When I had led the horse round to the gate, Bob and the old man came out talking in easy good-humor.
"Your mother is mightily tickled," said Old Master. "She thinks you have drawn a prize. And so do I. She's a charming young woman, sir. But you have said nothing as to when the wedding is to take place."
Bob had put his foot in the stirrup to mount, but he took it out and stood there irresolute, as if he knew not what to do or say.
"You haven't said a word as to the time set for the marriage," Old Master repeated.
"No, sir. She is to wait—wait until I come home."
A dark shadow fell upon the old man's face, and without another word, he wheeled about and strode into the yard.
Old Miss came to the door and commanded me to bring a stick of wood to mend the parlor fire. When I went in with a log on my shoulder, I found Titine sitting by the fire, trying to amuse the little girl.
"Get out of the way, Jessie," she cried. "Dan, let me help you ease it down."
I was strong enough to have tossed the log in the air but I told her yes, and I caught at her hand as she stood close to lend her aid. She laughed and stepping back declared that I might help myself. I put the log into the fire-place and stood on the hearth to brush my coat.