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diff --git a/43769.txt b/43769.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 96c55ba..0000000 --- a/43769.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,10188 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg, by Amanda M. Douglas - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg - -Author: Amanda M. Douglas - -Release Date: September 20, 2013 [EBook #43769] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PITTSBURG *** - - - - -Produced by Melissa McDaniel and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Note: - - Inconsistent hyphenation and spelling in the original document have - been preserved. Examples include peddler and peddlar, grandmere and - gran'mere, Mr. de Ronville and M. de Ronville. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text by =equal - signs=. - - - - - -A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg - - - - - The "Little Girl" Series - - By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS - - In Handsome Cloth Binding - - Price, per Volume 60 Cents - - - A Little Girl in Old New York - A Little Girl of Long Ago - A sequel to "A Little Girl in Old New York" - A Little Girl in Old Boston - A Little Girl in Old Philadelphia - A Little Girl in Old Washington - A Little Girl in Old New Orleans - A Little Girl in Old Detroit - A Little Girl in Old St. Louis - A Little Girl in Old Chicago - A Little Girl in Old San Francisco - A Little Girl in Old Quebec - A Little Girl in Old Baltimore - A Little Girl in Old Salem - A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg - - - For Sale by all Booksellers or will be sent postpaid on - receipt of price. - - A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS - 52, 58 Duane Street New York - - - - - A LITTLE GIRL IN - OLD PITTSBURG - - By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS - - [Illustration] - - A. L. BURT COMPANY - PUBLISHERS NEW YORK - - - - - Copyright, 1909, by - DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY - Published, September, 1909 - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I A LITTLE GIRL 1 - - II A JOYFUL RETURN 19 - - III WELCOME 39 - - IV OLD PITTSBURG 60 - - V HOW THE WORLD WIDENED 81 - - VI A NEW FRIEND 103 - - VII DAFFODIL'S NEW WORLD 120 - - VIII IN SILK ATTIRE 141 - - IX WITH THE EYES OF YOUTH 152 - - X THE PASSING OF THE OLD 169 - - XI THE WOOF OF DAILY THINGS 189 - - XII SPINNING WITH VARIOUS THREADS 209 - - XIII THE SWEETNESS OF LOVE 227 - - XIV SORROW'S CROWN OF SORROW 242 - - XV ANOTHER FLITTING 261 - - XVI SAINT MARTIN'S SUMMER 284 - - XVII OH, WHICH IS LOVE? 305 - - XVIII A REVELATION 320 - - - - -CHAPTER I - -A LITTLE GIRL - - -"Oh, what is it, grandad! Why is Kirsty ringing two bells and oh, what -is he saying?" - -Grandfather Carrick had come out of his cottage and stood in the small -yard place that a young oak had nearly filled with a carpet of leaves. -He was a medium-sized man with reddish hair streaked with white, and a -spare reddish beard, rather ragged, bright blue eyes and a nose -_retrousse_ at the best, but in moments of temper or disdain it turned -almost upside down, as now. - -"What is he sayin'. Well, it's a dirty black lee! Lord Cornwallis -isn't the man to give in to a rabble of tatterdemalions with not a -shoe to their feet an' hardly a rag to their back! By the beard of St. -Patrick they're all rags!" and he gave an insolent laugh! "It's a -black lee, I tell you!" - -He turned and went in the door with a derisive snort. Daffodil stood -irresolute. Kirsty was still ringing his two bells and now people were -coming out to question. The street was a rather winding lane with the -houses set any way, and very primitive they were, built of logs, some -of them filled in with rude mortar and thatched with straw. - -Then Nelly Mullin came flying along, a bright, dark-haired, -rosy-cheeked woman, with a shawl about her shoulders. She caught up -the child and kissed her rapturously. - -"Oh, isn't it full grand!" she cried. "Cornwallis has surrendered to -General Washington! Our folks caught him in a trap. An' now the men -folks will come home, my man an' your father, Dilly. Thank the Saints -there wasna a big battle. Rin tell your mither!" - -"But grandad said it was a--a lee!" and the child gave a questioning -look. - -"Lie indeed!" she laughed merrily. "They wouldna be sending all over -the country such blessed news if it was na true. Clear from Yorktown -an' their Cornwallis was the biggest man England could send, a rale -Lord beside. Rin honey, I must go to my sisters." - -The little girl walked rather slowly instead, much perturbed in her -mind. The Duvernay place joined the Carrick place and at present they -were mostly ranged round the Fort. That was much smaller, but better -kept and there were even some late hardy flowers in bloom. - -"What's all the noise, Posy?" asked Grandfather Duvernay. He was an -old, old man, a bright little Frenchman with snowy white hair, but -bright dark eyes. He was a good deal wrinkled as became a -great-grandfather, and he sat in a high-backed chair at one corner of -the wide stone chimney that was all built in the room. There was a -fine log fire and Grandmother Bradin was stirring a savory mass of -herbs. The real grandfather was out in the barn, looking after the -stock. - -"It was Kirsty ringing two bells. Cornwallis is taken." - -"No!" The little man sprang up and clasped his hands. "You are sure -you heard straight! It wasn't Washington?" - -"I'm quite sure. And Nelly Mullin said 'run and tell your mother, your -father'll be coming home.'" - -"Thank the good God." He dropped down in the chair again and closed -his eyes, bent his head reverently and prayed. - -"Your mother's asleep now. She's had a pretty good night. Run out and -tell gran." - -Grandfather Bradin kissed his little girl, though he was almost afraid -to believe the good news. Three years Bernard Carrick had been -following the fortunes of war and many a dark day had intervened. - -"Oh, that won't end the war. There's Charleston and New York. But -Cornwallis! I must go out and find where the news came from." - -"Grandad don't believe it!" There was still a look of doubt in her -eyes. - -Bradin laughed. "I d' know as he'd believe it if he saw the articles -of peace signed. He'll stick to King George till he's laid in his -coffin. There, I've finished mending the steps and I'll slip on my -coat and go." - -"I couldn't go with you?" wistfully. - -"No, dear. I'll run all about and get the surest news. I s'pose it -came to the Fort, but maybe by the South road." - -He took the child's hand and they went into the house. The streets -were all astir. Grandfather stood by the window looking out, but he -turned and smiled and suddenly broke out in his native French. His -face then had the prettiness of enthusiastic old age. - -"We'll shake hands on it," said Bradin. "I'm going out to see. There -couldn't be a better word." - -The autumnal air was chilly and he wrapped his old friese cloak around -him. - -"Mother's awake now," said Mrs. Bradin. "You may go in and see her." - -The door was wide open now. It was as large as the living room, but -divided by a curtain swung across, now pushed aside partly. There was -a bed in each corner. A light stand by the head of the bed, a chest of -drawers, a brass bound trunk and two chairs completed the furnishing -of this part. The yellow walls gave it a sort of cheerful, almost -sunshiny look, and the curtain at the window with its hand-made lace -was snowy white. The painted floor had a rug through the centre that -had come from some foreign loom. The bedstead had high slender carved -posts, but was without a canopy. - -A woman still young and comely as to feature lay there. She was thin, -which made the eyes seem larger and darker. The brown hair had a -certain duskiness and was a curly fringe about the forehead. She -smiled up at the little girl, who leaned over and kissed her on the -cheek. - -"You are better, mother dear," she said as she seated herself with a -little spring on the side of the bed. "But you said so yesterday. When -will it be real, so you can get up and go out?" and a touch of -perplexity crossed the child's face. - -"Gra'mere thinks I may sit up a little while this afternoon. I had no -fever yesterday nor last night." - -"Oh, mother, I was to tell you that Cornwallis has--it's a long word -that has slipped out of my mind. Nelly Mullin said her husband would -come home and my father. Kirsty Boyle rang two bells----" - -"Oh, what was it? Go and ask grandfather, child," and the mother half -rose in her eagerness. - -"It was 'sur-ren-dered' with his army. Father has gone to see. And -then the war will end." - -"Oh, thank heaven, the good God, and all the saints, for I think they -must have interceded. They must be glad when dreadful wars come to an -end." - -She laid her head back on the pillow and the tears fringed her dark -lashes. - -The child was thinking, puzzling over something. Then she said -suddenly, "What is my father like? I seem to remember just a -little--that he carried me about in his arms and that we all cried a -good deal." - -"It was three years and more ago. He loved us very much. But he felt -the country needed him. And the good Allfather has kept him safe. He -has never been wounded or taken prisoner, and if he comes back to -us----" - -"But what is surrendered?" - -"Why, the British army has given up. And Lord Cornwallis is a great -man. England, I believe, thought he could conquer the Colonies. Oh, -Daffodil, you are too little to understand;" in a sort of helpless -fashion. - -"He isn't like grandad then. Grandad wants England to beat." - -"No, he isn't much like grandad. And yet dear grandad has been very -good to us. Of course he was desperately angry that your father should -go for a soldier. Oh, if he comes home safe!" - -"Dilly," said gran'mere, pausing at the door with a piece of yellow -pumpkin in her hand which she was peeling, "you must come away now. -You have talked enough to your mother and she must rest." - -The child slipped down and kissed the pale cheek again, then came out -in the living-room and looked around. The cat sat washing her face and -at every dab the paw went nearer her ear. - -"You shan't, Judy! We don't want rain, do we, grandfather?" She caught -up the cat in her arms, but not before pussy had washed over one ear. - -Grandfather laughed. "Well, it _does_ make it rain when she washes -over her ear," the little girl said with a very positive air. "It did -on Sunday." - -"And I guess pussy washes over her ear every day in the week." - -"It's saved up then for the big storms;" with a triumphant air. - -"Get the board and let's have a game. You're so smart I feel it in my -bones that you will beat." - -She put Judy down very gently, but the cat switched her tail around -and wondered why. She brought out the board that was marked like "Tit -tat toe," and a box that she rattled laughingly. Pussy came when they -had adjusted it on their knees and put two white paws on it, -preparatory to a jump. - -"Oh, Judy, I can't have you now. Come round and sit by the fire." - -Judy went round to the back of Dilly's chair and washed over both ears -in a very indignant manner. - -The play was Fox and Geese. There was one red grain of corn for the -fox and all the geese were white. One block at the side was left -vacant. If you could pen the fox in there without losing a goose or at -the most two or three, you were the winner. But if once you let the -fox out the geese had to fly for their lives. Grandfather often let -the little girl beat. - -He was very fond of her, and he was a sweet-natured old man who liked -to bestow what pleasure he could. Just now he was feeling impatient -for the news and wanted to pass away the time. - -Dilly was quite shrewd, too, for a little girl not yet seven. She -considered now and moved a far off goose, and the fox knew that was -sour grapes. - -"Oh, you're a sharp one!" exclaimed grandfather. "I'll have to mind -how I doze on this bout." - -But alas! On the next move she let him in a little way, then she -fenced him out again, and lost one goose repairing her defences. But -it wasn't a bad move. The