he straw.

"Ah! she has sent for Doctor Stedman. Very right, very proper! Of
course, if my aunt does not think it wise to see any one until after the
physician's visit, I can understand that. Nobody is more careful about
such matters than I am. I will see Doctor Stedman myself, get his advice
and directions, and call again. Give my love to my aunt, Direxia, and
tell her"--she stretched her neck toward the door--"tell her that I am
greatly distressed not to see her, and still more to hear that she is
indisposed; but that very soon, as soon as possible after the doctor's
visit, I shall come again and devote myself to her."

"Scat!" said a harsh voice from within.

"Mercy on me! what's that?" cried Mrs. Pryor.

"Scat! _quousque tandem, O Catilina?_ Helen was a beauty, Xantippe
was--"

"Hold your tongue!" said Direxia Hawkes, hastily. "It's only the parrot.
He is the worst-actin'--good mornin', Mis' Pryor!"

She closed the door on a volley of screeches that was pouring from the
doorway.

Mrs. Pryor, rustling and crackling with indignation against the world in
general, made her way down the garden path. She was fumbling with the
latch of the gate, when the door of the opposite house opened, and a
large woman came out and, hastening across the road, met her with
outstretched hand.

"Do tell me if this isn't Mis' Pryor!" said the large women, cordially.
"I felt sure it must be you; I heard you was in town. You haven't
forgotten Mis' Weight, Malviny Askem as was? Well, I am pleased to see
you. Walk in, won't you? now do! Why, you _are_ a stranger! Step right
in this way!"

Nothing loth, Mrs. Pryor stepped in, and was ushered into the
sitting-room.

"Deacon, here's an old friend, if I may presume to say so; Mis' Pryor,
Miss Maria Darracott as was. You'll be rejoiced, well I know. Isick and
Annie Lizzie, come here this minute and shake hands! Your right hand,
Annie Lizzie, and take your finger out of your mouth, or I'll sl--I
shall have to speak to you. Let me take your bunnet, Maria, mayn't I?"

Deacon Weight heaved himself out of his chair, and received the visitor
with ponderous cordiality. "It is a long time since we have had the
pleasure of welcoming you to Elmerton, Mrs. Pryor," he said. "Your
family has sustained a great loss, ma'am, a great loss. Miss Phoebe
Blyth is universally lamented."

Yes, indeed, a sad loss, Mrs. Pryor said. She regretted deeply that she
had not been able to be present at the last s