But the
performance promised to be an interesting one. Georgie wished he might
see it. He thought a great deal about it and, little by little, a plan
began forming in his mind.
Three days before Christmas Emily Howes arrived at the High Cliff House.
She was received with rejoicings. The young lady looked thinner than
when she went away and seemed more grave and careworn. But when Thankful
commented upon her appearance Emily only laughed and declared herself
quite well and perfectly happy. She and her cousin discussed all topics
of common interest except one, that one was John Kendrick. Once or twice
Thankful mentioned the young man's name, but invariably Emily changed
the subject. It was evident that she did not wish to speak of John;
also it was, to Mrs. Barnes, just as evident that she thought of him.
Thankful believed that those thoughts were responsible for the change in
her relative's look and manner.
Christmas was to be, as Thanksgiving had been, a day free from boarders
at the High Cliff House. Caleb was again "asked out," and Mr. Daniels,
so he said, "called away." He had spent little time in East Wellmouth of
late, though no one seemed to know exactly where he had been or why.
The day before Christmas was cold and threatening. Late in the afternoon
it began to rain and the wind to blow. By supper time a fairly able
storm had developed and promised to develop still more. Captain Obed,
his arms filled with packages, all carefully wrapped and all mysterious
and not to be opened till the next day, came in just after supper.
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