great art was to keep one goose behind -another for protection. He couldn't jump over but one at a time. - -She beat grandfather, who pretended to be quite put out about it and -said she'd do for an army general. Grandmother was making a pumpkin -pudding with milk and eggs and sugar and stick-cinnamon, which was -quite a luxury. Then she poured it into an iron pan that stood upon -little feet, drew out a bed of coal, and plumped it down. The cover -had a rim around the top, and she placed some coals on the top of -this. She baked her bread in it, too. Stoves were great luxuries and -costly. Then she laid some potatoes in the hot ashes and hung a kettle -of turnips on the crane. - -Grandfather and the little girl had another game and she was the fox -this time and lost, getting penned up. - -"Grandfather," she said sagely, "if you know the good early moves and -don't make any mistake, you're sure to win." - -"I believe that is so. You're getting a stock of wisdom, Dilly. Oh, -won't your father be surprised when he comes home. You were a mere -baby when he went away." - -She was an oddly pretty child. Her hair was really yellow, soft and -curly, then her eyes were of so dark a blue that you often thought -them black. The eyebrows and lashes were dark, the nose rather -piquant, the mouth sweet and rosy, curved, with dimples in the -corners. But in those days no one thought much about beauty in -children. - -The door was flung open. - -"Ugh!" ejaculated Gran Bradin. "It's fairly wintry. Fire feels good! -The news is just glorious! They headed off Cornwallis after having -destroyed their fortifications and dismantled their cannon. The -British works were so in ruins they tried escape. One section of -troops crossed over to Glous'ter Point, but a storm set in and -dispersed the boats. There was nothing left but surrender. So the -great army and the great general who were to give us the finishing -stroke, handed in their capitulation to General Washington. There are -between seven and eight thousand prisoners and all the shipping in the -harbor. Grandfather, you may be proud. We had, it is thought, seven -thousand French troops, with Count De Rochambeau, and Count De -Grasse." - -He reached over and wrung grandfather's slim white hand with its -tracery of blue veins. Then he kissed his wife. "They've been good -friends to us. We'll never forget that!" - -"And the war is over?" - -"Not exactly that. We've yet to dislodge them from various places. But -they think now England will be willing to treat. And we'll have a -country of our own! Well, it was three weeks ago." - -There were no telegraphs, and only the more important places had post -roads. Pittsburg was quite out of the way. It had no dreams of -grandeur in those days, and about its only claim to eminence was -Braddock's defeat. - -"Lang brought some copies of the Philadelphia _Gazette_, but you -couldn't get near one, they were rushed off so. But we'll hear it all -in a few days. Too much good news might puff us up with vain glory. -We may look for letters any day. Such a splendid victory!" - -Grandfather was wiping the tears from his eyes. Marc Bradin went in to -comfort his daughter, though he could hardly forbear smiling with a -sense of inward amusement as he thought of Sandy Carrick, who had as -good as disowned his son for joining the Colonial army. He'd be glad -enough to have him back again. Though he had been rather disgruntled -at his marrying Barbe Bradin because she had French blood in her -veins, as if the Irish Bradin could not in some degree counteract -that! - -Sandy Carrick had been in the sore battle of Braddock's defeat. But -after all the cowardly French had thought retreat the better part of -valor and left the Fort that had been partly burned, left that section -as well, and the government had erected the new Fort Pitt. He insisted -that the French had been really driven out. They certainly had been -checked in their advance to the Mississippi. - -Pittsburg was a conglomerate in these early days. Welsh, Irish, and -English had contributed to its then small population of the few -hundreds whose history and beginning were like so many other -emigrants. The houses were ranged largely about the Fort for -protection from the Indians. There were small crooked lanes, a few -dignified by-streets, Penn Street, Duquesne way, Water and Ferry -streets. Colonel George Morgan had built a double-hewn log house of -considerable dimensions, the first house in the settlement to have a -shingle roof. Though the "Manor of Pittsburg" had been surveyed and -Fort Pitt had been abandoned by the British under orders of General -Gage and occupied by Virginia troops under Captain John Neville. - -There were some French residents, some Acadians as well, and a few -Virginians who were mostly refugees. The houses were of very primitive -construction, generally built of logs, but made comfortable on the -inside. The emigrants had brought their industries with them. The -women spun and knit, there were several rude looms, but they depended -largely on Philadelphia for supplies. - -Pierre Duvernay had fled to Ireland in one of the Huguenot -persecutions, but more fortunate than many, he had been able to take -some of his worldly possessions. Here his only daughter had married -Marc Bradin, his only son had died, and his wife had followed. -Broken-hearted he had accompanied his daughter and son-in-law to the -new Colonies. They had spent a few years in Virginia, then with some -French friends had come to Pittsburg and bought a large holding, which -seemed at the time a misadventure, and so they had built in nearer to -the Fort. Here pretty Barbe Bradin had grown up and married Bernard -Carrick, their neighbor's son, but they had not let the hospitable -Bradin home. Here Daffodil had been born, and the French and Irish -blended again. - -"What made you call me Daffodil?" the child said one day to her -mother. "You were named after your mother and gran'mere after hers, -and you should have called me Barbe." - -"It would have made no end of confusion. You see it does with -great-grandfather. And when you were born it was lovely sunshiny -weather and the daffodils were in bloom with their tender gold. Then -you had such a funny fuzzy yellow head. I loved the Daffodils so. They -come so early and look so cheerful, and you were such a cheerful baby, -always ready to smile." - -"Do you suppose my hair will always stay yellow?" - -"Oh, no. It will grow darker." - -"Like yours?" - -"Well, perhaps not quite as dark. I like it. You are my spring. If I -were in any sorrow, your brightness would comfort me." - -Then the sorrow came. The young husband felt it his duty to join the -struggling army and fight for his country. It was in doubtful times. - -This queer, rural, primitive settlement knew little about the great -causes. Since the new fort had been built and the French repulsed, -absolutely driven out of their strongholds, there had been only the -infrequent Indian encounters to rouse them. The stern resolves, the -mighty enthusiasm of the Eastern Colonies had not inspired them. Even -the Declaration of Independence, while it had stirred up their alien -and contradictory blood, had not evoked the sturdy patriotism of the -larger towns having so much more at stake. They added to their flocks -and herds, they hunted game and wild animals, and on the whole enjoyed -their rural life. - -Sandy Carrick had never known which side to affiliate with the most -strongly. There was the brave old Scottish strain that his mother had -handed down in many a romantic tale, there was the Irish of his father -that had come down almost from royalty itself, from the famous Dukes -that had once divided Ireland between them. Why the Carricks had -espoused the English side he could not have told. He was glad to come -to the new countries. And when, after being a widower for several -years, he married pretty buxom widow Boyle, he was well satisfied with -his place in life. - -He had been in the fateful encounter at Braddock's defeat at his first -introduction to the country. The French were well enough in Canada, -which seemed not very far from the North Pole, and a land of eternal -snow, but when they came farther down with their forts and their -claims it was time to drive them out, and nothing gave him greater -satisfaction than to think they were mostly out. - -He took a great fancy to his next-door neighbor, Marc Bradin, but he -fought shy of the old black-eyed Frenchman. Pierre Duvernay had passed -through too many vicissitudes and experiences to believe that any one -party had all the right; then, too, he was a sweet-natured old man, -thinking often of the time when he should rejoin friends and -relatives, not a few of whom had died for their faith. - -Sandy had not liked his son's marriage with Barbe Bradin, who -certainly was more French than Irish, but she had a winsome brightness -and vivacity, and indulged in many a laughing tilt with her -father-in-law. Nora Boyle openly favored them all. They spun and knit -and made lace and wove rugs of rags and compared cookery, and she and -Mrs. Bradin were wildly happy over Daffodil. - -"If 't had been a boy now!" exclaimed Sandy. "A gal's good for naught -when it comes to handin' down the name. Though if its hair'll turn out -red, an 't looks so now, it may flout t'other blood," putting a strong -expletive to it. - -"Don't now, Sandy!" said his wife's coaxing voice. "There's sorts and -kinds in the world. The good Lord didn't mean us all to be alike or -he'd made 'em so to start with." - -"Did make 'em so, woman. There was only two of 'em!" - -"Well, some others came from somewhere. And Cain went off an got -himself a wife. An' when you think of the baby there's good three -parts Irish to the one French. An' I'm sure no one keeps a tidier -house, an' the little old man sittin' by the chimney corner hurts no -one. And it's handy to have a neebur to play at cards." - -When there came an urgent call for men to join what seemed almost a -lost cause Bernard Carrick went to Philadelphia with perhaps twenty -other recruits, to the sorrow of his wife and the anger of his father. - -"For they can't win, the blunderin' fules! D'y spose King George's -goin' to let a gran' country like this slip out of his fingers. -Barbery, if you were half a woman you'd 'a' held onto him if y'd had -to spit on yer han's to do it. You'll never see him agen, an' it -comforts me for the loss of my son that you've lost your husband. Ye -can git anither one, but I'll have no more sons to comfort me in my -old age." - -Poor Barbe was wild with grief, yet somehow Bernard's sense of duty to -his country _had_ inspired her, and then she had her little darling, -her mother, and father, and grandfather, who had not outlived a -certain heroic strain if his blood had come through French channels. - -The people of Pittsburg had no tea to throw overboard. The Stamp Act -bore lightly on them. They could brew good beer, they could distil -whiskey and make passable wine. Fish and game were in abundance, the -fields laughed with riotous harvests, so what if a few did go to war? - -Sandy relented after a little and they took up the evenings of -card-playing, with the cider or beer and doughnuts, or a brittle kind -of spice cake that Mrs. Bradin could make in perfection. They had -arguments, to be sure: Marc Bradin was on the side of the Colonies, -and he had taken pains to keep informed of the causes of disaffection. -It was going to be a big country and could govern itself since it must -know better what was needed than a king thousands of miles away! - -Sandy held his spite against the French sufficiently in abeyance to -learn to play piquet with great-grandfather. It interested him -wonderfully, and since two could play a game the women could knit and -sew and gossip. News came infrequently. Bradin often went to the Fort -to hear. If there were reverses, he held his peace in a cheerful sort -of way--if victories, there was rejoicing among themselves. For they -tried not to ruffle Sandy Carrick unnecessarily. - -Daffodil went often to see grandad and Norry, as they called the -merry-hearted second wife, who nearly always had some tidbit for her. -And grandad