She got up the porch steps without much difficulty, her supporters taking upon themselves most of the necessary exertion; but when she reached the top, she dispensed with their assistance.

Shuffling to the front door, she there met Miss Harriet Corvey, who greeted the old woman with much surprise, but shook hands with her very cordially.
"Ebenin', Miss Har'et," said Aunt Patsy.

And then, lowering her voice she asked: "Is ole miss h'yar ?" Miss Harriet hesitated a moment, and then she answered: "Yes, she is, but I don't believe she'll come down to see you." "Oh, I'll go up-stars," said Aunt Patsy.

"Whar she ?" "She's in the spare chamber," said Miss Harriet; and Aunt Patsy, with a nod of the head signifying that she knew all about that room, crossed the hall, and began, slowly but steadily, to ascend the stairs.

Miss Harriet gazed upon her with amazement, for Aunt Patsy had been considered chair-ridden when the postmistress was a young woman.