her last one. She brushed off tables, set chairs to rights, and tried the golden-brown cup-cake with a straw to see if it were done. Her visitor positively writhed with curiosity and discomfiture. Finally she began again. "Margar't only had one child, did n't she?"
"Yes, that was all."
"Pore little lamb. Motherless childern has a hard time of it."
"Indeed, most of 'em do."
"Do you know what's become of the child, Miss Hester?"
"Yes, I do, Sallie Martin, an' you do too, or you would n't be a-settin' there beatin' about the bush, askin' me all these questions."
This sudden outburst gave Mrs. Martin quite a turn, but she exclaimed, "I declare to goodness, Miss Hester, I ain't heerd a livin' thing about it, only—
She checked herself, but her relentless hostess caught at the word and demanded, "Only what, Mis' Martin?"
"Well, I seen Brother 'Liphalet Hodges takin' him away from here in his buggy—"
"An' so you come down to see what was what, eh, so 's you could be the first to tell the neighbourhood?"
"Now, Miss Hester, you know that I
4
