Kenelm's answer was as surprising as it was emphatic.
“Darn the inmate!” he shouted. “I wish to thunder I'd never seen her!”
Captain Obed whistled. Miss Parker staggered, but she recovered promptly.
“Oh,” she said, “that's how you feel, is it? Well, if I felt that way toward anybody I don't think I'd be plannin' to marry 'em.”
“Ugh! What's the use of talkin' rubbish? I've GOT to marry her, ain't I? She's got that paper I was fool enough to sign. Oh, let me alone, Hannah! I won't go over there till I have to. I'd ruther stay to home enough sight.”
Hannah put her arms about his neck. “There, there, Kenelm, dearie,” she said soothingly, “you eat your breakfast like a nice brother. I'LL be good to you, if nobody else ain't. And I didn't have to sign any paper afore I'd do it either.”
Kenelm grunted ungraciously.
“'Twas your fault, anyhow,” he muttered. “If you hadn't bossed me and driven me into workin' for Thankful Barnes 'twouldn't have happened. I wouldn't have thought of gettin' engaged to be married.”
“Never mind, dearie. You ain't married yet. Perhaps you won't be. And, anyhow, you know I'LL never boss you any more.”
Kenelm looked at her. There was an odd expression in his eyes.