They led him to the kitchen, where Thankful prepared the ginger tea. During its preparation she managed to inform Emily concerning the identity of their unexpected lodger. Solomon, introduced to Miss Howes, merely grunted and admitted that he had “heard tell” of her. His manner might have led a disinterested person to infer that what he had heard was not flattering. He drank his tea, and as he grew warmer inside and out his behavior became more natural, which does not mean that it was either gracious or grateful.
At length he asked what time it was. Thankful told him.
“I think you'd better be gettin' to bed, Solomon,” she suggested. “I'll hunt up one of Mr. Caleb Hammond's nightshirts, and while you're sleepin' your wet clothes can be dryin' here by the cookstove.”
Solomon grunted, but he was, apparently, willing to retire. Then came the question as to where he should sleep. Emily offered a suggestion.
“Why don't you put him in the back room, Auntie,” she said. “The one Miss Timpson used to have. That isn't occupied now and the bed is ready.”
Thankful hesitated. “I don't know's he'd better have that room, Emily,” she said.
“Why not? I'm sure it's a very nice room.”
“Yes, I know it is, but—”
“But what?”
Mr. Cobb had a remark to make.