ely and undetected to her own apartment.

Thankful knocked at his door again.

"I'm sorry," she said, "but Melindy Pease hasn't sent home your mendin'
yet. I'm afraid you'll have to do without your--er--your winter things
for one more day."

"Hey? My winter--Oh, yes, yes. Well, I don't care. It's warmer today
than 'twas yesterday."

"Oh no, it isn't; it's a good deal colder. I hope you won't catch cold."

"No, no, I shan't. I'm feelin' fine."

"Well, thank goodness for that."

"Thank goodness for a good many things," said Mr. Hammond, devoutly.

CHAPTER XIII

If Kenelm noticed that George Washington seemed unusually tired that
morning, or that the old carryall behind the barn had some new scratches
on its sides and wheels, and leaves and pine needles on its cushions and
floor, he did not mention what he saw. For a day or two both Mr. Hammond
and Miss Parker were anxious and fearful, but as nothing was said and
no questions were asked, they began to feel certain that no one save
themselves knew of the elopement which had turned out to be no elopement
at all. For a week Hannah's manner toward her brother was sweetness
itself. She cooked the dishes he liked and permitted him to do as he
pleased without once protesting or "nagging." She had done comparatively
little of the latter since the announcement of the "engagement," but now
she was more considerate and self-sacrificing than ever. If Kenelm was
aware of the change he made no comment upon it, perhaps thinking it good
policy to let well enough alone. Gradually the eloping couple began to
feel that their secret was secure and to cease worrying about it. But
Caleb called no more at the Parker cottage and when he and Hannah met
they bowed, but did not stop to converse.

Miss Timpson's sudden departure from the High Cliff House caused less
talk than Thankful had feared. It happened that the "cousin Sarah" to
whose home Miss Abigail had fled, was seized with an attack of grippe
and this illness was accepted as the cause of the schoolmistress's move.
And Miss Timpson herself kept her word; she told no one of the "warning"
she had received. So Thankful was spared the gossip and questioning
concerning the snoring ghost in the back bedroom. For so much she was
grateful, but she missed the weekly room rent and the weekly board
money. The financial situation was becoming more and more serious for
her, and as yet Solomon Cobb had not made known his decision in th