Jack stood over her a moment, and then returned to the house, arriving there just as Aunt Nancy was emerging with Louis in her arms.
"I wouldn't go out there"; and he motioned toward the barn.
Aunt Nancy looked at him an instant, appearing to understand what he meant, for she re-entered the house, leaving Jack on the doorstep in a profound study.
He could hear Louis's voice from the "fore-room" now and then, therefore it was not necessary to tell him the little woman had gone there to hide her grief.
"I must do something" he said to himself, "an' what I first thought of seems to be the only show."
Then going to the door of the "fore-room" and knocking gently, he said in a low tone,—
"Aunt Nancy, could you spare me a little while?"
"Where are you bound, Jack?"
"I'd like to run down to Treat's store if you don't care."
Aunt Nancy opened the door, and Jack noticed her eyes were red from weeping.