Fancy being there alone of a night, with only that deaf old man and his aged wife within doors! It would scare me to death.

But she will not let one other of her servants abide there with her!" "Ay, it is her whimsie.

Women folks are given to such," answered Reuben, tolerantly.

"She is a strange creature, albeit I doubt not that men make her out stranger than she is.

Well, well, the comet at least will do us no hurt of itself; and if it be God's way of warning us of peril to come, we need not fear it, but only set ourselves to be ready for what He may send us." Below stairs there was a comfortable meal spread upon the table, simple and homely, but sufficient for the appetites of all.