It may have been Thankful's imagination, but it did seem as if her
relative was a trifle relieved. But even yet he did not seem quite
satisfied. He pulled at his whiskers and asked another question.

"What made you come here to me?" he asked.

"Mercy on us! I've told you that, haven't I? I came to see about gettin'
a mortgage on his old place over to East Wellmouth. I knew you took
mortgages--at least folks said you did--and bein' as you was a relation
I thought--"

A wave of the hand interrupted her.

"Yes, yes," broke in Solomon, hastily. "I know that. Was that the only
reason?"

"I presume likely 'twas. I did think it was a natural one and reason
enough, but I guess THAT was a mistake. It looks as if 'twas."

She made a move to rise, but he leaned forward and detained her.

"There! there!" he said. "Set still, set still. So you're Abner Barnes'
niece?"

"My soul! I've told you so three times."

"Abner's niece! I want to know!"

"Well, I should think you might know by this time. Now about that
mortgage."