But he made it a practice to assert his independence at frequent intervals, although, as a matter of fact, he would no more have dreamed of really leaving than his friends and employers would of discharging him.

Mr.Chase was as permanent a fixture in that house as the ship's chronometer in the dining-room; and that was screwed to the wall.
And, in spite of his grumbling, he and Mary-'Gusta were rapidly becoming fast friends.

Shadrach and Zoeth also were beginning to enjoy her company, her unexpected questions, her interest in the house and the store, and shrewd, old-fashioned comments on persons and things.

She was a "queer young-one"; they, like the people of Ostable, agreed on that point, but Mr.Hamilton was inclined to think her ways "sort of takin'" and the Captain admitted that maybe they were.

What he would not admit was that the girl's visit, although already prolonged for a fortnight, was anything but a visit.
"I presume likely," hinted Zoeth, "you and me'll have to give the Judge some sort of an answer pretty soon, won't we?
He'll be wantin' to know afore long." "Know?
Know what ?" "Why--why whether we're goin' to say yes or no to what Marcellus asked us in that letter." "He does know.