CHAPTER V. THE RUMOURS OF THE VALLEY
“ Miss Thorne,” said Hepsey, from the doorway of Ruth's room, “that feller's here again.” There was an unconscious emphasis on the last word, and Ruth herself was somewhat surprised, for she had not expected another call so soon.
“ He's a-settin' 'n in the parlour,” continued Hepsey, “when he ain't a-walkin' around it and wearin' out the carpet. I didn't come up when he first come, on account of my pie crust bein' all ready to put in the oven.”
“ How long has he been here?” asked Ruth, dabbing a bit of powder on her nose and selecting a fresh collar.
“ Oh, p'raps half an hour.”
“ That isn't right, Hepsey; when anyone comes you must tell me immediately. Never mind the pie crust next time.” Ruth endeavoured to speak kindly, but she was irritat
