How'd you like to give us this place and
move to the poorhouse, Hannah?"
"But--but, O Kenelm, I can't think of your gettin' married! I can't
think of it!"
"Don't think of it. I ain't thinkin' of it no more'n I can help. Why
ain't you satisfied with things as they be? Everything's goin' on all
right enough now, ain't it? You and me are livin' together same as we
have for ever so long. You're here and I--well, I--"
He did not finish the sentence, but his sister read his thought. She
knew perfectly well that her brother was finding a measure of enjoyment
in the situation, so far as his dealings with her were concerned. He was
more independent than he had been since she took him in charge. But she
realized, too, her own impotence. She could not drive him too hard or
he might be driven into marrying Imogene. And THAT Hannah was determined
should be deferred as long as possible.
So she said no more concerning the "ride" and merely showed her feelings
by moping in the corner and wiping her eyes with her handkerchief
whenever he looked in her direction. After he had gone she spent the
half-hour previous to Mr. Hammond's arrival in alternate fits of rage
and despair.
"So Kenelm's been actin' unlikely, has he?" queried Caleb. "Well, if
he was my brother he'd soon come to time quick, or be put to bed in a
hospital. That's what would happen to HIM."
Miss Parker looked as if the hospital picture was more appealing than
dreadful.
"I wish he was your brother," she said.
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