During fully a minute after Mrs. Souders drifted so majestically from the room, not a word was spoken.
Aunt Nancy stood leaning against the table, a vivid red spot glowing on either cheek, and holding her hand over her heart as if to repress its beatings.
The guests gathered around her, each trying at the same time to express her opinion of what had occurred,—a proceeding which resulted only in a perfect Babel of confusion.
The little woman soon recovered her composure sufficiently to remember her duties as hostess, and said to Jack in a low tone,—
"Do you think you can harness Mrs. Souders's horse? We mustn't forget the courtesy we owe a guest, no matter what has happened."
"I can do it if she will show me which wagon an' harness is hers. You see there were so many teams comin' all at once I couldn't keep run of 'em."
"Go out and do the best you can. Very likely she will be at the stable by the time you get there."
Jack hurried away feeling rather uncertain as to what the result would be when he was alone with the angry woman, but determined to remain silent whatever she might say.
On reaching the barn he had but little difficulty in deciding upon the carriage he believed belonged to Mrs. Souders, and was backing it into the yard when that lady arrived.
"Are you so stupid that you can't tell one wagon from another?" she asked sharply.