“How about that widow woman over to Bayport?”

“Well, I did think he was goin’ to cast anchor there, but he ain’t, up to now.  That widow’s wuth a lot of money—­her husband owned any quantity of cranberry bog property—­and all hands cal’lated Heman had his eye on it.  Maybe he and the widow would have signed articles only for Miss Howes heavin’ in sight.”

“Well, I suppose he’s a good man; I never heard a word against him that way.  And he’s a risin’ lawyer—­”

“Yes—­or riz.”

“Yes.  But—­but I somehow wouldn’t want Emily to marry him.”

Captain Obed agreed heartily.  “Neither would I,” he declared.  Then, after a moment, he added:  “Hasn’t it seemed to you that John Kendrick was kind of—­well, kind of headin’ up towards—­towards—­”

“Yes.  Ye-es, I have thought so.  I joke Emily a little about him sometimes.”

“So do I, John.  How do you think she”—­with a jerk of the head toward the living-room—­“feels—­er—­that way?”

“I don’t know.  She likes him, I’m sure of that.  But, so fur as I know, there’s no understandin’ between them.  And, anyhow, John couldn’t think of gettin’ married, not for a long spell.  He hasn’t got any money.”

“No, not yet he ain’t, but he will have some day, or I miss my guess.  He’s gettin’ more popular on the Cape all the time, and popular in the right places, too.  Why, the last time I was in South Denboro Cap’n Elisha Warren spoke to me about him, and if Cap’n ’Lisha gets interested in a young feller it means a lot.  ’Lisha’s got a lot of influence.”

“You say you joke with John about Emily.  How’s he take the jokes?”

“Oh, he takes ’em all right.  You can’t get him mad by teasin’ him, ’cause he won’t tease.  He generally comes right back at me about—­er—­that is—­”

“About what?”

“Oh—­nothin’.  Just nonsense, that’s all.  Well, I cal’late I’d better be goin’ if I want to fetch the postoffice afore it’s shut up.”

But he was destined not to “fetch” the postoffice that night.  He had risen to go when the dining-room door opened and Emily appeared.  Her face was flushed, and she seemed excited and angry.

“Auntie,” she said, sharply, “Auntie, will you come into the living-room a moment.  I want you to hear what that—­what Mr. Daniels says.  Don’t stop to talk.  Come!  Captain Bangs, you may come, too.  You are—­are his friend and you should hear it.”

Surprised and puzzled, Thankful and the captain followed her through the dining-room to the living-room.  There they found Heman Daniels, standing by the center table, looking embarrassed and uncomfortable.

“Now, Mr. Daniels,” said Emily, “I want you to tell my cousin and Captain Bangs just what you have told me.  It’s not true—­I know it’s not true, and I want them to be able to contradict such a story.  Tell them.”

Heman fidgeted with the paper-cutter on the table.