Jim, perspiring, redfaced, and palpably nervous, was
passing on tiptoe through the sitting-room when a quavering voice from
the bedroom brought him to a halt.
"Jim, is that you?"
"Yes, Aunt Abby."
"Who's come?"
Jim's face grew white, then red.
"C-ome?" he stammered.
"Yes, I heard a sleigh and voices. Who is it?"
"Why, jest-jest a man on--on business," he flung over his shoulder, as
he fled through the hall.
Not half an hour later came Ella's turn. In accordance with the sick
woman's orders she had prepared tea, toast, and a boiled egg; but she
had not set the tray on the bed when the old woman turned upon her two
keen eyes.
"Who's in the kitchen, Ella, with Jim?"
Ella started guiltily.
"Why, jest a--a man."
"Who is it?"
Ella hesitated; then, knowing that deceit was useless, she stammered out
the truth.
"Why, er--only Mr. Herrick."
"Not William Herrick, the undertaker!" There was apparently only pleased
surprise in the old woman's voice.
"Yes," nodded Ella feverishly, "he had business out this way, and--and
got snowed up," she explained with some haste.
"Ye don't say," murmured the old woman. "Well, ask him in; I'd like ter
see him."
"Aunt Abby!"--Ella's teeth fairly chattered with dismay.
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