CHAPTER XXVIII

WHICH SHOULD HAVE RELATED DETAILS OF A WEDDING


"It's all very, very wonderful, Ann, dear! But then--everything is so
wonderful--just lately!"

"Meanin' what, Hermy?"

Hermione was darning one of Spike's much-mended socks, while Mrs. Trapes
sat drinking tea. "Meanin' jest what is wonderful, my dear, and--since
when?" she persisted.

"Oh--everything, Ann!"

"Yes, you said everything before. S'pose you tell me jest the one thing
as you find so wonderful? An'--why an' wherefore that blush?"

"Oh, Ann--Ann, dear!" Down went sock and needle and, falling on her
knees, Hermione clasped her arms about Mrs. Trapes and hid her glowing
face in her lap. "Ann, dear, I'm so happy!" she sighed--her speech a
little muffled by reason of the voluminous folds of Mrs. Trapes's snowy
apron.

"Happy?" said Mrs. Trapes, setting down her teacup to fondle and stroke
that shapely head, "sich happiness ain't all because of the rent bein'
re-dooced, by order, I reckon--is it?"

"Dear Ann," said Hermione, her face still hidden, "can't you guess?"