“What’s that about a wedding?” said a voice at the door.
“Why Hannah Maria, we didn’t know you were here,” said Alison.
“I come over this mornin’,” Hannah Maria told her. “Bud said he’d drap in about supper-time, and I’ve been seein’ to things a little for Lou. I was that sot upon holdin’ the young un to-day I couldn’t res’ till I got over. I think they’ve picked up a real purty name for her. Now, do tell me what about that thar weddin’. Ain’t it goin’ to be a double?” she asked eagerly. “I always did want to see a double, and I’ve been hopin’ you-alls would have one.”
“Well, you are to have your wish,” Christine told her.
“Then I suppose it will be at the Van Dorns’.”
“Yes, it seemed better that way, as we have no parents and Mrs. Van Dorn is so anxious to fill a mother’s place to us. Then, too, it saves us a great deal of trouble and we can have our own house all in order for Laura.”
“An’ Steve’s is all done?”
“Yes, or will be in a few days.”
“And which is goin’ to choose Allie, you or John?” asked Hannah Maria, taking out her snuff stick.
“They won’t either one have her very long,” spoke up Neal, “if I have anything to say. There’ll be another house going up before many days.”