"She's in the kitchen, I think," replied John. "Shall I call her?"
"Oh, no, no! It ain't particular. I just--just wondered where she was,
that's all. I wouldn't trouble her on no account."
John smiled. He seemed quietly amused about something. He regarded his
friend, who, after a glance in his direction, was staring at the lamp on
the table, and said:
"I'm sure it would be no trouble, Captain. Better let me tell her you
are here."
Captain Obed was saved the embarrassment of further protestations by the
entrance of Thankful herself; Emily accompanied her. The captain shook
hands with Mrs. Barnes and her cousin and hastened to announce that he
heard "big news" down street and had run over to find out how much truth
there was in it.
"Couldn't scurcely believe it, myself," he declared. "John here, never
said a word about his high-toned relation comin' to East Wellmouth. Had
you any idea he was comin', John?"
John shook his head.
"No," he said. "The last time I saw him in New York, which was two
years or more ago, he did say something about being on the lookout for
a summer residence. But he did not mention East Wellmouth; nor did I.
I remember hearing that he and the late Mr. Colfax were quite friendly,
associated in business affairs, I believe. Probably that accounts for
his being here."
"Set down, everybody," urged Thankful. "I'm willin' to set down, myself,
I can tell you. Been on my feet 'most of the day. What sort of a person
is this relation of yours, Mr.
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