Then I'll have a
beautiful, nice big bedroom and the cutest little study. And I've always
wanted a study. Now if you and Imogene help me with the bureau and bed
it'll be all fixed."
So Imogene, assisted by Kenelm, who was drafted in Thankful's place,
spent a good part of the afternoon shifting furniture and arranging
the bedroom and the "study." Miss Timpson superintended, and as she was
seldom satisfied until each separate item of the suite's equipment had
been changed about at least twice, in order to get the "effect," all
three were nervous and tired when the shifting was over. Miss Timpson
should have been happy over the attainment of the study, but instead she
appeared gloomy and downcast.
"I declare," she said, as she and Thankful sat together in the
living-room that evening, "I don't know's I've done right, after all. I
don't know's I wish I had stayed right where I was."
"Mercy on us! Why?" demanded Thankful, a trifle impatiently.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe 'cause I'm kind of tired and nervous tonight.
I feel as if--as if something was going to happen to me. I wonder if I
could have another cup of tea before I went to bed; it might settle my
nerves, you know."
Considering that the lady had drunk three cups of tea at supper Mrs.
Barnes could not help feeling doubtful concerning the soothing effect of
a fourth. But she prepared it and brought it into the living-room. Miss
Timpson sipped the tea and groaned.
"Do you ever have presentiments, Mrs.
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