SCENE II.—_FRANK seated C., before a table covered with

letters. Enter EDWIN, L._

E. Well, I must say the agricultural papers in the city have a goodly number of subscribers, judging from appearances. This is the first edition of letters, I suppose.

(_Exit, L._)

F. Yes, and, judging from the slight examination I have made, it already needs to be revised and corrected. But there’s no doubt about my getting a situation, Ed. You see what a demand there is for my services. Sixty letters already! I can almost imagine myself at the head of a village post-office.

E. The quality may not be as satisfactory as the quantity. But if all these letters are to be examined, we must to work, and use diligence too. Suppose you open them, and read them aloud.

F. That’s a good way. Here’s one written in a wretched hand, which I will read first.

(_Cutting off one end of the envelope he draws out a piece of paper about six inches square, which runs thus:_)

F. (_reading_).

“Mister Forrister: I seen your notis in the paper yisterdy. And sez I to myself, I don’t bleeve I cood do better than to hire that man. My bizness is diggin’ wells, wich is one branch of farmin’, becoz every farm has to have one or more. As you say you’re a green hand, I should expec you to pay your bord for the fust month. I’d give you your bord the second month for your work. After that we’d talk about wages, though I coodn’t pay much. When cood you kum?

“Yours to command,

“SOLOMON PORCUPINE.”

E. (_laughing_). Ha! ha! ha! That’s a good one. If you go there you’ll be sure to learn one branch of the business pretty thoroughly. Shall you accept, and become a member of Mr. Porcupine’s family? By the way, he has a charming name.

F. Yes, characteristic, I dare say. Accept the first chance? No indeed; not as long as I have fifty-nine more left. (_Opens another letter._) But what is this?

E. I’m all attention.

F. (_reading_). Mr. Forrester: “I notice by my paper that you want to learn to farm. I should like to teach you ‘what I know about farming.’ It would take some time to do it, but I would warrant you a good knowledge of farming in six years. You couldn’t fail to get a thorough knowledge of the business, as I should let you do all the work. My health is poor, and I am only able to oversee the work. As you want a situation, you may as well consider yourself engaged. I shall expect you next Monday. HORACE GREGORY.”

F. Well! that’s cool! I am afraid that man is troubled by a disease called indolence. But, Ed, we are getting along too slowly. Suppose you and I read letters as fast as we can, and if either of us finds one that we consider suitable it shall be read aloud. If not, it shall be thrown into the waste basket.

E. Agreed.

(_They look over letters very hurriedly, occasionally laughing aloud as they read something which excites their mirth. At length EDWIN says:_)

E. Here, Frank, here’s just the place for you. Shall I read?

F. Do so by all means. I am nearly discouraged.

E. (_reading_). “Franklin Forrester, Esq.—Dear Sir: Uncle William wishes me to write to you concerning an advertisement of yours which he read in our paper. He judges from it that you are not accustomed to working on a farm. He has already two men, but wishes a little more help, provided arrangements satisfactory to both parties could be made. He is willing to pay whatever is reasonable as regard wages, but not knowing how much you can do, he can say nothing more definite. If you wish any further information, a letter directed to William Leighton, Ballardvale, Vermont, will receive prompt attention. But if you prefer to come without writing, uncle will be glad to see you at any time after the receipt of this letter.”

F. (_eagerly_). What is the signature?

F. There is none, but it is evidently a lady’s hand. What do you think of it?

F. I think I shall start for Ballardvale to-morrow.

E. That’s a wise conclusion. You will be back by Christmas, I doubt not. Probably by that time you will have become a practical farmer.

F. (_absently_). Time will show.

(_Curtain falls._)