Putnam patriot., 1912-10-04

ploma from the theological school still fresh, a trial sermon is a weighty mat ter, and the preaching of it weightier still. He had rehearsed it over and over in private, had delivered it all most through clinched teeth, and had returned to his room in the Boston boarding house with the conviction that it was an utter failure. Captain Elkanah and the gracious Miss Anna bel, his daughter. had been kind enough to express qualification, and their praise alone saved him from de- spair. Then. to his amazement, the call had come. Of casual eonversa- tion al the church and about the Dan iels' table he could recall nothing. So there was another religious organiza- ton in town and that made up of seceders from his own church. He was surprised
 'Er-this Miss Van Herne?n he asked. "Is she a-Come-Outer? ?''
 Mrs. Coffin nodded
 ''Yes," she said. She's one. Couldn't be anything else and live with her Uncle Eben, as she calls him
 Has Captain Hammond no children of his own?" he asked
 Keziah's answer was short for her.
 Yes" sAe said "One"
 "Ah! another daughter?"
 No, a son. Names Nathaniel, and he's a sea captain. He's on his way from Surinam to New York now. They expect him to make port most any time. I believe. Now. MT. EIlery, s'pose we've got to arrange for your supper and stayin' overnight; and with this house the way 'tis and all, 1 don't see"
 q guess" she said. that the best thing for you to do will be to go to Cap'n Elkanah's. They'll be real glad to see you. I know, and you'll be in time for supper. for Elkanah and An mabel have been to Denbro and they'll be late home. They can keep you overnight, too, for it's a big house with lots of rooms. Then, after break fast tomorrow you come right here. I'll have things somewhere near ship shape by then, guess, though the eleaninll have to be mainly lick and promise until I can really get at it. Your trunkll be here on the coach. s'pose, and that1l be through early in the afternoon. Get on your hat and coat and I'll go with you to FL kanah's."
 The young man demurred little at thrusting himself upon the hospitality of the Daniels home, but Keziah as- sured him that his unexpected coming would cause no trouble. So he en- tered the now dark study and came out wearing his coat and carrying his hat and valise in his hand.
 I'm sure I'm ever so much obliged to you," he said. And, as We are go- ing to be more or less together-or at least guess as much from what you say-would you mind if suggest a mutual introduction. I'm John FL lery; you know that already. And you"
 Keziah stopped short on her way to the door.
 Well, I declare!" she exclaimed. "If that aint the very worst! Fact is. you dropped in so ahead of time and in such a irregular sort of way, that never once thought of introduein' anybody; and I'm sure Grace didn't. I'm Keziah Coffin. and Cap'n Elkanah and I signed articles, so to speak, this mornin', and I'm goin' to keep house for you.'
 She explained the reason upsetting the former arrangement by which Lu- rania Phelps was to have had the po- siIion
 At the Daniels door Keziah turned her new charge over to Matilda Snow, the hired girl. It was an indication Of the family's social position that they kept hired help" This was unusual in Trumet in those days, even among the well to do.
 Good night" said the young man. extending his hand. Good night, Miss or is it Mrs.-Coffin? ?"
 Mrs. Good night"
 She's a widow" explained Matilda. Husband died fore she come back here to live. Guess he didn't amount to much; she never mentions his name"
 Keziah, in the midst of her labors. found time to coach her employer ana companion in Trumet ways, and par ticularly in the ways which Trumet expected it's clergymen to travel. on the morning following his first night in the parsonage, he expressed him self as feeling the need of exercise. He thought he should take walk.
 Well" said his housekeeper from her station opposite him at the break fast table, If I was you l wouldn't take too long a one. You'd better be hack here by ten. anyhow. Where was you thinkin' of goin'?"
 MT. Ellery had no particular desti- nation in mind. He would like to see something of the village and. perhaps' if she could give him the names or few of his parishioners, he might make a few calls. keziah shook her head.
 Gracious goodnessl" she exclaimed. q wouldn't advise you to do that. You ain't been here long enough to make forenoon calls. If you should catch some of the women in this town with aprons and calico on, they d never forgive you in this world. Wait till afternoon; they'll be expectin' you then and they'll be rigged out in tneir hest bibs and fuckers. S'pose you fonnd Annabel Daniels with her hair done up in curl papers; what do you think would happen? Mornin's are no time for ministers calls. Even old Mir. Langley never made calls in the