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., had gone down cellar to draw her a quart of
molasses.

As Tilly uttered the words, "I wanted so much to hear him whistle," she
heard behind her in clear, melodious, flute-like notes, the opening
measures of "Listen to the Mocking Bird." Turning quickly, she saw Mr.
Sawyer standing beside her.

"Why, how do you do, Mr. Sawyer? I am delighted to see you again," she
said in that hearty, whole-souled way that was so captivating to her
country admirers.

"The delight is mutual," replied Quincy, raising his hat and bowing.

Samuel Hill was evidently somewhat disturbed by the great friendliness
of the greetings that he had just witnessed. This fact did not escape
Tilly's quick eye, and turning to Mr. Sawyer she said:

"Have you been introduced to my friend, Mr. Samuel Hill?"

"I have not had that pleasure," replied Quincy. "This is my first visit
to the store."

"Then allow me," continued Tilly, "to present you to Mr. Samuel Hull and
to Mr. Benoni Hill, his father, both valued friends of mine," and she
added, as a roguish smile came into her face, "as they keep the only
grocery store in the village, you will be obliged to buy what they have
and pay them what they ask, unless you prefer a three-mile tramp to