The Tenneys are livings again with Orestes A. Brownson . Brownson made the request about a month ago. Last winter he did the same as his expenses were so enormous. But then he insisted on keeping his chambermaid or "secretary" and since that would bring his expenses up close to $1200 a year he gave the matter up rather than part with the dear creature Agnes. Sarah heard no more until he made the last proposition letting both Dolly and Agnes go, Sarah to pay the servants rather than he. He keeps one especially for his own amusement. She found the butcher's bill for one month $41, others a little less. Sarah was not surprised because she had heard that in beer saloons and kindred places it was said "If you want a good square meal old Brownson's is the place to go for it". According to report whiskey flowed like water here. But every night at nine, Dolly, Agnes and Brownson said the rosary together and after that pious Agnes retired. The policeman on the beat told somebody that the Doctor kept good whiskey, and one night between twelve and one clock a young man said Agnes gave the policeman a glass of it. But Sarah said nothing; no one was allowed to doubt Agnes was an angel, or at least a saint. Brownson owns he missed his whiskey but blamed it on Dolly. He admits he rarely saw a piece of roast meat after the first time but that was Dolly's carelessness. There were some circumstances he knew were true, but he says if all Elizabeth swore to them he would not believe them. He went to see Agnes and was triumphant as she explained everything in advance. Sarah was foolish enough to tell Brownson what she believed Agnes to be, but kept her reasons to herself since people who could tell are not going to do so when it implicates themselves. Sarah is not going to say any more about it, because he is so simple he goes straight to Agnes and as woman as bad as she is, always has her explanation. It makes Sarah ashamed to have him running after Agnes as she knows well how to make others interpret his visits. Agnes is a good looking Irish girl of some education and extraordinarily pious. Brownson says Agnes would not have him if he were to ask her because she disapproves of disparity in years. Sarah does not know of any use in telling Henry all this for he cannot help it and it can only annoy him but she supposes Henry would like to know how things are going. In other respects Brownson is wonderfully toned down, keeps his temper and does not require nearly so much waiting on as he did. But there is no use trying to open his eyes when a woman is concerned. Sarah has two darkies, so he cannot flirt with them and she observes he seems cured of his old failing. She has been quite sick with intermittent fever since May but is much better now. Love to Fifine and the children. Sarah is only just getting able to go around the house. P.S. Brownson says Agnes spent almost all her time for six months in his room and was propriety itself. It did not occur to him that at seventy, half blind and very deaf, covered with tobacco, he might not be just the one to draw out a young woman's coquetry, especially when his whiskey and his kitchen were providing her with beaux her own age, as thick as flies about molasses. Day later. Sarah has just been told by Brownson that she has got to prove everything she said the other day. Sarah told him she would do nothing of the kind, that what she said was in answer to his inquirires. He wrote it all down and sent it to Agnes and she insists it shall be proved. This is to bully them. Sarah said that if Agnes chose to bring the matter up and have it taken into court, Sarah was willing as then the people would be obliged to tell the truth and Agnes' character would never be patched up together this side the grave. Of course Agnes has no idea of such a thing, or Brownson other. This shows what fools the Tenneys were to come here even on a written agreement. She supposes they will have to move away. These constant changes cost the judge so much. Brownson says the six months he had Agnes were the happiest of his life and Sarah said that was a beautiful tribute to his wife. Brownson said she was a good wife until she came under the influence of her daughter. Sarah tells Henry all this so he may be prepared for any catastrophe. She has tried to do her best, but has been a fool to say anything of his darling Agnes. If Agnes were to marry him, which she might now to save herself he could not bring her here, for he made the agreement in writing that the Tenneys were to take the house and furniture and board him. Henry is to say not one word to him. Brownson is perfectly infatuated and the best way is to let him alone or he will go still father. :: III-3-a A.L.S. 10pp. 12mo.