"Goin' to get her married right off ?" she asked, with a confidential smile.
Barney ignored her.

"I guess it's the best way to do," he said, sternly, to William; and William nodded.
"Well, I guess 'tis the best way," Mrs.Sloane said, with cheerful assent.

"I don't b'lieve you could hire her to come out of that room an' go to the minister's, nohow.

She's terrible upset, poor thing." As Barney went out of the door he cast a look full of involuntary suspicion back at William, and hesitated a second on the threshold.
Mrs.Sloane intercepted the look.

"I'll look out he don't run away while you're gone," she said; then she laughed.
William's white face flamed up suddenly, but he made no reply.