“He was once going to marry me,” she said. “And he went away and he never came back.”
“’Speck he met someone he liked better an’ married her,” suggested William cheerfully.
“I expect he did,” said Miss Tabitha.
He surveyed her critically.
“Perhaps he didn’t like your hair not being curly,” he proceeded. “Some don’t. My brother Robert he says if a girl’s hair doesn’t curl she oughter curl it. P’raps you didn’t curl it.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“My sister Ethel does, but she gets mad if I tell folks, an’ she gets mad when I use her old things for makin’ holes in apples and cardboard an’ things. She’s an awful fuss,” he ended contemptuously.
“YOU’LL BE TREATED BADLY BY A FAIR WOMAN,” SHE
SAID. WILLIAM AGREED GLOOMILY. “THAT’LL BE
ETHEL,” HE SAID.
When he got home he stood transfixed on the dining-room threshold, his mouth open, his eyes wide.