"I guess you know he went t' O'Rourke's an' give that M'Ginnis the
thrashin' of his dirty life?" said Mrs. Trapes rather hastily. "Nigh
killed the loafer, Spider Connolly told me."

"He's so strong," said Hermione softly, her eyes shining. "But, Ann,
what did you mean about--about toothbrushes and socks?"

"Mean? Why, socks an' toothbrushes, o' course. An' my land! here's me
guzzlin' tea, an' over in my kitchen th' finest shin o' beef you ever
saw a-b'ilin' f'r his supper. But now the question as burns is, if a
married man this night, will he be here t' eat? An' if him--then you?
An' if man an' wife suppin' in my parlour--where will ye sleep?"

"I--oh, Ann--I don't know. His letter just said that when I came home it
would be our--wedding night!"

"Why, then it sure will be. An' f'r a weddin' supper, y' couldn't have
nothin' better 'n shin o' beef. I'll go an' watch over that stoo with
care unfailin', my dear; believe me, that stoo's goin' t' be a stoo as
is a stoo! What, half after five? Land sakes, how time flies!"




CHAPTER XXIX

IN WHICH HERMIONE MAKES A FATEFUL DECISION