borough.
The events of that evening had been freely discussed in barn and
workshop, at table and at the various stores in Eastborough and
surrounding towns, for quite a number had been present who were not
residents of the town. All interest in it had not, however, passed away
as subsequent occurrences proved.

It was the morning of the fifth of January. Benoni Hill, who ran the
only grocery store at Mason's Corner, was behind his counter and with
the aid of his only son, Samuel, was attending to the wants of several
customers.

While thus engaged, Miss Tilly James entered, and young Samuel Hill
forgot to ask the customer on whom he had been waiting the usual
question, "Anything else, ma'am?" so anxious was he to speak to and wait
upon the pretty Miss James, whose bright eyes, dark curly hair, and
witty remarks had attracted to her side more suitors than had fallen to
the lot of any other young girl in the village. As yet she had evinced
no especial liking for any particular one of the young men who flocked
about her, and this fact had only served to increase their admiration
for her and to spur them on to renewed efforts to win her favor.

"Do you know, Miss James," said Samuel, "I can't get it out of my ears
yet." As he said this, he leaned over the counter, and being a brave
young man, looked straight into Miss James's smiling face.

"If all home remedies have failed," said Tilly, "why don't you go to
Boston and have a doctor examine them?"

"What a joker you are!" remarked Samuel; "I believe you will crack a
joke on the minister the day you are married."

"It may be my last chance," rejoined Tilly. "Mother says the inside of a
boiled onion put into the ear is good for some troubles; give me a pound
of tea, Oolong and green mixed, same as we always have."

As Samuel passed the neatly done up package to Miss James, he leaned
across the counter again and said in a low voice, "You know what is in
my ears, Miss James. How beautifully you played for Mr. Sawyer when he
whistled 'Listen to the Mocking Bird.' I don't think I shall ever forget
it."

"Well, I don't know about the playing, Mr. Hill. I came near losing my
place several times, because I wanted so much to hear him whistle."

During this conversation Tilly and Samuel had been so preoccupied that
they had not noticed the entrance of a new-comer and his approach
towards them. Only one other customer, a little girl, was left in the
store, and Mr. Hill, Sr.,