Until this moment she had never thought of the loneliness of the house as possessing any element of danger; but now she turned her eyes to the uncurtained window, through which she had been so plainly visible, and wished that she had taken the precaution of putting the bar on the door.

It was too late, for the latch was already lifted, and she had scarcely time to say with a tremulous voice, "Come in." "It's me--Simon Nixey," said a loud, familiar voice, as the door opened and the tall ungainly figure of the farmer filled up the doorway.

He had been at her father's funeral, and was still in his Sunday suit, standing sheepishly within the door and stroking the mourning-band round his hat, as he gazed at her with a shamefaced expression, altogether unlike the bluntness of his usual manner.
"Is there anything the matter, Mr.Nixey ?" asked Phebe.

"Have you time to take a seat ?" "Oh, ay! I'll sit down," he answered, stepping forward readily and settling himself down in her father's chair, in spite of her hasty movement to prevent it.

"Mother thought as you'd be lonesome," he continued; "her and me've been talking of nothing else but you all evening.