And just then the child herself appeared, entering the kitchen from the door leading to the back stairs.
"Hello, Mary-'Gusta!" hailed Shadrach.

"Thought you was lost.

Supper's about ready to put on the table.

Why, what's the matter?
Been cryin', ain't you ?" Mary-'Gusta went straight to him and clutched his hand.

"Please, Cap'n Gould," she begged, "will you come into the sittin'-room a minute?
I--I want to ask you somethin'.