"I don't think there's any danger of harm. I've sent for a carpenter more than an hour ago," observed Mr. Wingate.
"Thee?"
For a moment there was a flash in the matron's eyes, but she did not remark further, though Hallam took up her cause with the words:—
"I suppose you meant it for kindness, but my father does not allow any one to interfere with that place. Even if it rained in, I think he would rather give his own orders."
"Probably," answered the guest, dryly, while Cleena deposited a dish of steaming waffles upon the table with such vigor as to set them all bouncing.
"Sure, mistress, you'll be takin' a few of these, why not. I never turned me finer, an' that honey's the last of the lot, three times strained, too, an' you please."
"Waffles, Cleena? Did thee take some up to the master? I am sure he would enjoy them."
"Indeed, I did that. Would I forget? So eat, to please Cleena, and to be strong for what comes."
Even Mrs. Kaye's indifference was not proof against the tempting delicacy, and doubtless the food did give her strength the better to go through a trying interview. For immediately breakfast was over, she rose, and, inviting the visitor into the old parlor, bade her children join them.
"What our cousin Archibald has to say concerns us all. I leave it to him to tell the whole story," and she sat down with Amy snuggled beside her, while Hallam stood upon his crutches at her back.