I wouldn't miss any of THIS show for no
money. Good night."
CHAPTER X
The next morning Kenelm, arrayed in his best, was early on hand to
escort the lady of his choice to the Fair. The lady, herself, was ready
and the pair drove away in Winnie S.'s depot-wagon bound for Wellmouth
Centre and the train. Before she left the house Imogene made an earnest
request.
"If you don't mind, ma'am," she said, addressing Mrs. Barnes, "I
wish you wouldn't say nothin' to nobody about Mr. Kenelm and me bein'
engaged. And just ask the rest of 'em that heard the--the rough-house
last night not to say anything, either, please."
"Why, Imogene," said Thankful, "I didn't know you wanted it to be a
secret. Seems to me you said yourself that it wasn't any secret."
"Yes'm, I know I did. Well, I suppose 'tain't, in one way. But there
ain't any use in advertisin' it, neither. Kenelm, he's promised to keep
still."
"But, Imogene, why? Seems to me if I was willin' to be engaged to
that--to Kenelm, I wouldn't be ashamed to have folks know it."
"Oh, I ain't ashamed exactly. I ain't ashamed of what I done, not a bit.
Only what's the use of tellin'?"
"But you'll have to tell some time; when you're married, sartin."
"Yes'm. Well, we ain't married--yet."
"But you're goin' to be, I should presume likely."
"Maybe so; but not for a good while, anyhow. If I am it won't make
any difference far's you and me are concerned, ma'am. Nor Mr. Parker,
either; he'll stay here and work long's you want him, married or not.
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