Annie was now entering upon one of those periods when, in accordance with a common expression, "everything goes wrong," and the world develops a sudden perverseness that distracts and irritates even the patient.
The butcher had neglected to fill the order for breakfast, and Jeff, also under the baleful spell, had killed an ancient hen instead of a spring chicken, to supply the sudden need.
"Couldn't cotch nothin' else," he answered stolidly to Annie's sharp reprimand, so sharp that Gregory, who was walking toward the barn, was surprised.
Zibbie was fuming in the broadest Scotch, and had spoiled her coffee, and altogether it was a sorry breakfast to which they sat down that morning; and Annie's worried, vexed looks did not make it more inviting. Gregory tried to appear unconscious, and directed his conversation chiefly to Mr. Walton and Miss Eulie.
"Annie," said her father, humorously, "it seems to me that this fowl must have reminiscences of the ark."
But she could not take a jest then, and pettishly answered that "if he kept such a stupid man as Jeff, he could not expect anything else."
Annie was Jeff's best friend, and had interceded for him in some of his serious scrapes, but her mood now was like a gusty day that gives discomfort to all.
After a few moments she said, suddenly, "O father, I forgot to tell you. I invited the Camdens here to dinner to-day."
His face clouded instantly, and he looked exceedingly annoyed.
"I am very sorry to hear it," he said.