"We mustn't let it go that fur," declared her spouse, fully aroused now. "Consarn Walky Dexter, anyway! I guess, as Marty says, what he puts in his mouth talks as well as sings for him.
"I snum!" added the farmer, shaking his head. "I dunno which is the biggest nuisance, an ill-natered gossip or a good-natered one. Walky claims ter feel friendly to Mr. Haley, and then comes here with all the unfriendly gossip he kin fetch. Huh! I ain't got a mite o' use fer sech folks."
Uncle Jason was up, pacing the kitchen back and forth in his stocking feet. He was much stirred over Janice's grief. Aunt 'Mira was in tears, too. Marty went out on the porch, ostensibly for a pail of fresh water, but really to cover his emotion.
None of them could comfortably bear the sight of Janice's tears. As
Marty started the pump a boy ran into the yard and up the steps.
"Hullo, Jimmy Gallagher, what you want?" demanded Marty.
"I'm after Janice Day. Got a note for her," said the urchin.
"Hey, Janice!" called her cousin; but the young girl was already out on the porch.
"What is it, Jimmy? Has Nelson——"
"Here's a note from Miz' Drugg. Said for me to give it to ye," said the boy, as he clattered down the steps again.