Mr. Todd picked up the violin. “We needn’t discuss this with any one,—with—ah—Bessie, for instance.”
A mischievous gleam came into Miss Rindy’s gray eyes. “Certainly not. I wouldn’t think of discussing it with—Bessie, for instance.”
CHAPTER IV
CALLERS
The remainder of the week brought a string of visitors, for Mrs. Perry had not been slow in spreading the news of the new inmate of Miss Rindy Crump’s home, and all were curious to know what this young person might be like.
The morning after Mr. Todd’s call Marietta Hale came running in with a plate of hot rolls. “I just thought I’d bring these in myself,” she said. “Lucilena this minute took them out of the oven, and they’re piping hot. Barry wasn’t quite ready for breakfast. This your niece, Miss Rindy?”
“My cousin,” corrected Miss Rindy.
“Oh, yes, I remember Mrs. Perry did say cousin. I’m glad she’s come. Billy took such a fancy to her. He told me there was a ‘wovewy young wady’ next door; he has trouble with his l’s you know.” She smiled upon Ellen, who, in the grace of her girlish slimness, appealed to the plump Marietta just as she had appealed to Jeremy Todd. “Do run in often to see me,” Mrs. Hale added.
“You mean to see Billy; she wouldn’t be liable to find you at home,” remarked Miss Rindy with a twinkle.
“Now, Miss Rindy, you know I’m not always out,” protested Marietta laughing. She was always good-natured.