But what
then? You can't tie him to your apron strings forever, woman.
He'll be finding a mate for himself, as he should. Seeing that
he's straight and well-shaped, no doubt Damaris will look with
favor on him. Old Martha Blair declares the girl loves him
better than her eyes."
Thyra made a sound like a strangled moan in the middle of
August's speech. She heard the rest of it immovably. When it
came to an end she stood and looked down upon him in a way that
silenced him.
"You've told the news you came to tell, and gloated over it, and
now get you gone," she said slowly.
"Now, Thyra," he began, but she interrupted him threateningly.
"Get you gone, I say! And you need not bring my mail here any
longer. I want no more of your misshapen body and lying
tongue!"
August went, but at the door he turned for a parting stab.
"My tongue is not a lying one, Mrs. Carewe. I've told you the
truth, as all Avonlea knows it. Chester is mad about Damaris
Garland. It's no wonder I thought you knew what all the
settlement can see. But you're such a jealous, odd body, I
suppose the boy hid it from you for fear you'd go into a tantrum.
As for me, I'll not forget that you've turned me from your door
because I chanced to bring you news you'd no fancy for."
Thyra did not answer him. When the door closed behind him she
locked it and blew out the light. Then she threw herself face
downward on the sofa and burst into wild tears.
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