There was an odd smile on his face.

"Whatever d'you think he wanted ?" he whispered mysteriously.

And as she said nothing, he went on, "He's asked me for the loan of a Bible!" "Well, I don't see anything so out of the way in that," she said hastily, "'specially if he don't feel well.

I'll take it up to him." And then going to a small table which stood between the two windows, Mrs.Bunting took off it a large Bible, which had been given to her as a wedding present by a married lady with whose mother she had lived for several years.
"He said it would do quite well when you take up his supper," said Bunting; and, then, "Ellen?
He's a queer-looking cove--not like any gentleman I ever had to do with." "He is a gentleman," said Mrs.Bunting rather fiercely.
"Oh, yes, that's all right." But still he looked at her doubtfully.
"I asked him if he'd like me to just put away his clothes.

But, Ellen, he said he hadn't got any clothes!" "No more he hasn't;" she spoke quickly, defensively.