Well,with some hesitation,the young lady who was here with you--Oh,Grace Van Horne!She's all right.She won't tell.She ain't that kind.Van Horne?That doesn't sound like a New England name.'Tisn't.Her folks come from Jersey somewheres.But she was adopted by old Cap'n Hammond,who keeps the tavern down on the bay shore by the packet wharf,and she's lived in Trumet since she was six years old.Her father was Teunis Van Horne,and he was mate on Cap'n Eben's coastin'schooner and was drowned off Hatteras.Eben was saved just by the skin of his teeth and got a broken hip and religion while it happened.His hip's better except that he's some lame;but his religion's been more and more feverish ever since.He's one of the head Come-Outers,and built their chapel with his own money.You mustn't think I'm speakin'lightly of religion,nor of Cap'n Eben,either.He's a dear good soul as ever was,but he is the narrowest kind of Come-Outer.His creed is just about as wide as the chapel door,and that's as narrow as the way leadin'to salvation;it IS the way,too,so the Come-Outers think.What are Come-Outers?Some new sect?
Sakes alive!Haven't you heard of Come-Outers?Cat's foot!Well,you'll hear of 'em often enough from now on.They're folks who used to go to our church,the Regular,but left because the services was too worldly,with organs and choir singin',and the road to paradise too easy.No need for me to tell you any more.You'll learn.
Mr.Ellery was interested.He had been in Trumet but once before,on the occasion when he preached his trial sermon,and of that memorable visit remembered little except the sermon itself,the pews filled with captains and their families,and the awe-inspiring personality of Captain Elkanah Daniels,who had been his host.To a young man,the ink upon his diploma from the theological school still fresh,a trial sermon is a weighty matter,and the preaching of it weightier still.He had rehearsed it over and over in private,had delivered it almost through clinched teeth,and had returned to his room in the Boston boarding house with the conviction that it was an utter failure.Captain Elkanah and the gracious Miss Annabel,his daughter,had been kind enough to express gratification,and their praise alone saved him from despair.Then,to his amazement,the call had come.Of casual conversation at the church and about the Daniels's table he could recall nothing.So there was another religious organization in town and that made up of seceders from his own church.He was surprised.
Er--this Miss Van Horne?he asked.Is she a--Come-Outer?Mrs.Coffin nodded.
Yes,she said.She's one.Couldn't be anything else and live with her Uncle Eben,as she calls him.The minister experienced a curious feeling of disappointment and chagrin.This young person,already predisposed to regard a clergyman of his denomination with disapproval,had seen him for the first time under most humiliating circumstances.And he should never have the opportunity to regain her favor,or his own self-respect,by his efforts in the pulpit.No matter how well he might preach she would never hear him.
Has this Captain Hammond no children of his own?he asked.
Keziah's answer was short for her.
Yes,she said.One.
Ah!another daughter?
No,a son.Name's Nathaniel,and he's a sea captain.He's on his way from Surinam to New York now.They expect him to make port most any time,I believe.Now,Mr.Ellery,I s'pose we've got to arrange for your supper and stayin'overnight;and with this house the way 'tis and all,I don't see--But the minister was still interested in the Hammond household.
This Nathaniel Hammond?he asked.You don't seem enthusiastic over him.Is he a black sheep?This reply also was short,but emphatic.
No,said Keziah.He's a fine man.
Then she resumed her semisoliloquy concerning her companion's entertainment.
I guess,she said,that the best thing for you to do will be to go to Cap'n Elkanah's.They'll be real glad to see you,I know,and you'll be in time for supper,for Elkanah and Annabel have been to Denboro and they'll be late home.They can keep you overnight,too,for it's a big house with lots of rooms.Then,after breakfast to-morrow you come right here.I'll have things somewhere near shipshape by then,I guess,though the cleanin'll have to be mainly a lick and a promise until I can really get at it.Your trunk'll be here on the coach,I s'pose,and that'll be through early in the forenoon.Get on your hat and coat and I'll go with you to Elkanah's.The young man demurred a little at thrusting himself upon the hospitality of the Daniels's home,but Keziah assured him that his unexpected coming would cause no trouble.So he entered the now dark study and came out wearing his coat and carrying his hat and valise in his hand.
I'm sure I'm ever so much obliged to you,he said.And,as we are going to be more or less together--or at least I guess as much from what you say--would you mind if I suggest a mutual introduction.I'm John Ellery;you know that already.And you--Keziah stopped short on her way to the door.
Well,I declare!she exclaimed.If I ain't the very worst!Fact is,you dropped in so ahead of time and in such a irregular sort of way,that I never once thought of introducin' anybody;and I'm sure Grace didn't.I'm Keziah Coffin,and Cap'n Elkanah and I signed articles,so to speak,this mornin',and I'm go in'to keep house for you.She explained the reason upsetting the former arrangement by which Lurania Phelps was to have had the position.
So I'm to keep house for you,she concluded.Adding:For a spell,anyhow.Why do you say that?asked the minister.
Well,you might not like me.You may be particular,you know.I think I can run that risk.
Yes;well,you can't tell.Or I might not like you.You see,I'm pretty particular myself,she added with a laugh.
