After all, it isn't certain but that Ida will come back." "At any rate," said her husband, "there is no doubt that it is our duty to take every means that we can to recover Ida.

Of course, if her mother insists upon keepin' her, we can't say anything; but we ought to be sure of that before we yield her up." "What do you mean, Timothy ?" asked Martha.
"I don't know as I ought to mention it," said the cooper.

"Very likely there isn't anything in it, and it would only make you feel more anxious." "You have already aroused my anxiety.

I should feel better if you would speak out." "Then I will," said the cooper.

"I have sometimes been tempted," he continued, lowering his voice, "to doubt whether Ida's mother really sent for her." "How do you account for the letter, then ?" "I have thought--mind, it is only a guess--that Mrs.Hardwick may have got somebody to write it for her." "It is very singular," murmured Martha.
"What is singular ?" "Why, the very same thought has occurred to me.