As she vouchsafed no reply and the ticking of the clock beat out an embarrassing silence, he presently continued:
"I don't want you should think I told you this, Marcia, with any unfriendly motive. It's only that those of us who've seen you marry one worthless villain don't want you should marry another. Jason was a low down cuss. You know that well's I."
The woman raised her hand to check him.
"I'm aware 'tain't pleasant to hear me say so out loud, but it's God's truth. Every man an' woman in Wilton knows 'tis. Folks is fond of you, Marcia. We don't want you made miserable a second time."
"Marcia!" Sylvia burst out. "Marcia!"
"Hush, dear. We'll talk of this later. Elisha, I think I must ask you and Eleazer to go now. I will let you know when Mr. Heath is able to take up this affair with you."
"You ain't goin' to tell me where the jewels are?"
"I don't know where they are."
"Nor nothin' 'bout—'bout the telegram."