CHAPTER XXVIII

FARMER OR PROFESSOR

After leaving Rhode Island, Percy spent two days in and about Boston, and then returned to Connecticut for a day.  The weather had turned cold; the ground had frozen and the falling snow reminded him that it was the day before Thanksgiving.

From New London he took a night boat to New York, and then took passage on a Coast Line vessel from New York to Norfolk.

The weather had cleared and the wind decreased until it was scarcely greater than the speed of the ship.

Whether or not the dining room service was extraordinary because of the day, Percy was soon convinced that the only way to travel was by boat.  He regretted only that his mother was not with him to enjoy that day.  For hours they coasted southward within easy view of the New Jersey shore, dotted here and there with cities, towns, and villages.  Light houses marked the rocky points where danger once lurked for the men of the sea.

The sea itself was of constant interest; and hundreds of craft were passed or met.  Here a full-rigged sailing vessel lazily drifting with the wind; there a giant little tug puffing in the opposite direction with a string of barges in tow loaded almost to the water’s edge.

Norfolk was reached early the next morning, and before noon Percy passed through Petersburg on his way to Montplain.  He changed cars at Lynchburg and arrived at Montplain before dark.  In accordance with a promise to Mr. West he had notified him of his plans.

Would Adelaide met him, and if so would she have the family carriage and again insist upon his riding in the rear seat?  He had found these questions in his mind repeatedly since he left New London, with no very definite purpose before him except to arrive at Montplain at the appointed time.

Yes, it was the family carriage.  He saw the farm team tied across the street from the depot.  As he left the train he caught a glimpse of Adelaide standing with the group of people who were waiting to board the train.  She extended her hand as he reached her side.

“Mr. Johnston, meet my cousin, Professor Barstow.”

“I am glad to meet you, Professor,” said Percy, as he shook hands with a tall young man about his own age.  Percy noted his handsome face and gentlemanly bearing.

“Miss Adelaide calls me cousin,” said Barstow, “because my aunt married her uncle.”

“Well, Sir, if we’re not cousins, then I’m Miss West and not Miss Adelaide.  Is that too much for an absent-minded professor to remember?”

“I am afraid it is,” said Barstow, “and I am sure I would rather be cousins.”

“Professor Barstow leaves on this train,” Adelaide explained to Percy; “excuse me, please.”

Percy raised his hat as he stepped back from the crowd and waited for the parting of the two.  He was sure that Barstow held her hand longer than was necessary, and he also noticed that her face flushed as she rejoined him after the train started.