whether James Penhallow would like it was for John doubtful, but he said nothing further.
"The cities are wild about politics, and there is no end of trouble in Philadelphia over the case of a fugitive slave.

I was glad to get away to Grey Pine." John had never heard her mention this tender subject and was not surprised when she added quickly, "But I never talk politics, John, and you are too young to know anything about them." This was by no means true, as she well knew.

"How are my chickens ?" She asked endless questions of small moment.
"Got a new fishing-rod," said Billy, but to John's amusement did not pursue the story concerning which George Grey had gleefully enlightened him.
"Well, at last, Cousin George," she cried, as the cousin gave her his hand on the porch.

"Glad to see you--most glad.

Come in when you have finished your cigar." She followed John into the hall.