took her on journeys sitting in front of him on an -improvised pillion, teaching her to sit astride and buckling a strap -around both bodies. - -"For you'll have to be my boy, Dilly. My other boy'll never come back -to us." - -"Where will he go?" in her wondering tone. - -"The Lord only knows, child." - - - - -CHAPTER II - -A JOYFUL RETURN - - -"It is so good to get out among you all," Barbe Carrick said, as she -was pillowed up in a big high-backed chair and wrapped in a soft gray -blanket. Her hair was gathered in a pretty white cap with a ruffle of -lace about the edge, framing in her rather thin face. "So good! And -the good news! Why, I feel almost well." - -It had been a slow autumnal fever, never very serious, but wearing. -Mrs. Bradin knew the use of many herbs and was considered as good as a -doctor by most of the settlers. - -The room would have made a fine "Interior," if there had been a Dutch -artist at hand. It was of good dimensions, or the great fireplace -would have dwarfed it. Marc Bradin was a handy man, as not a few were -in those days when new settlers could not encumber themselves with -much furniture. There were some of the old French belongings, a sort -of escritoire that had drawers below and shelves above and was in two -pieces. But the tables and chairs and the corner cupboard were of his -fashioning. There was china, really beautiful pewter ware, some -pieces of hammered brass, candlesticks, and one curious lamp. The -rafters were dark with age and smoke, but they were not ornamented -with flitches of bacon, for there was a smoke-house out one side. - -The chairs would pass for modern Mission furniture. A few had rockers, -notably that in which the little girl sat, with Judy on her lap, and -the cat almost covered her. Grandfather was in his accustomed place. -There was a small table beside him on which were his old French Bible, -a book of devotion, and a volume or two of poems, and a tall -candlestick with two branches. Gran'mere was doing some white -embroidery, a frock for the little girl's next summer's wear. Mrs. -Bradin had been settling her daughter and now stood undecided as to -her next duty. - -"Has father gone out again?" Barbe asked. - -"Yes, to the Fort--to see if he can't get one of the papers." - -"It's wonderful news!" and the invalid drew a long breath of delight. -"But it isn't real peace yet." - -"Oh, no, I do believe it is the beginning, though," said her mother. - -"I wish the sun would shine. It ought to;" and Barbe gave a wan half -smile. - -"But it isn't going to," announced Daffodil confidently. "And it _is_ -going to rain." - -Grandfather laughed. - -"Why, Dilly?" - -"Because." The child colored. "Oh, you will see." - -There was a tap at the door and then it opened. Norah Carrick dropped -the shawl she had thrown over her head. A still pretty, -heartsome-looking woman, with a merry face bright with roses, laughing -blue eyes, and dark hair. - -"It's good for sore eyes to see you up, Barbe. I hope we'll have some -fine weather to brace up one. An'--an' 'twas good news you heard the -morn." Then she gave a funny, rippling laugh. - -"But he'll be glad to have Bernard come back," Barbe exclaimed -resentfully. - -"Ah, that he will! Ye mustna mind him child, if he's cranky for a bit. -He's been that set about England winning the game that you'd take him -for wan of the high dukes that sit in state and tell what shall be -done. I've been for the country all along. It runs in my mind that -Ireland owes the king a gredge. She's been a cross-grained stepmother, -say your best. An' why couldn't she let us go on an' prosper! We'd -been willin' enough to work for her part of the time. An' it's not -such an easy thing to lave your own bit of a home and come over here -in these wilds, an' hew down trees for your houses and clear land for -the corn, an' fight Indians. So I'm wishin' the country to win. But -Sandy's carryin' the black cat round on his back to-day, an' it makes -me laugh, too. He's that smart when he gets a little riled up, and -he's husked corn to-day as if he was keepin' time with Nickey Nick's -fiddle." - -"What makes the black cat stay on his back?" asked Daffodil, stroking -her own pussy softly. - -"Ah, that's just a say so, Dilly darlin', for a spell of gettin' out -of temper when there's no need. But he made a good dinner. I had just -the stew he liked, an' a Donegal puddin' that come down from my -great-grandmother. An', Barbe, you begin to look like crawlin' about -again an' not so washed out. The good news should make a warm streak -all through you." - -"Oh, I'm much better. If it will come off nice an' warm----" - -"We'll have a storm first. And is there any more news?" - -She had been taking some work out of a bag after she had nodded to -gran'mere and shaken hands with great-grandfather. Now she settled -herself and began to sew. She was never idle. Sandy Carrick had the -smartest wife anywhere about and few women would have minded his queer -quips so little. - -Then the door opened and Marc Bradin entered, thrusting out a -newspaper. - -"I've been waiting my turn and have promised to have it back in half -an hour, but I'll not count the coming and going," laughing. "And -it's news worth waiting for. It's all true and more, too. And if we -want a King or an Emperor, General Washington's the man. Now I'll -read, since that's the cheapest way, as you can all hear at once." - -He dropped into a chair and threw his old cap on the floor. Bradin was -an excellent reader. Yes, it was glorious news. A big battle averted -and soldiers disabled by honor rather than wounds. A vivid description -of what had led up to the surrender and the conditions, the enthusiasm -and the predictions that at last victory was achieved for the -Colonies. And although numerous points were still held by the English, -it would be difficult to rouse enthusiasm after this crushing blow. - -"Time's up," said the reader. "But you have all the real gist of the -matter. Norah, how's Sandy?" - -Norah gave a laugh and a shrug of the shoulders. - -"Oh, he'll come round. I can't see, with all the Scotch an' Irish in -him, why he must be shoutin' for King George just because he happened -to fight on that side years ago. An' it was under Washington, too, an' -people do say if Braddock hadn't been so high an' mighty, and taken -some of the young man's counsel, there wouldna have been such an awful -defeat." - -"I'll come right back, jinky! It begins to rain." - -Dilly looked up in triumph. "I told you so," she said, "and you just -laughed, grandfather. Now you see Judy knew." - -She gave Judy an extra hug and squeezed a faint mew out of her. - -"Judy is a wise cat," admitted grandfather. - -"And I must run home an' get a supper that'll be a soothin' poultice -to the inside of the man," laughed Norah. "I'm glad I know about how -things stand, so my heart will be light. An' we will have Bernard home -safe and sound, never you fear, so, Barbe, get well to welcome him. -I'm cooking chicken to-morrow an' I'll send over broth an' a bit of -the breast. Run over to-morrow, little one. Grandad'll be all right." - -Barbe was tired and went to bed. Dilly moved over by grandfather and -begged for a story. He and Norah had a packful of them. It grew darker -and rained, with a sort of rushing wind. - -When Dilly grew older and began to understand what real living was, it -seemed as if this was her actual induction into it. She had run about -and played, listened to stories and songs, gravitated between the two -houses, ridden with grandad, who was always a little jealous that most -of her relatives should be on the French side. She could shut her eyes -and hear Kirsty's raucous voice and the two bells he was ringing and -see grandad's upturned nose and his derisive tone. She awoke to the -fact that she really had a father. - -Grandad used to come over in the evening and play piquet with old -grandfather. It was a game two could enjoy, and the women folk were no -great hands at card-playing. Now and then, when Norah was not too -busy, they had a friendly, social game. It rained two days and then -cleared up in the glory of perfect autumn weather. Nothing came to -counteract the good tidings. Grandad came for Daffodil to take a ride -with him, and that evening he sauntered in and had a game of piquet -and beat. It always delighted him. It was fighting the French over -again. - -Barbe improved rapidly now. People were quite apt to have what was -called a run of fever in the autumn at the change of the seasons, and -there were some excellent home-brewed remedies and tonics that -answered, if the case was not too severe. - -Dilly and her mother talked a great deal about the return of the -husband and father. - -"Is he like grandad?" she inquired with a little contraction of the -brows. - -"Oh, not much. He was called a handsome young fellow. Your eyes are -like his, and he had such a brilliant color then," sighing a little -and wondering if the hardships had made him old before his time. - -"And--and his nose?" hesitatingly. - -Barbe laughed. "It isn't short like grandad's. His mother was a -handsome woman." - -"It's queer," said the child reflectively, "that you can have so many -grand relatives and only one father. And only one gran'mere. For Norry -isn't _real_, is she, since she isn't father's mother. And how many -wives can one have?" - -"Only one at a time. It's quite a puzzle to little folks. It was to -me." - -Daffodil looked at her mother with wondering eyes and said -thoughtfully, "Were you truly little like me? And did you like -grandad? Did he take you out on his big horse?" - -"We were living in Virginia then. Great-grandfather and -great-grandmother were living there--she was alive then. And when she -died gran'mere and gran came out here. I was about eight. And we -didn't like it here. The children were so different." - -"It is all very queer," said Dilly. "You are little, and then you -grow, and--and you get married. Will I be married? Must you find some -one----" - -"Oh, Dilly, I think some one will find you;" and her mother laughed. -"You will have to grow up and be--well, eighteen, I think, almost a -dozen years before you need to think about it." - -"I'm very glad," she said soberly. - -She did not like things that puzzled her. The war was another. What -had it been about? Grandad was sure the English were right, and -great-grandfather was glad they were going to be beaten. - -She used to dream of her father, and watch out for him. For some of -the companies were furloughed, his among them. And now he was Captain -Carrick. - -Christmas came. There was not much made of it here, as there had been -in Virginia, no gift-giving, but family dinners that often ended in a -regular carouse, sometimes a fight. For Pittsburg had not reached any -high point of refinement, and was such a conglomerate that they could -hardly be expected to agree on all points. - -The little girl lost interest presently in watching for her father, -and half believed he was not coming. She was very fond of grandad, and -Norry, and the wonderful stories she heard about fairies and "little -folk," who came to your house at night, and did wonderful -things--sometimes spun the whole night long, and at others did bits of -mischief. This was when you had offended them some way. - -She liked the Leprecawn so much. He was a fairy shoemaker, and when -all was still in the night you sometimes heard him. "Tip tap, rip rap, -Tick a tack too!" And the little Eily, who wished so for red shoes, -but her folks were too poor to buy them. So she was to find six -four-leaf clovers, and lay them on the doorstep, which she did. - -"What a queer noise there was in the night," said the mother. "It was -like this, 'Tip tap, rip rap.'" - -"Sho!" said the father, "it was the swallows in the chimney." - -Eily held her peace, but she put four-leafed clovers again on the -doorstep, and tried to keep awake, so she could hear the little -shoemaker. - -"I'll clear them swallows out of the chimney, they disturb me so," -declared the father, and he got a long pole and scraped down several -nests. But the next night the sound came again, and the mother began -to feel afeared. But when Eily went downstairs there