13 ACORN of the older man, the thick, dark waves of hair and the scant, gray-locks were mingled together. For some moments they sat thus. How grand, how wonderful, at last the gray mask had been lifted and he saw the real, the true father. He cared he was interested. The whole world might mock now, he had been awakened. At last, with a heavy sob, the father dropped his head on the strong young shoulder of his son. "Oh boy, boy, if she had lived, she would have given you care; known how to show her' love for you, and all this Oh Ivan!" The next morning dawned bright and clear, and Ivan, having slept like a weary child, arose much refreshed. He met his father at the breakfast table, wearing a good deal of his former coldness, but Ivan had been awakened to the great, love and tenderness which lay behind the mask, and could bear it with joy now. "You are late, Ivan. You will have to hurry if you must catch your train." "Father, you haven't rented Willow Farm this spring. Well, I've been hunting for a farm all night in my dreams will you let me take care of it? After all, I've decided to farm this summer I shan't go to New York at all." Some weeks later the little village of Melville was buzzing with excitement. Ivan Clamart had taken Willow Farm and, with the help of an experienced boy, was expecting to sow and reap the harvest. Things were indeed coming to a great pass. Ivan Clamart of all people. And how he worked. Why, the boy said he worked harder than any farmer in Melville. He could hardly keep pace with him. And little Bennie Marian was always present to hear Ivan's praises, his freckled face shining with pleasure. Spring and summer days flew by. As Ivan had sowed in the fresh, bright spring time with all the strength and power of a newborn determination, so he reaped in the golden days of autumn. He stood, one evening in the glorious sunset, gazing upon the work done by his hand. He saw the bounty of his harvest on every side and, with a sigh of satisfaction he lifted the light straw hat from his damp locks. His face was tanned by the hot sun, his clothes soiled by a hard day's labor. He looked proudly at rough, brown and hardened hands, then carelessly throwing a shovel over his shoulder, he started homeward. ACORN 14 He was met in the orchard by his father, and they walked arm in arm into the house. In just one more week Ivan was to leave home for college. It had been such a strange, yet happy summer. He was a little loath to leave it all, yet anxious to realize his ambitions. He had seen very little of Eva Marian, but on one occasion he had seen her flush with interest and pleasure when he had talked of his work. The morning of his departure came too soon and, as he stood on the back end of the cars, he waved a parting farewell to Judge Clamart, who gazed after the departing train until the last curl of smoke had faded away. The judge returned to his home, lonely, sorrowful, yet happy, and Ivan to take up his work once more which he had so suddenly dropped. Two years had passed since Ivan Clamart left his home in Melville. It was the very brightest day in May when he returned. The little village was overladen with bright, green leaves and pink and white blossoms. Ivan once more stepped on the train before the quaint little station. He hurried along the dear familiar street which led to his home. How different it was, this home-coming to that two years ago. He was returning with full realization of all his ambitious dreams, and to a father who would be proud and pleased. Nature seemed to exert every power to welcome him in her richest beauty. He was almost lost in the glory of it all when he was suddenly caught firmly by the hand, and turned to look into the joyful face of his father. When they reached home, they walked to the kitchen door, as had been their habit that last summer at home. Savory smells were coming from the open window, and gay laughter and chatter floated out and mingled with the twittering of the birds in the blossoming orchard trees. Then, on the theshold, he saw Eva Marian, quite covered in a large kitchen apron, and holding in one hand a bowl of rich cream, while she laughingly extended the other to Ivan. In a moment he was surrounded by a merry, chattering crowd, each claiming the privilege to shake hands first. All the young people of Melville had gathered at the old mansion to welcome home and cook dinner for the son of Judge Clamart. Its heavy doors were at last thrown open and the bright sunshine burst through its opened shutters.