They rode back in silence, till Elizabeth Eliza said, "Do you
suppose they took us for paupers?"
"We have not seen any 'they,'" said Solomon John, "except Mr.
Atwood."
At the entrance of the farm-yard Mr. Peterkin met them.
"I have been looking for you," he said. "I have just made a
discovery."
"We have made it, too," said Elizabeth Eliza; "we are in the
poor-house."
"How did you find it out?" Mrs. Peterkin asked of Mr. Peterkin.
"Mr. Atwood came to me, puzzled with a telegram that had been
brought to him from the station, which he ought to have got two
days ago. It came from a Mr.
Peters, whom they were expecting here this week, with his wife
and boys, to take charge of the establishment. He telegraphed to
say he cannot come till Friday.
Now, Mr. Atwood had supposed we were the Peterses, whom he
had sent for the day we arrived, not having received this
telegram."
"Oh, I see, I see!" said Mrs. Peterkin; "and we did get into a
muddle at the station!"
Mr. Atwood met them at the porch. "I beg pardon," he said. "I hope
you have found it comfortable here, and shall be glad to have you
stay till Mr. Peters' family comes."
At this moment wheels were heard. Mr. Sylvester had arrived, with
an open wagon, to take the Peterkins to the "Old Farm."
Martha was waiting within the door, and said to Elizabeth Eliza,
"Beg pardon, miss, for thinking you was one of the inmates, and
putting you in that room.
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