Norwich bulletin., 1912-03-30

(Written Specially for The Bulletin.)
 For several years after the death of his wife, old Erastus Tompkins lived alone except for the ministrations of various incapable, slatternly house. keepers, whose term of service was usually brief. His wife was recorded on the plain marble slab which mark
 ed her neglected grave in the old bury
 ing ground as beloved wife of Erastus Tompkins," but if rumor said the truth, she died, a victim to drudgery and ill., treatment, for Mir. Tompkins had the reputation of being close-fisted and tyrannical in his home.
 H was well-to-d do farmer, the own CT of fertile fields and valuable timber lands, with a snug bank account to his credit, while many a less fortunate farmer in the vicinity knew well that old Erastus held a mortgage on which heavy interest must be promptly met, at whatever sacrifice of comfort was demanded. Yes, he was a hard man, ! honest in all legal senses of the word, but merciless to all that stood in the way of his gain.
 "Old Erastus' he was called, but he was very little past middle age, though his life of toll and greed had outlined itself on his face and silvered his hair. Childless and lonely, he at last con cluded to make a second venture in matrimony and cast about among his i acquaintance for a successor to the dearly beloved already referred to-
 He finally succumbed to the charms of
 Miranda Perkins, spinster. the village milliner, who, it was said, was not devoid of moneyed attractions, also, and whose energy and sound sense were proverbiaL
 Strange to say, Miss Miranda re-
 sponded kindly to his advances. Her friends made the customary remarks about going through the wood and picking up a crooked stick at last" but the lady in question kept her coun- sel, and replied to her advisers that
 she felt she had made a wise decision, and was not afraid to undertake the care of Erastus Tompkins. Her black eyes flashed at the intimations of over
 work and lack of comfort. She evil dently was not dismayed at the pros pect. She looked much the younger of the two, her dark hair showing scarce a line of grey, her brisk step | and erect form adding to her youthful 1 appearance as they appeared in the vil- l lage church the Sunday after their
 marriage.
 | It did not take long for her to de- eide upon certain needful changes in | the ulOQe or llIe III Lne IOInpklnS Iarm- house. Soon the house was the | thoroughly cleansed. and her own be- | longings added much to the comfort
 able furnishings of the place, while she proved herself a capable house
 keeper and fine cook evidently under
 standing the quickest way to a mans
 heart lay through his stomach
 So matters went on smoothly for a
 time, but the ruling habits of years be-
 gan to show themselves. Mir Tomp- kins objected to the chickens running
 all over the place and tracking in and out of her kitchen. Her spouse ob- jected to any enclosure for them on the ground of unnecessary expense
 Very we'll" replied Miranda in a l firm tone, 'if you don't keep them out of my way, I'll wiring their necks.'' Sufficient time was allowed for the demanded reform, and nothing being done, Erastus came home one day to
 find three of his choicest broilers lying 1 in the porch with their necks twisted as foretold. His anger was great. and he clustered and scolded but received no reply except
 q gave you fair warning"
 Erastus needed new shirts and
 hoisery. Miranda bought them at the