was a pair of -little red shoes standing in the corner, and Eily caught them up and -kissed them, she was so full of joy. Then her mother said, "The -Leprecawn has been here. And, Eily, you must never wear them out of -doors at the full of the moon, or you'll be carried off." - -"Was she ever, do you think, Norry?" - -"Oh, her mother'd be very careful. For if you go to fairyland, you'll -have to stay seven years." - -"I shouldn't like that," subjoined Dilly. "But I _would_ like the red -shoes. And if I could find some four-leaf clovers----" - -"You can't in winter." - -"Well--next summer." - -"Maybe grandad can find you some red leather, and lame Pete can make -them." - -"But I rather have the fairy shoemaker, with his 'tip tap, rip rap';" -laughing. - -"Don't minch about him. Here's a nice chunk of cake." - -Dilly had cake enough to spoil a modern child's digestion. But no one -understood hygiene in those days, and kept well. - -There were no schools for little girls to go to. But a queer old -fellow, who lived by himself, taught the boys, and tried to thrash -some knowledge in their brains. It was considered the best method. - -Dilly's mother taught her to read English, and great-grandfather -inducted her into French. Gran'mere talked French to the old man. -Every morning she brushed his hair and tied it in a queue with a black -ribbon. He wore a ruffled shirt front, and lace ruffles at his wrist; -knee breeches, silk stockings, and low shoes with great buckles. - -Dilly learned to sew a little as well. But early industry was not held -in as high esteem as in the Eastern Colonies. There was plenty of -spinning and knitting. Fashions did not change much in the way of -dress, so you could go on with your clothes until they were worn out. -The nicest goods were imported, but there was a kind of flannelly -cloth for winter wear, that was dyed various colors, mostly blue and -copperas, which made a kind of yellow. - -So the winter went on, and in February there came a great thaw. Oh, -how the river swelled, and rushed on to the Ohio. It was very warm. -And one day Daffodil sat on the great stone doorstep, holding the -cat, and munching a piece of cake. Judy ate a few crumbs, but she did -not care much for it. - -"There's a peddler," said Dilly to Judy. "He has a big pack on his -back, and he walks with a cane, as if he was tired. And there's -something hanging to his waist, and a queer cap. He seems -looking--why, he's coming here. Gran'mere wants some thread, but he -isn't our----Mother," she called. - -He was thin, and pale, and travel-stained, and had not the brisk, -jaunty air of the peddlar. - -But he came up the little path, and looked at her so sharply she -jumped up, hugging Judy tightly. "Some one, mother," she said, half -frightened. - -Mrs. Carrick stepped to the door, and glanced. Then, with a cry, she -went to her husband's arms. - -They both almost fell on the doorstep. - -"Oh," she cried, "you are tired to death! And----" - -"Never mind; I'm home. And I have all my limbs, and have never been -ill. It has been a desperate struggle, but it's ending grandly. And -everybody----" - -"They are all alive and well. Oh, we've been watching, and hoping--it -doesn't matter now, you are here;" and she leaned down on his shoulder -and cried. - -"Three years and four months. I couldn't get word very well, and -thought I'd rather come on. You see, my horse gave out, and I've had -a ten-mile walk. And--the baby?" - -"Oh, she's a big girl. She was sitting here----" - -"Not that child!" in surprise. - -"Daffodil," called her mother. - -The child came shyly, hesitatingly. - -"Dilly, it's father. We've talked of him so much, you know. And you -have watched out for him many a time." - -Somehow he didn't seem the father of her imagination. He took her in -his arms, and dragged her over in his lap. - -"Oh, I forgot you could grow," in a tone broken with emotion. "But her -blue eyes, and her yellow hair. Oh, my little darling! We shall have -to get acquainted over again;" and he kissed the reluctant lips. "Oh, -it is all like a dream! Many and many a time I thought I should never -see you again;" and he wiped the tears from his eyes. - -"If you are glad, what makes you cry?" asked the child, in a curious -sort of way. - -Barbe put her arms around Dilly. Of course, no child could understand. - -"And the others," began Bernard Carrick. - -"Oh, let us go in." There was a tremble of joy in her voice. "Mother, -grandfather, he has come!" - -Mrs. Bradin greeted her son-in-law with fond affection, and a great -thanksgiving that he had been spared to return to them. They talked -and cried, and Daffodil looked on wonderingly. Great-grandfather -Duvernay, who had been taking his afternoon rest, came out of his -room, and laid his hand tremblingly in the younger one, that had not -lost its strength. Yes, he was here again, in the old home, amid them -all, after many hardships. - -"Oh, sit down," said Mother Bradin. "You look fit to drop. And you -must have something to eat, and a cup of tea. Or, will it be a man's -tipple? There's some good home-brewed beer--or a sup of whiskey." - -"I'll take the tea. It's long since I've had any. And if I could wash -some of the dust off--it must be an inch thick." - -Ah, that was something like the old smile, only there was a hollow in -the cheek, that used to be so round and so pink. She took him into her -room, and, filling a basin with warm water, set it on the cedar chest, -spreading a cloth over it, that he might splash in comfort. - -"It's been a long journey," he said. "But the poor horse gave out -first. Boyle, and Truart, and Lowy were with me, but not to come quite -so far. Some of the young fellows remained, though the feeling is that -there won't be much more fighting. The impression is that England's -about as tired of the war as we." - -"But you wouldn't have to go back again?" Barbe protested, in a sort -of terror. - -"Well--no;" yet the tone was not altogether reassuring. - -She took his coat out by the door and brushed it, but it was very -shabby. Still, he looked much improved when he re-entered the room, -where Mrs. Bradin had set a tempting lunch at the corner of the table. -But he could hardly eat for talking. Barbe sat beside him--she could -scarce believe he was there in the flesh. - -Daffodil went out in the sunshine again. She started to run over to -grandad's. Norry would be so glad. Well, grandad too, she supposed. -Had he really believed father would never come home? Somehow, it was -different. In Norry's stories the soldiers were strong, and handsome, -and glittering with gold lace, and full of laughter. She couldn't -recall whether they had any little girls or not. And there was her -mother hanging over the strange man--yes, he _was_ strange to her. And -her mother would care for him, and stay beside him, and she somehow -would be left out. Her little heart swelled. She did not understand -about jealousy, she had had all the attention, and it was not pleasant -to be pushed one side. Oh, how long he was eating, and drinking, and -talking, and--yes, they laughed. Grandad was coming up to the house -with a great two-handled basket--she knew it was full of ears of -corn, and she did so like to see him shell it, and hear the rattle as -it fell down in the tub. He sat on a board across the tub, and had a -queer sort of affair, made by two blades, and as he drew the ears of -corn through it, scraped off both sides. - -No, she wouldn't even go and see grandad, for he would say, "Well, -yellow-top, your father hasna come home yet;" and, she--well, she -could not tell a wrong story, and she would not tell the true one. -Grandad wouldn't go back on her, but he could wait. - -"Oh, Dilly, here you are!" said her mother, coming out of the door, -with her husband's arm around her. "We're going over to grandad's; -come;" and she held out her hand. - -The soldier looked more attractive. His faded cap had been thrown -aside, and his short dark hair was a mass of curls. He looked sharply -at the little girl, and she turned away her face. Still, she took her -mother's hand. - -Norry had been sitting by the window. Now she rushed out with a shriek -of joy. - -"Oh, Barney! Barney! Sure, I've been afraid we'd never set eyes on you -again! The saints be praised! Sandy!" - -Sandy Carrick came and put his arms around his son. Both were rather -tall men. For some moments neither spoke. Then the father said, -"Cross the threshold, Barney. An' here's a silver shilling--kiss it -for good luck an' a long stay." - -Bernard did as his father bade him, and the two crossed the threshold -together. - -"Now, you must have something to eat and drink," began hospitable -Norah. "Deed an' true, the crows would hardly make a meal of you." - -"But I've been stuffed already," he protested. - -"No matter. There's always room intil you're laid on your back for the -last time. An' you're that thin, 't would take two of you to make a -shadow." - -She set out cold chicken, and boiled bacon, and bread that would tempt -one on a fast day, with a great loaf of cake, and Bernard and Barbe -sat down. Sandy brought out the whiskey bottle. No one thought of -objecting in those days. - -"Oh, where's the colleen?" and Norah stepped to the door. - -"Has she gone back home? She takes it a little strange," said Barbe. -"She can't remember well. But she'll come to it presently." Then Barbe -raised her eyes and met her husband's, that were so full of adoration; -she blushed like a girl. - -"And the war is over," declared Norah. "Did they all have leave to go -home?" - -"Oh, no. We can't say it's over, though the thought is there'll be no -more hard fighting. And we've some good friends on the other side to -argue the case for us." - -"No, no," snorted Sandy. "It's not over by a long shot. An' then -they'll get to fightin' atween theirselves, and split here an' there. -Weel, Mr. Captain, are we to have a King or a great Emperor, like him -of France, with a court an' all that?" - -Bernard laughed. "We'll have neither. We've gotten rid of kings for -all time." - -"Don't do your skreeking until you're well out o' the woods. But I -hope you'll be wise enough next time to let t'other fellow take his -chance. An' it beats me to think a great Lord an' a great soldier, -too, should be put about, and captured by a crowd of ignoramuses -without training." - -"Oh, you learn a good deal in five or six years," said the son -good-naturedly. "There have been the Indians and the French." - -"And I can't abide turn-coats. First we fight for th' old country, -then turn around and fight forninst it. We lick the French, an' then -ask their aid. A fine country we'll have, when no one knows his own -mind!" - -"You'll see the sort of country we'll make when we get about it. And -we have no end of brave fine men who'll plan it out for us. Here's to -your health and luck. And now tell me what Pittsburg has been doing." - -He raised his glass and barely touched it to his lips. Sandy drained -his. - -"There's not much doin'--how could there be, with no money?" he -answered shortly. - -"But you've the place for a fine town. New York and Philadelphia may -have the start, but it's up to us to come out fair in the race. You -have the key to the great West. Some day we'll clear the French out of -that." - -"Oh, don't talk war," interposed Norah. "Tell us if you're glad to get -home. And should you have known Dilly? She'll be the one to set hearts -aching with those eyes of hers, when she gets a bit grown up." - -"We must go back," said Barbe. "And, Bernard, you must be stiff with -your long tramp. They rode mostly all night, and when the horses gave -out, walked. You must go to bed with the chickens." - -Sandy gave a snort. - -"I'll be over in the morn, ready for a talk or a fight," laughed -Bernard. "God be praised that He has cared for us all these years, and -let us meet again." - -Sandy looked after his son, who had the fine air of a trained soldier. - -"An' when we get him fatted up," said Norah, "he will be main -good-looking." - -Daffodil had sauntered slowly homeward. She looked for some one to -call after her, but there was no sound. Oh, her mother did not care -for her now, and Norry had not so much as coaxed her