CHAPTER III.
BILLY BENDER.
Just on the corner of Chicopee Common, and under the shadow of the century-old elms which skirt the borders of the grass plat called by the villagers the "Mall," stands the small red cottage of widow Bender, who in her way was quite a curiosity.

All the "ills which flesh is heir to," seemed by some strange fatality to fall upon her, and never did a new disease appear in any quarter of the globe, which widow Bender, if by any means she could ascertain the symptoms, was not sure to have it in its most aggravated form.
On the morning following the events narrated in the last chapter, Billy, whose dreams had been disturbed by thoughts of Frank, arose early, determined to call at Mrs.Howard's, and see if they were in want of any thing.

But his mother, who had heard rumors of the scarlet fever, was up before him, and on descending to the kitchen, which with all her sickness Mrs.Bender kept in perfect order, Billy found her sitting before a blazing fire,--her feet in hot water, and her head thrown back in a manner plainly showing that something new had taken hold of her in good earnest.

Billy was accustomed to her freaks, and not feeling at all frightened, stepped briskly forward, saying, "Well, mother, what's the matter now?
Got a cramp in your foot, or what ?" "Oh, William," said she, "I've lived through a sight but my time has come at last.

Such a pain in my head and stomach.