deaconesses."

And so they trailed down one after another, and left us to our work
in the meetin' house; but as they disapered round the corner, Sister
Arvilly Lanfear, who hain't married, and who has got a sharp tongue
(some think that is why, but I don't; I believe Arvilly has had
chances).

But any way, she sez, as they went down the steps,

"I'll bet them men wuz a-practisen' their new parts of men
superentendents, and look on us as a lot of deaconesses."

[Illustration: "JOSIAH ADDED TO HIS REMARKS."]

"Wall," sez Sister Gowdy--she loves to put on Arvilly--"wall, you have
got one qualificatin', Arvilly!"

"Yes, thank the Lord," sez she.

And I never asked what she meant, but knew well enough that she spoke of
her single state. But Arvilly has had chances, _I_ think.




CHAPTER XXII.


I got home in time to get a good supper, though mebbe I ortn't to say