Emarine was silent, and did not turn.
"Cut you, Emarine? Why don't you answer me? Aigh?"
"A little," said Emarine. She went into the pantry, and presently returned with a narrow strip of muslin which she wound around her finger.
"Well, I never see! You never will learn any gumption! Why don't you look what you're about? Now, go around Christmas with your finger all tied up!"
"Oh, that'll be all right by to-morrow," said Mrs. Eliot, cheerfully. "Won't it, Emarine? Never cry over spilt milk, Mrs. Endey; it makes a body get wrinkles too fast. O' course Orville's mother's comin' to take dinner with you, Emarine."
"Dear me!" exclaimed Emarine, in a sudden flutter. "I don't see why them cranberries don't come! I told Orville to hurry 'em up. I'd best make the floatin' island while I wait."
"I stopped at Orville's mother's as I come along, Emarine."
"How?" Emarine turned in a startled way from the table.
"I say I stopped at Orville's mother's as I come along."
"Oh!"