562 – The News from Petersham

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1:01My name is Otis Gray and you're listening to Sleepy. A podcast where I read old books to help you get to sleep. And this is a midweek short story for you. Well tonight, I have a story from an author that I've read on the show before. Brand new little short story by Sarah Orange-Jewett. It was a writer I truly adore reading. So, I hope you like going to sleep to her tonight. And before we get to the bedtime reading, I just want to profoundly thank all of our patrons on patreon.com, which is a site that allows you to directly support people who make stuff that you like.

2:02So, if you're a patron, I cannot thank you enough for being a part of making this show. You really are the reason it keeps going. So, thank you, sincerely. And if you're not a patron, just know that you can be if you'd like. Those cool perks in exchange for small monthly pledges, like a dollar, two dollars a month. They are huge for me. At two dollars a month, you get access to our ad free version of the show. You know, five dollars you get access to the poetry feed. All kinds of episodes where I read poetry only, which is really great. And even if you donate a dollar, I would so happily thank you by reading your name on the opening credits of our next show, F You Do.

3:02So, yeah, if you would like to be a part of making this show, like so many other sleepy listeners, you can do that by going to patreon.com slash sleepy radio. Thank you. And as always, the music you're hearing is by my good friend James Leopcowski, and the cover of her sleepy is by Gracie Canaan. So, as I said, the night's bedtime reading is by Sarah Orn Joah. I really adore her writing. Some of you may remember me reading her story, a white heron, among others. There's a really fantastic short story writer. This story specifically takes place, kind of in the autumn season, around Thanksgiving.

4:03And it is seemingly a somber story. And I promise, even though I hope you don't make it to the end, in the end, it is not. It's more of a kind of playful, jeering story, just poking fun at people than the way that they talk. The story itself is very, kind of slow and methodical, and it does have a really nice beginning, middle and end, which is why I like doing these Wednesday readings. So, I think you're really going to like going to sleep to it. I really like reading it. Without further ado, I hope you can snooze so soundly to this story by Sarah Orn Joah, the news from Peter Shem. You can hear this story told once, so you can fall deep asleep, and then it will repeat itself,

5:07so you can stay deep asleep. And now is the time for you to fluff up your pillow, just how you like it. Feel yourself mel into your bed. Get real comfortable. Close your eyes, and let me read to you. The news from Peter Shem. Mrs. Peek had been to Peter Shem, to spend thanksgiving with her niece, and brought the first account of old Mr. Johnson's illness. Mrs. Jesse Johnson, his daughter-in-law, had come in for a few minutes Thursday afternoon, and had said it was the first time since she could remember

6:09that the old gentleman had not been in his seat in church on Thanksgiving Day. And they all felt as if it were a great break. He would insist upon setting at the table, said Mrs. Jesse, but he looked too feeble to be out of his bed. These bad colds take hold of a man of his years. After the visitor had gone, Mrs. Peek and her niece Martha talked a good deal about the changes in the family, which would be sure to come when Mr. Johnson died. I know that Jesse's folks are depending upon getting a lift, said Marsha. Mrs. Jesse has hinted as much to me more than once, for she says Jesse's got more than he can carry in his business, and everything would be easy if he only had a little more capital.

7:16Truth is, I have an idea that he's teased a good share away from his father now, and the old gentleman isn't so ready as he used to be to further his projects. And there's William, his other son. I know it to be a fact that he isn't tending to go out west when his father's taken away. He has had a notion of it for a good while. His wife's sisters, folks, are all out there in doing well. They'll be very much missed as a family, said Mrs. Peek. How Peter Shum has changed from what it was when I was a girl. When she went home the next day, she was quite downhearted and told Asa Fales, who happened to be at the Depot when the train came in and offered to carry her home.

