rth as
that goes. He's about the most popular minister, especially with the
workin' folks, since Mr. Peck."

"Who was Mr. Peck?"

"Well, he was the one that was run over by the cars at the depot here
two or three years back. Why, this house was started on his idea. Sort
of co-operation at first; we run it for the Social Union."

"And the co-operation petered out," said the reporter making a note.
"Always does; and then you took it, and began to make money. Standard
history of co-operation."

"I guess we ain't gettin' rich any too fast," said the hostess, dryly.

"Well, you will if you use the Northwick butter. What's the reason he
isn't popular here when he is here? Must spend a good deal of money on
that big place of his; and give work."

"Mr. Putney says it's corruptin' to have such a rich man in the
neighborhood; and he does more harm than good with his money." The
hostess threw out the notion as if it were something she had never been
quite able to accept herself, and would like to see its effect upon a
man of the reporter's wide observation. "_He_ thinks Hatboro' was better
off before there was a single hat-shop or shoe-shop in the place."

"And the law offices had it all to themselves," said the young man; and
he laughed. "Well, it was a halcyon period. What sort of a man is Mr.
Northwick, personally?"

The woman referred the question to her husband, who pondered it a
moment. "Well, he's a kind of a close-mouthed man. He's never had
anything to do with the Hatboro' folks much. But I never heard anything
against him. I guess he's a pretty good man."

"Wouldn't be likely to mention it round a great deal if he _was_ going
to Canada. Heigh? Well, I'm sorry I can't see Mr. Northwick, after all.
With these strikes in the mills everywhere, he must have some light to
throw on the labor question generally. Poor boy, himself, I believe?"

"I don't believe his daughters could remember when," said the hostess,
sarcastically.

"That's so? Well, we are apt to lose our memory for dates as we get on
in the world, especially the ladies. Ponkwasset isn't on the direct line
of this road, is it?" He asked this of the host, as if it followed.

"No, you got to change at Springfield, and take the Union and Dominion
road there. Then it's on a branch."

"Well, I guess I shall have to run up and see Mr. Northwick, there.
_What_ did you say the young man's name was that's keeping the Northwick
family here this winter?" He tu