"
As Westerfelt walked on, overwhelmed with jealous rage, he heard her in
the same tone ask Jennie Wynn to send Frank after her basket.
Westerfelt edged his way through the crowd to Mrs. Bradley and Mrs.
Dawson.
"Why," said Mrs. Bradley, "I 'lowed you'd go off an' eat with some o'
yore young friends. But we are glad you come."
"I never go back on home folks," he said, making an effort to speak
lightly.
"Well, I fetched enough fer a dozen field-hands," laughed Mrs. Bradley.
"Two young preachers have promised to eat with me; that's all I've
axed. Luke, you go bring Brother Jones an' his friend, an' wait fer us
out at the wagon."
"Why cayn't we fetch the dinner in heer an' not have to sit on the damp
ground?" suggested Bradley.
"Beca'se, gumption! they won't have us greasin' up the benches that
folks set on in the'r best duds," she retorted. "Besides, the pine
straw will keep us off'n the ground, ef you ain't too lazy to rake it
up."
Just then Harriet and her friends passed, and Westerfelt saw the girl
looking inquiringly at Mrs. Dawson. He heard the old woman grunt
contemptuously, and saw her toss her head and fiercely eye Harriet from
head to foot as she went down the aisle.
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