And Captain Sam knew that
the key was not really lost. Jed's satisfaction in the fact that
he had escaped tenantless so far was nullified by the fear that his
freedom was but temporary.
He cooked his dinner, but ate little. After washing the dishes he
crossed the road to the telephone and telegraph office and called
up the Orham Bank. He meant to get Captain Hunniwell on the wire,
tell him that the house hunters had paid him a visit, that he did
not like them, and beg the captain to call them off the scent. But
Captain Sam had motored to Ostable to attend a preliminary session
of the Exemption Board. Jed sauntered gloomily back to the shop.
When he opened the door and entered he was greeted by a familiar
voice, which said:
"Here he is, Mamma. Good afternoon, Mr. Winslow."
Jed started, turned, and found Miss Barbara Armstrong beaming up at
him. The young lady's attire and general appearance were in marked
contrast to those of the previous evening. Petunia also was in
calling costume; save for the trifling lack of one eye and a chip
from the end of her nose, she would have been an ornament to doll
society anywhere.
"This is my mamma," announced Barbara. "She's come to see you."
"How do you do, Mr. Winslow?" said Mrs. Armstrong.
Jed looked up to find her standing beside him, her hand extended.
Beside a general impression that she was young and that her gown
and hat and shoes were white, he was at that moment too greatly
embarrassed to notice much concerning her appearance.
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