Now, ma'am, if
you'll stand by. Kenelm, open that hatch."
Mr. Parker opened the hatch--the door of the carriage--and the captain
assisted the passengers to alight. Emily caught a glimpse of the white
front of a little house and of a tall, angular woman standing in the
doorway holding a lamp. Then she and Mrs. Barnes were propelled by
the strong arms of their pilot through that doorway and into a little
sitting-room, bright and warm and cheery.
"There!" declared Captain Obed. "That cruise is over. Kenelm! Where is
Kenelm? Oh, there you are! You tell that Winnie S. to trot along. We'll
settle for passage tomorrow mornin'. Now, ma'am," turning to Thankful,
"you and your relation want to make yourselves as comf'table as you can.
This is Miss Parker, Kenelm's sister. Hannah, this is Mrs. Barnes, Eben
Barnes' widow. You've heard me speak of him. And this is Miss Howes. I
cal'late they're hungry and I know they're wet. Seems's if dry clothes
and supper might be the next items on the manifest."
Miss Parker rose to the occasion. She flew about preparing the "items."
Thankful and Emily were shown to the spare room, hot water and towels
were provided, the valise was brought in. When the ladies again made
their appearance in the sitting-room, they were arrayed in dry, warm
garments, partly their own and partly supplied from the wardrobe of
their hostess. As to the fit of these latter, Mrs. Barnes expressed her
opinion when she said:
"Don't look at me, Emily.
Pages:
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52