For nearly an hour he sat there, scarcely changing his position, and only varying his musical program by whistling hymns instead of singing them.

Once, hearing a step in the yard, he looked through the window and saw Gabriel Bearse walking toward the gate from the direction of the shop door instead of in the opposite direction.
Evidently he had at first intended to call and then had changed his mind.

Mr.Winslow was duly grateful to whoever or whatever had inspired the change.

He had no desire to receive a visit from "Gab" Bearse, at this time least of all.
Later on he heard another step, and, again glancing through the window, saw Seth Wingate, the vegetable and fruit peddler, walking from the door to the gate, just as Mr.Bearse had done.

Apparently Seth had changed his mind also.