worked, while the hands hung lifeless by his side, and there was an expression in his countenance that seemed to announce [Pg 51]a writhing of the soul; but it was not unresisted, and it was transient. He stood erect, drew a long breath, and looked around him with an elevated face, that seemed to smile with a consciousness of having obtained the mastery. The grave was soon filled; a rough stone, placed at either extremity, marked its position, and the turf, whose faded vegetation was adapted to the fortunes of the deceased, covered the little hillock with the last office of seemliness. Uncovering his head, the peddler hesitated a moment to gather energy, and spoke. [Pg 51] “My friends and neighbors,” he said, “I thank you for assisting me to bury my dead out of my sight.” A solemn pause succeeded the customary address, and the group dispersed in silence. The peddler and Katy were followed into the building by one man, however, who was well known to the surrounding country by the significant term of “a speculator.” Katy saw him enter, with a heart that palpitated with dreadful forebodings; but Harvey civilly handed him a chair, and evidently was prepared for the visit. The peddler went to the door, and, taking a cautious glance about the valley, quickly returned and commenced the following dialogue: “The sun has just left the top of the eastern hill; my time presses me; here is the deed for the house and lot; everything is done according to law.” The other took the paper, and conned its contents with a deliberation that proceeded partly from caution, and partly from the unlucky circumstances of his education having been much neglected when a youth. The time thus occupied in this tedious examination was employed by Harvey in gathering together certain articles which he intended to include in the stores that were to leave the habitation with himself. “I’m rather timersome about this conveyance,” said the purchaser, having at length waded though the covenants[75] of the deed. [Pg 52] [Pg 52] “Why so?”
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