they had given him such offence, Noah grew so cross, and
spoke so angrily, whenever she alluded to the subject, that she thought
it most prudent to hold her tongue.

From the hour that these Martins came to reside at F----, Noah Cotton
seemed a different creature. He was more sullen and reserved, and his
attendance at the chapel was more frequent. His countenance, always pale
and care-worn, now wore a troubled and anxious expression, and his
athletic form wasted until he became perfectly haggard--the very spectre
of his former self.

In spite of his stern prohibition, Sophy, if she did not ask the Martins
to the house, often, during her husband's absence, slipped in to chat
and gossip with them. Before long, her own countenance underwent a
visible change, and her wasted figure and neglected dress led a stranger
to suspect that she was either in a decline, or suffering from great
mental depression.

Several weeks elapsed, and Mrs. Cotton had not been seen outside her
dwelling by any of the neighbours. Mrs. Martin and Sarah wondered what
ailed her, and both at length concluded that she must be seriously ill.
But, as no doctor was seen visiting at the house, and Noah went about
his farm as usual, this could hardly be the case. They were puzzled, and
knew not what to think. At last, on the day that Noah went over to ----,
in order to remove Mrs. Grimshawe and Mary to his own abode, the mystery
was solved, and Sophy came across the road to visit her neighbours.

"Mercy, child! what aileth thee?" cried the old woman, hobbling to meet
her, perfectly astonished at the melancholy alteration which a few
weeks of seclusion had made in Mrs. Cotton's appearance.

"You are ill, Mrs. Cotton," said Sarah, placing the easy-chair for her
guest beside the fire.

"I have not felt well for some time," returned Sophy, trying to seem
composed; "and now, the alarming illness of my poor mother has quite
upset me, I would have gone with Noah to ---- to see her, but indeed I
was not able,"--and she burst into tears.

"How long has she been sick?" asked the inquisitive old dame.

"Only a few days. Noah took the horse and cart to fetch her and Mary
home to live with us. It is kind of Noah--very kind. But, God forgive
me! I almost wish they mayn't come."

"Why, child, it would cheer thee up a bit. I am sure thee wantest some
one to take care o' thee."

"I would rather be alone," sighed the young wife.

"What has come over thee, Sophy C