It was most satisfactory; for whenever any apparent difficulty arose, the kind-hearted man summarily disposed of it by waving his hand and remarking: "Don't worry. Hickox'll look after things. It'll be all right!"
So convincing was his attitude that Mrs. Dorrance at last felt satisfied that there were no serious obstacles in their path; and like the sensible lady she was, she determined to let Dorothy have full power and manage her new home in any way she saw fit.
Dorothy's nature was, perhaps, a little over-confident. She was not inclined to hesitate at anything; indeed, the more difficult the undertaking, the greater her determination to succeed.
And so, when Mrs. Dorrance informed Mr. Hickox that Miss Dorothy was the housekeeper, and was in authority, Dorothy rose to the occasion and assumed at once a certain little air of dignity and responsibility that sat well upon her.
She, too, was encouraged by Mr. Hickox's continued assertions that it would be all right.
She learned from him that the nearest place where they might buy provisions was Woodville, where a certain Mr. Bill Hodges kept a store. His wares included everything that a country store usually deals in, "and Bill himself," said Mr. Hickox, "is just the cleverest man in these parts."
"How do we get there?" asked Leicester, who had declared his willingness to consider going to market as part of his share of the work.
"Well, there're several ways. Haven't got a horse, have you?" Mr. Hickox said this casually, as if he thought Leicester might have one in his pocket.
"No," said Leicester; "we don't own a horse. Is it too far to walk?"
"No; 'tain't any too much of a sprint for young legs like yours. It's two miles around by the road and over the bridge. But it's only a mile across by the boat."