Once in a while came a state of feeling which I did not quite understand . One evening I went to prayer meeting with Aunt Lucy and Gussie . I had not seen the minister of Ashley Mills before , though Gussie and her mother seemed to know him intimately . I had an idea that he was old and silvery-haired and benevolent-looking . So I was rather surprised to find him as young as myself -- a tall , pale , intellectual-looking man , with a high , white brow and dark , earnest eyes -- decidedly attractive . I was still more surprised when , after the service , he joined Gussie at the door and went down the steps with her . I felt distinctly ill-treated as I fell back with Aunt Lucy . There was no reason why I should -- none ; it ought to have been a relief . Rev. Carroll Martin had every right to see Miss Ashley home if he chose . Doubtless a girl who knew all there was to be known about business , farming , and milling , to say nothing of housekeeping and gardening , could discuss theology also . It was none of my business . I do n't know what kept me awake so late that night . As a consequence I overslept myself . I had managed to redeem my reputation on this point , but here it was lost again . I felt cross and foolish and cantankerous when I went out . There was some unusual commotion at the well . It was an old-fashioned open one , with a chain and windlass . Aunt Lucy was peering anxiously down its mouth , from which a ladder was sticking . Just as I got there Gussie emerged from its depths with a triumphant face . Her skirt was muddy and draggled , her hair had tumbled down , and she held a dripping black cat .
`` Coco must have fallen into the well last night , '' she explained , as I helped her XXXXX the ground .
As So about after at down on that though to