246

SUSPICIOUS LETTERS.

delay, and, of course, posted the proof-sheets for revision to my quiet country retreat. This event occasioned a kind of trouble, of which I had not thought. The repeated arrival of large letters at the village post-office, addressed to me, was a circumstance not likely to pass unnoticed by the inquisitive grocer who superintended that establishment, and his friends and customers. What could all these double letters be about?

Mr. Watkins, the grocer and post-master, " did not know;" but he "thought it likely they were from some missionary office, asking subscriptions."

Peter Pimple, the letter-carrier, "never zeed nothing so hodd; and he 'oped the parson would not forget to give him a 'ansom box at Christmas."

Jem Black, the sweep, "had heerd as parson wor an hauthor; though wot it meant he didn't pertend for to know."

Mr. Small was of opinion that "a church meeting should be called, to investigate the mystery."

John Pry "thought Mr. Watkins should open one of the letters, as he had heerd as how Sir James Greem had a-done it."

Mrs. Watkins "would hear of no such thing;" but at the same time she inquired whether the letters were sealed with wax or wafers. Her worthy husband having informed her that the latter substance was employed, she told her customers not to meddle with other people's business, and retired with a meaning look.

Joe Doubtful was afraid "they might be summonses from the Government, as the minister had not said what he was doing in London so often."

Mary Stall exclaimed, "Dear-a-me!"

Mrs. Hoble "would ask the minister himself; that she would."

Mr. Hedger "thought she had better not. They had known their minister for a long time, and he was sure it could be nothing bad."

"The repeated arrival of letters at the village postoffice, addressed to me, was a circumstance not likely to pass unnoticed by the inquisitive grocer and his customers."

Page 246.

THE PERPLEXED VILLAGERS.

Adam Kib" was not sure about that.

of ministers dealing in railway shares.

247

He had heard
He thought

this was the meaning of it; and, if so, they would all be ruined soon."

William Quick" thought neighbour Kib had better attend to his own affairs, and to those of Mr. Height's chapel, to which he belonged."

Sally Pulp "had heard from Peter Pimple that the letters were printed, and therefore she felt quite uneasy about them."

Mary Grey "thought Mr. Small had better write first to the minister, and ask an explanation; and if he did not give it, then have a church meeting.

Mr. Small felt his chin, and agreed with the sensible suggestion; but Grocer Watkins was afraid that the minister would hear of their conversation, and perhaps write to the General Post-Office, finding fault. The thing was sorely perplexing! And when Mrs. Priestly prophesied that their silly gossip would drive any gentleman from the village, they knew not what to do. One morning Pimple brought me a proof, the envelope of which had evidently been tampered with. It was partially torn, and a bit of filthy wax, with the impression of a thimble, lay where the wafer should have been.

"What does this mean, Peter ?" I asked.

"What, Sir?"

"This. Look." So saying, I pointed to the torn envelope.

"I'm sure I don't know, Sir. Just as I got it from the hoffice."

"Who gave it to you?"

"Who gave it to me?"

"A direct answer, if you please.'

"Yes, Sir, yes-why, who should give it to me?" "I will have no trifling, Pimple."

Oh, beg your pardon, Sir; why-why, it was Mrs. Watkins.

248

THE SICK POST-MISTRESS.

"That will do. You will be at the post-office at five o'clock this evening?"

"Yes, Sir."

"So shall I; as I wish to see Mrs. Watkins in your presence."

"Sir? I-what, Sir?"

"You heard me distinctly, I think?"

"Yes, Sir; certainly."

"Very well. Good morning."

At five o'clock I stood in the grocer's shop. Watkins himself was behind the counter, and bowed very politely. I asked for Mrs. Watkins. She was very

unwell, and in bed.

"I am sorry to hear it," I said; "this is surely a sudden attack."

"She was taken very suddenly, Sir," said Watkins. "When ?"

"About an hour ago."

"Has Pimple been here ?" I inquired.

No, Sir, not-yet," answered Watkins, uneasily. "What, not since the morning?"

"Noh, yes; he was in, buying a piece of cheese, not long since."

"That was," said I, carelessly, "before the illness of Mrs. Watkins ?"

"Yes," said Watkins; but a thought striking him, he coloured to the forehead.

Well, now, Mr. Watkins," I said, "I am sorry that a pretended illness should add to the crime of trifling with the letters of the public. I shall not expose you for this offence; but repeat it, and take the consequences."

"I am very sorry, Sir; but it was an accident." I looked in his face; he turned away, and I left.