“Why, it’s Mrs. Church,” said Nibletts. “He’s nowhere to be found,” he shouted, before she reached them.
“He?” said the widow, slowly. “Who?”
“Cap’n Barber,” replied the mariner.
“Oh, indeed,” she said, politely. “Good evening, Mrs. Banks.”
Mrs. Banks returned the courtesy. “It looks as though Cap’n Barber has run away,” she said, with attempted jocularity.
Mrs. Church smiled a superior smile. “He is not far off,” she said, quietly.
“Resting, I suppose,” said Mrs. Banks, with intent.
Mrs. Church took higher ground. “Of course this sad affair has upset him terribly,” she said, gravely. “His is a faithful nature, and he can’t forget. How is Miss Banks bearing up?”
Mrs. Banks, looking up suspiciously, said, “Wonderful, considering,” and relapsed into silence until such time as her foe should give her an opening. Mrs. Church took a seat by her side, and Nibletts, with a feeling of something strained in the atmosphere, for which he could not account, resumed his walk.
He was nearly up to Captain Barber’s house when he saw a figure come out of the lane by the side, and after glancing furtively in all directions make silently for the door. The watching Nibletts quickening his pace, reached it at almost the same moment.