“Stand out of my way, Ann. How can you put yourself between me and the door? When the bell rings, it is to be answered. I do not approve of your actions, allow me to say.”
But just then the breathless voice of Azalea was heard in the hall. Miss Zillah had got to the door before them, and had admitted her.
“Don’t try to talk, my dear,” they heard Miss Zillah saying. “Whatever it is, it can wait till you get your breath. Come in, please, and sit down.”
In the kitchen, Annie Laurie was declaring that whatever came she would not go into the parlor.
“I won’t talk the matter over, that’s all,” she said. “It’s no use for you to try to make me go in there.”
Miss Adnah moved back from her niece with a look of displeasure.
“You’d better quiet down, Ann,” she said severely. “I can’t imagine what you’ve done or what’s been done to you, but I do feel certain that you are making a mountain out of a molehill.”
At that moment something bobbed up at the window and then bobbed down again.
“Mercy, what’s that?” cried Miss Adnah.
“A head,” said Annie Laurie disgustedly.