Charlotte had nearly reached her own home that night when two figures suddenly slunk across the road before her.

She at once recognized Rebecca Thayer as one of them, and called out "Good-evening, Rebecca!" to her.
Rebecca made only a muttered sound in response, and they both disappeared in the darkness.

There was a look of secrecy and flight about it which somehow startled Charlotte, engrossed as she was with her own troubles and her late encounter with Rose.
When she got into the house she spoke of it to her mother.

Cephas had gone to bed, and Sarah was sitting up waiting for her.
"I met Rebecca and William out here," said she, untying her hat, "and I thought they acted real queer." Sarah cast a glance at the bedroom door, which was ajar, and motioned Charlotte to close it.

Charlotte tiptoed across the room and shut the door softly, lest she should awaken her father; then her mother beckoned her to come close, and whispered something in her ear.
Charlotte started, and a great blush flamed out all over her face and neck.