And so'll I."
"Well, I suppose that's one comfort, anyhow. I won't say anything about
your engagement and I'll ask the others not to. But folks are bound to
talk, Imogene. Miss Parker now--how are you goin' to stop her tellin'?"
Imogene nodded knowingly. "I shan't have to, I'll bet you, ma'am,"
she said. "She ain't so anxious to have it talked about--not s'long as
there's a chance to break it off, she ain't. She'll keep still."
"Maybe so, but folks'll suspect, I guess. They'll think somethin's queer
when you and Kenelm go to the Cattle Show together today."
"No, they won't. Why should they? Didn't Hannah Parker herself go
yesterday with Mr. Hammond? And didn't Mr. Kendrick go with Miss Emily?
Yes, and you with Cap'n Bangs? Lordy, ma'am, I--"
"Don't say 'Lordy,' Imogene," cautioned Thankful, and hastened away.
Imogene looked after her and laughed to herself.
When Captain Obed made his morning call Mrs. Barnes told him of this
conversation.
"And how is Hannah this mornin'?" asked Thankful. "I was surprised
enough to see Kenelm in that depot-wagon. I never thought for a minute
she'd let him go."
The captain chuckled. "Let him!" he repeated. "Why, Hannah helped him
get ready; picked out his necktie for him and loaded him up with clean
handkerchiefs and land knows what. She all but give him her blessin'
afore he started; she did say she hoped he'd have a good time."
"She did! Mercy on us! Is the world comin' to an end? Last night she
was--"
"Yes, I know.
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