"He staid a long time. He seems to come here pretty often."
"May be he'll come oftener and stay longer, soon," said Katy, nodding her head vigorously.
"What do you mean, Katy? What makes you say such things?"
"What do I mane? Why do I say such things? You'll know pretty soon, I'm thinking."
"I wish you'd tell me at once what you mean?" said Frank, impatiently.
"Mr. Craven doesn't come here for nothing, bad 'cess to him," said Katy, oracularly.
"You don't mean, Katy—" exclaimed Frank, in excitement.
"I mean that you're goin' to have a step-father, Master Frank, and a mighty mane one, too; but if your mother's satisfied, it ain't for Katy O'Grady to say a word, though he isn't fit for her to wipe her shoes on him."
"Who told you such a ridiculous story?" demanded Frank, angrily.