A hard case, doubtless, but a pious man such as I likes to feel sartain that however much he may have fooled along with sinful women in this world, only the most respectable of thar sex will rise around him at the Jedgment." "And the father ?" inquired the stranger, with a sound as if he drew in his breath sharply.
"Accordin' to the Law an' the Prophets she hadn't any.

That may be goin' agin natur, suh, but 'tis stickin' close to Holy Writ an' the wisdom of God." To this the young man's only response was a sudden angry aversion that showed in his face.

Then lifting his horse's head from the trodden grass by the well, he sprang into the saddle, and started, as the miller had done, over the three roads into the turnpike.

Remembering as he passed the gate posts that he had spoken no parting word to the group under the mulberry tree, he raised himself in his stirrups, and called back "Good day to you.

Many thanks," in his pleasant voice..