The store was crowded with men, as was often the case in the late afternoon, and Katherine's hope of being able to tell her father the news quietly was doomed to disappointment.

Her first glance at him told her that he knew all there was to be known, and the look of suffering on his face hurt her all the more because she knew there was no balm for his pain.

Miles was doing what was necessary in the store under his father's direction, and, because there seemed no need for her assistance just then, Katherine went on indoors to get a little rest before it was time for evening school.
"Oh, Katherine, have you heard the news ?" cried Mrs.Burton, who was knitting stockings and reciting "Old Mother Hubbard" between whiles to the twins.
"Yes; at least, I have heard about Mr.Selincourt coming, if that is what you mean," Katherine answered, as she unfastened her outer garments.
"That is not the best part of the news by any means," returned Mrs.
Burton, giving Lotta a little shake to silence the demand for more of "Mother Hubbard".

"What delights me so much is to think that Miss Selincourt is coming too.

Just imagine what it will be to have cultured society here at Roaring Water Portage!" "She will despise us, most likely, and consider us about on a level with Peter M'Crawney's wife, or that poor little Mrs.Jenkin," said Katherine.
"Nonsense!" Mrs.Burton's tone was energetic; her manner one of mild surprise.