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 Cornelia had told the former of George's disappointment in not being able to receive a thorough business education and, with characteristic readiness to aid others in any worthy object, Elisha took him under his own supervision with most gratifying results. Now, at twenty, George had obtained his parents' consent to enter the Institute of Mechanical Arts at Nootwyck, and in two years he looked forward to the attainment of his long-cherished ambition.

June arrived with its sunshine and roses and one ideal morning before the sun peeped over the mountain, the entire household at The Laurels, including George Van Tine, started by wagon for Sam's Point. The dewy air was fragrant with flowers and birds twittered joyously among the trees. Deliciously fresh and cool seemed the old Berm which they were following. Canal boats still crept sleepily on between Honesdale and Rondout, but the old boating days were almost over and would soon exist only as a memory of something that had served a good purpose.