Their injured neighbor had no means of redress, however annoyed; and being of a Christian spirit, still further subdued by affliction—having lost his wife and several children in succession—he thought more of securing possessions in another and better world, than of resisting encroachments on those remaining to him in this. Few, however, are the evils in this life which are found to be wholly unattended with benefit. Even the fraud of old Boynton, the aggressions of Jemmy and Nanny, their continual warfare with the kitchen division of his household, resulting not seldom in a pitched battle with broomsticks—even these served a good purpose to the sorrowing invalid. Like a perpetual blister, their irritation sometimes aroused his spirit, in danger of sinking into apathy or dejection; and by quickening the flow of his blood, and giving it a more lively action, perhaps produced a favorable effect upon his health. It is certain that his life was prolonged to a much greater age than was prophesied when he took possession of his disputed inheritance. At his death his estate fell to his son, also an only one, who in turn became the occupant of the homestead, and whose family furnishes the principal subject of the pages which follow. Mr. Fayerweather, the third of the name in Salem, removed from Boston, where he had married and had resided for several years. He was a man of great worth, and of good sense, though with some eccentricities. The handsome property which he inherited, together with that which fell into his hands by his marriage, constituted him a wealthy man without any addition; he, however, engaged in commerce for a few years, but not finding it to his taste, he retired from business soon after his removal to Salem, and led a quiet though useful life; one of the most beloved and respected among the heads of the town. His good lady was distinguished, principally, for kindness of heart, and an almost laughable simplicity; though in her youth she had possessed much beauty, and of a kind on which Time can scarce find it in his heart to lay his withering fingers; spiteful as the old wretch usually is to lilies and roses and lovely features. This well-matched pair had but two children—both sons; a niece, however, left an orphan in infancy was adopted by madam, (this title, in those days, was always borne by matrons in the higher station,) and she became equally beloved by Mr. Fayerweather. Jemmy Boynton never married; despairing, probably, of finding a helpmate equally as saving and lynx-eyed, as to the main chance as his amiable sister. Nanny Boynton’s reasons for leading a single life were never fully known. Perhaps she never received an offer; though being for many years reputed the richest heiress in Salem, this does not seem probable, even had her personal charms not been quite irresistible.