Hoskins, for to play a little tune when the fancy took him. He said it
was an awful pity that a man who wanted music so badly and was always
so obliging at weddings and funerals and entertainments should be
without a proper instrument. And Grandma just said, 'My land, nobody's
ever thought of that but I'll speak of it.'
"Well, she did and the consequence is that Mary Tumley is so nervous
she can't sleep. She says if she takes the savings out of the bank
there won't be enough money for a Keeley cure, or a respectable funeral
for Jim in case he dies. She's struggled and struggled but come to the
conclusion that it wouldn't be right and would set an awful example to
the Luttins next door, who are extravagant enough as it is.
"But it's my notion that Jim Tumley will get his organ and maybe a
piano. I saw him going in with Frank Burton on that early morning
train and it means something. Besides, Grandma told me that Frank
fairly hates himself for not thinking of it before and waiting like a
born idiot for a boy to come all the way from India and tell him what
to do for his best friend.
"Agnes Tomlins says she's got a good mind to go and see the minister
about Hen. She says that if Hen don't quit abusing her and tormenting
her she's going to leave him; that her sister Mary over in Aberdeen has
a big up-stairs bedroom all aired and waiting for her.
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