Putnam patriot., 1912-09-27


 careless enough about others. Mercy We ain't had any tramps around here lately. Come in."
 She led the way into the dining room of the parsonage. Two Of the blinds shading the windows of that apartment had been opened when she and Captain Daniels made their visit. and the dim gray light made the room more lonesome and forsaken in appear ance than 8 deeper gloom could pos sibly have done. The black walnut extension table in the center. closed to it's smallest dimensions because Par son Langley had eaten alone for so many years; the black walnut chairs set back against the wall at regular intervals; the rug carpet and braided mats--homemade donations from the ladies of the parish-on the green painted floor; the dolorous pictures on the walls; Death of Washington" "Stoning of Stephen" and still more deadly fruit piece" committed in oils years ago by a now deceased boat painter The blinds and window be- ing opened, more light entered the room. Grace glanced about it curi- ously.
 50 this is going to be your new home now, Aunt Keziah," she ob- served. How queer that seems"
 "Um-h'm. Does seem queer, don't it? Must seem queer to you to be so near the headquarters of everything your uncle thinks is wicked. Smell of birthstone any, does it?" she asked with a smile.
 She threw open another door. room gloomy with black walnut and fragrant with camphor was dimly wis ible.
 "Cheerful's tomb, ain't it?" was Mrs. Cofflns comment. Well, we'll get some light and air in here pretty soon. Here's the front hall and there's the front stairs. The parlor's off to the left We won't bother with that yet a while. This little place in here is what Mr Langley used to call his study Halloal how this door sticks!"
 The door did stick, and no amount of tugging could get 1t open, though Grace added her efforts to those of Ke- ziah.
 "'Tain't locked" commented Mrs. Coffin. "cause there ain't any lock on 1t. I guess it's just swelled and stuck from the damp. Though it's odd, don't remember Oh, welli never mind. Let's sweeten up this settin room a little. Open window or two want to do anything before 1t gets dark. I'm goin' into the kitchen to get a broom"
 She hurried out, returning in a mo- ment or two with broom and most disgusted expression.
 "How's a body goin to sweep with that?" she demanded, exhibiting the frayed utensil, the business end Of which was worn to a stub. More like a shovel, enough sight. Well, there's pretty nigh dust enough for shovel. SO maybe this1l take off the top lay CTS. S'pose I'll ever get this house fit for Mir. Ellery to live in before he comesf Iwonder if he's particular man?'
 Grace, who was struggling with re- fractory window, paused for breath. I'm sure I don't know" she re- piled. I've never seen him" Nor either Sol was SO bad the Sunday he preached that couldn't go to meetin'. They say his sermon was fine; all about those who go down to the sea in ships. That's what got the parish committee. I guess; they're all old salts. wonder if he's as finelook- in as they say?"
 Miss Van Horne tossed her head. She was resting, prior to making an- other assault on the window. '1 don't care. I know he'll be a con oeited little snippet and shall hate the sight of him. There! therei Auntie, you musn't mind me. l told you was a selfish pig. But don't you ask me to like this precious minister Of yours. because I shan't do it. He has no business to come and separate me from the best friend I've got I'd | tell him SO if he was here What | was thatf"
 | Both women looked at each other with startled faces. They listened in- | tently.