“Oh,” she said, “that’s how you feel, is it?  Well, if I felt that way toward anybody I don’t think I’d be plannin’ to marry ’em.”

“Ugh!  What’s the use of talkin’ rubbish?  I’ve got to marry her, ain’t I?  She’s got that paper I was fool enough to sign.  Oh, let me alone, Hannah!  I won’t go over there till I have to.  I’d ruther stay to home enough sight.”

Hannah put her arms about his neck.  “There, there, Kenelm, dearie,” she said soothingly, “you eat your breakfast like a nice brother.  I’ll be good to you, if nobody else ain’t.  And I didn’t have to sign any paper afore I’d do it either.”

Kenelm grunted ungraciously.

“’Twas your fault, anyhow,” he muttered.  “If you hadn’t bossed me and driven me into workin’ for Thankful Barnes ’twouldn’t have happened.  I wouldn’t have thought of gettin’ engaged to be married.”

“Never mind, dearie.  You ain’t married yet.  Perhaps you won’t be.  And, anyhow, you know I’ll never boss you any more.”

Kenelm looked at her.  There was an odd expression in his eyes.

“You bet you won’t!” he said, slowly.  “I’ll see to that.”

“Why, Kenelm, what do you mean?”

“I don’t mean nothin’—­maybe.  Give me some more coffee.”

Captain Obed decided that the present was not the time to suggest a trip to the High Cliff House.  He went out again, to walk along the path and think over what he had just heard.  It was interesting, as showing the attitude of one of the contracting parties toward the “engagement,” the announcement of which had been such a staggering finish to the “big day” of the County Fair.

Winnie S. came whistling up the path from the village.

“Hi, Cap’n Bangs!” he shouted.  “I was just goin’ to stop at Hannah’s to tell you somethin’.”

“You was, eh?”

“Yup.  Then I was goin’ on to the High Cliff.  I’ve got somethin’ to take to Mrs. Thankful.  What do you suppose ’tis?”

He exhibited the long envelope.

“John Kendrick sent it to her,” he said.  “I don’t know what’s in it.  And he wants you to come to his office right off, Cap’n Obed.  That’s what I was goin’ to tell you.  He says not to wait till afternoon, same as he said, but to come now.  It’s important, he says.”

John was seated at the desk in his office when the captain opened the door.  He bowed gravely.

“Take off your hat and coat, Captain,” he said.  “Sit down.  I’m glad you got my message and came early.  I am expecting the other party at any moment.”

Captain Obed was puzzled.

“The other party?” he repeated.  “What other party?”

“My—­er—­well, we’ll call him my client.  He is on his way here and I may need you—­as a witness.”

“Witness?  What to?”

“You will see.  Now, Captain, if you’ll excuse me, I have some papers to arrange.  Make yourself as comfortable as you can.  I’m sure you won’t have to wait long.”