Neither did she say a word about how long a time he had given her to pay him his price for it.

All that was her own private affair, and none of Ham's business, or Miranda's.

Still, it might have had its importance in their minds, if they had been informed of it.
Perhaps, too, some of their rosy impressions might have been a little modified if they could have been at the breakfast-table of the Hart homestead the morning after Annie Foster's sudden departure.
The table, truly, was there, as usual, with the breakfast-things on it, and there were husband and wife at either end; but the two side seats were vacant.
"Where are Joe and Foster, Maria ?" asked Mr.Hart.
"I'm sure they're up, father.

I heard them come down stairs an hour ago." "I can't wait for them"-- "You came home late last night, and they haven't seen you since Annie went away." There had been a suppressed sound of whispers in the entry, and the door had been held open about half an inch by some hand on the other side.

It is possible, therefore, that Mr.Hart's reply was heard outside.
"Oh, I see! it's about Annie.