Toward the end of the week Bud came in the back door with a mysterious caution.
"Say, Stella, don't yer squeal I've been here. I want ter see Missus Hadly alone!"
"Come here. Bud," called Venna from the sitting room, as she heard his voice.
Bud entered cautiously, his eyes round with wonder.
"An' yer sitting here so calm like!" he exclaimed in open admiration.
"And why not, Bud dear?" she asked, laughing.
"Yer too good for Ashfield, Missus Hadly!" said Bud, gingerly touching one of her curls. "The divil's got holt o' this place!"
"What do you mean, Bud?"
"I mean I come ter warn yer an' yer friends. There's goin' ter be a des-tin-ation ter-night."
"Destination? You've got your big word wrong again. Bud. Use a smaller one."