The stage rumbled along the main street of Granville,and drew up in front of the only hotel of which the village could boast.The driver descended from his throne,and coming round to the side opened the door and addressed the only passenger remaining within.
"Where do you want to go,miss?"A girl's face looked out inquiringly."Is this the hotel?"she asked."Yes,miss.""I will get out here,"she said quietly.
There were a few loungers on the piazza,which extended along the whole front of the building.As she descended with a light and springy step,disregarding the proffered aid of the driver,they eyed her curiously.
"Who is she,Abner?"asked Timothy Varnum of the driver,as the stranger entered the house.
"I reckon she's the new school teacher,"said Abner;"I heard Squire Hadley say she was expected today.""Where does she come from?"
"York State,somewhere.I don't justly know where.""Looks like a city gal."
"Mebbe,though I don't think it would pay a city gal to come to Granville to teach."Unconscious of the curiosity which her appearance had excited,the girl entered the open entry and paused.A middle aged woman,evidently the landlady of the inn,speedily made her appearance."Good afternoon,miss,"she said.
"Shall I show you to a room?"
"Thank you,"said the stranger,gratefully."I shall be very glad if you will.The ride has been warm and dusty.My trunks are on the stage ----""All right,miss,I'll have them sent up.If you'll follow me up stairs,I'll give you a room."She led the way into a front room,very plainly furnished,but with a pleasant view of the village from the windows."I think you will find everything you require,"she said,preparing to go."Supper will be ready in half an hour,but you can have it later if you wish.""I shall be ready,thank you."
Left alone,the stranger sank into a wooden rocking chair,and gazed thoughtfully from the window.
"Well,I have taken the decisive step,"she said to herself."It may be a mad freak,but I must not draw back now.Instead of going to Newport or to Europe,I have deliberately agreed to teach the grammar school in this out of the way country place.I am wholly unknown here,and it is hardly likely that any of my friends will find me out.For the first time in my life I shall make myself useful --perhaps.Or will my experiment end in failure?That is a question which time alone can solve."She rose,and removing her traveling wraps,prepared for the table.
The new comer's two trunks were being removed from the stage when Mrs.Slocum passed,on her way to the store.Being naturally of a watchful and observant turn of mind,this worthy old lady made it her business to find out all that was going on in the village.
"Whose trunks are them,Abner?she asked,in a voice high pitched even to shrillness.
"They belong to the young lady that's stoppin'in the hotel.She came in on the stage.""Who's she?"
"I don't know any more'n you do,"said Abner,who knew Mrs.Slocum's failing,and was not anxious to gratify it.
"There's her name on a card,"said the old lady triumphantly,pointing to one of the trunks."I hain't got my glasses with me.Just read it off,will you?"Probably Abner had a little curiosity of his own.At all events he complied with the old lady's request,and read aloud:
"MISS MABEL FROST,Granville,N.H."
"You don't say!"ejaculated Mrs.Slocum,in a tone of interest.
"Why,it's the new school teacher!What sort of a looking woman is she?""I didn't notice her,partic'lar.She looked quite like a lady.""Are both them trunks hern?"
"Yes,ma'am."
"What on airth does she want with two trunks?said Mrs.Slocum,disapprovingly.Must be fond of dress.I hope she ain't goin'to larn our gals to put on finery.""Mebbe she's got her books in one of 'em,"suggested Abner.
"A whole trunkful of books!Land sakes!You must be crazy.Nobody but a minister would want so many books as that.An'it's a clear waste for the parson to buy so many as he does.If he didn't spend so much money that way,his wife could dress a little more decent.Why,the man's got at least two or three hundred books already,and yet he's always wantin'to buy more.""I guess his wife wouldn't want the trunks for her clothes,"suggested Abner.
"You are right,"said Mrs.Slocum,nodding."I declare I'm sick and tired of that old bombazine she's worn to church the last three years.Astranger might think we stinted the minister.""Precisely,Mrs.Slocum,"said a voice behind her.That's my opinion.""Oh,Dr.Titus,is that you?"said the old lady,turning.
"What is left of me.I've been making calls all the afternoon,and I'm used up.So you think we are stinting the minister?""No,I don't,"said Mrs.Slocum,indignantly."I think we pay him handsome.Five hundred dollars a year and a donation party is more'n some of us get.""Deliver me from the donation party!"said the doctor hastily.
"I look upon that as one of the minister's trials.""I s'pose you will have your joke,doctor,"said Mrs.Slocum,not very well pleased."I tell you a donation party is a great help where there's a family.""Perhaps it is;but I am glad it isn't the fashion to help doctors in that way."Dr.
Titus was a free spoken man,and always had been.His practice was only moderately lucrative but it was well known that he possessed a competency,and could live comfortably if all his patients deserted him;so no one took offense when he expressed heretical notions.He had a hearty sympathy for Mr.Wilson,the Congregational minister,who offended some of his parishioners by an outward aspect of poverty in spite of his munificent salary of five hundred dollars a year.
