Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/304

 such a throng! I suppose in the direction o' the settlement the turn o' the road hath hidden them till now!"

Mistress Williams gave a nervous shudder. "Say ye so—they do come?" she exclaimed, in a high-pitched voice which showed the strain she had been enduring. "Is't that late already?" And her glance traveled distastefully to the corner clock.

"Yet were ye wishing the vendue well o'er!" John Alling laughed softly at her inconsistence, trying to cheer her. He turned as Joseph Hedden entered the kitchen.

"Good-morrow, all," said Master Hedden cheerfully. He advanced and took the cold hand Mistress Williams tremulously extended to him. "What!" he exclaimed, keen eyes upon hers. "Not fretting, mistress, I hope! Tut! Tut!" He clucked his tongue chidingly. "After what I did tell ye?"

"I know," she answered, coloring faintly. "Yet suppose"

"Suppose naught!" returned Master Hedden roundly. "Ye ha' many friends out yon, madam!"

"E'en what I was telling her!" interrupted John Alling reassuringly.

"Ye all be good to me!" said Mistress Williams simply. She gave a quick, labored sigh. "And truly will I try—not to fret!" Her voice died away upon the last three words and only Sally, who stood