pleased when she declared her intention to accompany me to my home. It
did not matter to me that my aunt was odd and old-fashioned in her
dress, and still more odd and eccentric in her manner and conversation,
to me she was the kind aunt who had cared for my wants, and treated me
as kindly as a mother could have done, and to one of my nature this was
sufficient to claim my affection and respect. This journey was quite an
event in the usually quiet and stay-at-home life of my aunt, but she
allowed that having made up her mind she had but one life to live, she
might as well enjoy herself sometimes as other folks. Grandma Adams
fairly wept when I bade her good-bye, saying: "who will read to me while
you are gone, Walter? and it may be when you come back you will find the
old arm-chair empty. No one is certain of a day of life but remember the
saying 'the young may die, but the old _must_ die.' I hope to see you
again, but should I not, strive to become a good and useful man, and
remember my counsels." Uncle Nathan shook me warmly by the hand, and
hoped to see me return soon, telling me also, with a comical look, to
take good care of Aunt Lucinda on the journey, as she was _young_ and
inexperienced, and not accustomed to travelling. "Nathan Adams," replied
my aunt, "if you must talk, do try sometimes and talk with a little
sense."

I was fearful of missing the train, so long was my aunt in giving
directions to the Widow Green, who had come to keep house during her
absence. Grandma allowed that though the widow might not understand all
the ways of the house, with _her_ help they could get along tolerably
well for a few weeks. "Never fear, mother," said Uncle Nathan. "There'll
be no one to scold while Lucinda's away, and we'll get along famously.
Only I suppose we will be called to a startling account when the
rightful mistress of the house returns." We soon took our places in the
carriage which awaited us, and, taking his place on the front seat,