MOSTLY GOSSIP
"My dear Doctor Strong:—The deed is done! The selectmen met last night, and voted to memorialize the Legislature in regard to changing the name of the village; and, as the rest is a mere matter of business routine, I think we may regard the thing as settled. So, as dear Mrs. Tree said, 'Hooray for Quahaug!' The vote was not unanimous; that was hardly to be expected. John Peavey was opposed to the change, so was George Goby; but the general sentiment was strong in favor of carrying out Mrs. Tree's wishes. That, of course, is the real issue, and it is beautiful to see the spirit of affection and loyalty that animates the majority of our people. Surely, our beloved old friend has built herself a monument ære perennio in the hearts of her neighbors.
"I write this hasty line, feeling sure that you and Mrs. Strong will be anxious to hear the outcome of the meeting.
"With kindest regards to both, and affectionate greeting to the little flock, believe me always
"Faithfully yours,
"John Bliss."
The little minister sealed and addressed his note, then took his hat and stick and started for the post-office.
"You won't forget my pink worsted, John!" and Mrs. Bliss popped her pretty head out of the window.
"Certainly not, my dear! certainly not!" said Mr. Bliss, with an air of collecting his wits hurriedly. "Pink worsted; to be sure! At Miss Pardon's, I presume?"
"Of course! Saxony; you have the sample in your pocket, pinned into an envelope. Two skeins, John dear. Now do you think you can get that right? It is a shame to make you do such things, but I cannot leave Baby, and he really needs the jacket."
"Of course, Marietta; of course, my dear! You know I am only too glad to help in little ways; I wish I could do more!"
"It is so little a man can do!" he reflected, as he paced along the village street; "and Marietta's care is incessant. Motherhood is a blessed but a most laborious state."
Arrived at the post-office, he found Seth Weaver perched on a ladder, inspecting the weather-beaten sign-board, which bore the legend, "Elmerton Post-office."
"Good morning, Seth!" said the little minister.
