\"Van,\"saidStantoninavexedtone,\"there\'ssomemischiefonfoot;\"
andhementionedwhathiscousinhadsaid,adding:\"CanIdahavebeenputtingthatbrassyMrs.ChintsuptosomeabsurdperformancethatwillhurtMissBurton\'sfeelings?\"
Theyroseandsauntereddownthepiazza,VanBergtryingtoimaginewhatwasabouttotakeplaceandhowhecouldshieldtheyoungladyfromanyannoyance.
Shesatinsidetheentranceofthemainparlorfacingtheopenwindows,andalittlegrouphadgatheredaroundher,includingtheladieswhosatathertable,withwhomshehadalreadybecomeafavorite.Idahaddemurelyenteredbyoneoftheopenwindowsandwasapparentlyreadinganovelunderoneofthegasjetsnotfaraway.Groupsofpeoplewerechattingnearorwereseatedaroundcard-tables;otherswerequietlypromenadinginthehall-waysandonthepiazza.Therewasnotanindicationofanyexpectedorunexpected\"scene.\"OnlyIda\'sconscious,observantexpressionandtheabsenceofMrs.Chintsforebodedmischief.
\"Whatenormitycanthatodiousfamilybeabouttoperpetrate?\"