putterings 156 < 157 > 158 index
several things, nothing much
“I’ve been puttering over several things. But the day is, as you say, so charming, I long to get out into the fresh air; and, by the way, captain, I want to have you join me in some charity work I have taken on myself.”
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ex Charles Johnson Noyes. Patriot and Tory : A Tale of Stirring Times and Sturdy Souls (1902) : 88
The author’s preface, to this “simple sketch in outline of the deeds and suffferings of those who helped rescue Boston from British Imperialism... [clothed] in the attractive garb of romance sufficient to render interesting...” is written from Melrose Highlands, Mass., April 19, 1901
Thus, could be Charles Johnson Noyes (1841-1910),
wikipedia
short bio and photo at Willoughby Rodman, History of the Bench and Bar of Southern California (1909) : 210
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a longer passage, containing the above —
“And what have you found to busy yourself about this charming Autumn morning?” he asked as they sat at table.
“Nothing much, at least nothing of great importance,” she replied carelessly. “I’ve been puttering over several things. But the day is, as you say, so charming, I long to get out into the fresh air; and, by the way, captain, I want to have you join me in some charity work I have taken on myself. Perhaps father told you?”
“He said you had a charity call to make, but didn’t go into particulars.”
“Well I’m rather anxious to go and see old Uncle Silas.”
“And who, pray, is old Uncle Silas?” asked the captain, laughing. “Have I ever heard of him before? I don’t certainly recall the name.”
“Oh! he’s a poor old lame darkey who was injured at the time of that trouble in King Street before you came; indeed, a number of years ago,” replied Agnes, smiling, “and I am anxious to know how he is.”
“And what interest can you have in him, really?” asked the other puzzled.
“Well, he used to be an old servant, working off and on about the place; an honest, faithful old soul as ever lived, and has been singularly unfortunate.”
“But he shouldn’t have been mixed up in a street mob,” said the captain.
“But I’m told he was only looking on.”
“Seems to me it served him right for being there,” said the captain, “but,” — for he saw a flush creep into her face — “I will gladly go with you to his assistance, if you wish. He’s to be congratulated on having such a friend. Many another might envy him.”
Agnes did not heed his last words, notwithstanding...