in and offered -her a piece of cake. She entered the house rather sadly. Gran'mere was -concocting some treat for supper. She just turned and said, "Were they -glad to see your father?" - -"I don't know. I didn't go in." Then she crept up alongside of -grandfather, and leaned her face down on his breast and cried softly. - -"Dear, what has hurt my little girl?" pushing aside the mop of hair. - -"Mother won't want me any more. Nor grandad, nor Norry, nor--nor any -one;" and Daffodil seemed very lonesome in a great cold world, colder -than any winter day. - -"Yes, I want you. Oh, they'll all want you after a day or two. And -it's a great thing for your father to come home safe." - -"I don't believe I am going to like him. He isn't like what I -thought." - -Grandfather smiled. "Wait and see what he is like to-morrow. It's -almost night now, and things look different, cloudy-like. There, dear, -don't cry when we are all full of joy." - - - - -CHAPTER III - -WELCOME - - -Neighbors kept dropping in, and the table was crowded at supper time. -Hospitality was ungrudging in those days. Grandfather had the little -girl close under his wing, but she had a curiously strange feeling, as -if she was outside of it all. Then her mother said: - -"Wouldn't you rather go to bed, dear? The men will want to talk about -battles, and things, not best for little girls to hear. When you are -older they will interest you more." - -"Yes," she replied, and kissed grandfather. Then her mother undressed -her and tucked her in her little pallet. - -"Oh, you _will_ always love me?" she cried, in a tremulous tone. - -"Always, always. And father, too." Even if other children should come, -the years when Daffodil had been her all could never be dimmed. - -The mother shut the door softly. They were kindly enough, this -conglomerate population, but rough, and the French strain in the -Bradins had tended to refinement, as well as living somewhat to -themselves. - -Daffodil cried a little, it seemed a comfort. But she was tired and -soon fell asleep, never hearing a sound, and the company was rather -noisy. When she woke, the door to the living room was partly open, and -the yellow candlelight was shining through. Mornings were dark, for -they had come to the shortest days. There was a curious rustling -sound, and Dilly ran out in her little bare feet, though the carpet -was thick and warm. Gran'mere was cooking, Barbe was washing dishes, -Judy sat by the fire in a grave upright fashion. How white the windows -were! - -"Oh, it's snow!" cried the little girl. "Are we snowed up, as grandad -tells about? Why, we can't see out!" - -"Yes, it's a tremendous snow. Bring out your clothes, and let me dress -you. Don't be noisy." - -The child seldom was noisy. She wondered at the request. And what had -happened? She had a confused sense of something unusual in her mind. - -"Father is asleep. It was late when he went to bed last night, and he -is so tired out that we shall let him sleep as long as he will. Get -your clothes, and shut the door softly." - -She did as she was bidden, with a furtive glance at the mound under -the blankets. Her mother soon had her dressed in a sort of brownish -red flannel frock, and a blue and white checked apron. Then she -brushed out her silky hair, and made three or four thick curls. - -"Oh, isn't it funny! Why, we can't see anything, not a house, or a -tree, nor grandad's." - -They could see that in almost any storm. - -She went and patted Judy. Gran'mere was frying bacon, and when that -was brown and crisp, she slipped some eggs in the pan. Grandfather -kept his bed late winter mornings, and only wanted a bit of toast and -a cup of coffee. That was generally made by roasting wheat grains, -with a tiny bit of corn, and made very fair coffee. But it was -necessity then, not any question of nerves or health. - -So they ate their breakfast and everything seemed quite as usual -except the snow. So far there had been none to speak of. Gran'mere put -out the candle, and the room was in a sort of whitey-gray light. - -There was queer, muffled banging outside, that came nearer, and -finally touched the door, and a voice said "Hello! hello!" - -Barbe opened it. There was grandad, in his frieze coat and fur cap, a -veritable Santa Claus. - -"Well, was there ever the beat of this! Stars out at twelve? The old -woman's geese are gettin' plucked close to the skin. Why, it's -furious! Dilly, come out and let me tumble you in the snow bank." - -She shrank back, laughing. - -"I'd have to dig you out again. How is the lad? Did we upset -grandfather with the racket?" - -"Oh, no. He always sleeps late. Have a cup of hot coffee." - -"An' that's just what I will. Well, the lad's lucky that he was no' a -day later, he'd been stumped for good. By the nose of St. Andrew, I -never saw so much snow fall in a little time. An' it's dark as the -chimney back." - -"The snow is white," interposed Daffodil. - -"Ah, ye're a cunnin' bairn. But put a lot of it together, and it turns -the air. The coffee's fine, it warm the cockles of one's heart." - -"What are they?" - -"Oh, the little fellys that get hot, an' cold, an' keep the blood -racin' round. And have delight bottled up to give out now and then -when one is well treated." - -Daffodil nodded. She was not going to say she did not understand. - -"An' the b'y? He wants fat, sure. The country's made a poor shoat out -of him. Well, I must go back, shovelin' for the path's about grown up. -The boss out to the barn?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, I'll kem over agin, an' give him a hand." - -"Grandad has a good heart," said Mrs. Bradin. - -Mr. Bradin came in presently with a pail of milk. "This beats all for -a storm," he said. "Now, I'll take a second breakfast. Dilly, come -and sit here beside me, and take a taste of things. Not a livin' hen -is up yet, just balls of feathers on the perch." - -"Couldn't you take me out to see them?" - -"If you get snowed under, we'll have to send for grandad. Well, they -did have a roarin' time last night. He was plucky to take that long -walk, though the poor fellows have had many a wearisome march." - -He wrapped Dilly in a blanket, and carried her out to the barn. There -was Mooley munchin' her hay, there was the pen of sheep that was -always safe-guarded at night, and the hens, funny balls of feathers, -sure enough. But the head of the flock stretched up his long neck and -crowed. The pigs grunted and squealed a request for breakfast. Mr. -Bradin threw them a lot of corn. - -"Oh, let me walk back," she exclaimed. But the snow drifted in her -eyes, and she tumbled over in the snow bank. He picked her up, and -they both laughed. - -Grandfather was up now, looking as neat and trim as possible. He -always read a chapter in his French Bible, and Daffodil sat on the -broad arm of the chair and liked to listen. Then he had his breakfast -on the little stand, and Dilly ate the crust of his toast. She liked -so to crunch it in her teeth. Then she always wanted a story about -France, that seemed heroic to her, though she hardly knew the meaning -of the word. But Norah's stories were generally amusing, and -grandfather did not believe in the "little people." - -It was noon when the soldier made his appearance. He really looked -much refreshed, though his clothes were worn and shabby. And he kissed -his little girl very fondly. Why, his blue eyes were very much like -hers, and his smile won one to smile in return. - -And then the sun suddenly broke through the gray clouds, and a gust of -wind began tearing them to tatters, and letting the blue through. -Gran'mere opened the door, and the very air was warm. She drew long, -reviving breaths. Grandad was coming over again, with a great dish of -roasted apples Norah had sent. - -"I should be ungrateful if I didn't get fat by the minute," Bernard -Carrick said. "But such a snow!" - -"I never saw so much business done in the same time, but it'll run off -like a river. And the sun is fairly hot. But there's plenty of time -for winter yet. How does it seem to be out of barracks, or tents, or -whatever you had, or didn't have?" - -"There was a good deal of _not_ having. But no one hardly knows all -the hardships, and the danger. The wonder to me is that so many come -out of it alive. And home is a better thing for all a man has passed -through. I'm anxious to see how the town has gone on." - -"H-u-g," with a sort of disdain. "It hasn't gone on. How could it, -with the likeliest men thrashin' round the country worse than wild -Indians. For we counted on their having a little more sense." - -Bernard laughed. His father had been very angry about his going, and -it was funny to see him try to be a little ungracious over his return, -as he had been so sure he would never come back alive. - -"Suppose we go out and take a look at it?" - -"In all the snow!" so amazed he reverted to the ancient tongue. With -the variety of people, and the admixture of English, the rugged points -of dialect were being rubbed off. - -"I've seen some snow, and travelled through it. But this is rather -queer. Such a glorious air, and fairly a May day sun. - -"Who dances barefoot in Janiveer will greet in March." - -"But they wouldn't go barefooted in the snow," exclaimed Daffodil, in -surprise. - -"They wouldn't do it for choice, though I've seen them dance with -their feet tied up in rags. Dance to keep themselves warm," said her -father. - -"Yes. Let us go to the Fort. You'll be wanting to see the b'y's grown -up now. An' the old folk." - -"You haven't grown much older;" looking his father over -affectionately. - -"Bedad! It's not much beyant three years, and does a man get bowed -over, an' knock-kneed, an' half-blind, an' bald-headed, an' walk with -a stick in that little time. Havers! Did you expect to see me -bed-ridden!" - -Bernard laughed. The same old contrarity that was not so much temper -after all. - -"I can't say the same of you, more's the pity. You've given the -country, a pack of men who'll never give you a thankee, your good -looks, an' your flesh, an' at least ten years. Ye're a middle-aged -man, Bernard Carrick!" - -Bernard laughed again. It was like old times, and, oh, how glad he was -to be home again. - -"Come, then; and, Dilly, run down an' see Norah, an' have a good -time." - -Sandy took his son's arm, and they went off together. Daffodil looked -after them with long breaths that almost brought tears to her eyes. -Grandad hadn't been glad when the news came; she could see just how he -had turned with his nose in the air, and now he was claiming his son -as if he had all the right. - -Gran'mere was concocting some mystery on the kitchen table, Barbe sat -at the little wheel, spinning. And she was singing, too. A faint pink -had come back to her cheek, and her eyes almost laughed with delight. - - "What's a' the steer, kimmer. - What's a' the steer, - Jamie has landed, and soon he will be here." - -She had a soft sweet voice. How long since she had sung with that -gayety. True, she had been ill, and now she was well again, and Jamie -had come home. But grandad had taken him off, and that somehow rankled -in the child's heart. - -She stood by the window, uncertainly. There were only two small -windows in the large room that were of glass, for glass was costly. -Another much larger had board shutters, closed tightly, and a blanket -hung over it to keep out the cold. They called it the summer window. -One looked over to the other house and Daffodil was there. - -"I wouldn't go over if I were you," said her mother. "It is very wet. -Grandad might have carried you, but he hardly knows whether he's on -his head or his heels." - -"He'd look very funny on his head. What makes him so glad? He was -angry about--if that great general hadn't--I can't say the long word, -father couldn't have come home." - -She turned a very puzzled face to her mother. - -"There might have been a big battle;" and the mother shuddered. "Oh, -grandad will be as glad as the rest of us presently that we have a -country. Now we can begin to live." - -It was all very strange to her small mind. The sun was making rivulets -through the snow, and the great white unbroken sheets sparkled with -iridescent lights. Out beyond there was