A few miles from Elmira, upon an eminence¹ from which there was a fine view of the surrounding country, stood the handsome country mansion² of Stephen Ray, already referred to as the cousin of Ernest's father. It passed into his possession by inheritance from poor Ernest's grandfather, the will under which the bequest³ was made cutting off his son for no worse a crime than marrying a girl thoroughly⁴ respectable but of humble⁵ birth.

 

Stephen Ray, since he came into possession of his uncle's estate, had improved it considerably⁶. He had torn down the old stable and built an imposing⁷ new one. The plain carriage which had satisfied his uncle had been succeeded by an elegant coach, and the sober but rather slow horse by a pair of spirited steeds.

 

Mr. Ray had become pompous⁸, and by his manner made it clear that he considered him self a man of great consequence. He was a local magistrate⁹, and had for years endeavored to obtain a nomination¹⁰ for Congress.

 

Had he been of popular manners he would probably have succeeded, but he was not a favorite among the poorer classes, and their vote must be considered.

 

There is an old saying, "Like father, like son," and Clarence, now turned sixteen, the only child of the country magnate, was like his father in all objectionable qualities. He was quite as much impressed with ideas of his own consequence.

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