"In old times when many people were ignorant and superstitious, it was thought to be a protection from witches."
"Witches, papa? what are they?"
"I don't think there are any, really," he said, with a kindly smile into the eagerly inquiring little face; "but in old times it was a very common belief that there were people—generally some withered-up old women—who had dealings with Satan, and were given power by him to torment, or bring losses and various calamities upon any one whom they disliked.
"When you are a little older you shall hear more about it, and how that foolish belief led to great crimes and cruelties inflicted upon many innocent, harmless people. But now, while my Gracie is so young and timid, I do not want her to know too much about such horrors."
"Yes, papa," she responded; "I won't try to know till you think I'm quite old enough."
Several vehicles drew up at the same moment in front of Mrs. Mack's door, and greetings and some introductions were exchanged on the sidewalk and door-steps. Edward introduced his mother and Mrs. Fry to each other, and the latter presented to them a Mrs. Glenn, who, she said, was a native of Nantucket, but had only recently returned after an absence of many years.
"Mrs. Mack knew me as a young girl," Mrs. Glenn remarked, "and I am quite curious to see whether she will recognize me."
At that instant the door was opened in answer to their ring, and they were invited to enter and walk into the parlor.
They found it comfortably furnished and neat as wax. Seating themselves they waited patiently for some moments the coming of the lady of the house.
At length she made her appearance; a little old lady, neatly attired, and with a pleasant countenance.