William Thomas Smedley was famous for his illustrations in Harpers Weekly and other popular magazines. This country scene evokes the Brandywine River valley of Smedleys youth. The womans face glows as she banters with her surprise visitor, who leans into the shadowy room from the sun-drenched field beyond. Smedleys skill in bringing a story to life shows in this image. We can feel the heat of summer, the cool of the interior, and the excitement of the courting couple.