I busied myself about household duties, and in the afternoon a neighbor came in with her two little ones. What made every one so anxious to know how much fortune Norman would have? Still I was glad of the break, for father had gone out to look after the men. The weather was fine and he was anxious to get in some of the crops. Then he took a rest in his easy chair.
I walked down the street a short distance. John came hurrying along whistling, but stopped, thrust his hand in his pocket.
"She wasn't home, Cousin Ruth. The woman wanted the note, but I wouldn't give it to her. She told me to come on Friday."
"Yes," I returned breathlessly. "Do not mention it to father," and I took the missive.
Then Polly was away as well!
Dan came home late Friday night, good natured, bustling, and announced that he must start early the next morning for Galena on some important business. He hoped I had not missed him much. He was sorry to go away at this busy season, but he would make it all right with father. Indeed, he began to think with so much business of his own they would really need a regular overseer.
"Now if that Gaynor boy was four or five years older, he might come."
I was thunderstruck. "I thought you did not like him," I half faltered.
"I don't, but your father seems to like him."
The tone was rather sarcastic. I made no reply. I was glad he did not proffer me so much as a kiss. In five minutes he was asleep.