“Hush, John,” said Grace soothingly. “Hush, dear.” Dr. Parker stopped short and looked at her. She returned the look, but without the slightest semblance of self-consciousness or embarrassment. She did not realize that she had said anything unusual, which must sound inexplicably strange to him. Her thoughts were centered in that adjoining room and she wondered why he delayed. “Well?” she asked impatiently. “What is it? Why do you wait?” The doctor did not answer. However, he waited no longer, but hurried in to his new patient. CHAPTER XVIII IN WHICH KEZIAH DECIDES TO FIGHT The news was flying from house to house along the main road. Breakfasts were interrupted as some neighbor rushed in to tell the story which another neighbor had brought to him or her. Mr. Ellery was very sick and it was feared he had the smallpox, that was what Mrs. Parker, the doctor's wife, told those who lived near her. By the time the Corners heard of it the tale had grown until the minister was said to be dying. And when it reached Gaius Winslow's home at the upper end of the town he was reported dead. This was denied, upon investigation, but soon another rumor grew and spread; Grace Van Horne was with him, had taken him back to the shanty, and insisted upon staying there until the doctor came. Facing that dreadful disease and--It was wonderful--and queer. At the Danielses' house the servant girl rushed into the dining room to serve the toast and the story at one swoop. Captain Elkanah's dignity deserted him for an instant and his egg spoon jingled to the floor. Annabel's face turned a dull red. Her eyes flashed sparks. “Pa!” she cried, “I--I--if you don't do something now I'll never--” Her father shook his head warningly. “Debby,” he said to the maid, “you needn't wait.” Debby departed reluctantly. After the kitchen door had closed, Captain Elkanah said: “My dear, we mustn't be too hasty in this matter. Remember, Mr. Ellery is very sick. As for--for the Van Horne girl, we haven't heard the whole truth yet. She may not be there at all, or it may be just an accident--” “Accident! Pa, you make me boil. Accident! Accidents like that don't happen. If you let her stay there, or if--Oh, to think of it! And we were calling him a hero and--and everything! Hero! he stayed there just so she might--” “Hush! hush, child!” “I shan't hush. Pa, are you going to let him disgrace himself with HER?” “No, no. Probably there ain't any idea of his marrying her. If there is--” “If there is you put him out of the church and out of this town. And as for HER--O-oh! And we've been having him here at dinner and--and I have--Oh, I shall die! I wish I WAS dead!” Then followed hysterics and agony, greedily listened to by Debby, whose ear was at the crack of the door. Captain Elkanah soothed and pleaded and tried to pacify. It ended by his promising to investigate and, if necessary, take steps 'immejitly.'