ter--he
was a stranger in town--was walkin' up and down the aisles tryin' to
influence the mourners to come forward. He crept up on Kenelm from
behind, when he wa'n't expected, and says he, 'Brother,' he says, 'do
you love the Lord?' Kenelm was some took by surprise and his wits was
in the next county, I cal'late. 'Why--why--' he stammers. 'I ain't got
nothin' AG'IN' Him.' Ho! ho! That's the way I feel about Darius Holt.
I don't love his hotel, but I ain't got nothin' ag'in' him. What do you
say?"

Kendrick hesitated.

"The Holt board is cheaper, isn't it?" he asked.

"Yup. It costs less and it's wuth it."

"Humph! Well--well, I guess we may as well go back to the High Cliff
House."

Captain Obed was much surprised, but he said nothing.

At dinner there was a sprightly air of cheerfulness and desire to please
among the boarders. Everyone talked a good deal and most of the remarks
were addressed to Miss Howes, who sat at the foot of the table, opposite
her cousin. Thankful noticed the change and marveled at it. Dinners had
hitherto been rather hurried and silent affairs. Miss Timpson usually
rushed through the meal in order to get back to her school. Mr. Daniels'
habit was to fidget when Imogene delayed serving a course, to look at
his watch and hint concerning important legal business which needed
prompt attention. Caleb Hammond's conversation too often was confined
to a range bordered by rheumatism on the one hand and bronchitis on the
other.

Now all this was changed. No one seemed in a hurry, no one appeared
to care what the time might be, and no one grumbled. Mr. Daniels was
particularly affable and gracious; he even condescended to joke. He was
wearing his best and newest suit and his tie was carefully arranged.
Emily was in high spirits, laughed at the jokes, whether they were new
or old, and seemed to be very happy. She had been for a walk along the
bluff, and the sea breeze had crimsoned her cheeks and blown her hair
about. She apologized for the disarrangement of the hair, but even
Miss Timpson--her own tresses as smooth as the back of a haircloth
sofa--declared the effect to be "real becomin'." Heman Daniels, who,
being a bachelor, was reported to be very particular in such matters,
heartily concurred in this statement. Mr. Hammond said it reminded him
some of Laviny Marthy's hair. "Laviny Marthy was my wife that was," he
added, by way of explanation. John Kendrick said very little; in fact,
he was n