Page:Further Chronicles of Avonlea (1920).djvu/196

166 pretty pair. He’s not so ill-looking for a man, Thyra.”

“I am not a very patient woman, August,” said Thyra coldly. “I have asked you what you mean, and I want a straight answer. Is Chester down at Tom Blair’s while I have been sitting here, alone, waiting for him?”

August nodded. He saw that it would not be wise to trifle longer with Thyra.

“That he is. I was there before I came here. He and Damaris were sitting in a corner by themselves, and very well-satisfied they seemed to be with each other. Tut, tut, Thyra, don't take the news so. I thought you knew. It’s no secret that Chester has been going after Damaris ever since she came here. But what then? You can’t tie him to your apron strings forever, woman. He’ll be finding a mate for himself, as he should. Seeing that he’s straight and well-shaped, no doubt Damaris will look with favor on him. Old Martha Blair declares the girl loves him better than her eyes.”

Thyra made a sound like a strangled moan in the middle of August’s speech. She heard the rest of it inmovably. When it came to an end she stood up and looked down upon him in a way that silenced him.

“You've told the news you came to tell, and