A NEW ACQUAINTANCE I drew rein upon the upper river bank, before we finally plunged into the dark woods beyond, and glanced back.

I had to brush the gathering tears from my eyes before I could see clearly; and when I finally rode away, the picture of that dear old home was fixed in my memory forever.
Our house stood near the centre of an oak opening,--a little patch of native prairie-land, with a narrow stream skirting it on one side, and a dense fringe of forest all about.

The small story-and-a-half cabin of hewn logs, with its lean-to of rough hand-riven planks, fronted to the southward; and the northern expanse of roof was green with moss.
My father sat in the open doorway, his uplifted hand shading his eyes as he gazed after us; while my mother stood by his side, one arm resting upon the back of his chair, the other extended, waving a white cloth in farewell.

Rover was without, where I had bidden him remain, eagerly watching for some signal of relenting upon my part.

Beyond stood the rude out-buildings, silhouetted against the deep green.