“Well, now, that's queer,” put in Mrs. Parker, the doctor's wife. “I would have sworn he was looking at Keziah Coffin.”
Captain Zebedee grinned. “I cal'late you're all right,” he observed. “I wouldn't wonder if he was lookin' at all of 'em.”
There was much hand shaking and congratulation and the church emptied slowly. Among the last to leave were the Peppers and Mr. Pratt. Lavinia took the minister aside.
“Mr. Ellery,” she simpered, “I've—that is, Caleb and me—will prob'ly want you to—That is, we want you to be the one—”
“Yes, Miss Pepper?”
“Oh, my sakes! you see—'Bishy dear, come here a minute, won't you?”
Kyan approached, the picture of desolation.
“What do you want?” he asked gruffly.
“Heavens to Betsy! Don't look so sour. A body'd think you was goin' to be hung, to look at you. 'Bishy, you tell Mr. Ellery all about it, there's a dear. He'll tell you, Mr. Ellery; and remember we count on you. Neither me nor Caleb wont have nobody else.”
She seized Mr. Pratt by the arm and led him hastily away. Kyan looked after them.