The first intimation the luckless spinster had of her misfortune,
was conveyed in a stentorian laugh from Jack, whose organ of
mirthfulness, marked _very large_ by the phrenologist, could not
withstand such a provocation to laughter.
He looked intently at the dark traces of sorrow upon his aunt's
face, of which she was yet unconscious--and doubling up, went into a
perfect paroxysm of laughter.
Aunt Rachel looked equally amazed and indignant.
"Jack!" said his mother, reprovingly, for she had not observed the
cause of his amusement. "It's improper for you to laugh at your aunt
in such a rude manner."
"Oh, I can't help it, mother. It's too rich! Just look at her," and
Jack went off into another paroxysm.
Thus invited, Mrs. Crump did look, and the rueful expression of
Rachel, set off by the inky stains, was so irresistibly comical,
that, after a little struggle, she too gave way, and followed Jack's
example.
Astounded and indignant at this unexpected behavior of her
sister-in-law, Rachel burst into a fresh fit of weeping, and again
had recourse to the handkerchief.
"I've stayed here long enough, if even my sister-in-law, as well as
my own nephew, from whom I expect nothing better, makes me her
laughing-stock. Brother Timothy, I can no longer remain in your
dwelling to be laughed at; I will go to the poor-house, and end my
life as a pauper.
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