"Nice day," said she.
The sister Lize moved impatiently and picked up her work. This untimely entrance had left her "hanging by the eyebrows" and red with anxiety. She gave the newcomer a sweeping glance, sighed and said, "Yes." The sister Bet grew serious and began tapping the floor with her toe.
"I've been clear 'round the square," said Mrs. Tredder, "an' I guess I'll sit a while. I ain't done a thing to-day, an' I don't b'lieve I'll try 'til after dinner. Miss Tole, you may give me another yard o' that red silk ribbon."
She sat by the counter, and Miss Tole sniffed a little and began to measure the ribbon. She was deeply if secretly offended by this intrusion.
"What's the news?" said the newcomer, turning to the sister Bet.
"Oh, nothing!" said the other, wearily.
"Ain't you heard about that woman up at the Moosehead?"
"Heard all I care to," said the sister Bet, with jealous feeling.
Here was another red plum off the same tree.
"What about her?" said the sister Lize, now reaching on tiptoe, as it were. The sister Bet rose impatiently and made for the door.
"Going?" said she that was called Lize, a note of alarm in her voice.