"You made quick time," she said.
"Yes; just to buy a pair of shoes doesn't take long."
"You got the right kind?"
"Sure. Here, look at 'em." He handed her the package.
"I can't look at them now. Say, Dorian—" she came out nearer to him—"They are here."
"Who, mother?"
"Mrs. Brown and her daughter. They got a chance to ride out this afternoon, so they did not wait until tomorrow. Lucky I cleaned up this morning. Mildred is not a bit well, and she is lying down now. Don't make any more noise than you can help."
"Gee—but, mother, gosh!" He was very much disturbed.
"They are dear, good people. They know we are simple farmers. Just you wash yourself and take off those dirty overalls before you come in. And then you just behave yourself. We're going to have something nice for supper. Now, don't be too long with your hoeing or with your chores, for supper will be early this evening."
Dorian hoed only ten rows that afternoon for the reason that he sat down to rest and to think at the end of each row. Then he dallied so with his chores that his mother had to call him twice. At last he could find no more excuses between him and the strange company. He went in with much fear and some invisible trembling.