"I think I will go and got the horse, and find out what Mrs. Antis wants," said Eben, addressing himself to the miller. "There is no time to lose."
"Do, my boy, and take Flora with you, as I said, and, Jeduthun, you find some of the men to help about getting up the wagon for Mr. Wilbur."
"I knew it," said Jeduthun as they walked over towards the house. "I would have taken my Bible oath that it was Tom Wilbur who tied that horse. If you do take this place, Eben, you will find Mrs. Antis a very pleasant lady to work for. She isn't any of your snappish kind of women, nor she ain't one of the slack kind, either. She calculates to do what's right herself, and she wants other people to do it by her. I'll just pull out the buggy for you while you go in and speak to her."
Mrs. Antis was pleased to find a chance to send to the Springs, and gave Eben a number of commissions.
"Please write them down, Mrs. Antis," said Eben.
"Why, can't you remember?"
"I dare say I could, but every one forgets sometimes, and when a thing is written, it is written, you know."
"Very true," said Mrs. Antis. "Is any one going with you?"
"Mr. Antis said I might take Flora for the ride," said Eben.
"So much the better," replied Mrs. Antis, good-naturedly giving up the thought she had just entertained of riding over herself. "She can do my errand at the milliner's, and save me the trouble. Just go over and get your sister and call here, and I will have the basket all ready."