“Oh, I knew!” she repeated.

“But how did you know?  I never wrote you such a thing, sartin.”

“Of course you didn’t.  But I knew because—­well, just because.  Everyone who takes boarders needs help.  It’s a—­it’s a chronic condition.  Now, Auntie, don’t you think you could find some supper for me?  Not much, but just a little.  For an invalid ordered to the country I am awfully hungry.”

That was enough for Thankful.  She seized her cousin by the arm and hurried her into the dining-room.  A few moments later she reappeared to order Miss Howes’ trunk carried upstairs to the “blue room.”

“You’ll have to excuse me, folks,” she said, addressing her guests.  “I know I didn’t introduce you to Emily.  I was so flustered and—­and tickled to see her that I forgot everything, manners and all.  Soon’s she’s had a bite to eat I’ll try to make up.  You’ll forgive me, won’t you?”

When she had gone Captain Obed was bombarded with questions.  Who was the young lady?  Where did she come from?  If she was only a cousin, why did she call Mrs. Barnes “Auntie”?  And many others.

Captain Obed answered as best he could.

“She’s real pretty, isn’t she,” affirmed Miss Timpson.  “I don’t know when I’ve seen a prettier woman.  Such eyes!  And such hair!  Ah hum!  When I was her age folks used to tell me I had real wonderful hair.  You remember that, don’t you, Mr. Hammond?”

Mr. Hammond chuckled.  “I remember lots of things,” he observed diplomatically.

“You think she’s pretty, don’t you, Mr. Daniels?” persisted Miss Timpson.

East Wellmouth’s legal light bowed assent.  “A—­ahem—­a very striking young lady,” he said with dignity.  He had scarcely taken his eyes from the newcomer while she was in the room.  John Kendrick said nothing.

When Emily and Thankful returned to the living-room there were introductions and handshakings.  And, following these, a general conversation lasting until ten o’clock.  Then Miss Howes excused herself, saying that she was a bit tired, bade them all good night and went to her room.

Captain Obed left soon afterward.

“Well, John,” he said to his friend, as they stood together on the front step, “what do you think of this for a boardin’-house?  All I prophesied, ain’t it?”

Kendrick nodded.  “All that, and more,” he answered, emphatically.

“Like Mrs. Barnes, don’t you?”

“Very much.  No one could help liking her.”

“Um-hm.  Well, I told you that, too.  And her niece—­cousin, I mean—­is just as nice as she is.  You’ll like her, too, when you know her. . . .  Eh?”

“I didn’t speak, Captain.”

“Oh, didn’t you?  Well, it’s high time for me to be headin’ for home.  Hannah’ll be soundin’ the foghorn for me pretty soon.  She’ll think I’ve been tagged by Abbie Larkin if I don’t hurry up and report.  See you in the mornin’, John.  Good night.”