“And—” began Mrs. Ball.
“Did you know Mrs. Pendleton was going away, Aunty?” asked Ruth, hastily.
“Do tell! Elmiry Peavey goin' travellin'?”
“Yes, she's going somewhere for a visit—I don't know just where.”
“I had laid out to take James and call on Elmiry,” she said, stroking her apron thoughtfully, while a shadow crossed Mr. Ball's expressive face; “but I guess I'll wait now till I get my new black silk. I want her to know I've done well.”
A warning hiss from the kitchen and the odour of burning sugar impelled Aunt Jane to a hasty exit just as Winfield came. Uncle James followed them to the door.
“Niece Ruth,” he said, hesitating and fumbling at his belt, “be you goin' to get merried?”
“I hope so, Uncle,” she replied kindly.
“Then—then—I wish you'd take this and buy you sunthin' to remember your pore old Uncle James by.” He thrust a trembling hand toward her, and offered her a twenty dollar bill.
“Why, Uncle!” she exclaimed. “I mustn't take this! Thank you ever so much, but it isn't right!”