the old widowers jump. She jest seems to have been
born with a sort of chronic spite agin men and
Methodists. She's got the bitterest tongue and the
kindest heart in Four Winds. Wherever there's any
trouble, that woman is there, doing everything to help
in the tenderest way. She never says a harsh word
about another woman, and if she likes to card us poor
scalawags of men down I reckon our tough old hides can
stand it."

"She always speaks well of you, Captain Jim," said
Mrs. Doctor.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I don't half like it. It makes
me feel as if there must be something sorter unnateral
about me."



CHAPTER 7

THE SCHOOLMASTER'S BRIDE

"Who was the first bride who came to this house,
Captain Jim?" Anne asked, as they sat around the
fireplace after supper.

"Was she a part of the story I've heard was connected
with this house?" asked Gilbert. "Somebody told me
you could tell it, Captain Jim."