She wished to make sure that there was in the vicinity no smithy, no locksmith, no stables, no stone-breaker's yard, no slaughter-house nor mill, no school, and particularly no waterfall.
The answer from the widow, very prettily expressed, contained the agreeable assurance, that not one of these dreaded nuisances was to be found in her neighborhood.

The school and the mill were so far away that not a sound could reach her dwelling from either, and there was no waterfall in that part of the country.

Also there was not a house to be seen far or near, except the large residence of Mr.Birkenfeld, standing surrounded by beautiful gardens, fields and meadows.

The Birkenfelds were the most respected family in the neighborhood.

He was a member of every committee, and was a most benevolent man, and his wife was full of good works.