Then Freda said something like: “Can’t be sure!”
“Sure as me name’s Dinny Shane!” exclaimed the old man. “Who else would have tied up little Brian, the dog that was never tied before in his life! Sure I’d like to ’a caught them at it,” and he brought his fist down hard on something.
The boys and girls exchanged glances.
“Something doing,” ventured Jack. “I’ll bet Denny has seen the witches.”
“No—banshees,” corrected Ed. “Witches aren’t ripe this time of year. But Cora, don’t let us keep you. Really, Walter would love to take your place up head there, when you have finished.”
Cora was anxious to join in the conversation with Freda and her mother, Freda having whispered to her that they would like to have her do so as soon as the dinner was over.
“Then I will be excused,” she said, “although I hope you won’t hurry.”
“Don’t be alarmed,” said Walter. “It’s very bad to eat in a hurry.”
“I’ll serve,” proposed Bess, “I know just how much everyone has had, and how much more they ought to have. Dray, you cannot have another bit of pudding.”
Dray was stretching far out for the dish. He did love apple slump. And Mrs. Lewis knew just the right amount of cinnamon to season with.