“It’s her all right and I don’t care what kind of grammar I use to express my disgust,” and Nan jumped from the railing. “I don’t see why—”
“Well, my dear, it can’t be helped. You know how your father feels about his kin. Better run and tell Aunt Em’ly to send Kizzie up to get the guest chamber in order.”
“Oh, Mother, you know it is in order. Nan and I have been busy up there all morning getting it ready for the girls. We’ve even got flowers all fixed and clean bureau scarves and everything,” said Mildred, trying not to weep.
“Yes, and linen sheets. We thought you wouldn’t mind, Mother, because you see Jean Roland is used to such fine doings, and this is her first visit to Kentucky. We know you have only three pairs of linen sheets but this seemed 22 the psychological time to use them. I’ve a great mind to go yank them off the bed.”
“But, Mother,” pleaded Mildred, “couldn’t we put old Cousin Ann Peyton in the little hall room? I can’t see why she always has to have the guest chamber. She’s no better than anybody else.”
“But your father—”
“What difference will it make to Father? He needn’t even know where we put Cousin Ann.”
“What do you think about it, Aunt Em’ly?” Mrs. Bucknor asked the lean old colored woman who appeared in the doorway. “Here comes Miss Ann Peyton, and the young ladies want to put her in the little hall bedroom because they have planned to put their company in the guest chamber?”
“Think! I think I’m a plum fool not ter have wrang the neck er that ol’ dominick rooster yestiddy when he spent the whole day a crowin’ fer comp’ny. I pretty nigh knowed we were in fer some kind er visitation.”
“Maybe he was crowing for our house party,” suggested Nan.