to-morrow mornin'."

The town clerk looked up.

"There now!" he exclaimed. "I believe 'twas her I saw walkin' with
Bailey a spell ago. I thought so, but I didn't have my specs and I wan't
sure."

"With Bailey, hey? Humph! this is serious. Hope Ketury didn't see 'em.
We mustn't have any scandal."

The housekeeper entered the dining room. She was singing "Beulah Land,"
but her tone was more subdued than usual. They heard her setting the
table.

"How's she gettin' along?" asked Asaph.

"Progressin' backwards, same as ever. She's no better, thank you, and
the doctor's given up hopes."

"When you goin' to tell her she can clear out?"

"What?" Captain Cy had returned to his paper and did not hear the
question.

"I say when is she goin' to be bounced? Deefness ain't catchin', is it?"

"I wouldn't wonder if it might be. If 'tis, mine ought to be developin'
fast. What makes her so still all at once?"