ion, now absent on a voyage." The
superscription was read aloud, a little under the influence of surprise;
notwithstanding which, Mr. Job Pratt was very coolly proceeding to open
the packet, precisely as if it had been addressed to himself. In this
decided step, Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Thomas, and Rev. Mr. Whittle, might be
set down as accessories before the act; for each approached; and so eager
were the two women, that they actually assisted in breaking the seal.

"If that letter is addressed to me," said Roswell Gardiner, with firmness
and authority, "I claim the right to open it myself. It is unusual for
those to whom a letter is _not_ addressed to assume this office."

"But, it comes _from_ Deacon Pratt," cried the widow Martin, "and may
contain his will."

"In which case, a body would think I have some rights concerned," said Mr.
Job Pratt, a little more coolly, but with manifest doubts.

"Sartain!" put in Mrs. Thomas. "Brothers and sisters, and even cousins,
come before strangers, any day. Here we are, a brother and sister of the
deacon, and we ought to have a right to read his letters."

All this time Roswell had stood with an extended arm, and an eye that
caused Mr. Job Pratt to control his impatience. Mary advanced close to his
side, as if to sustain him, but she said nothing.

"There is a law, with severe penalties, against knowingly opening a letter
addressed to another," resumed Roswell, steadily; "and it shall be
enforced against any one who shall presume to open one of mine. If that
letter has my address, sir, I demand it; and I will have it, at every
hazard."

Roswell advanced a step nearer Mr. Job Pratt, and the letter was
reluctantly yielded; though not until the widow Martin had made a nervous
but abortive snatch at it.

"At any rate, it ought to be opened in our presence," put in this woman,
"that we may see what is in it."

"And by what right, ma'am? Have I not the privilege of others, to read my
own letters when and where I please? If the contents of this, however, do
really relate to the late Deacon Pratt's property, I am quite willing they
should be made known. There is nothing on this superscription to tell me
to open the packet in the presence of witnesses; but, under all the
circumstances, I prefer it should be done."

Hereupon Roswell proceeded deliberately to look into the package. The seal
was already broken, and he exhibited it in that state to all in the room,
with a meaning smil