the Fort; she could see -figures moving to and fro. Everything seemed so strange to her. And a -country of one's own! Would the farms be larger, and, if England was -beaten, what would become of it? Would they, our people, go over and -take what they wanted? Would they drive the people away as they did -the Indians? - -She was tired of so much thinking. She went over to grandfather, and -seated herself on the arm of the chair. She did not want Norry's fairy -stories. Leaning her head down on the dear old shoulder, she said, -"Tell me about a great King, who beat the English." - -"Are you going mad about the English?" her mother asked laughingly. -"We shall all be friends again. Quarrels are made up. And so many of -us came from England." - -"We didn't," returned Dilly decisively. - -"Well--on the one side Scotch and Irish." - -"And on the other French, pure French, until your mother married a -Bradin, and you----" - -"And Marc Bradin has been a good husband to me," said his wife, -looking up from her preparations. - -Truly, he had, and a kind son to him as well, though he had not been -in favor of the marriage at first. - -The story was about the grand old times in France. He never told of -the religious persecutions to the little girl. He had a soft winsome -sort of voice, and often lapsed into French idioms, but she was -always charmed with it, even if she could not understand all he said. -Presently she went fast asleep. - -Then the darkness began to fall. The candles were lighted, and that -roused both sleepers. There was a savory smell of supper, even Judy -went around sniffing. - -"We won't wait any longer," gran'mere said, with a little impatience. -She had been cooking some messes that she remembered her son-in-law -was very fond of, and she was disappointed that he was not here to -enjoy it. - -After that grandfather went to bed. Dilly was wide awake and held her -cat, telling her a wonderful tale of a beautiful woman who had been -turned into a cat by an ugly witch, and all the adventures she could -remember. Judy purred very loudly now and then. - -"Don't you want to go to bed?" asked Mrs. Carrick. - -"Oh, I'm not a bit sleepy." Then, after a pause, "Will father stay at -grandad's?" - -"Oh, no. He is with the men at the Fort." - -"But grandad took him away." - -"Oh, they all want to see him." - -"Doesn't he belong to us?" - -"Yes, dear. But they always make a time when one comes home from the -war." - -"What queer things there are in the flames," the child went on. "I -think they fight, too. Look at that long blue streak. Just as soon as -the little red ones come out, he swallows them up. Then he sits and -waits for some more, just as Judy does for a mouse. It's funny!" - -"There, I've spun out all my flax. Now let us both come to bed." - -There was a sound of voices outside. Then the door was flung open, and -Bernard Carrick entered, with a rather noisy greeting, catching his -wife in his arms, and kissing her vehemently. Then he clasped his arms -about Dilly, and threw her up, she was so small and light. She -stretched out her hands to her mother. - -"Don't, Bernard; you frighten the child. We have been waiting for you -to come home. And now Dilly must go to bed." - -She took her little girl by the hand. Bernard dropped in the big -chair. - -Barbe seldom undressed her now, but she did this night. Presently -Daffodil said in an imperious tone, "Do you like my father? I don't. I -like grandfather, and gran, and grandad sometimes, but not always. -And--father----" - -"Hush, dear. You will come to like him very much, I know, for I love -him dearly. Now, say your little prayer and go to bed." - -Barbe went out, poked the fire a little, put on another log, and then -sat down by her husband, who had fallen into a heavy sleep. Had he -given the country something more than his service these three -years--his manhood, the tender and upright qualities that dominated -him when he went away? Sandy Carrick was of the old school, strong and -stalwart, and not easily overcome, although he could not be called -dissipated in any sense. But Bernard had never been of the roystering -kind. She prayed from the depths of her heart that he might be made -aware of the danger. The fire dropped down again, and she roused with -a sudden shiver, rising and looking intently at him. The flush was -gone, he was pale and thin again. Then he opened his eyes and saw her -standing there. After a moment he held out both hands, and clasped -hers. - -"Forgive me, Barbe," he said. "I ought not have come home to you like -that, but they are a wild lot and I hadn't the strength to stand it -after the months of privations. Zounds! what a head my father has! I -haven't been indulging in such junkets. I wanted to come home alive to -you and the little one. But I couldn't get away without offence and -one goes farther than one can bear. Don't think I brought the -detestable habit home with me, though many a poor fellow does yield to -it and you can't blame them so much, either." - -"No," she answered softly, and kissed him on the forehead, much -relieved at his frankness. Then as an afterthought--"I hope you didn't -quarrel with anybody." - -"Oh, no. Party spirit runs high. A man who has never seen anything -beyond an Indian skirmish thinks he could set the country on its feet -by any wild plan. And here we have so many shades of opinion. Father's -amuse me; I wonder how he and great-grandfather keep such amicable -friends!" - -"Oh, he has no one nearby to play a game of piquet with him. And the -Duvernay temper is much milder. But you must be tired. Let us fix the -fire for the night." - -"Tell me when I have it right. I am not quite sure, though I have -looked after many a camp fire. And now I am here to ease you up -somewhat, and look out for you. Your father has been very good through -these troublous times, and I will see that he need not be ashamed of -his son." - -"Oh," she cried with deep emotion, "you make me very happy. So much of -our lives are yet to come." - -There followed several pleasant days. The snow ran off and another -came and vanished. - -There was little doing. Some people had looms in their houses and were -weaving goods of various rather common kinds and many of the women -were kept busy spinning thread and woolen yarns for cloth. Money was -scarce, most of the trade was carried on by barter. - -"It has the making of a magnificent city," Bernard Carrick said, -surveying its many fine points. "From here you will go straight over -to the Mississippi. Some day we shall have both sides. What have the -French been about to let such a splendid opportunity slip through -their hands." - -"Don't stir up a hornet's nest at home," counseled the elder Carrick. - -"Oh, you mean great-grandfather! He sees the mistakes and -shortsightedness, and while he would have been proud enough to live -here under French rule, he understands some aspects at the old home -better than we, the extravagance of the Court, the corruption of -society, and," laughing, "he is hardly as hot for France as you are -for England. After all, what so much has been done for you or Scotland -or Ireland for that matter?" - -"This will be fought all over again. You will see. The country will be -broken up into little provinces. Yankee and Virginian will never -agree; Catholic and Puritan are bound to fight each other." - -"Hardly! They fought together for the great cause and they'll hardly -turn their swords on each other. I've been from New York to Yorktown. -And now the great work is for every man to improve his own holding, -his own town." - -Pittsburg then had enjoyed or hated successive rulers. Great Britain, -then France, Great Britain again, Virginia and Pennsylvania. It had -been a strategic point worth holding, but no one then had dreamed of -its later renown. - -Bernard Carrick did not seem to make much headway with his little -daughter. She had been startled with his rudeness, though he was -gentle enough now. But what with her mother, grandad, and Norah, who -was the most charming of stepmothers, she felt he had enough care and -attention. She was not going to sue for any favors. - -"Daffodil," he said one pleasant day when they had been rambling round -the old Block House, not so very old then, though it could count on -over twenty years, "Daffodil, why can't you love me as well as you -love great-grandfather. I think you scarcely love me at all." - -She kicked some gravelly stones out of her path and looked over the -river. It was all so beautiful then, no smoke to obscure it anywhere. - -"They all love you, they're always wanting you. Grandad doesn't care -for me any more. And he wasn't a bit glad when the news came. He went -in the house saying it was a 'lee' and Norry said the black cat was on -his back. It wasn't a real cat, but like those in the stories. And he -stayed there all day. And he wouldn't believe you were coming home or -that the war was ended." - -"He hardly believes it yet;" laughing. "But he _was_ glad to have me -come back. And are you not a little glad?" - -"You have all mother's gladness. And gran'mere's." - -She made a funny little movement with her dimpled chin, that if she -had been older would have been coquettish. Her lashes were long and a -sort of bronze brown, and her eyes made a glitter through them. Barbe -had been a very pretty girl but the child was not much like her mother -only in certain dainty ways. And her blue eyes came from him. He was -rather glad of that. - -"Don't you want them to be glad that I am back?" - -"Why?"--she looked up perplexed. She was not old enough to define her -emotions. "Of course I should want them to be glad." - -"Yet you are a little jealous." - -"Jealous!" she repeated. The word had no clearly definite meaning to -her. - -"Maybe I have crowded you out a little. But you will find as you grow -that there is a great deal of love that can be given and not make any -one the poorer." - -"What is jealousy?" - -She had been following out her own thought and hardly minded his -truism. - -"Why"--how could he define it to the child's limited understanding? -"Jealousy is wanting _all_ of another's regard and not being willing -that any other shall have a share. Not being willing that grandad -shall care for me." - -"He wasn't glad at first." She could not forget that. - -"It wasn't a question of wanting or not wanting me that made him -captious. He could not enjoy the English being beaten. I do not -understand that in him since he means to spend all the rest of his -life here, and has never wanted to go back. He was only a little boy, -not older than you when he came here. And he fought in the battle of -Braddock's defeat. Though the French gained the day it was no great -victory for them, for they gave up their plan of taking possession of -all the country here about. And he has not much faith in the rebels, -as he used to call us, and didn't see what we wanted to fight for. And -he _is_ glad to have me back. But he isn't going to love you any -less." - -"Oh, yes he does," she returned quickly. "I used to ride with him and -he never asks me now. And he takes you away--then they all come asking -for you and if everybody likes you so much----" - -"And don't you like me a little?" He gave a soft, wholesome laugh and -it teased her. She hung her head and returned rather doubtfully--"I -don't know." - -"Oh, and you are my one little girl! I love you dearly. Are you not -glad to have me come back and bring all my limbs? For some poor -fellows have left an arm or a leg on the battlefield. Suppose I had to -walk with a crutch like poor old Pete Nares?" - -She stopped short and viewed him from head to foot. "No, I shouldn't -like it," she returned decisively. - -"But you would feel sorry for me?" - -"You couldn't dance then. And grandad tells of your dancing and that -you and mother looked so pretty, that you could dance longer and -better than any one. And he was quite sure you would come home -all--all----" - -"All battered up. But I think he and Norry would have been very good -to me. And mother and everybody. And now say you love me a little." - -"I was afraid of you," rather reluctantly. "You were not like--oh, you -were so strange." - -What an elusive little