Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-08-15
Copyright, 1868, BY u. Appleton Il Company
Continued from page 81
CHAPTER II.

Inc log was cruel to the goSSipS OF
Trumet that day Mrs Didama Rog-
ers, who lived all alone, except for
the society of three cats, a canary,
and white poodle named Bunch"
in the little house next to Captain Ell
kanah's establishment, never entirely
recovered from the chagrin and dis.
appointment caused by that provoking
mist.
The fog prevented Mrs. Rogers not.
ing the entrance of Mr.. Pepper at the
Coffin front gate. Also his exit, under
sisterly arrest. 1t shut from her view
the majestic approach of Captain Ell
kanah Daniels and Grace's flight, her
face. dimpled with smiles and breaking
1nto- laughter at frequent intervals.
For young lady, supposed to be de.
vout Come-Outter, to hurry along the
main road, a handkerchief at her
mouth and her eyes sparkling with
fun, was circumstance calculated to
furnish material for enjoyable scandal.
And Didama missed it.
Other happenings she missed, also.
Not knowing of Captain Daniels call
upon Keziah, she was deprived Of the
pleasure of wonder at the length OF
his stay She did not see him, in com.
pany with Mrs. Coffin, go down the
road in the opposite direction from
that taken by Grace. Nor their return
and parting at the gate, two hours
later. 1t was three O'Clock in the after
noon before visitor came again tc
the Coffin front gate, entered the YARD
and raped at the side door.
Keziah opened the door.
"Halloa!" she exclaimed Back
are you? begun to think you'd beer
scared away for good"
Grace laughed as she entered.
We'll, auntie," she said, 81 dom,
wonder you thought / was scared
Truly, didn't think it was proper fol
me to stay. First Ryan and ther
Cap'n Elkanah, and both OF them ex
pressing their wishes to see you alone
o-er-pointedly l thought it was
time for me to go. Surely, you give
me credit for a little delicacy."
Grace Van Horne! there's borr
fools enough in this town without your
tryin' to be one. Grace, / amt goin
to leave Trumet, not for the present
anyhow. I've got way Of earnin' my
Twin right here. I'm goin' to keeI
house for the new minister"
The girl turned, her hat in her hand
"Oh!" she cried in utter astonish
ment.
Keziah nodded. "Yes," she affirmed
THAT was what Elkanahs proposal
amounted to. Ha, ha! Deary me!
When he said proposal own up fol
minute didn't know what was com
in. After Ryan / was prepared fol
most anything. But he told me that
Lurany Phelps, who the parish com
for Mr.. Ellery, had sent word her sis
ter was sick and couldn't be left, and
that somebody must be hired right of
cause the minister's expected by day
after tomorrow's coach. And the cap'n
was made a delegate to come and see
me about it. Come he did, and we set
tied it. l went down to the parson
age with him before dinner and looked
the place over There's an awful lot
Of sweepin' and dustin to be done
afore it's fit for a body to live in"
Grace extended her hand.
well. Aunt Keziah," she said, I'm
ever and ever so glad for you. know
you didn't want to leave Trumet and
I'm sure everyone will be delighted
when they learn that you're going tc
stay"
"Humphl that includes Laviny Pep
per, of course. l cal'late Lavinys de
light won't keep her up nights. But
guess / can stand it if she can. Now
Grace, what is it? You amt rea
pleased? Why not?"
The girl hesitated
"Auntie," she said, "I'm selfish,
guess. I'm glad for your sake; 70,
mustn't think I'm not. But almos
wish you were going to do something
else. You are going to live in tn.
Regular parsonage and keep house for
lof all parsons, Regular minister
Why, 80 far as my seeing you is con
Icerned, you might as well be in China
You know Uncle Eben."
Keziah nodded Understandings
eyes," she said, 81 know him. Ebel
Hammond thinks that parsonage i
the presence chamber of the Evil One
Il presume likely. But, Grace, yo,
mustn't blame me, and If you don
call I'll know why and shant blam
you. Well see each other once in
while; I'll take care Of that"
The packing took about a.
hour. When it was finished, the cal
pet rolled up. and the last piece q
linen placed in the old trunk, Kezia
turned to her guest.
Nov. Oracle" she said. II feel a
though ought to go to the parsonage
y can't do much mors'n look at tn
cobwebs tonight. but tomorrow thos
spiders had better put ON their ascer