Hence the boys were
certain as to the witchcraft, and 'knew' that these savage animals were
true imps of Satan.
This weak and defenceless creature, living thus apart from human
companionship, was supported on a small annuity, paid her quarterly by a
very honest company, that would have been ruined with many such
venerable clients. On pleasant days she crept about the town to do her
meagre marketing, or crawled to the paupers' pew in the old brick
meeting-house. During the warm summer weather her scant life was
somewhat cheered, and a faint attempt at joyousness sometimes winked in
her old eyes, but with the winter's cold came the cruel cramps and
rheumatism, the sleepless nights and painful days. Then Mrs. Marjoram
frequently drove to her door, carrying medicines and nourishing
food,--over and above all, bringing cheerful words and a warm and hearty
smile.
One winter Mrs. Marjoram was taken ill, and, being so very old, her life
was despaired of. During this sickness there came a great fall of snow,
piling up four or five feet on the level, and driving and drifting into
the hollows, so that for several days the less frequented roads in that
part of the country were impassible.
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