"Salter is deaf as a post. Lottie,
Agnes Wilt has been ruined!"
In the long pause following this remark the deaf man peeped through his
fingers and saw the lady of the house kiss her husband's brother again
and again.
"I am so glad," she whispered. "Can it be true?"
"It's plain as a barn door. She'll be a mother before shad have run out,
or cherries come in."
"The proud creature! And now, Cal dear, you see nothing exceptionally
saint-like there?"
"I see shame, friendlessness, wealth, and welcome," spoke the young man.
"It's just my luck!"
"But the deaf man? Will he not take her part?"
"No. I shall show him to-night what will cure his partiality. Lottie,
you must let me marry her."
The large, blonde lady threw back her head until the strong, animal
throat and chin stood sharply defined, and white and scarlet in color as
the lobster's meat.
"Scoundrel!" she hissed, clenching Calvin's wrist with an almost
maniacal fury.
At this moment a bell began to toll on the neighboring fire company's
house, and Knox Van de Lear entered with the pitcher of ale.
"They're tolling the fire bell at the news of father's dying," said
Knox.
Calvin filled a glass of ale, and exclaimed:
"Here's to the next pastor of Kensington!" as he laughingly drained it
off.
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