I told him that was all right and fine and the town
appreciated it, but that I'd got to think of myself; this boardin'-house
idea was a life-long ambition of mine and I couldn't give it up."
"And how did it end?"
"Just where it begun. His last words to me was that if I wouldn't listen
to reason then he'd have to try other ways. And he warned me that he
should try 'em. I said go ahead and try, or words not quite so sassy
but meanin' the same. And out he marched. Oh, Emily, WHAT do you suppose
he'll try? He can't MAKE me sell out, can he? Oh, dear! Oh, dear! here's
more trouble. And I thought there was enough already!"
Emily did her best to reassure her relative, telling the latter that of
course she could not be forced into parting with what was her own and
that Mr. Kendrick was talking merely for effect; but it was plain that
Miss Howes herself was troubled.
"I think you should consult a lawyer, Auntie," she said. "I am sure I
am right, and that that man can't make you do what you don't want to do.
But I don't know, of course, and a lawyer would know because that is
his business. Why don't you ask John--Mr. John Kendrick, I mean? He will
advise you."
Thankful nodded. "I will," she said.
But John did not come home for dinner that night. He had business which
called him to Wellmouth Centre that afternoon and it was late in the
evening when he returned. Heman Daniels was late for dinner also,
and when he entered the dining-room there was an air of mystery and
importance about him which everyone noticed.
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