Well, we've got to give Hannah credit; she's got a head
on her shoulders, even if the head does run pretty strong to mouth.
Imogene's took her measure, judgin' by what you said the girl said to
you. Hannah's thought it over, I cal'late, and she figgers that while
there's life there's hope, as you might say. Her brother may be engaged,
but he ain't married, and, s'long's he ain't, she's got a chance. You
just see, Mrs. Thankful--you see if Hannah ain't sweeter to Kenelm from
this on than a molasses jug stopper to a young one. She'll lay herself
out to make his home the softest spot in creation, so he'll think twice
before leavin' it. That's her game, as I see it, and she'll play it.
Give Hannah credit; she won't abandon the ship while there's a plank
above water. Just watch and see."
Thankful looked doubtful. "Well, maybe so," she said. "Maybe she will be
nice to her brother, but how about the rest of us? She wouldn't speak to
me last night, nor to Emily--and as for Imogene!"
"Yes, I know. But wait until she sees you, or Imogene either, next time.
She'll be smooth as a smelt. I'll bet you anything she'll say that,
after all, she guesses the engagement's a good thing and that Imogene's
a nice girl. There's a whole lot in keepin' the feller you're fightin'
off his guard until you've got him in a corner with his hands down. Last
night Hannah give me my orders to mind my own business. This mornin' she
cooked me the best breakfast I've had since I shipped aboard her vessel.
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