About nine o'clock three women of Pastor Lucus's church, standing on the front steps of Aunt Alphie Newberry's house, saw Abbie struggling through a drift.
"Why, there's Abbie Snover," said Jennie Chipman.
"She's turnin' down the road to Mile Corners," added Judie Wing.
Aunt Alphie Newberry opened the door to the three women:
"Whatever's the matter to be bringin' you callin' so early?"
"Ain't you heard yet?"
"We come to tell you."
"My! my! my! What can have happened?" Aunt Alphie exclaimed.
"Old Chris died last night—"
"Just after bein' middlin' sick for a day an'—"