While these events were taking place, others, perhaps equally interesting, were transpiring in another part of Mason's Corner. The Professor had not arisen until late, but ten o'clock found him dressed in his best and surveying his personal appearance with a pleased expression. He felt that this was a day big with the fate of Professor Strout and Mason's Corner! When he left Mrs. Hawkins's boarding house he went straight to Deacon Mason's. "Is the Deacon in?" he asked, as pleasant-faced Mrs. Mason opened the door. "No, he has gone over to the Centre. He said he'd got to go to the bank to get some money for somebody, but that he'd be back 'tween 'leven and twelve." "Oh, that's all right," said Strout, stepping inside the door; "is Miss Huldy in?" "Yes, she's in the parlor; she went in to practise on her music lesson, but I guess she's reading a book instead, for I haven't heard the piano since she went in half an hour ago." "Waal, I'll step in and have a little chat with her whilst I'm waiting for the Deacon," said the Professor; "but you just let me know as soon as the Deacon comes, won't you, Mrs. Mason?" Mrs. Mason replied that she would, and the Professor opened the parlor door and stepped in. "Oh, good morning, Miss Mason," said the Professor; "I hope I see you enjoying your usual good health after last evening's excitement." Huldy arose and shook hands with the Professor. "Oh, yes," said she, "I got up a little late this morning, but I never felt better in my life. It was very kind of you, Mr. Strout, and of my other friends, to show your appreciation in such a pleasant manner, and I shall never forget your kindness." "Waal, you know, I've always taken a great interest in you, Miss Mason." "I know you have in my singing," answered Huldy, "and I know that I have improved a great deal since you have been giving me lessons." "But I don't refer wholly to your singin'," said the Professor. "Oh, you mean my playing," remarked Huldy. "Well, I don't know that I shall ever be a brilliant performer on the piano, but I must acknowledge that you have been the cause of my improving in that respect also." "Waal, I don't mean," continued the Professor, "jest your singin' and your playin'. I've been interested in you as a whole." "I don't exactly see what you mean by that, Mr. Strout, unless you mean my ability as a housekeeper. I am afraid if you ask my mother, she will not give me a very flattering recommendation." "Oh, you know enough about housekeepin' to satisfy me," said the Professor. Huldy by this time divined what was on the Professor's mind; in fact, she had known it for some time, but had assured herself that he would never have the courage to put his hints, and suggestions, and allusions, into an actual declaration. So she replied with some asperity, "What made you think I was looking for a situation as housekeeper?"