“She hinted that he might want to—to marry you.”
“Well—upon my word! I knew she was a ridiculous creature, but really—!”
Mary’s face softened with relief. “Of course she is foolish; but—”
“Poor Alfred! What has he ever done to have such a daughter-in-law? Mary, the Lord gives us our children; but Somebody Else gives us our in-laws!”
“Mother!” said Mary North, horrified, “you do say such things! But really he oughtn’t to come so often. People will begin to notice it; and then they’ll talk. I’ll—I’ll take you away from Old Chester rather than have him bother you.”
“Mary, you are just as foolish as his daughter-in-law,” said Mrs. North, impatiently.
And, somehow, poor Mary North’s heart sank.
Nor was she the only perturbed person in town that night. Mrs. Cyrus had a headache, so it was necessary for Cyrus to hold her hand and assure her that Willy King said a headache did not mean brain-fever.
“Willy King doesn’t know everything. If he had headaches like mine, he wouldn’t be so sure. I am always worrying about things, and I believe my brain can’t stand it. And now I’ve got your father to worry about!”
“Better try and sleep, Gussie. I’ll put some Kaliston on your head.”