no
company (save the tall old clock talking all alone in the corner to
himself) till to-morrow.

And so the day sailed on, like a dainty boat with silent oar on a
calm-flowing stream, to evening, when, as though it had been a new-born
meteor or great will-o'-the-wisp, there appeared on the edge of the
twilight, along the distant horizon, a silvery glitter, which, drawing
nearer and nearer, presently disclosed a servant in a shining band
mounted on a great coach, with horses in burnished harness; with
champing speed, which it seemed must have borne it far beyond, it came
to in a moment at the very gate of the homestead, as at the striking of
a clock. A gentleman in bearded lip, in high polish of hat, chains and
boots, emerged, (the door being opened by a stripling also in a banded
hat, who leaped from behind,) followed by a lady in a gown of glossy
silk and a yellow feather, waving in the partial darkness from her hat.
Such wonder and astonishment as seized on the Peabodys, who looked on it
from the balcony, no man can describe.

Angels have descended before now and walked upon the earth--giants have
been at some time or other seen strutting about--ghosts appear
occasionally in the neighborhood of old farm-houses, but neither ghost,
giant, nor angel had such a welcome of uplifted hands and staring eyes
as encountered Mrs. Carrack and her son Tiffany, when they, in the body
entered in at the gate of the old Peabody mansion at that time. There
was but one person in the company, old Sylvester perhaps excepted, who
seemed to have his wits about him, and that was the red rooster who,
sitting on the wall near the gate when Mr. Tiffany Carrack pushed it
open, cocked his eye smartly on him, and darted sharply at his white
hand, with its glittering jewel as he laid it on the gate.

"Nancy," said old Sylvester, addressing her with extended grasp, and a
pleasant smile of welcome on his brow, "we had given up looking for
you."

Was there ever such a rash old man! "Nancy!" as though she had been a
common person he was speaking to.

Mrs. Carrack, who was a short woman, stiff and stern, tossing her
feather, gave the tips of her fingers to the patriarch, and ordering in
a huge leathern trunk all over brass nails and capital C's, condescended
to enter into the house. In spite of all resolutions and persuasions to
the contrary the door of the best parlor unlocked before her grandeur
of demeanor, and she took possession as though sh