An Old Woman's Tale - (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches") by Nathaniel Hawthorne
page 11 of 12 (91%)
page 11 of 12 (91%)
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immediately, and the short deacon waddled after, making four steps to
the yard; the mothers called their children about them and set forth, with a gentle and sad glance behind. Like cloudy fantasies that hurry by a viewless impulse from the sky, they all were fled, and the wind rose up and followed them with a strange moaning down the lonely street. Now whither these people went, is more than may be told; only David and Esther seemed to see the shadowy splendor of the ancient dame, as she lingered in the moonshine at the graveyard gate, gazing backward to the fountain. "O Esther! I have had such a dream!" cried David, starting up, and rubbing his eyes. "And I such another!" answered Esther, gaping till her pretty red lips formed a circle. "About an old woman with gold-bowed spectacles," continued David. "And a scarlet hoop-petticoat," added Esther. They now stared in each other's eyes, with great astonishment and some little fear. After a thoughtful moment or two, David drew a long breath and stood upright. "If I live till to-morrow morning," said he, "I'll see what may be buried between that tree and the spring of water." "And why not to-night, David?" asked Esther; for she was a sensible little girl, and bethought herself that the matter might as well be done in secrecy. David felt the propriety of the remark and looked round for the means of |
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