Putnam patriot., 1912-09-20

of il, so don't say another word. No" The negative was so decided that Grace was sileneed. Her disappoint- n.ent showed in her face. however, and Keziah hastened to change the sub jeet
 How do you know" she observed, but what my goin to Boston may be the best thing that ever happened to me? You cant tell. No use despair ] in, Annabel ain't given up hope yet; why should I? Hey? Amt that some body comin'?"
 Her companion sprang to her feet and ran to the window. Then she l broke into smothered laugh.
 Why. it's Ryan Pepper!" she ex- claimed. He must be coming to see you. Aunt Keziah And he's got on his very best Sunday clothes. Gra- cious! I must be going. didn't know you expected callers"
 keziah dropped the tack hammer and stood up.
 "Kyani" she repeated. What in the world Is that old idiot comin' here for? To talk about the minister. 1 s'pose. How on earth did Layiny ever come 10 let him out aione?" MT. Pepper, MT. Abishai Pepper. To- cally called Ryan" (Cayenne) Pepper because of his red hair and thin red side whiskers, was one of Trumet's characters" and in his case the character was weak. He was born in the village and, when a yougster, had. like every other boy of good family in the community, cherished ambitions for a seafaring life. His sister. La vinia, ten years older than he. who. after the death of their parents, had undertaken the job of "bringing up" her brother, did not sympathize with these ambitions Consequently, when Ryan ran away she followed him to Boston. stalked aboard the vessel where he had shipped, and collared him, literally and figuratively. One of the mates venturing to offer objec- tion, Lavinia turned upon him and gave him a piece of her mind, to the immense delight of the crew and the loungers on the wharf. Then she re- turned with the vagrant to Trumet.
 That was Kyan's sole venture, so far as sailoring was concerned, but he ran away again when he was twenty five. This time he returned of his own accord bringing a wife with him, one Evelyr Gott of Ostable. Evelyn could tclk bit herself, and her first interview with Lavinia ended with the latter's leaving the house in rage, swearing never 10 set foot in it again. This oath she broke the day of her sister-in-law's funeral. Then she ap- peared. after the ceremony. her bag gage on the wagon with her. The be- reaved one, who was sitting on the front stoep of his dwelling with. so people say, most resigned expression on his meek countenance, looked up and saw her.
 My land. Laviny," he exclaimed. turning pale. "Where'd you come from2"
 Never mind where I come from" observed his sister promptly. You just be thankful I've come. If ever a body needed some one to take care of 'em, it's you. You can tote my things right in," she added. turning to her grinning driver, and you. 'Bishy, go right in with 'em. The idea of your settin' outside takin' it easy when your poor wife ain't been buried moren an hour."
 But-but-Laviny, protested poor Ryan. speaking the truth unwittingly. "I couldn't take 1t easy afore she was buried, could I?"
 Go right in," was the answer. March"
 Abishai marched, and had marched under his sisters orders ever since. She kept house for him, and did 1t well, but her one fear was that some female might again capture him, and she watched him with an eagle eye. He was the town assessor and tax col lector, but when he visited dwellings containing single women or widows, Layinia always accompanied him, "to help him in his iggerin'." she said.
 Consequently, when he appeared, un- chaperoned. on the walk leading to the side door Of the Coffin homestead, Keziah and her friend were surprised. Hes dressed 10 kill" whispered Grace, at, the window. Even his tall hat; and in this fogl I do believe he's coming courting, Aunt Keziah.'
 Mir Pepper entered diffidently. H." he began. Well. the fact is, came out by myself You see. Laviny's gone up to Sarah B-'s to talk church doin's. I-I-well, l kind of wanted 10 speak with you about some thin, Keziah, so- Oh, l didn't see i you. Oracle Good mornin'" He didn't seem overjoyed to see Miss Van Horne. as it was. In fact. .4A'~ end hacked