Families don't seem to occupy those pews regularly nowadays." "I can remember when every seat in the whole church was filled, wings an' all," mused Mrs.Sargent, wringing out her wascloth in a reminiscent mood.

"The one in front o' you, Nancy, was always called the 'deef pew' in the old times, and all the folks that was hard o' hearin' used to congregate there." "The next pew hasn't been occupied since I came here," said the minister's wife.
"No," answered Mrs.Sargent, glad of any opportunity to retail neighbourhood news.

"'Squire Bean's folks have moved to Portland to be with the married daughter.

Somebody has to stay with her, and her husband won't.

The 'Squire ain't a strong man, and he's most too old to go to meetin' now.