she was about thirteen years old. Grandma spared her to Mrs. Polly
for a few weeks after the funeral; there was a great deal to be done,
and she needed some extra help. And, after all, Ann was legally bound
to her, and her lawful servant.

So the day after good Samuel Wales was laid away in the little
Braintree burying-ground, Ann returned to her old quarters for a
little while. She did not really want to go; but she did not object
to the plan at all. She was sincerely sorry for poor Mrs. Polly, and
wanted to help her, if she could. She mourned, herself, for Mr.
Samuel. He had always been very kind to her.

Mrs. Polly had for company, besides Ann, Nabby Porter, Grandma's old
hired woman whom she had made over to her, and a young man who had
been serving as apprentice to Mr. Samuel. His name was Phineas Adams.
He was very shy and silent, but a good workman.

Samuel Wales left a will bequeathing every thing to his widow; that
was solemnly read in the fore-room one afternoon; then the inventory
had to be taken. That on account of the amount of property was quite
an undertaking; but it was carried out with the greatest formality
and precision.

For several days, Mr. Aaron Whitcomb, and Mr. Silas White, were
stalking majestically about the premises, with note-books and pens.
Aaron Whitcomb was a grave portly old man, with a large head of white
hair. Silas White was little and wiry and fussy. He monopolized the
greater part of the business, although he was not half as well fitted
for it as his companion.