The sarcasm slid by Kohath without touching him. By
the time the service began, however, her shoulders were asstraight as
Azures.
CaptainBarnabas Cummings appeared in the
doorway.
But then, its seemed so to me from thebeginnin. And
theres bound to be talk at ourpickin a woman for that job.
Mary was to report at the bank, ready for work,on
Wednesday morning. He was sure that the Ostable magnate had not come merely tourge
that he vote for his relative. But, with it all, he was careful notto express any
personal interest.
Captain David was regarding him earnestly but
doubtfully.
Dontcallate there was anything in it, but it
sounded funny. For the second time that day Kohath was pushed unceremoniously toone
side. The voice of Captain Barnabas and another. When they whisperedshe was certain
they whispered about her. Before he could say more voices in the dining room
becamedistinctly audible.
They were all wondering at her comedown in theworld
and guessing at its cause. Ifit hadnt been for that we could have picked a new
bookkeeperwithout the least bit of trouble.
Remember whatHannah Perry said about your stuffin
her poll parrot after itdied. Dont the remainslook natural, or what ails you? He
would have done his utmost to help her, anyway. CHAPTER IIIThe Cummings house was
not pure Colonial.
But this particular morning the rear seats were
crowded. Thefact that she had turned to him when she needed help and advice wasa
pleasant thought.
Theres such a thing as doin what youre born to do.
Havin a Brewster to help take care of our depositorsaccounts wont do us a bit of
harm. All right, he answered, with satisfaction.
I was ashore the day Obed was drownded,
hemused.
Captain Barney vowed; this is a surprise,
sureenough.
How much she had bought, how greatly her
incomemight be depleted, he did not know. It wasnt the job itself, she told me; it
was because she hadtold him he should have it. All right, he answered, with
satisfaction. Crisp, he confided, I dont know where I cansqueeze you in. Sampson,
the minister, had exchanged pulpits for that Sunday withthe new divine from Bayport.
Then, by the great and holy, Ill have her in a clove hitch. CaptainBarnabas Cummings
appeared in the doorway. It will be fun to watchSam Freemans face when you name
her.
He was square-shouldered,white-bearded, red-faced
and blue-eyed. Briggs sorrowfully passed the plates and cups. He proceeded to tell,
by no means all, but as much as he deemedadvisable.
I know how it MIGHT be stopped, he growled, after a
momentshesitation.
Dont the remainslook natural, or what ails you?