November was on its way.
"Governor," said his father one night, when Winthrop was playing "even or odd" with Winifred and Asahel, a great handful of chestnuts being the game, -- "Governor, have you a mind to take Rufus's place at Asphodel for a while this fall ?" The blood rushed to Winthrop's face; but he only forgot his chestnuts and said, "Yes, sir." "You may go, if you've a mind to, and as soon as you like.

-- It's better travelling now than it will be by and by.

I can get along without you for a spell, I guess." "Thank you, father." But Winthrop's eyes sought his mother's face.

In vain little Winifred hammered upon his hand with her little doubled up fist, and repeated, "even or odd ?" He threw down the chestnuts and quitted the room hastily..