In the long pause following this remark the deaf man peeped through his fingers and saw the lady of the house kiss her husband's brother again and again.
"I am so glad," she whispered. "Can it be true?"
"It's plain as a barn door. She'll be a mother before shad have run out, or cherries come in."
"The proud creature! And now, Cal dear, you see nothing exceptionally saint-like there?"
"I see shame, friendlessness, wealth, and welcome," spoke the young man. "It's just my luck!"
"But the deaf man? Will he not take her part?"
"No. I shall show him to-night what will cure his partiality. Lottie, you must let me marry her."
The large, blonde lady threw back her head until the strong, animal throat and chin stood sharply defined, and white and scarlet in color as the lobster's meat.
"Scoundrel!" she hissed, clenching Calvin's wrist with an almost maniacal fury.
At this moment a bell began to toll on the neighboring fire company's house, and Knox Van de Lear entered with the pitcher of ale.