“It is an auction,” whispered Helen, overhearing this from the top of the stairs.
The party of guests came down with their bags now, bringing Bella in their midst—and in the new shirt-waist.
“Let her choose which of these kind people she will stay with,” Tom advised. “And,” he added, in a low voice to Ruth, “we will pay for her support until we can find her father.”
“Like fun you will, young feller!” snorted the farmer, overhearing Tom.
“I could not hear of such a thing,” said the doctor’s wife.
“I’d like to know what you people think you’re doing?” demanded Miss Timmins, popping out at them suddenly.
“Now, Suse Timmins, we’re a-goin’ to do what we neighbors ought to have done long ago. We’re goin’ to take this gal——”
“You start anything like that—taking that young one away from her lawful guardeen—an’ I’ll get Elnathan Spear after you in a hurry, now I tell ye. I’ll give you your nevergitovers!”
“If Nate Spear comes to my house, I’ll ask him to pay me for that corn he bought off’n me as long ago as last fall,” chuckled the farmer. “Just because you’re own cousin to Nate don’t put all the law an’ the gospel on your side, Suse Timmins. I’ll take good care of this girl.”
“And so will I, if Bella wants to live with me,” said the doctor’s wife.