ut Cousin Ann."

"So we are! So we are! I have been talking to Big Josh lately about
it. Quite a problem! Big Josh does nothing but talk and laugh and we
never get anywhere. However, we are going to have a gathering of the
clan to-morrow in Ryeville and I shall bring up the subject."

"Well, don't let them persuade you to give up our trip just to have
old Cousin Ann have a place to visit. We've had more than our share of
her already. If she had a spark of delicacy she would go now and not
wait until we are all upset with packing and all. I know you have not
told her that we are going abroad, but you know she snoops around
enough to have heard us talking. I bet she knows what our plans are as
well as we know ourselves."

Mildred was right. Miss Ann did know the plans of her host and
hostess. With windows and doors wide open and a whole family freely
discussing their trip, it would have been difficult for one who
retained the sense of hearing not to be aware that something was
afoot. Miss Ann had heard and had determined to move on, but to which
relation should she go? The faithful Billy was called in
consultation.

"Billy, you have heard?"

"Yes, Miss Ann, I done hearn. I couldn't help a hearin' with niggers
as full of it as whites."

"I wonder why they did not talk openly to me of their plans."

"Well, I reckon they's kinder shy, kase me'n you's a visitin'. I 'low
we's gotter move on, Miss Ann." The old man's face was drawn with woe.
"I kinder felt it a bad sign when Marse Jeff Bucknor up'n took hisse'f
off to Lou'ville, an' now this talk 'bout the fambly a goin' ter
furren parts an' a shuttin' up Buck Hill. Th'ain't no good gonter come
of it--but howsomever we's gotter pack up an' leave."

"But where are we going, Billy? Cousin Big Josh--"

"Lawsamussy, Miss Ann, please don't mention that there domercile! Our
ca'ige ain't good fer that trip. That lane would be the endin' er
us-all. Don't you reckon we'd better rise an' shine to-morrow?"

"Yes, Billy, but where? There's Cousin Little Josh and Cousin Sue and
Cousin Tom and Philip Throckmorton and Cousin David's oldest daughter,
whose married name has escaped me, but she is living in Jefferson
County. Could the horses go so far?"

"Miss Ann, I ain't so sho' 'bout the ca'ige, but I reckon if you don't
hurry Cupid an' Puck none they's got a lot er go in them yet. I hear
tell Miss Milly an' the two young ladies air a' contemplatin' a trip
in ter Lou'ville in th