“I’ll agree to find horse and cart to cart all the work they’ll get,” said Mr. David sarcastically, when he first heard of the sewing-circle. His narrow vision took in Tweenit village only, where each family generally does its own needlework. But there were eyes of a wider range,--far-seeing eyes, which saw the “store” at Piper’s Mills, whereat were left weekly, by an agent from the city, huge bundles of slop-work and stocking-work for the sewers and knitters of that neighborhood. The sewing-circle obtained one of these bundles, and did its work so well that the agent not only promised it more bundles, but heaped bundles upon it; so that Nanny Joe had frequent opportunities of going to Mr. David, and saying, with a mischievous twinkle of her laughing black eyes, “More work to cart, Mr. Melendy!” “Wal, wal, Nancy,” that victim of his own jest would reply, “I’ll stan’ by my word. But you must help me ketch him.” [Illustration] This is not so very difficult a task; for that fat old horse of his would as soon be caught as not to be. Whether he goes or stands still is all one to him, and nearly so to his driver. For calmness, for meekness, for sublime indifference, Mr. David’s animal would take the medal. As may be imagined, he is a very _even_ horse to drive; never allows himself to be disturbed by outside influences, but jogs heavily on, with a flop and a plunge, unmoved by word or blow. “Speak of the ancient Nicholas,” says the proverb, “and you will see his horns.” And, in confirmation of it, behold this identical animal now approaching the house, shaking all over at every flop, as if he were a horse of jelly. Nanny Joe and Nanny Moses have just driven from Piper’s Mills with some bundles of work. Nanny Moses holds up a letter. Her fair, round face reminds me of Mrs. Fennel’s favorite expression, “Smiling as a basket of chips.” Thirty-seven or thirty-eight they say is her age. They also say that she holds her own pretty well, which is saying a good deal; for “her own” must weigh a hundred and fifty, at the least. Anybody might know those two would be intimate, they are so unlike. Nanny Joe is tall, slender; has coal-black hair, coal-black eyes, a sallow complexion, and a chin unnecessarily long. She is pleasing and sprightly; her friend, pleasing and quiet.