These observations will now enable our readers to understand more clearly the picture with which we are about to present them.
On entering the house of this truly pious and patient pastor, the first thing that struck you was the sense of vacancy and desolation united.

In other words, you perceived at a glance that everything of any value was gone.

You saw scarcely any furniture--no clock, no piano, no carpeting, no mahogany chairs or tables, or at least none that were not of absolute necessity.

Feather beds had gone, curtains had gone; and all those several smaller elegancies which it is difficult, and would be tedious, to enumerate here.

Seated at a breakfast-table, in an uncarpeted parlor, was the clergyman himself, surrounded by his interesting but afflicted family.