That's the best of it, after
all, ain't it?"
Jed's reply was almost a groan, but his friend did not notice. He
put on his overcoat and turned to go.
"So, there you are," he said. "I had to talk to somebody, had to
get it off my chest, and, as I just said, it seems to be easier to
talk such things to you than anybody else. Now if any of the town
gas engines--Gab Bearse or anybody else--comes cruisin' in here
heavin' overboard questions about how I like the notion of Maud and
Charlie takin' up with each other, you can tell 'em I'm tickled to
death. That won't be all lie, neither. I can't say I'm happy,
exactly, but Maud is and I'm goin' to make-believe be, for her
sake. So long."
He went out. Jed put his elbows on the workbench and covered his
face with his hands. He was still in that position when Ruth
Armstrong came in. He rose hastily, but she motioned him to sit
again.
"Jed," she said, "Captain Hunniwell was just here with you; I saw
him go. Tell me, what was he talking about?"
Jed was confused. "Why--why, Mrs. Ruth," he stammered, "he was
just talkin' about--about a note he'd been collectin', and--and
such."
"Wasn't he speaking of his daughter--and--and my brother?"
This time Jed actually gasped. Ruth drew a long breath. "I knew
it," she said.
"But--but, for mercy sakes, HOW did you know? Did he--?"
"No, he didn't see me at all.
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