8:19That old Mr. Daniel Johnson was breaking up, at least so his family seemed to think. Asa Fales was deeply concerned. The two villages were only a few miles apart, and he had been a Peter Shum boy. It was old Mr. Johnson to whom he owed his rise in the world, and he remembered that he might never have owned his flourishing country store, if it had not been for this kind friend's assistance. Besides, he had been competent of Mr. Johnson's support, if he should make up his mind to buy a large tract of woodland, which would pay well for being clear that very next winter. He was already indebted to him, however, and it would be a very different thing if he were the debtor of the eager heirs. So with all this in his mind,

9:25he questioned Mrs. Peek anxiously, and they concluded that Mr. Johnson's end was not far distant. Of course, he made a great effort to get to the table on account of its being thanksgiving, said Asa soarfully, but I'm afraid he'll give right up now. I'd ride right over to see him tomorrow, but I can't get away. It's right in my busy time. I'm buying up a great deal of wood this fall, and some of them are bringing it now on wheels instead of waiting for snow. The snow does keep off late this year, said Mrs. Peek. Here, it's the first of December, and there's only been one flurry that was hardly more than a horror frost. They reached the little grey house behind the lilac bushes,

10:29where Mrs. Peek lived alone, and as she unlocked its side door and went in, it seemed strangely cold and lonely. I must look about for a likely kitten she said to herself. They're a sight of company, and what trouble a gay would be no harm. I declare it makes me feel a lonesome. All the folks I have always been used to knowing are a dine, huh? I always set a good deal by Daniel Johnson. Two neighbors looked up the road a little later than this from their kitchen windows, and seeing a light in Mrs. Peek's kitchen also, said to themselves that she might be lonely that evening without anybody to speak to, and they would step over and hear the news.

11:31They met at the door, each with a shawl over her hand, and their knitting work in her hands, and were welcomed most hardly. Mrs. West, who was very fond of talking, began at once to describe her experiences thanksgiving morning, when she found that the cats had stolen into the pantry during the night, and mangled the turkey so that it was only fit to be thrown away. It was too late to get another, except a rack of bones fit only for a lantern that had been left at fail store. I didn't know what in the world I should do. There was all the folks coming, his sister, and all the children, and my brother and his wife, and we three hiding at home, are middling hearty. But there, we made out with the chicken pie and spare rib I put right in.

12:39It so happened, a had one that was thought, and I took those cats and sourced them while in a tub of water, after I'd given as good of a beating as I knew how. And after a while, they stole in half rows and set by the stove meek as Moses with their paws tucked underneath them. And when I'd look at them, they'd mute me both together, without making a sound. For all, I was so worked up by the lab. They all laughed again at the cats. One Mrs. Peek acknowledged that she had just been thinking of getting a kitten. But such accounts as this were discouraging. And Mrs. West promptly offered her own virtuous cats, which amused the little company very much.

13:41You haven't told us, yeah, whether you heard anything over at Peter's show, said Mrs. Rogers, the other guest, at which Mrs. Peek's face grew long. I had a beautiful visit with Martha, she answered. But I've been feeling anxious to hear again from old Mr. Daniel Johnson. Jesse's wife came in and said he seemed very feeble. He didn't make no effort to get out to me in Thanksgiving Day. And Martha said she noticed he looked pale and kind of whysened up two or three weeks ago. I suppose the cold weather pinched him suggested Mrs. West. Well, he'll be a great loss. I heard from him direct this morning, continued Mrs. Peek mournfully.

14:41I called to Jesse's oldest boy as he went by, and he said his grandfather wasn't any better. I asked if he was a bad, and he said, no. He's got a sight of resolution. I shouldn't wonder if he didn't take his bad at all. I don't see how they'll pay their minister the salary they give him now. When they lose Mr. Johnson said Mrs. Rogers. He's always ready to give, and he does what he can for his folks. I shouldn't wonder if he hadn't but a little property left after all he's had to do, and being out of business for some years now. He's kept his money a move and observed Mrs. West. There ain't no such business man about here,

15:41but there's been plenty of hands reached out to take what they could get. Well, it's all over now. He won't last a great while if he says feeble, as you say. His father went just the same way. Only kept the house a week, and his bed the last day. I should have gone right over to see him myself yesterday, said the hostess, but he kept raining steady all day. Same as it did here, I suppose. They'll be likely to have his funeral from the meeting house, won't they? Ask Mrs. Rogers solemnly. But nobody could answer a question. Next day, being Sunday, and most of the congregation coming from the scattered farms, there was the usual exchange of greetings and inquiries for news.

