As for tellin' anybody her brother's engaged, you needn't worry about that.

She'll be the last one to tell." This prophecy seemed likely to prove true.

The next time Thankful met Hannah the latter greeted her like a long-lost friend.

During a long conversation she mentioned the subject of her brother's engagement but once and then at the very end of the interview.
"Oh, by the way, Mrs.Thankful," she said, "I do beg your pardon for carryin' on the way I did at your house t'other night.

The news was pitched out at me so sudden that I was blowed right off my feet, as you might say.