"So they ought to be—such prices as they ask for their weaving and spinning," said Miss Priscilla. "What do you know about them, pray?" "I went with Mary to see them about some towels they are weaving for Miss Alice, and they asked us to stay to tea." "Oh, Miss Alice is too fine a lady to do her own spinning, I suppose!" "Not at all, aunt. Miss Alice spins beautifully fine thread, but she sends it to Miss Hannah to be woven. She is having a set of towels made of her own spinning for the new parsonage." "Oh, she is! And you tell of it, thinking I will be moved to do the like." "Not at all, aunt. I never thought of such a thing." Miss Priscy muttered something about sly minxes, as she sank back in her chair for the nap she always took between her early tea and her game of cribbage or backgammon. Calista waited till her eyes were closed, and then addressed herself in a low tone to Miss Druett. "Do you know anything about these people—Zeke and his wife?" "Why should you think I know anything about them?" said Miss Druett, answering, as she often did, one question by another. "I thought you looked so." "You are a sharp observer. Yes, I have known something about them." "Do they really set up for supernatural knowledge, and all that sort of thing?" "They really do, and perhaps believe a little in their own devices, though I hold them to be miserable swindlers and cheats. They have done mischief enough in these parts before now. I am very sorry to hear that they have appeared again. Their father was in the same way, and it was said that he did really discover a sum of money. It was quite true that he went to Philadelphia, and was seen there dressed like a gentleman and spending a great deal. But his prosperity did not last long. He spent all he had, and the next any one knew, he was back again living in his hole on the river bank. Zeke and his wife Jael were acquainted with your aunt at one time, and had anything but a good influence upon her. I should be sorry to have her fall in with them again." Miss Druett said these words in a low whisper. "You don't mean to say that she engaged with them in any treasure-seeking!" Miss Druett nodded. "How perfectly absurd! Especially for one who does not pretend to believe in anything." "There is nothing strange in that. A great many people believe in witchcraft who don't believe in the Bible. You can see how very unlucky it would be for her to fall in with them again." "Yes, indeed. I am sorry I mentioned seeing the old man. He is a horrid-looking object. I should not like to meet him alone." "You must never run the risk," said Miss Druett. "I am very glad old Cassius was with you." "Have you done anything about my frocks?" asked Calista, after a little silence. "Not yet, but I hope to." "I need some books," said Calista. "Miss McPherson says I must have a dictionary and grammar, and a book to write exercises in."