16:47And in this way, the sad story of Mr. Johnson's last illness was spread far and wide before night. And in passing from one to another, the report became every hour more serious. At last, someone ventured to say that, judging from what she had just heard, the poor man could not now be living. And the listener felt justified in announcing that, Mrs. Smith thought there was no doubt that he had passed. Late on Sunday night, Mrs. West brought the news to Mrs. Peake. He heard it from someone who stopped at Ace of Fales, but there wasn't no particulars. And Mrs. Peake said nobody had any idea Mr. Johnson would go so soon. It was a great shock to see her, as much as if she had not known of his illness.

17:50Death is always sudden at the last, sudden Mrs. West. I suppose you will go over to the funeral. It seems a pity you should have to come home Saturday, don't it? I shall get ready to go by the first train, answered the old lady, crying a little. I declare I wish I'd go into the house before I come away. It ain't that I think of the expense of going to Peter Shum twice, but that's nothing at such a time as this. But I can't feel reconciled to not seeing him again. He was a most amiable Christian man. There won't be many dry eyes in Peter Shum the day he's buried. I've known him ever since I've known anybody. So by the earliest train next day Mrs. Peake went back to Peter Shum.

18:57Her countenance wore a solemn expression. She felt herself to be one of the chief mourners, though her place in the procession would probably be not far from the least afflicted end. As she stepped down from the car, she pulled a very long face and was surprised to see no signs of the calamity which had befallen the village. She meditated upon the way the world moves on, though its best men die and took her way to save time through the back streets to her niece Martha's. Well, Martha, she said sadly, I'm sure I don't think I should be back again so soon when I left you. When did they bury? Who asked Martha much amaze? She was busy washing,

20:00and was not in the least prepared for her aunt's appearance. She was used to making careful arrangements when she expected guests, being as her friends had very sat in her ways. And if there was anything she disliked, it was a lack of ceremony, even from her nearest relatives. I haven't heard of any death she assured her on. It was apparently much perplexed. Somebody told the west last night that Mr. Daniel Johnson had passed away, and Miss West came right out to tell me. Mrs. Peake explained at last. Martha began to laugh. He was out to meeting last night as sure as the world, she said. He had a bad cold. You know, he's always been subject to fall colds.

21:05But he's about again. I heard Jesse's wife fussing at him about doing up his throw when we were coming out to the meeting house last night. She was dreadful, downhearted, the bottom of her shore. When she come in, thanksgiving night, ventured Mrs. Peake in self-defense. Now Aunt Peake said Martha, having you seen enough of Lydia Johnson by this time, to know that she always thinks everything and everybody is going to rack and ruin. She was cheerful about the old gentleman, the what she is sometimes. To be sure, we all know he's getting along in years. Seems to me, I do recollect, she is apt to look on the dark side, reflected Mrs. Peake. But now, Martha, don't speak to anyone of what my errand was in coming over.

22:14I've got a little shopping anyway that I forgot last week, and folks will think we're dreadful hungry for news over our way. It does look like a chuckled Martha. But do stop to dinner. Now you're over. It's coming winter, and you may not get started again. Does it pity there ain't something else for you to go to? I suppose you've heard that story about the old ladies that set out for a funeral, and fattening they missed the day, and asked the folks if they didn't know of a funeral they could go to. Martha, set her on Peake. I should think you had no feelings. It wasn't my fault, as I know if that the story got about. I did speak of it to one or two that his son's wife appeared concerned.

23:17But when word come that he was gone, I only thought she had good reason to be anxious, and he was an old friend and a leader in church interests. And I thought, that's really not. I'd come right over. Don't take it hard of me joking with you, said Martha. But it is kind of amusing when you come to look at it and see how stories get made up, and say, going out of nothing. Every one of them thinks they tell the truth. And first thing you know, there's a lie traveling about as fast as lightning, and she turned to her neglected washing, as if no time must be lost. I can't get back before two. I'm sorry I happened to trouble you on an inconvenient day. I'm sure, said Mrs. Peake, humbly.

