“Oh, dear me! What are you going to say? You mustn't insult people.”
“I shan't insult 'em. I'll tell 'em—I'll tell 'em you're sick and can't see anybody.”
“But I'm not sick.”
“Then, I am,” said Captain Dan. “They make me sick. Shut up, will you?” addressing the bell, which had rung the second time. “I'll come when I get ready.”
He seemed to be quite ready that very moment. At all events he strode from the room, and his anxious wife and the flushed Azuba heard him tramping through the front hall.
“What—WHAT is he going to do?” faltered Serena; “or say?”
Azuba shook her head. “Land knows!” she exclaimed. “I ain't seen him this way since the weasel got into the hen-house. He went for THAT with the hoe-handle. And as for what he said! Well, don't talk to ME!”
But no riot or verbal explosion followed the opening of the door. The anxious listeners in the dining-room heard voices, but they were subdued ones. A moment later Captain Dan returned. He looked troubled.
“It's Barney Black and his wife,” he answered, in a whisper. “I couldn't tell THEM to go to thunder. They're in the front room, waitin'. I suppose we'll have to see 'em, won't we?”
Mrs. Dott was hurriedly shaking the wrinkles out of her gown and patting her hair into presentable shape.