But the expression of Susan's face made her catch her breath.

"For the Lord's sake!" she ejaculated.

"She ain't married _you!_" "Why not ?" demanded Jeb.

"Ain't this a free country?
Ain't I as good as anybody ?" Keziah blew out her breath in a great gust and seated herself on the tattered calico cover of the sofa.

Susan grew deathly white.
Her hands trembled.