24:22I'll step down the street for a while and do a few errands. And you mustn't let me put you onto just a cup of tea and a taste of bread and butter, be all I ask for. And Martha nodded and told her aunt not to worry, to have a good as time. She could. The old lady's pride had met with a sad downfall. She did not know how to face the people at home. But luckily she was saved the first acknowledgement. As Asa fails, has reached Peter Shem before her, and had found Mr. Daniel Johnson, briskly at work by the garden trellis, covering his grapefines. He had prudently avoided any reference to the next world, and indeed had learned the falseness of the story from a Peter Shem man whom he had met on the road.

25:28So he entered at once upon the project of buying the pine woods between Gay Town and Holes, and found his great satisfaction that his old friend would be glad to join him. If the affair could be well arranged. Mrs. Peak herself met Mr. Johnson, and could hardly look him in the face when she asked for his help. And when the neighbors came in one after another that evening, after she was again comfortably established at home, she sat, and said, You laugh at me, all you have a mind to, but I don't mean to need another lesson like this. I think it's a good deal better to mine what we've got to do, instead of living on what folks have got to say. But it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, and I suppose I shall always like to hear

26:29what news there is going. The news from Peter Shem. Mrs. Peak had been to Peter Shem herself to spend thanksgiving with her niece, and brought the first account of old Mr. Johnson's illness. Mrs. Jesse Johnson, his daughter-in-law, had come in for a few minutes Thursday afternoon, and had said it was the first time since she could remember that the old gentleman had not been in his seat in church on Thanksgiving Day. And they all felt as if it were a great break. He would insist upon setting at the table, said Mrs. Jesse,

27:32but he looked too feeble to be out of his bed. These bad colds take hold of a man of his years. After the visitor had gone, Mrs. Peak and her niece Martha talked a good deal about the changes in the family, which would be sure to come when Mr. Johnson died. I know that Jesse's folks are depending upon getting a lift, said Marsha. Mrs. Jesse has hinted as much to me more than months. First she says Jesse's got more than he can carry in his business, and everything would be easy if he only had a little more capital. Oh, truth is, I have an idea that he's teased a good share away from his father now, and the old gentleman isn't so ready as he used to be to further his projects.

28:35And there's William, his other son. I know it to be a fact that he isn't intending to go out west when his father is taken away. He has had a notion of it for a good while. His wife's sisters, folks, are all out there in doing well. They'll be very much missed as a family, said Mrs. Peak. How pitish him has changed from what it was when I was a girl. When she went home the next day, she was quite downhearted and told Asa Fales, who happened to be at the depot when the train came in and offered to carry her home. That old Mr. Daniel Johnson was breaking up, at least so his family seemed to think. Asa Fales was deeply concerned. The two villages were only a few miles apart,

29:42and he had been a petershine boy. It was old Mr. Johnson to whom he owed his rise in the world. And he remembered that he might never have owned his flourishing country store, if it had not been for this kind friend's assistance. Besides, he had been competent of Mr. Johnson's support, if he should make up his mind to buy a large tract of woodland, which would pay well for being clear that very next winter. He was already indebted to him, however, and it would be a very different thing if he were the debtor of the eager heirs. So with all this in his mind, he questioned Mrs. Peake anxiously, and they concluded that Mr. Johnson's end was not far distant. Of course, he made a great effort to get to the table on account of its being thanks-giving,

30:47said Asa soarfully, but I'm afraid he'll give right up now. I'd ride right over to see him tomorrow, but I can't get away. It's right in my busy time. I'm buying up a great deal of wood this fall, and some of them are bringing it now on wheels instead of waiting for snow. The snow does keep off late this year, said Mrs. Peake. Here it's the 1st of December, and there's only been one flurry that was hardly more than a horror frost. They reached the little grey house behind the lilac bushes, where Mrs. Peake lived alone, and as she unlocked its side door and went in, it seemed strangely cold and lonely. I must look about for a likely kitten, she said to herself,

