He heard the words, waved once more, and the wagon disappeared over the bridge.
For full ten minutes after Lafe was taken away, Jinnie sat in the shop like one turned to stone. The thing that roused her was the side door opening and shutting. She got up quickly and went into the little hall, closing the shop door behind her. Mrs. Grandoken, with bundles in her hands, was entering the kitchen. Jinnie staggered after her.
“Peggy,” murmured Jinnie, throwing her arms about the stooped shoulders. “You’ll be good––”
It was as if she had said it to Bobbie, tenderly, low-pitched, and imploring. Peg seemed so miserable and thin.
“What’s the matter with you, kid?” growled Mrs. Grandoken.
“The town folks,” groaned Jinnie, “the town folks’ve made a mistake, an awful mistake.”
Mrs. Grandoken turned sunken eyes upon the speaker.
“What mistake’ve they made?”
Jinnie’s throat hurt so she couldn’t say any more.
“What mistake?” asked Peg again.