"Well, I don't know what we're a-going to give him," said Barby, looking at her. "There aint much in the pantry besides cold pork and beans, that Philetus and me made our dinner on they wouldn't have it in there, and eat nothing but some pickerel the doctor sent down and cold fish aint good for much."
"None of them left uncooked?"
"Yes, there's a couple he sent a great lot I guess he thought there was more in the family but two aint enough to go round; they're little ones."
"No, but put them down, and I'll make an omelette. Just get the things ready for me, Barby, will you, while I run up to see aunt Lucy. The hens have begun to lay?"
"La, yes Philetus fetches in lots of eggs he loves 'em, I reckon but you aint fit this minute to do a thing but rest, Fleda."
"I'll rest afterwards. Just get the things ready for me,
Barby, and an apron; and the table I'll be down in a minute.
And, Barby, grind some coffee, will you?"
But, as she turned to run upstairs, her uncle stood in her way, and the supper vanished from Fleda's head. His arms were open, and she was silently clasped in them, with so much feeling on both sides, that thought, and well nigh strength, for anything else on her part was gone. His smothered words of deep blessing overcame her. Fleda could do nothing but sob, in distress, till she recollected Barby. Putting her arms round his neck, then she whispered to him that Mr. Carleton was in the other room, and shortly explained how he came to be there, and begged her uncle would go in and see him till supper should be ready. Enforcing this request with a parting kiss on his cheek, she ran off up stairs. Mr. Rossitur looked extremely moody and cloudy for a few minutes, and then went in and joined his guest. Mrs. Rossitur and her daughter could not be induced to show themselves.
Little Rolf, however, had no scruples of any kind. He presently edged himself into the room to see the stranger, whom he no sooner saw than, with a joyous exclamation, he bounded forward to claim an old friend.
"Why, Mr. Carleton," exclaimed Mr. Rossitur, in surprise, "I was not aware that this young gentleman had the honour of your acquaintance."
"But I have," said Rolf.