Hortense arose from the table and walked to the door. As she went out, she heard Grandmother say, "You'll frighten the child——" The rest she didn't hear.
In the kitchen Hortense found Aunt Esmerelda seated in her chair, gazing gloomily at the kitchen range.
"May I have a candle, Aunt Esmerelda?" Hortense asked.
"What fo' yo' wants a candle?" Aunt Esmerelda demanded.
"I'm going to the storeroom to get Grandpa some apples," said Hortense.
Aunt Esmerelda stared at her without speaking for some moments.
"All by yo'se'f'?" she demanded at last.
"All by myself," said Hortense.
Aunt Esmerelda shook her head and muttered, but rising, found a candle and lighted it.
"Ef yo' say yo' prayahs, mebbe nothin'll git yo'," she said ominously.