thing she was! - -"But you are not afraid now. I think I never heard of a little girl -who didn't love her father." - -"But you see the fathers stay home with them. There are the Mullin -children and the Boyles. But I shouldn't like Mr. Boyle for a -father." - -"Why?" with a touch of curiosity. - -"Oh, because----" - -"Andy Boyle seems very nice and jolly. We used to be great friends. -And he gave me a warm welcome." - -"I can't like him;" emphatically. "He beat Teddy." - -"I suppose Teddy was bad. Children are not always good. What would you -have done if you had been Teddy?" he asked with a half smile. - -"I would--I would have bitten his hand, the one that struck. And then -I should have run away, out in the woods and frozen to death, maybe." - -"Why my father thrashed me and I know I deserved it. And you are not -going to hate grandad for it?" - -She raised her lovely eyes and looked him all over. "Were you very -little?" she asked. - -"Well--I think I wasn't very good as a boy." - -"Then I don't like grandad as well. I'm bigger than Judy, but do you -suppose I would beat her?" - -"But if she went in the pantry and stole something?" - -"Can you steal things in your own house?" - -"Oh what a little casuist you are. But we haven't settled the other -question--are you going to love me?" - -"I can't tell right away;" reluctantly. - -"Well, I am going to love you. You are all the little girl I have." - -"But you have all the other people." - -He laughed good-naturedly. She was very amusing in her unreason. And -unlike most children he had seen she held her love rather high. - -"I shall get a horse," he said, "and you will ride with me. And when -the spring fairly comes in we will take walks and find wild flowers -and watch the birds as they go singing about. Maybe I can think up -some stories to tell you. I am going to be very good to you for I want -you to love me." - -She seemed to consider. Then she saw grandad, who had a little -squirrel in his hands. Some of them were very tame, so she ran to look -at it. - -"A queer little thing," said the father to himself. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -OLD PITTSBURG - - -Spring came with a rush. Barbe Carrick glanced out of the south window -one morning and called her little girl. - -"Look, Dilly, the daffodils are opening and they make the garden -fairly joyous. They are like the sun." - -There was a long border of them. The green stalks stood up stiff like -guards and the yellow heads nodded as if they were laughing. Wild -hyacinths were showing color as well, but these were the first save a -few snowdrops and violets one found in woody nooks. Birds were singing -and flying to and fro in search of nesting places. - -Pittsburg was not much of a town then, but its surroundings were -beautiful. The two rivers were rushing and foaming now in their wild -haste to pour their overflow into the Ohio. The houses had begun to -stretch out beyond the Fort. Colonel Campbell some years before had -laid out several streets, the nucleus of the coming city. Then Thomas -Hickory completed the plans and new houses were in the course of -erection. Still the great business of the time was in the hands of -the Indian traders that the French had found profitable. Beyond were -farms, and the great tract, afterward to be Allegheny City, lay in -fields and woods. - -A post road had been ordered by the government between Philadelphia -and the town. And there were plans for a paper. For now most people -were convinced that the war was at an end, and the Southern cities had -been turned over to the Continental government. - -There was a brisk, stirring air pervading the place. Business projects -were discussed. Iron had been discovered, in fact the whole land was -rich in minerals. The traders were bringing down their furs. It had -not been a specially cold winter and in this latitude the spring came -earlier. - -"Oh, it's beautiful!" The child clapped her hands. "Can't I bring in -some of them?" - -"Oh, yes. But pick only the largest ones. Leave the others on to -grow." - -She came in with an apron full. "Some are for grandfather," she said. - -"Yes, fill this bowl and put it on his table." - -She had just finished when he came out. He was always immaculate, and -his hair had the silvery tint. His daughter saw that it was always -neatly brushed and the queue tied with a black ribbon. He was growing -a trifle thinner and weaker. - -"Oh, little one," he cried, "did you get a posy for me? Is it your -birthday?" and he stooped to kiss the golden hair, then the rosy lips. - -"Her birthday will not be until next week," said her mother. - -"I had forgotten. I am almost a hundred. And she is----" - -"Seven." - -"And when I get to be a hundred I'll have a little table like yours, -and read out of the Bible, and we'll talk over things that happened -when we were children." - -He laughed and patted her shoulder. "I shall not be here," he said -slowly. - -"Oh, where are you going? I do not want you to go away," and she drew -an apprehensive breath. - -"We do not always stay in one place. I came from France years and -years ago. And I shall go to another country, heaven. It is always -summer there." - -"Can't you take me?" with an eager, upward look. - -"Mother wants you. And you are to be a little old lady and sit in this -chair." - -"And wear a cap like gran'mere? And have two little creases in my -forehead, so?" - -She tried to make them but they were not much of a success, and the -smile returned. "Now let us read." - -She took her seat on the arm of the chair. Gran'mere came in and -busied herself about breakfast. The reading was from one of the minor -prophets. Dilly did not understand it very well but she could converse -in the language quite fluently. Her mother had taught her to spell and -read English. Girls were not expected to have much education in those -days; indeed, here they grew up mostly like the flowers of the field. -While the little girls to the eastward were working samplers, sewing -long overhand seams, hemming, and doing beautiful darning, these -little girls ran about, romped, helped to take care of the next -younger baby, grew up and married, no one could have told just how. - -After breakfast when the sun was warm and bright grandfather started -for his walk. He always felt stronger in the morning. Sometimes Barbe -went, often only Dilly. He liked the child's prattle. He liked, too, -the way the denizens of the woods came to her, and the birds. True she -always had some bread to crumble and she talked in her low sunny -voice. Now and then a squirrel would run up her shoulder, watch her -with beady eyes that almost laughed and whisk his feathery tail about. - -"It does seem as if they ought to talk," she often said. - -"They do in their language, only we can't understand them; at least we -do in part. Doesn't he say in his fashion, 'I'm glad to see you? Have -you any crumbs to-day.' And how one of them scolded when another ran -off with that piece you dropped." - -"That was funny, wasn't it!" and she laughed. They were sitting on a -fallen log in the warm sunshine. Bees were out also, buzzing and no -doubt grumbling a little because there were not more sweet flowers in -bloom. And the birds sang and whistled in great glee. - -They returned from their walk presently through the woods, where she -gathered some curious wild flowers. Then they came out by the river, -foaming and tumbling about as if it longed to overflow its banks. Now -and then a rough kind of boat came down laden with stores of some -kind, but there was no hurry visible anywhere. - -About sixteen years before the Indians had ceded all the lands about -Pittsburg to the Colonies. The six nations assembled with their -principal chiefs and warriors and gave the strongest assurance of -treaty keeping, which after all were not well kept, as usual. But they -had retreated to better hunting grounds and for some time had made -little trouble, though many friendly Indians remained. - -The wanderers came out to the town proper. Streets were being -surveyed, straightened, new ones laid out. There were about a hundred -houses ranged round the Fort, but they had begun to spread outside. -The disputes with the Pitt family, who had held the charter of -Pennsylvania, had been mostly settled and grants of land given to many -of the returned soldiers in lieu of the money the Colonial government -could not pay. Pittsburg now belonged to the State, and a project had -been broached to make it the county seat. - -Grandfather looked very tired and pale as he came in and went straight -to his chair. His daughter took his hat and cane. - -"I did not mean to go so far. I wanted to look at the spot where I had -buried my money;" with a little hollow laugh. - -"Did you bury some money?" asked Daffodil, with eager curiosity. -"Can't you dig it up again?" - -"No, dear; it has to stay there for years. It may be dug up in your -time, but I shall not need it." - -She looked puzzled. - -"You must have a cup of tea," said Mrs. Bradin, and immediately she -set about it. Grandfather leaned back in his chair and closed his -eyes. Dilly espied her mother in the adjoining room and went thither -to exploit the splendid time with the squirrels and show the flowers -she had gathered. Then she stood rather wistfully. - -"Well?" said her mother in a tone of inquiry. - -"Grandfather went to look at the money he had buried, but he couldn't -find it. Do you suppose some one has taken it away?" - -"Buried?" She seemed mystified a moment, then smiled. "It wasn't as we -bury things. A long time ago when the French held the Fort and seemed -likely to keep a good part of the country grandfather bought a large -tract of land. Then the French were driven out by the English and they -in their turn by the Colonists. But the land is there and some day the -money may come out of it. Grandad thinks he might as well have thrown -it into the river. But he has never wanted for anything, and it would -likely have been spent for something else. It's odd grandfather should -have said that to-day. He seldom mentions it. He was quite troubled -over it at first--when _I_ was a little girl." - -"Oh," returned Daffodil, relieved, though she did not understand the -matter. - -"Go and put your flowers in water;" said her mother. - -Grandfather was soundly asleep and did not wake until dinner was on -the table. Then he scarcely tasted it. - -"You must not take such long walks," his daughter said. "You cannot -stand it any more." - -"No, I am getting old," rather sadly. "When your mother died I felt -that I didn't want to live, and now I am content to go on in this -lovely world until the Lord calls me home. I thought once I should -round out the century. There have been many changes in the hundred -years." - -And though he had been on exile for his faith's sake, though he had -seen the blunders and sins of his country's rulers, he could not help -reverting to the grand old dream of the magnificent empire of New -France that would never come to pass now. How they had let all the -advantages slip through their fingers that had grasped only at the -wildest pleasures and dissipations. - -Barbe went out in the sunshine to garden a little. She was so fond of -growing and blooming things. And they yielded such a beautiful return. -She sang snatches of songs, sometimes in French, sometimes the gay or -sad Scotch ditties. Dilly went over to see Norah, all the men were out -now at the spring work. Norah was spinning on the big wheel, but she -could raise her voice above its whir and to-day she was full of merry -legends. Dilly had brought the cat and Judy never objected to being -held. - -"I'm going to be seven years old," she said in a pause. "And when will -I be almost a hundred like great-grandfather?" - -"Oh, you've gone only a little bit toward it," laughed Norah. "Why I'm -not half way there myself. And I don't want to be. I'd like never to -grow any older. But you shouldn't stop at seven. You haven't come to -the cream of life. There's more fun at seventeen and that's ten years -away. But you're big enough to have a party." - -"What is a party like?" - -"Oh, you little innocent! A party is a lot of people together who -laugh and