He went back to the house to suggest that
work to Mr. Parker himself.
Kenelm and his sister were evidently in the midst of a dispute. The
former was seated at the breakfast table and Hannah was standing by the
kitchen door looking at him.
"Goin' off to work Christmas Day!" she said, as the captain entered. "I
should think you might stay home with me THAT day, if no other. 'Tain't
the work you're so anxious to get to. It's that precious inmate of
yours."
Kenelm's answer was as surprising as it was emphatic.
"Darn the inmate!" he shouted. "I wish to thunder I'd never seen her!"
Captain Obed whistled. Miss Parker staggered, but she recovered
promptly.
"Oh," she said, "that's how you feel, is it? Well, if I felt that way
toward anybody I don't think I'd be plannin' to marry 'em."
"Ugh! What's the use of talkin' rubbish? I've GOT to marry her, ain't
I? She's got that paper I was fool enough to sign. Oh, let me alone,
Hannah! I won't go over there till I have to. I'd ruther stay to home
enough sight."
Hannah put her arms about his neck. "There, there, Kenelm, dearie," she
said soothingly, "you eat your breakfast like a nice brother. I'LL be
good to you, if nobody else ain't. And I didn't have to sign any paper
afore I'd do it either."
Kenelm grunted ungraciously.
"'Twas your fault, anyhow," he muttered. "If you hadn't bossed me and
driven me into workin' for Thankful Barnes 'twouldn't have happened. I
wouldn't have thought of gettin' engaged to be married.
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