Martha's answer was quietly given.
“Why, good gracious, Jethro!” she observed, “why shouldn't we stand up? Mr. Bangs and I came over to spend the evenin' with Lulie. We didn't know you and Marietta and Ophelia and the rest were goin' to hold any—er—what do you call 'em?—seances. We'll run right along and leave you to enjoy yourselves. Come, Mr. Bangs.”
For some reason or other this reply appeared to irritate the light keeper exceedingly. He glared at her.
“Set down, both of you,” he ordered. “I want you to. 'Twill do you good. No, you ain't goin', neither. Lulie, you tell 'em to stay here.”
His manner was so determined and the light in his eye so ominous that his daughter was alarmed.
“Oh, do stay, Martha,” she pleaded. “Won't you please stay, you and Mr. Bangs? I think it will be for the best, truly I do. Please stay.”
Martha looked at her lodger. Galusha smiled.
“I shall be very glad to remain,” he observed. “Indeed yes, really.”
Miss Phipps nodded. “All right, Lulie,” she said, quietly. “We'll stay.”
They took chairs in the back row of the double circle. Primmie, eyes and mouth open and agog with excitement, had already seated herself. Captain Jethro looked about the room.