"
There was no church, no school, no minister, and no music, until
Mother Murden imported some. It was hidden in the recesses of a
barrel organ; and, in order to introduce the new instrument to the
notice of her patrons and friends, Mother Murden posted on her
premises a manuscript invitation to a grand ball. She was anxious
that everything should be carried out in the best style, and that the
festive time should commence at least without intoxication. She therefore
had one drunken man carried into the "dead room," another to an
outside shed. Neddy, the third, had become one of her best
customers, and therefore she treated him kindly. He was unsteady on
his legs, and she piloted him with her own hands to the front door,
expecting that he would find a place for himself somewhere or other.
She gave him a gentle shove, said "Good night, Neddy," and closed the
door. She then cleared a space for the dancers in her largest room,
placed the barrel-organ on a small table in one corner, and made her
toilet.
The guests began to arrive, and Mother Murden received them in her
best gown at the front door. Neddy was lying across the threshold.
"It's only Neddy," she said apologetically; "he has been taking a
little nobbler, and it always runs to his head. He'll be all right
by-and-by. Come in my dears, and take your things off.
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