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 I prophesied,
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, I mean--is
just as nice as she is. You'll like her, too, when you know her. . . .
Eh?"
"I didn't speak, Captain.
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