SCENE XII.

_The Village._

LYDDY PETTIGROVE'S FUNERAL.


Lyddy Pettigrove was dead. Not one person, but a dozen, had called in at
the White Farm to announce this fact and look curiously at Samantha Ann
Ripley to see how she took the news.

To say the truth, the community did not seem to be overpowered by its
bereavement. There seemed to be a general feeling that Mrs. Pettigrove
had never been wanted in Pleasant River, coupled with a mild surprise
that she should have been wanted anywhere else. Speculation was rife as
to who would keep house for Dave Milliken, and whether Samantha Ann
would bury the Ripley-Milliken battle-axe and go to the funeral, and
whether Mis' Pettigrove had left her property to David, as was right, or
to her husband's sister in New Hampshire, which would be a sin and a
shame; but jest as likely as not, though she was well off and didn't
need it no more 'n a toad would a pocket-book, and couldn't bear the
sight o' Lyddy besides,--and whether Mr. Pettigrove's first wife's
relations would be asked to the funeral, bein' as how they hadn't spoke
for years, 'n' wouldn't set on the same side the meetin'-house, but when
you come to that, if only the folks that was on good terms with Lyddy
Pettigrove was asked to the funeral, there'd be a slim attendance,
and--so on.