Then he died and for the next eight months the house stood empty.

And then came one more death, that of old Mrs.Pearson, the lady for whom Thankful had "kept house." Left alone and without present employment, the Widow Barnes considered what she should do next.

And, thus considering, the desire to visit and inspect her East Wellmouth property grew and strengthened.

She thought more and more concerning it.

It was hers, she could do what she pleased with it, and she began to formulate vague ideas as to what she might like to do.