We ought to have started sooner, but it's nobody's fault more'n mine that we didn't." However, when the High Cliff House was reached its proprietor found that her fears were groundless.

But a few of the boarders had planned to eat their evening meal there; most of the city contingent were stopping at various teahouses and restaurants in Ostable or along the road and would not be home until late.
"Everything's fine, ma'am," declared Imogene.

"There was only three or four here for supper and I fixed them all right.

Mr.Hammond came in late, but I fed him up and he's gone to bed.

Tired out, I guess.