“He'll be quick enough, don't fret!”
“Freeman, if I think I can do some good by seeing him, may I?”
“I don't care a hoot what you do,” Freeman Todder said. “And I don't care a hoot what happens. That's how I feel.”
Henrietta put her hand ever so briefly on his arm.
“I know. And I'm sorry. It is all my fault. I'll do the best I can. I must go back now.”
“So long,” Freeman said, and went on down the hill.
Henrietta turned and went toward the house, trying to make her step springy and her face bright. She felt very old and worn. As she neared the gate Gay came across the street and Henrietta waited for her and slipped her arm through Gay's and forced a smile.
“You look happy,” Gay laughed.
“Happy? Why shouldn't I?” asked Henrietta. “I feel like a Pippa ready to chirp, 'All's right with the world,' this fair morn.”
“I honestly believe you're the youngest thing I know,” said Gay, and she meant it. She was a bit jealous. She had seen Henrietta place her hand on Freeman Todder's arm and, as such thoughts will come, had come the thought that Henrietta might be in love with Freeman.