Year by year now sees the stables torn down and carted away for other uses, but the strong-built paddocks remain to witness the greatness of days departed.
Nearest to Vesper, on the smallest of the three farms, stood the largest of the three houses--The Meadows; better known as the Mitchell House.
McClintock, a foreigner from Philadelphia, married a Mitchell in '67.

A good family, highly connected, the Mitchells; brilliant, free-handed, great travelers; something wildish, the younger men--boys will be boys.
In a silent, undemonstrative manner of his own McClintock gathered the loose money in and about Vesper; a shrewd bargainer, ungiven to merrymakings; one who knew how to keep dollars at work.

It is worthy of note that no after hint of ill dealing attached to these years.

In his own bleak way the man dealt justly; not without a prudent liberality as well.

For debtors deserving, industrious, and honest, he observed a careful and exact kindness, passing by his dues cheerfully, to take them at a more convenient season.