There was only one
thing among its contents which she was anxious to hide, but that
Miss Melinda's sharp eyes had already discovered. Unfortunately,
the tin box was at one side, in plain sight.
"What on earth does Mrs. Larkin do with a tin box?" she
asked herself, with eager curiosity. "Can she have property that
people don't know of? I always thought she was left poor."
Melinda asked no questions. The sudden closing of the trunk
showed her that the widow would not be inclined to answer any
questions.
"I won't let her think I saw anything," she said to herself.
"Perhaps she'll get anxious and refer to it."
"We will go downstairs, Melinda," said Mrs. Larkin.
"It will be more comfortable."
"If you have anything to do up here, I beg you won't mind
me," said the spinster.
"No, I have nothing that won't wait."
So the two went down into the sitting-room.
"And how is Luke?" asked Miss Sprague, in a tone of friendly interest.
"Very well, thank you."
"Luke was always a great favorite of mine," continued the spinster.
"Such a manly boy as he is!"
"He is a great help to me," said Mrs. Larkin.
"No doubt he is.
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