Henry was his especial care.  That pig, now a plump and somnolent porker, was Georgie’s especial favorite.  It was past “hog-killing time” in East Wellmouth, but Thankful had given up the idea of turning Patrick Henry into spare ribs and lard, at least until her lively young relative’s visit was at an end.  That end was what Georgie feared.  He did not want to go home.  Certainly Thankful did not want him to go, and she and Captain Obed—­the latter’s fondness for his “second mate” stronger than ever—­wrote to Miss Howes, begging her to use her influence with the family to the end that Georgie’s visit might be prolonged until after Christmas, at any rate.

And in Emily’s reply, the letter which Kenelm brought from the postoffice that morning, the permission was granted.  Georgie might stay until New Year’s Day.

Then [wrote Emily], he must come back with me.  Yes, with me; for, you see, I am going to keep my word.  I am coming to spend my Christmas vacation with you, just as I said I should if it were possible.  There! aren’t you glad?  I know you are, for you must be so lonely, although one not knowing you as well as I do would never guess it from your letters.  You always write that all is well, but I know.  By the way, are there any developments in the matter of the loan from Mr. Cobb?  I am very glad the renewal of the mortgage is to be all right, but I think he should do more than that.  And have you been troubled in the other affair, that of your neighbor?  You have not mentioned it—­but have you?

Thankful had not been troubled in the “other affair.”  That is to say, she had not been troubled by E. Holliday Kendrick or his attorney.  No move had been made, at least so far as anyone could learn, in the project of forcing her to sell out, and Heman Daniels declared that none would be made.  “It is one thing to boast,” said Mr. Daniels, “and another to make good.  My—­ahem—­er—­professional rival is beginning to realize, I think, that he has in this case bitten off more than he can—­er—­so to speak, chew.  That young man has succeeded in ruining himself in this community and that is all he has succeeded in.”

John said nothing.  At his new boarding-place, Darius Holt’s, he answered no questions concerning his plans, and was silent and non-communicative.  He kept to himself and made no effort to regain his lost popularity or to excuse his action.  Thankful saw him but seldom and even Captain Obed no longer mentioned John’s name unless it was mentioned to him.  Then he discussed the subject with a scornful sniff and the stubborn declaration that there was a mistake somewhere which would some day be explained.  But his confidence was shaken, that was plain, and his optimism assumed.  He and Mrs. Barnes avoided discussion of John Kendrick and his affairs.

Thankful read and reread the letter from Emily Howes.  The news it contained was so good that she forgot entirely the fact that there was another envelope in the mail.  Only when, as she sprang to her feet to rush out into the yard and tell Georgie that his plea for an extension of his visit was granted, was her attention called to this second letter.  It fell from her lap to the floor and she stooped and picked it up.