31:49they're a sight of company, and what trouble a gay would be no harm. I declare it makes me feel a lonesome. All the folks I have always been used to knowing are a dine, huh? I always said a good deal by Daniel Johnson. Two neighbors looked up the road a little later than this from their kitchen windows, and seeing a light in Mrs. Peake's kitchen, also, said to themselves that she might be lonely that evening without anybody to speak to, and they would step over and hear the news. They met at the door, each with a shawl over her hand, and her knitting work in her hands, and were welcomed most hardly. Mrs. West, who was very fond of talking, began at once to

32:53describe her experiences Thanksgiving morning, when she found that the cats had stolen into the pantry during the night and mangled the turkey so that it was only fit to be thrown away. It was too late to get another except a rack of bones fit only for a lantern that had been left at fail store. I didn't know what in the world I should do. There was all the folks coming, his sister, and all the children, and my brother and his wife, and we three hiding at home, are middling hearty. But there we made out with the chicken pie and spare rib I put right in. It so happened that had one that was thought, and I took those cats and sourced them while in a tub of water after I'd given them as good of a beating as I knew how.

33:59And after a while, they stole in half-froze and set by the stove, meek as Moses with their paws tucked underneath them. And when I'd look at them, they'd mute me both together, without making a sound. For all, I was so worked up by the lab. They all laughed again at the cats. While Moses peak acknowledged that, she had just been thinking of getting a kitten. But such accounts as this were discouraging, and Mrs. West promptly offered her own virtuous cats, which amused the little company very much. You haven't told us, yeah, whether you heard anything over at Peter's show, said Mrs. Rogers, the other guest, at which Mrs. Peaks face grew long.

35:00I had a beautiful visit with Martha, she answered. But I've been feeling anxious to hear again from old Mr. Daniel Johnson. Just his wife came in and said he seemed very feeble. He didn't make no effort to get out to mean Thanksgiving day. And Martha said she noticed he looked pale and kind of wise and doubt two or three weeks ago. I suppose the cold weather pinched him, suggested Mrs. West. Well, he'll be a great loss. I heard from him direct this morning, continued Mrs. Peaks mournfully. I called the jessies old this boy as he went by, and he said his grandfather wasn't any better. I asked if he was a bed, and he said no.

36:00Now, he's got a sight of resolution. I shouldn't wonder if he didn't take his bed at all. I don't see how they'll pay their minister the salary they give him now. When they lose Mr. Johnson said Mrs. Rogers. He's always ready to give, and he does what he can for his folks. I shouldn't wonder if he hadn't put a little property left after all he's had to do, and being out of business for some years now. He's kept his money a move and observed Mrs. West. There ain't no such business man about here, but there's been plenty of hands reached out to take what they could get. Well, it's all over now. He won't last a great while if he's as feeble as you say.

37:01His father went just the same way. Only kept the house a week, and his bed the last day. I should have gone right over to see him myself yesterday, said the hostess, but he kept raining study all day, same as it did here, I suppose. They'll be likely to have his funeral from the meeting house, won't they? Ask Mrs. Rogers solemnly, but nobody could answer a question. Next day, being Sunday, and most of the congregation coming from the scattered farms, there was the usual exchange of greetings and inquiries for news. And in this way, the sad story of Mr. Johnson's last illness was spread far and wide before night. And in passing from one to another, the report became every hour more serious.

38:09At last, someone ventured to say that, judging from what she had just heard, the poor man could not now be living. And the listener felt justified in announcing that Mrs. Smith thought there was no doubt that he had passed. Later on Sunday night, Mrs. West brought the news to Mrs. Peake. He heard it from someone who stopped at Ace of Fales, but there wasn't no particulars. And Mrs. Peake said nobody had any idea Mr. Johnson would go so soon. It was a great shock to see her, as much as if she had not known of his illness. Death is always sudden at the last, sudden Mrs. West. I suppose you will go over to the funeral. It seems a pity you should have to come home Saturday, don't it?

39:12I shall get ready to go by the first train, answered the old lady, crying a little. I declare I wish I'd gone to the house before I come away. It ain't that I think of the expense of going to Peter Shum twice, but that's nothing. That's such a time as this, but I can't feel reconciled to not seeing him again. He was a most amiable Christian man. There won't be many dry eyes in Peter Shum the day he's buried. I've known him ever since I've known anybody. So by the earliest train next day Mrs. Peake went back to Peter Shum. Her countenance wore a solemn expression. She felt herself to be one of the chief mourners, though her place in the procession would probably be not far from the least afflicted end.

