Imogene followed her and the others followed Imogene.

As Thankful said, describing her own feelings, "I couldn't have stayed behind if I wanted to.

My feet had curiosity enough to go by themselves." Kenelm, who had been sitting by the kitchen table before a well-filled plate, had heard his sister's approach and had risen.

When Mrs.Barnes and the others reached the kitchen he had backed into a corner.
"Kenelm Parker," demanded Hannah, "what are you doin' here, this time of night ?" "I--I been eatin' supper," stammered Kenelm, "but I--I'm through now." "Through! Didn't you know your supper was waitin' for you at home?
Didn't I tell you to come home early and have MY supper ready?
Didn't--" Imogene interrupted.

"I guess you did, ma'am," she said, "but you see I asked him to stay here, so he stayed." "YOU asked him! And he stayed! Well, I must say! Kenelm, have you been eatin' supper alone with that--with that--" She was too greatly agitated to finish, but as Kenelm did not answer, Imogene did, without waiting.
"Yes'm," she said, soothingly.