'Well, Veneaty, never fear for me. I will take care of myself.'
Then Veneaty, with even greater reverence than usual, departed, thinking that Mrs. G. was a too-much brave woman.
Nothing fresh occurred till a day or two before the 15th, when Captain W. again made his appearance. Mrs. G. had in the meantime done nothing; everything was in its place, even to the vase of flowers. After the ordinary salutations, the Captain said: 'I fear you are driving things to the last moment, Mrs. G.; you have only to the 15th, by which time we must have the bungalow. I really fear you are putting yourself to unnecessary inconvenience.'
'Thank you very much,' returned Mrs. G.; 'I have not been put to any inconvenience.'
'But I fear you will be, if you don't make preparations in time.'
'Oh, never fear,' said the lady; 'I shall make preparations in time—that you may depend on.'
'Then I will take my leave with many thanks,' said Captain W.; 'you have relieved my mind very much.'
'You are very polite,'returned Mrs. G., 'but you have nothing to thank me for.'
'Oh, but indeed I have a good deal,' replied the Captain.