Page:Further Chronicles of Avonlea (1920).djvu/92

64 have thought something of her, after all, when he sent her that teapot and letter. And what does he mean about the ‘day they had such a good time’? Well, it just means that she’s been to see him before, sometime, I suppose, and kept me in ignorance of it all.”

Mrs. Spencer shut down the pantry window with a vicious thud.

“If only she’ll come quietly back with Frank in time to prevent gossip I'll forgive her,” she said, as she turned to the kitchen.

Rachel was sitting on her father’s knee, with both her white arms around his neck, when Frank came in. She sprang up, her face flushed and appealing, her eyes bright and dewy with tears. Frank thought he had never seen her look so lovely.

“Oh, Frank, is it very late? Oh, are you angry?’ she exclaimed timidly.

“No, no, dear. Of course I’m not angry. But don’t you think you’d better come back now? It’s nearly eight and everybody is waiting.”

“I’ve been trying to coax father to come up and see me married,” said Rachel. “Help me, Frank.”

“You'd better come, sir,” said Frank heartily, “I’d like it as much as Rachel would.”

David Spencer shook his head stubbornly.

“No, I can’t go to that house. I was locked out of it. Never mind me. I’ve had my happiness in