40:20As she stepped down from the car, she pulled a very long face. And was surprised to see no signs of the calamity which had befallen the village. She meditated upon the way the world moves on, though its best men die, and took her way to save time through the back streets to her niece Martha's. Well, Martha, she said, sadly, I'm sure I don't think I should be back again so soon when I left you. When did they bury? Who asked Martha much amaze? She was busy washing, and was not in the least prepared for her aunt's appearance. She was used to making careful arrangements when she expected guests, being as her friends said, very set in her ways.

41:22And if there was anything she disliked, it was a lack of ceremony, even from her nearest relatives. I haven't heard of any death she assured her on. It was apparently much perplexed. Somebody told the west last night that Mr. Daniel Johnson had passed away, and Miss West came right out to tell me. Mrs. Peake explained at last. Martha began to laugh. He was out to meeting last night as sure as the world, she said. He had a bad cold. You know, he's always been subject to fall colds, but he's about again. I heard Jesse's wife fussing at him about doing up his throw when we were coming out to the meeting house last night. She was dreadful, downhearted, the bottom I'm sure.

42:28Once you come in, thanksgiving night, ventured Mrs. Peake in self-defense. Now on, Peake said Martha, having you seen enough of Lydia Johnson by this time, to know that she always thinks everything and everybody is going to rack and ruin. She was cheerful about the old gentleman to what she is sometimes. To be sure, we all know he's getting along in years. Seems to me, I do recollect she is apt to look on the dark side, reflected Mrs. Peake. But now, Martha, don't speak to anyone of what my errand was in coming over. I've got a little shopping anyway that I forgot last week, and folks will think we're dreadful hungry for news over our way.

43:30It does look like a chuckled Martha, but do stop to dinner. Now you're over. It's coming winter, and you may not get started again. Does it pity there ain't something else for you to go to? I suppose you've heard that story about the old ladies that set out for a funeral, and fattening they missed the day, and asked the folks if they didn't know of a funeral they could go to. Martha said her Aunt Peake, I should think you had no feelings. It wasn't my fault, as I know if that the story got about. I did speak of it to a one or two that his son's wife appeared concerned, but when word come that he was gone, I only thought she had good reason to be anxious, and he was an old friend and a leader in church interests.

44:33And I thought, natural enough, I'd come right over. Don't take a heart of me joking with you, said Martha, but it is kind of amusing when you come to look at it and see how stories get made up, and say, going out of nothing. Every one of them thinks they tell the truth, and first thing you know, there's a lie traveling about as fast as lightning, and she turns her neglected washing, as if no time must be lost. I can't get back before two. I'm sorry I happened to trouble you on an inconvenient day, I'm sure, said Mrs. Peake, humbly. I'll step down the street for a while and do a few errands, and you mustn't let me put you onto just a cup of tea and a taste of bread and butter,

45:38be all I ask for. And Martha nodded and told her aunt not to worry, to have it good as time, she could. The old lady's pride had met with the sad downfall. She did not know how to face the people at home. But luckily she was saved the first acknowledgement, as Asa Fales has reached Peter Shem before her, and had found Mr. Daniel Johnson, briskly at work by the garden trellis, covering his grapevines. He had prudently avoided any reference to the next world, and indeed had learned the falseness of the story from a Peter Shem man, whom he had met on the road. So he entered at once upon the project of buying the pine woods between Gay Town and Hallis,

46:41and found his great satisfaction that his old friend would be glad to join him, if the affair could be well arranged. Mrs. Peake herself met Mr. Johnson, and could hardly look him in the face when she asked for his help. And when the neighbors came in one after another, that evening, after she was again comfortably established at home, she said, you laugh at me, all you have a mind to, but I don't mean to need another lesson like this. I think it's a good deal better to mine what we've got to do, instead of living on what folks have got to say. But it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks, and I suppose I shall always like to hear what news there has gone.

47:48Thank you for listening to Sleepy. Good night.