Mike, who had an eye for "fancy-looking girls," did not exactly like Mrs.Perkins' appearance.

Besides that, his orders were to bring Mary, and he had no idea of taking another as a substitute.

Accordingly, when on his return from Mrs.Mason's, he saw the widow standing at her gate, all equipped with parasol and satchel, he whipped up his horse, and making the circuit of the school-house, was some ways down the road ere the widow suspected his intentions.
"Thanking her stars" (her common expression) "that she had a good pair of feet," Mrs.Perkins started on foot, reaching the poor-house about sunset.

She was now seated in what had been Mrs.Parker's room, and with pursed-up lips, and large square collar very much like the present fashion, was stitching away upon the shroud, heaving occasionally a long-drawn sigh, as she thought how lonely and desolate poor Mr.Parker must feel! "Will you give me some work ?" asked Mary, after depositing her bonnet upon the table.
"There's nothing for you," returned Mrs.Perkins.

"I can do all that is necessary, and prefer working alone." "Yes, she shall help too, if she wants to," snapped out Mrs.Grundy, with one of her old shoulder jerks.