However, by means of Miss Mildy Upton, a domestic of the Briscoe household, the community was given something a little more definite.

The lady's name was Sherwood; she lived in Rouen; and she had known Miss Briscoe at the eastern school the latter had attended (to the feverish agitation of Plattville) three years before; but Mildy confessed her inadequacy in the matter of Mr.Fisbee.He had driven up in the buckboard with the others and evidently expected to stay for supper Mr.Tibbs, the postmaster (it was to the postoffice that Miss Upton brought her information) suggested, as a possible explanation, that the lady was so learned that the Briscoes had invited Fisbee on the ground of his being the only person in Plattville they esteemed wise enough to converse with her; but Miss Tibbs wrecked her brother's theory by mentioning the name of Fisbee's chief.
"You see, Solomon," she sagaciously observed, "if that were true, they would have invited him, instead of Mr.Fisbee, and I wish they had.
He isn't troubled with malaria, and yet the longer he lives here the sallower-looking and sadder-looking he gets.

I think the company of a lovely stranger might be of great cheer to his heart, and it will be interesting to witness the meeting between them.

It may be," added the poetess, "that they _have_ already met, on his travels before he settled here.

It may be that they are old friends--or even more." "Then what," returned her brother, "what is he doin' settin' up in his office all afternoon with ink on his forehead, while Fisbee goes out ridin' with her and stays for supper after_werds_ ?" Although the problem of Fisbee's attendance remained a mere maze of hopeless speculation, Mildy had been present at the opening of Miss Sherwood's trunk, and here was matter for the keen consideration of the ladies, at least.