'Can't you tell me ?' Emily shook her head.

Her mother relapsed into thoughtfulness, and they finished their meal with little conversation.

Mrs.Heed was just rising from the table, when there was a sound of some one opening the gate before the house; she looked to the window, and at once uttered an exclamation of astonishment.
'Well! If that isn't--! He hasn't altered a bit all these years!' 'Who is it, mother ?' Emily asked nervously.
'Why, my dear, it's that man Cheeseman! The very idea of his coming here! Now, mark my words, he's come to ask for that money back again, or for some of it, at all events.

It was just showing off, pretending to pay it back; exactly like him! But if your father's foolish enough to do anything of the kind--There, he's knocking.

I hoped never to see his face again as long as I lived; how ever he can have the impudence to come! I suppose I must let him in; but I'm sure I shan't offer him any dinner.' Emily had risen from her chair, and was trembling with excitement.
'Oh yes, mother,' she cried, with a joy which astonished Mrs.Heed, 'we must behave kindly to him.