he'd got to go to the bank
to get some money for somebody, but that he'd be back 'tween 'leven and
twelve."

"Oh, that's all right," said Strout, stepping inside the door; "is Miss
Huldy in?"

"Yes, she's in the parlor; she went in to practise on her music lesson,
but I guess she's reading a book instead, for I haven't heard the piano
since she went in half an hour ago."

"Waal, I'll step in and have a little chat with her whilst I'm waiting
for the Deacon," said the Professor; "but you just let me know as soon
as the Deacon comes, won't you, Mrs. Mason?"

Mrs. Mason replied that she would, and the Professor opened the parlor
door and stepped in.

"Oh, good morning, Miss Mason," said the Professor; "I hope I see you
enjoying your usual good health after last evening's excitement."

Huldy arose and shook hands with the Professor.

"Oh, yes," said she, "I got up a little late this morning, but I never
felt better in my life. It was very kind of you, Mr. Strout, and of my
other friends, to show your appreciation in such a pleasant manner, and
I shall never forget your kindness."

"Waal, you know, I've always taken a great interest in you, Miss Mason."

"I know you have in my singing," answered Huldy, "and I know that I have
improved a great deal since you have been giving me lessons."

"But I don't refer wholly to your singin'," said the Professor.

"Oh, you mean my playing," remarked Huldy. "Well, I don't know that I
shall ever be a brilliant performer on the piano, but I must acknowledge
that you have been the cause of my improving in that respect also."

"Waal, I don't mean," continued the Professor, "jest your singin' and
your playin'. I've been interested in you as a whole."

"I don't exactly see what you mean by that, Mr. Strout, unless you mean
my ability as a housekeeper. I am afraid if you ask my mother, she will
not give me a very flattering recommendation."

"Oh, you know enough about housekeepin' to satisfy me," said the
Professor.

Huldy by this time divined what was on the Professor's mind; in fact,
she had known it for some time, but had assured herself that he would
never have the courage to put his hints, and suggestions, and allusions,
into an actual declaration. So she replied with some asperity, "What
made you think I was looking for a situation as housekeeper?"

"Oh, nothin'," said he, "I wasn't thinkin' anythin' about what I thought
you thought, but I was a-thinkin' about somethin'