“She isn’t here,” answered Jim. “I was in hopes that when she broke loose and went to your Christmas dinner she would stay loose—but she went home and settled back into her rut.”
“Too bad,” said Jennie. “She’d have had a nice time if she had come.”
“Yes,” said Jim, “I believe she would.”
“I want help,” said Jennie. “Our hamper is terribly heavy. Please!”
It was rather obvious to Mrs. Bonner that Jennie was throwing herself at Jim’s head; but that was an article of the Bonner family creed since the decision which closed the hearing at the court-house. It must be admitted that the young county superintendent found tasks which kept the schoolmaster very close to her side. He carried the hamper, helped Jennie to spread the cloth on the grass, went with her to the well for water and cracked ice wherewith to cool it. In fact, he quite cut Wilbur Smythe out when that gentleman made ponderous efforts to obtain a share of the favor implied in these permissions.
“Sit down, Jim,” said Mrs. Woodruff, “you’ve earned a bite of what we’ve got. It’s good enough, what there is of it, and there’s enough of it, such as it is!”
“I’m sorry,” said Jim, “but I’ve a prior engagement.”
“Why, Jim!” protested Jennie. “I’ve been counting on you. Don’t desert me!”
“I’m awfully sorry,” said Jim, “but I promised. I’ll see you later.”
One might have thought, judging by the colonel’s quizzical smile, that he was pleased at Jennie’s loss of her former swain.