Minty Brown downstairs had heard the little colloquy, and, perceiving
that something was amiss, had come to the stairs to listen. Now her
voice, striving hard to be condescending and sweet, but growing harsh
with anger, floated up from below:

"Oh, nevah min', lady, I ain't anxious to see 'em. I jest called out o'
pity, but I reckon dey 'shamed to see me 'cause de ol' man 's in
penitentiary an' dey was run out o' town."

Mrs. Jones gasped, and then turned and went hastily downstairs.

Kit burst out crying afresh, and Joe walked the floor muttering beneath
his breath, while the mother sat grimly watching the outcome. Finally
they heard Mrs. Jones' step once more on the stairs. She came in without
knocking, and her manner was distinctly unpleasant.

"Mis' Hamilton," she said, "I 've had a talk with the lady downstairs,
an' she 's tol' me everything. I 'd be glad if you 'd let me have my
rooms as soon as possible."

"So you goin' to put me out on de wo'd of a stranger?"

"I 'm kin' o' sorry, but everybody in the house heard what Mis' Brown
said, an' it 'll soon be all over town, an' that 'ud ruin the reputation
of my house."

"I reckon all dat kin be 'splained."

"Yes, but I don't know that anybody kin 'splain your daughter allus
being with Mr. Thomas, who ain't even divo'ced from his wife." She