Then, at the sewing circle and at the store and after prayer meeting, both at the Regular meeting house and the Come-Outer chapel, speculation centered on the marriage of Nat and Grace.

When was it to take place?
Would the couple live at the old house and "keep packet tavern" or would the captain go to sea again, taking his bride with him?
Various opinions, pro and con, were expressed by the speculators, but no one could answer authoritatively, because none knew except those most interested, and the latter would not tell.
John Ellery heard the discussions at the sewing circle when, in company with some of the men of his congregation, he dropped in at these gatherings for tea after the sewing was over.

He heard them at church, before and after the morning service, and when he made pastoral calls.
People even asked his opinion, and when he changed the subject inferred, some of them, that he did not care about the doings of Come-Outers.

Then they switched to inquiries concerning his health.
"You look awful peaked lately, Mr.Ellery," said Didama Rogers.

"Ain't you feelin' well ?" The minister answered that he was as well as usual, or thought he was.
"No, no, you ain't nuther," declared Didama.