Mrs.Hobbs whispered to him, with evident pride, that it was "goin' to be one of the biggest funerals ever given in Ostable." Mr.
Sharon nodded.

Then, after waiting a moment or two, he tiptoed along the front hall and took up his stand by the parlor door.

There was a final rustle of gowns, a final crackle of Sunday shirtfronts, and then a hushed silence.
The silence was broken by the rattle of wheels in the yard.

Mr.Hallett at the door held up a warning hand.

A moment later he ushered two people in at the front door and led them through the parlor into the "big settin'-room." Mary-'Gusta could see the late comers plainly.