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Unexpected Vesztors. 23

order, and not laid on my back with my pendulum tied. How-
ever, I have no reason to complain. I was purchased by your
grandfather, Job, to place in the new house where he would
bring his bride.

“ Dear, dear! It seems only yesterday when the newly mar-
ried couple stepped across the threshold hand in hand. Their
hair was golden, their cheeks like ripe apples, and outside the
door the damask roses bloomed in the sunshine. So long, long
ago, little Job—as you may tell by my worm-eaten case and
rusty works.

“J remember very well that we had unexpected visitors up
here the day before you were born. There had been no living
soul here for years besides the old man: his wife was dead, and
his only daughter gone away. Well, the door stood open, and
I saw a wagon drive up with two women in it. The younger
one rose, and stretched out her hands to Grandfather, who
stood shading his eyes, and looking at her.

“*Father ! she said, and began to cry.

“*She would come up the mountain to-day,’ said the elder
woman.

“The last speaker was Grandfather's sister, and the younger
one was your mother, Master Job.

“The visitors were made comfortable. The girl promised to
be good, and return to the farm with her aunt next day, after
she had seen her father once more. She had been wilful, and
married a handsome sailor against her parent’s wishes. Now
the sailor was wrecked, and she had come all this weary way
across the seas to beg forgiveness.

“The wind blew fresh about the lonely house. I struck