So to Galena he went the next morning after a brief colloquy with father.
"I'd like to know what's got into Dan Hayne," father said, almost angrily. "I s'pose he's had a streak of luck somewhere, he's gay as a lark, but he is sober enough, and I'm pretty sure he hasn't been off on a carouse. I suppose it is all right between you?" studying me sharply.
"It was all pleasant, if that is what you mean."
He nodded, but did not look satisfied.
"I'll have to hunt up Jake Esden—and I suppose he will be too busy to lend a hand. This kind of weather can't last. If I wasn't such a battered old hulk!"
I clasped my arms around his neck, but I did not sigh nor sob, though both rose in my heart. Whatever came it would be we two.
"We'll have a week to ourselves anyhow," he said, in a gratified tone.
A week in which to be glad that the husband of one's life would be away. What a bitter travesty it was. But this time Polly was home, making preparations to go to Vincennes for quite a stay.
CHAPTER XVIII
DAN
I was all alone that August afternoon. It was hot out on the porch and I took my sewing inside. I liked to sew when anything perplexed me. There seems a quiet kind of diversion in the effort one has to make, which is not much of an effort, after all. Father had gone down to the warehouse to see about loading one of the boats. One of the men was with him, though he had learned to get about quite comfortably.