`` He went to Wexbridge about half an hour ago , his ma said . She said she 'd tell him to come right over as soon as he kem home . '' Mrs. Theodora had to content herself with this , but she felt troubled . She knew Mrs. Tony Mack 's capabilities for spreading news . What if Bruce Marshall should hear it before Eben ? That evening Jacob Plowden 's store at Wexbridge was full of men , sitting about on kegs and counters or huddling around the stove , for the March air had grown sharp as the sun lowered in the creamy sky over the Ramble Valley hills . Eben King had a keg in the corner . He was in no hurry to go home for he loved gossip dearly and the Wexbridge stores abounded with it . He had exhausted the news of Peter Stanley 's store across the bridge and now he meant to hear what was saying at Plowden 's . Bruce Marshall was there , too , buying groceries and being waited on by Nora Plowden , who was by no means averse to the service , although as a rule her father 's customers received scanty tolerance at her hands . `` What are the Valley roads like , Marshall ? '' asked a Wexbridge man , between two squirts of tobacco juice . `` Bad , '' said Bruce briefly . `` Another warm day will finish the sleighing . '' `` Are they crossing at Malley 's Creek yet ? '' asked Plowden . `` No , Jack Carr got in there day before yesterday . Nearly lost his mare . I came round by the main road , '' responded Bruce . The door opened at this point and Tony Mack came in .
As soon as he closed the door he doubled up in a fit XXXXX chuckles , which lasted until he was purple in the face .
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