“I was breathless! Was there nothin’ more to come? I had almost made up my mind that Jim was gone, when I caught the sound of a very decided smack. Good Lord forgive me, but I fought with the devil that night! “Pamely and Jim Whiffles was made one April 6, 1850. He fell heir to some property, and she got a thousand dollars when her uncle died, and a couple thousand more--in land--when Mrs. Hinman went off. So things prospered with them. He was hardworkin’ kind of a putterer, but she was a master hand to save, and them children all was like her--smart as a steel trap. “Eight years come next Tuesday Jim Whiffles died. I didn’t need a second lesson--Lord A’mighty knows how hard it come to me onct! and I had loved Pamely right straight through. So, jest six months arter Jim was laid away I made a kind of an errant up to her house, and the very minnit I see her, it all came over me so I couldn’t help it, and I screeched right out: “‘Pamely, hev me; do, fer goodness sake, say yes! Don’t you know I allers wanted ye?’ “She turned ’round, and her eyes was a-flashin’ when she answered: “‘_Allers?_ And lived in the same house nigh onto four years? You had first chance, and now you come whinin’ afore Jim’s cold.’ “I sneaked off. I thought the Lord was ag’in me this time, but I jest couldn’t give her up. I kep’ right on goin’. All the children one arter another, has married and done well, and she boosted ’em all. “Last Sunday I was over there ag’in, and, somehow, I thought she kind o’ squeezed my hand at meetin’; so I swelled up, and says I, ‘Pamely, is Jim cold?’ “And she answered back, ‘Yes.’” SOME ANTE-BELLUM LETTERS FROM A QUAKER GIRL. Ninth Mo., 27th. Mother Dear: When first thy loved face faded from view as our carriage left the crooked lane, my tears were inclined to flow, but Uncle Joseph has much of dear father’s gentle manner, and he sought to turn my attention to the objects around us. I will not pause now, to tell thee about the pleasures and pains of the journey, for my poor head ached sadly ere we reached Boston, but with all the interests that surrounded my first long ride in the railroad cars, I could not forget that I was going among comparative strangers, and leaving the dearest spot on earth. I want now to give thee a glimpse, if I can, of the life here, and ask whether or not thee approves of the course I am pursuing.