It is true that I did not mean for you or any one here in Orham to learn of my--of our trouble, and if Babbie had not told you so much I probably should never have spoken to you about it.

The poor child's conscience troubled her so last evening that she came crying to me and confessed, and it is because I gathered from her that she had told enough to make you at least guess the truth that I am here now.

I prefer that you should hear the story just as it is from me, rather than imagine something which might be worse.

Don't you see ?" Jed saw, but he was still very much perturbed.
"Now, now, Mrs.Armstrong," he begged, "don't tell me anything, please don't.

I laid awake about all night thinkin' what I'd ought to do, whether I'd ought to tell you what Babbie said, or just not trouble you at all and try to forget I ever heard it.