I sat down and began to think it all over again.  Here were all the pretty things I had bought in St. Louis soon to arrive, and the house would be ready to occupy in a few days.  Yet these happy events were clouded for me.  There was real bitterness in my cup now.

CHAPTER XV

The house was done.  My furnishings were delivered.  There were curtains to make, many feminine touches were needed to settle the rooms.  Sarah did all that she could, but Dorothy Clayton had come.  She was just a year younger than I, and of charming appearance and manner.  We had become friends almost at once.  She was with me daily, as we put the house in order for occupancy.  Reverdy thought that Sarah must be apprised of what had happened to Zoe.  She was terribly wounded and distressed.  But she approved of my course in keeping Zoe with me.

On my birthday, June 18th, we had the housewarming.  I gave a party, inviting all the young people from Jacksonville and the country around:  those that I knew and those that I didn’t—­all but Lamborn.  The omission would be notable, but I could not invite him.  The matter was promptly gossiped about.  Lamborn himself was stirred to talk now.  He made the most detestable references to Zoe and me; and I was told of them.  At the party Douglas drew me aside and confided to me that Lamborn was in an ugly rage.

Douglas was quite the life of my party.  He mingled freely with all the company, making himself charming to every one.  He danced with every girl present, and more than once with Dorothy.  His short figure gave him a certain comical appearance.  But he was graceful and adept at the dances.  And his wit and good humor kept every one in high spirits.  Reverdy, too, participated in the joy of the occasion with generous enthusiasm.  Altogether, we were a merry crowd.  I had strengthened my hold upon the affections of the community.  For the time I had forgotten my embarrassing troubles.  They came back to my mind after the guests had departed.  And there was something else to disturb me.  Dorothy had gained more than my passing interest.

Work was now my salvation, and I had plenty to do.  I had learned in this year a vast amount about running a farm; and I was blessed with excellent health.  But meanwhile Zoe!  It was not long before it was certain that she was to bear a child; and it would not be many months or even weeks when she could not walk out or go to town without betraying her secret to the world.  But then what should the explanation be?  Should I tell what I knew?  Should I remain silent?