But John did not come home for dinner that night.He had business which called him to Wellmouth Centre that afternoon and it was late in the evening when he returned.Heman Daniels was late for dinner also, and when he entered the dining-room there was an air of mystery and importance about him which everyone noticed.Miss Timpson, who seldom permitted reticence to interfere with curiosity, asked him what was the matter.
"I do declare, Mr.Daniels," she said, "you look as if you had the cares of the nation on your shoulders tonight.Has anything gone wrong with one of those important cases of yours?"Mr.Daniels shook his head."No," he answered, gravely."My cases are progressing satisfactorily.My worries just now are not professional.I heard some news this afternoon which--er--upset me somewhat, that is all.""News? Upsettin' news? Land sakes, do tell us! What is it?"But Mr.Daniels refused to tell.The news concerned other people, he said, and he was not at liberty to tell.He trusted Miss Timpson would excuse him under the circumstances.
Miss Timpson was therefore obliged to excuse him, though it was plain that she did so under protest.She made several more or less direct attempts to learn the secret and, failing, went out to attend prayer-meeting.Caleb Hammond went out also, though the club, not prayer-meeting, was his announced destination.Heman finished his dinner alone.When he had finished he sent word by Imogene that when Miss Howes was at liberty he should like to speak with her.
Emily, who was in the kitchen with Thankful and Captain Obed, the latter having, as usual, dropped in on his way to the postoffice, seemed in no hurry to speak with Mr.Daniels.It was not until half an hour later, when the message was repeated, that she bade the captain good night and started for the living-room.Captain Obed and Thankful smiled at each other.
"Heman's a heap more anxious to see her than she is to see him,"observed the former."He's pretty fur gone in that direction, judgin' by the weather signs."Thankful nodded.
"I cal'late that's so," she agreed."Still, he's been just as fur gone with others, if all they say's true.Mr.Daniels is a fascinator, so everybody says.""Yup.Prides himself on it, always seemed to me.But there generally comes a time when that kind of a lady-killer gets hit himself.Lots of females have been willin' to marry Heman, but he's never given 'em the chance.About so fur he'll go and then shy off.""How about that widow woman over to Bayport?""Well, I did think he was goin' to cast anchor there, but he ain't, up to now.That widow's wuth a lot of money--her husband owned any quantity of cranberry bog property--and all hands cal'lated Heman had his eye on it.Maybe he and the widow would have signed articles only for Miss Howes heavin' in sight.""Well, I suppose he's a good man; I never heard a word against him that way.And he's a risin' lawyer--""Yes--or riz."
"Yes.But--but I somehow wouldn't want Emily to marry him."Captain Obed agreed heartily."Neither would I," he declared.
Then, after a moment, he added: "Hasn't it seemed to you that John Kendrick was kind of--well, kind of headin' up towards--towards--""Yes.Ye-es, I have thought so.I joke Emily a little about him sometimes.""So do I, John.How do you think she"--with a jerk of the head toward the living-room--"feels--er--that way?""I don't know.She likes him, I'm sure of that.But, so fur as Iknow, there's no understandin' between them.And, anyhow, John couldn't think of gettin' married, not for a long spell.He hasn't got any money.""No, not yet he ain't, but he will have some day, or I miss my guess.He's gettin' more popular on the Cape all the time, and popular in the right places, too.Why, the last time I was in South Denboro Cap'n Elisha Warren spoke to me about him, and if Cap'n 'Lisha gets interested in a young feller it means a lot.
'Lisha's got a lot of influence."
"You say you joke with John about Emily.How's he take the jokes?""Oh, he takes 'em all right.You can't get him mad by teasin' him, 'cause he won't tease.He generally comes right back at me about--er--that is--"
"About what?"
"Oh--nothin'.Just nonsense, that's all.Well, I cal'late I'd better be goin' if I want to fetch the postoffice afore it's shut up."But he was destined not to "fetch" the postoffice that night.He had risen to go when the dining-room door opened and Emily appeared.Her face was flushed, and she seemed excited and angry.
"Auntie," she said, sharply, "Auntie, will you come into the living-room a moment.I want you to hear what that--what Mr.
Daniels says.Don't stop to talk.Come! Captain Bangs, you may come, too.You are--are his friend and you should hear it."Surprised and puzzled, Thankful and the captain followed her through the dining-room to the living-room.There they found Heman Daniels, standing by the center table, looking embarrassed and uncomfortable.
"Now, Mr.Daniels," said Emily, "I want you to tell my cousin and Captain Bangs just what you have told me.It's not true--I know it's not true, and I want them to be able to contradict such a story.Tell them."Heman fidgeted with the paper-cutter on the table.
"I merely told Miss Howes," he said, nervously, "what was told me.
It was told me by one of the parties most interested and so Iaccepted it as the truth.I--I have no personal interest in the matter.As--as a friend and--and a lawyer--I offered my services, that is all.I--"He was interrupted by the opening of the front door.John Kendrick, wearing his light overcoat, and hat in hand, entered the living-room.
"I'm awfully sorry to be so late, Mrs.Barnes," he began."I was detained at the Centre.Hello, Captain! Good evening, Daniels!
Good evening, Miss Howes!"
