The will was simple and not a surprise to any one. It gave equal division of all the property to the nieces.
"Well, now, when'll we have the settlement?" asked the Deacon.
"Just's you say, Deacon," said Emma, meekly.
"Suit yourself," said Harkey; "only it 'ad better come soon. Sooner the better—seedin's coming on."
"Well, to-morrow is Friday, why not Saturday?"
"All right, Saturday." All agreed.
As Harkey drove off down the road he said to his wife: "The sooner we have it, the fewer things 'll git carried off. The Deacon don't favor me none, and Bill Gray is sweet on Serry, and he'll bear watchin'."
The Deacon on his part took his chin in his fist and looked after Harkey. "Seemed a little bit anxious, 'cordin' to my notion," he said, with a smile.
II
Saturday was deliciously warm and springlike, the hens woke in the early dawn with a jocund note in their throats, and the young cattle frisked about the barn-yard, moved to action by the electrical influences of the south wind.