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Miss Timpson, who had started violently when Mrs. Barnes entered, turned toward the latter a face as white, so Thankful described it afterward, "as unbleached muslin." This was not a bad simile, for Miss Timpson's complexion was, owing to her excessive tea-drinking, a decided yellow. Just now it was a very pale yellow. "Who is it?" she gasped. "Oh, it's you, Mrs. Barnes. It IS you, isn't it?"
These rooms ordinarily rented for much more than Miss Timpson had paid for her former apartment, but she had no thought of paying more for them. "Of course I shouldn't expect to get 'em for the same if 'twas summer," she explained to Thankful, "but just now, with 'em standin' empty, I might as well move there as not. I know you'll be glad to have me, won't you, Mrs.
Her experience with Miss Timpson, and the worry caused by the latter's leaving, had had their effect upon her patience. "Mercy sakes!" she exclaimed. "Is that all? I thought the house was afire. I don't know where his flannels are. Why should I? Where'd Melindy put 'em when she brought 'em here?" Imogene chuckled. "I don't think she brought 'em at all," she replied. "She wa'n't here yesterday.
"But WHY are you leavin'?" asked Thankful once more. For the first time Miss Timpson seemed to hesitate. She looked about, as if to make sure that the two were alone; then she leaned forward and whispered in her companion's ear. "Mrs. Barnes," she whispered, "I I didn't mean to tell you. I didn't mean to tell anybody. 'Twas too personal, too sacred a thing to tell.
Heman Daniels was late for dinner also, and when he entered the dining-room there was an air of mystery and importance about him which everyone noticed. Miss Timpson, who seldom permitted reticence to interfere with curiosity, asked him what was the matter. "I do declare, Mr. Daniels," she said, "you look as if you had the cares of the nation on your shoulders tonight.
It came from the little back room I'd made into a study." Thankful's smile faded. She was conscious of a curious prickling at the roots of her black hair. The back bedroom! The room in which Laban Eldredge died! The room in which she herself had heard "I went into that room," continued Miss Timpson. "I don't know how I ever did it, but I did.
Considering her lodger's remarks of the previous evening, those relating to "going when the time came," it is no wonder Thankful was alarmed. But Miss Timpson shook her head. "No," she said, "I don't mean that, not yet, though that'll come next; I feel it coming already. No, Mrs. Barnes, I don't mean that. I mean I'm going away. I can't live here any longer." Thankful collapsed upon a chair.
When she had gone Captain Obed was bombarded with questions. Who was the young lady? Where did she come from? If she was only a cousin, why did she call Mrs. Barnes "Auntie"? And many others. Captain Obed answered as best he could. "She's real pretty, isn't she," affirmed Miss Timpson. "I don't know when I've seen a prettier woman. Such eyes! And such hair! Ah hum!
"But I know, too, that I can't afford to pay for it, so I must get along best I can without it. As for gettin' sick well, I can't afford that, either." At dinner John Kendrick met Mr. Heman Daniels and Miss Timpson and Caleb Hammond. All three were evidently very curious concerning the business which had brought the young man to East Wellmouth, but their curiosity was not satisfied.
But I don't know's I shan't tell you after all; seem's as if I must tell somebody. Mrs. Barnes, I shan't live much longer. I've had a warning." Thankful stared at her. "Rebecca Timpson!" she exclaimed. "Have you gone crazy? What are you talkin' about? A warnin'!" "Yes, a warning. I was warned last night. You you knew I was a twin, didn't you?" "A which?" "A twin.
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