“Thank you, thank you, Nancy Brandon,” emotion was choking her words. She was really going now and Tiny with her. “And perhaps it would be just as well not to say anything about it if my brother should drop in,” concluded the strange woman.
“Oh, do you suppose he will?” asked bewildered Nancy. “I mean, will he drop in?”
“He’s apt to. Elmer is a creature of habit and he’s been around here a long time, you know.” The dark eyes were glistening behind the gold framed glasses. Miss Townsend was still preparing to depart.
Nancy opened the screen door and out darted Tiny.
“Good-bye, my dear, for the present,” murmured Miss Townsend, “and I hope you and your mother and your brother will—be happy—here,” she choked on the words and Nancy had an impression of impending tears. “We wouldn’t have sold out, we shouldn’t have sold out, but for Elmer Townsend’s foolishness.”
Back went the proud head until the lace collar on Sarah Townsend’s neck was jerked out of place, a rare thing indeed to happen to that prim lady.
“Good-bye,” said Nancy gently, “and come again, Miss Townsend.”
“Yes, yes, dear, I shall.”
CHAPTER II
DINNER DIFFICULTIES
Nancy jerked her cretonne apron first one way and then the other. Then she kicked out a few steps, still pondering. When Nancy was thinking seriously she had to be acting. This brought her to the conclusion that she should hurry out to the porch and look after Miss Townsend, but she had decided upon that move too late, for the lady in the voile dress was just turning the corner into Bender Street.