CHAPTER VI.
On the following morning young Mr.Ware anticipated events by inscribing in his diary for the day, immediately after breakfast, these remarks: "Arranged about piano.

Began work upon book." The date indeed deserved to be distinguished from its fellows.

Theron was so conscious of its importance that he not only prophesied in the little morocco-bound diary which Alice had given him for Christmas, but returned after he had got out upon the front steps of the parsonage to have his hat brushed afresh by her.
"Wonders will never cease," she said jocosely.

"With you getting particular about your clothes, there isn't anything in this wide world that can't happen now!" "One doesn't go out to bring home a piano every day," he made answer.
"Besides, I want to make such an impression upon the man that he will deal gently with that first cash payment down.

Do you know," he added, watching her turn the felt brim under the wisp-broom's strokes, "I'm thinking some of getting me a regular silk stove-pipe hat." "Why don't you, then ?" she rejoined, but without any ring of glad acquiescence in her tone.