第38章

What Thankful thought of it was evidenced by the manner in which she received the news.She did not say much, then, but the expression of relief and delight upon her face was indication sufficient.She did ask a number of questions: Why had Emily come then, so long before her school closed? How was it that she could leave her teaching? Why hadn't she written? And many others.

Miss Howes answered the questions one after the other.She had come in May because she found that she could come.

"I meant to come the very first moment it was possible for me to do so," she said."I have been more interested in this new project of yours, Auntie, than anything else in the world.You knew that; Itold you so before I left and I have written it many times since.

I came now because--well, because--you mustn't be alarmed, Auntie;there is nothing to be frightened about--but the school committee seemed to feel that I needed a change and rest.They seemed to think that I was not as well as I should be, that I was tired, was wearing myself out; that is the way they expressed it.It was absurd, of course, I am perfectly well.But when they came to me and told me that they had decided to give me a vacation, with pay, until next fall, and even longer if I felt that I needed it, you may be sure I didn't refuse their kind offer.I thanked them and said yes before they could have changed their minds, even if they had wished to.They said I should go into the country.That was just where I wanted to go, and so here I am, IN the country.

Aren't you glad?"

"Glad! Don't talk! But, Emily, if you ain't well, don't you think--""I am well.Don't say another word about that.And, Oh, the things I mean to do to help you, Aunt Thankful!""Help me! Indeed you won't! You'll rest and get strong again, that's what you'll do.I don't need any help.""Oh, yes, you do.I know it."

"How do you know?"

For just an instant Emily glanced at Captain Bangs.The captain's face expressed alarm and embarrassment.He was standing where Mrs.

Barnes could not see him and he shook his head warningly.Miss Howes' eyes twinkled, but she did not smile.

"Oh, I knew!" she repeated.

"But HOW did you know? I never wrote you such a thing, sartin.""Of course you didn't.But I knew because--well, just because.

Everyone who takes boarders needs help.It's a--it's a chronic condition.Now, Auntie, don't you think you could find some supper for me? Not much, but just a little.For an invalid ordered to the country I am awfully hungry."That was enough for Thankful.She seized her cousin by the arm and hurried her into the dining-room.A few moments later she reappeared to order Miss Howes' trunk carried upstairs to the "blue room.""You'll have to excuse me, folks," she said, addressing her guests.

"I know I didn't introduce you to Emily.I was so flustered and--and tickled to see her that I forgot everything, manners and all.

Soon's she's had a bite to eat I'll try to make up.You'll forgive me, won't you?"When she had gone Captain Obed was bombarded with questions.Who was the young lady? Where did she come from? If she was only a cousin, why did she call Mrs.Barnes "Auntie"? And many others.

Captain Obed answered as best he could.

"She's real pretty, isn't she," affirmed Miss Timpson."I don't know when I've seen a prettier woman.Such eyes! And such hair!

Ah hum! When I was her age folks used to tell me I had real wonderful hair.You remember that, don't you, Mr.Hammond?"Mr.Hammond chuckled."I remember lots of things," he observed diplomatically.

"You think she's pretty, don't you, Mr.Daniels?" persisted Miss Timpson.

East Wellmouth's legal light bowed assent."A--ahem--a very striking young lady," he said with dignity.He had scarcely taken his eyes from the newcomer while she was in the room.John Kendrick said nothing.

When Emily and Thankful returned to the living-room there were introductions and handshakings.And, following these, a general conversation lasting until ten o'clock.Then Miss Howes excused herself, saying that she was a bit tired, bade them all good night and went to her room.

Captain Obed left soon afterward.

"Well, John," he said to his friend, as they stood together on the front step, "what do you think of this for a boardin'-house? All Iprophesied, ain't it?"

Kendrick nodded."All that, and more," he answered, emphatically.

"Like Mrs.Barnes, don't you?"

"Very much.No one could help liking her.""Um-hm.Well, I told you that, too.And her niece--cousin, Imean--is just as nice as she is.You'll like her, too, when you know her....Eh?""I didn't speak, Captain."

"Oh, didn't you? Well, it's high time for me to be headin' for home.Hannah'll be soundin' the foghorn for me pretty soon.

She'll think I'VE been tagged by Abbie Larkin if I don't hurry up and report.See you in the mornin', John.Good night."The next forenoon he was on hand, bright and early, and he and Kendrick went over to the village on another tour of inspection.

Captain Obed was extremely curious to know whether or not his friend had made up his mind to remain in East Wellmouth, but, as the young man himself did not volunteer the information, the captain asked no questions.They walked up and down the main road until dinner time.John said very little, and was evidently thinking hard.Just before twelve Captain Bangs did ask a question, his first one.

"Well, John," he said, looking up at the clock in the steeple of the Methodist Church, "it's about time for us to be thinkin' about takin' in cargo.Where shall we eat this noon? At the High Cliff again, or do you want to tackle Darius Holt's? Course you understand I'm game for 'most anything if you say so, and 'most anything's what we're liable to get at that Holt shebang.I don't want you to think I've got any personal grudge.When it comes to that I'm--ho! ho!--well, I'm a good deal in the frame of mind Kenelm Parker was at the revival meetin' some year ago.Kenelm just happened in and took one of the back seats.The minister--he was a stranger in town--was walkin' up and down the aisles tryin'