"Do you mean that she's attached to the place?" demanded Annie.

"Well, yes, she is," Mrs. Bolton admitted. "And the cat."

Annie had a great desire to tell Mrs. Bolton that she had behaved very
stupidly. But she knew Mrs. Bolton would not stand that, and she had to
content herself with saying, severely, "The next time he comes, let me know
without fail, please. What is the child like?" she asked.

"Well, I guess it must favour the mother, if anything. It don't seem to
take after him any."

"Why don't you have it here often, then," asked Annie, "if it's so much
attached to the place?"

"Well I didn't know as you wanted to have it round," replied Mrs. Bolton
bluntly.

Annie made a "Tchk!" of impatience with her obtuseness, and asked, "Where
is Mr. Peck staying?"

"Well, he's staying at Mis' Warner's till he can get settled."

"Is it far from here?"

"It's down in the north part of the village--Over the Track."

"Is Mr. Bolton at home?"