When her uncle died, we talked a little about puttin' of it off, but she thought 'twas a bad sign.

So it seemed best for her to get married without any fuss at all about it.

An' I thought if I had a little company to tea, it would do as well as a weddin'." Mrs.Maxwell's old black eyes travelled slowly and unflinchingly around the company, resting on each in turn as if she had with each a bout of single combat.

The other women's eyes were full of scared questionings as they met hers.
"They got off in the three-o'clock train," remarked the minister's wife, trying to speak easily.
"That was the one they'd talked of," said Mrs.Maxwell calmly.

"Now I guess I shall have to leave you ladies to entertain each other a few minutes." When Mrs.Maxwell had left the room, the ladies stared at each other.
"Do you s'pose she didn't know about it ?" whispered Mrs.Lowe.
"I don't know," whispered the minister's wife.