tell stories and have a good time and something to eat and -drink. And you must have a cake with seven candles around it." - -"What are the candles for?" - -"To light your way;" laughing. "No, to tell how many years you have -lived. I'll make the cake, and the candles too. They'll have to be -dips for I haven't any small mould. Don't you remember how your mother -and gran'mere made candles last fall? And I haven't a bit of wax -myrtle. Oh, I can melt up two or three of mine. They are more fragrant -than tallow. Yes, you shall have a party. I'll talk to your mother -about it." - -Dilly was all interest and excitement. Her mother agreed at once. A -modern little girl would have refused such a party. For there would be -all grown people. Barbe Carrick had been a little exclusive with her -child and she had not felt the need of playmates. Then they were -rather out of the range of the Fort people as the somewhat crowded -settlement was called. There were no schools nor Sunday-schools for -little folks. Sunday was not very strictly kept. The schoolmaster read -prayers, the litany, and a sermon from some volume on Sunday morning -and the rest of the day was given over to social life. There were a -few Friends who held their meeting in each other's houses; some of the -Acadians had found their way thither, and now and then a priest came -who took in the more devout of the Irish population. But there was a -large liberty of opinion. - -Norah would have the house decorated with blossoming shrubs and she -made a wreath for the little girl to wear, for a few neighbors were -asked in. James Langdale had been in Bernard's company, and Mrs. -Langdale and Barbe had exchanged many a fear and a few hopes. There -were two Langdale boys, but of course they were not eligible for a -girl's party. - -They had some idea of the fitness of things even then. Barbe and -Bernard Carrick were at the head of the table with Daffodil on her -mother's side and great-grandfather on the other. At the foot were -grandfather and grandmother Bradin and on one side grandfather Carrick -and Norah, fresh and smiling and full of gayety in the pretty lavender -crepe she had worn at her own wedding and that she saved now for high -occasions, with her sapphire earrings and brooch that had come down to -her through several generations and had been worn at Court and danced -with royalty. - -It was what we would call a high tea, a bountiful spread, and there -was much jesting and joking. I think they didn't mind the little girl -very much. She was perched up higher than usual and wore a white robe -that was kept as a sort of heirloom when she outgrew it, for it was -lace and needlework of her mother's making. - -Jetty, a half Indian woman, waited on the table, and when the meats -were taken out and the dessert brought in there was Daffodil's -beautiful cake with the seven candles all alight. She thrilled with -the pleasure. They passed around other cakes and home-made wine and -drank great-grandfather's health and wished him many more years. -Grandfather Carrick drank to Daffodil's future, wishing her long life -and a happy marriage with great prosperity. - -Then her mother helped her up on her feet. She felt very bashful with -everybody's eyes upon her and almost forgot the little speech Norah -had taught her, but her mother prompted and she replied amid great -applause. The toasting went all around, then her candles were put out -and she had to cut the cake, which she did with a silver knife that -had a Louis stamp upon it. The cake was declared excellent. - -"I'm going to take my piece home to the boys," declared Mrs. Langdale. -"Husband, give me a taste of yours." - -After that there was more merriment. Then Jetty took off the things, -the tables were pushed back, and Norah and grandfather Carrick danced -a jig. And it _was_ dancing such as you seldom see nowadays. Norah -could have made her fortune on a modern stage. - -After Daffodil's party broke up the men went over to grandfather -Carrick's, where they made a night of it, as was the fashion of the -times. But Dilly and great-grandfather wanted to go to bed. - -"A party is just beautiful!" declared Dilly. "Couldn't I have another -sometime!" - -"Oh, you are getting spoiled," laughed her mother. "Let me see--when -you are ten, maybe." - -So many new thoughts came to Daffodil that she was surprised at -herself. Of course it was being seven years old. She began to sew a -little and knit and make lace over a cushion. Very simple at first, -and oh, the mistakes! Then there was gardening. How curious to plant a -dainty little seed and have it poke a green head out of the ground. -But funniest of all were the beans coming up with their shells on -their heads; she was sure at first they must be upside down. - -The men were very busy about the new town and sometimes they almost -quarreled over the improvements. It was taking on quite a changed -aspect. They were giving names to the streets and building much better -houses of hewn logs, making plaster walls. But glass was very dear and -for a long while they could only put in a few windows. The rest were -openings, closed by shutters at night or in a storm. - -The paper was a great source of interest, the Pittsburg _Gazette_. -What they did without any telegraph and depending only on post horses -puzzles us now. And the General Government had a hard task on its -hands reconciling the different states and trying ways of getting -money. - -"They'll see, an' a sorry time they'll have of it," predicted Sandy -Carrick. "It's settin' up housekeeping for yourself on nothing. Th' -ould country's paid our bills and sent us what we needed an' they'll -be glad to go back, mark my words now." - -Bernard took his father's talk in good part. His knowledge was so much -wider. There would be hard times, but there were brave men to meet it. -Sometimes he wished they could go to a big city, but it would be cruel -to tear Barbe away from the household when she was its light. - -Daffodil had another wonderful pleasure. The old English people kept -up some of their customs and they had a gay time over the Maypole. It -was like a grand picnic. They had a smooth grassy place at the edge of -the woods and the pole was a young tree that was denuded of its limbs -as it stood in just the right place. They could not get ribbon, but -strips of dyed muslin answered for the streamers. There were two -fiddlers, there were gay choruses. One song grandad sang with great -gusto. Captious as he could be when people did not agree with him, he -had a fund of Irish drollery. - - "Come, lasses and lads, get leave of your dads - And away to the Maypole hie; - For every fair has a sweetheart there, - And the fiddlers standing by, - Then trip it, trip it, up and down." - -And grandad did trip it merrily. It was fortunate for Norah that she -was not jealous, but she enjoyed a bit of fun, and her arch smile, the -merry flash of her eyes, with the color coming and going, made her -very attractive. Dilly wished she was big enough to dance--her little -feet kept patting the turf and keeping time with the fiddle. - -"You're Daffodil Carrick, aren't you?" said a boyish voice almost in -her ear. - -She turned, startled, and her eyes were so lovely they fairly -transfixed him, and she stared unconsciously. - -She did not speak but nodded. - -"I'm Ned Langdale. My mother was at your party and brought us home a -piece of your birthday cake. She said you were seven and as pretty as -a fairy, and I'm fourteen, just twice as old." - -"Oh," she said, "that's funny. And will you always be twice as old." - -"Why--no. You can never be that but just once in your life--I mean -with that special person. And when you were twenty I wouldn't like to -be forty." - -"Is that so very old? Great-grandfather is ninety-seven." - -"Whew! That is old! But you see now I am seven years older than you -and that is the way it will be all our lives. Do you go to school? -There's a lady in Water Street who takes little girls, though she's -only just begun." - -"No; but I can spell, and read, and do little sums. And read in -French." - -"Oh, that's great! I'm studying Latin, but it's awful tough. Isn't it -gay here? Can you dance?" - -"I never tried with music." - -"I can, just a little. Oh, say, it's splendid! If I knew just how I'd -ask you to try it with me. It seems so easy when you look at them. -It's so and so----" moving his hands. "Yes, do try. You whirl -round----" - -And without any real intention they started. It was like floating. -Yes, she had done it when she thought of the little people dancing on -the green. - -"Oh," with a soft laugh of protest, and all out of breath. -"It's--delicious! I didn't think I could do it for fair. I sometimes -make believe. I'll get Norry to teach me." - -"Norry? Who?" - -"Why----" she flushed daintily. "That's grandad's wife." - -"Then she's your grandmother." - -"Oh, no, she isn't. You see the other wife died; she was father's -mother and he married Norah. We all call her Norry." - -"She doesn't look old enough to be any one's grandmother. And isn't -she gay? She has such a merry face, pretty too." - -"And she sings such gay songs. She knows all about the fairies, too, -and she's seen them at home, that's Ireland. Why don't they come to -America?" - -"Maybe the witches drive them away. Witches are just awful! Come; let -us try again." - -He placed his arm around her and they whirled off to the fascinating -music. Is there anything like a fiddle to put the spirit of delight in -one's feet? Other couples were floating round or doing jigs with fancy -steps and laughter. Now and then a bright, mirthful young lad ran off -with some girl and left the first partner in the lurch, at which there -was a shout. - -"Oh, I wish you were my sister! Wouldn't we have fun! I have only one -brother, Archie, and he's stupid as an owl--well, I mean he hasn't any -fun in him, and he'd dance about like a cow. Oh, there's your--well, -it would be queer to call her grandmother." - -They both laughed at that. - -"I wondered where you were, Daffodil. Isn't this Ned Langdale? I know -your mother. Dilly, I think I had better take you home. I promised -your mother I wouldn't keep you very long." - -"Oh, no; let me stay just a little while. It's all so gay and they -dance so--so--isn't it like a fairy ring?" - -Norah laughed. "Well, I'll take another round, then we must go. You -keep her just about here, then I shall know where to find you. Aren't -you tired, though?" - -"Oh, not a bit." - -Her eyes shone like stars and there was a most delicious color in her -cheeks like the dainty first ripeness of a peach. - -"There's a tree over there--go and sit down. I won't be long." - -The great tree had been cut down and there were no end of chips lying -about. - -"Now, if I was home I'd get a basket and gather them up," said Ned. -"Mother thinks they make such a splendid fire. It's odd that our -fathers were out in the war together, and are real good friends. I -mean to be a soldier." - -"But if there isn't any war?" - -"There'll be Indian wars until they are all cleared out. They're a -treacherous lot and never keep their word. And governments need an -army all the time." - -"But it's dreadful to fight and kill each other." - -"Still you have to. History is full of wars. And there were so many in -the Bible times. The children of Israel had to fight so many people to -get the land of Canaan that the Lord promised them. And we've been -fighting for a country--that is, our fathers have--and now we've -gained it. Oh, wasn't it splendid when Cornwallis surrendered. Did you -hear Kirsty that morning? I thought the place was on fire." - -That brought grandad's face before her and she laughed. - -"I didn't know what it meant nor who Cornwallis was. I'm only a little -girl----" - -"But you're awful smart to read French. Can you talk it?" - -"Oh, yes. Grandmother Bradin was French. They went to Ireland and then -came to America, and since father has been away they have talked it a -great deal more, so you see I know both." - -"Mother said your party was so nice. And the old grandfather was like -a picture. When they drank your health you had to reply." - -Daffodil's face was scarlet. - -"I almost forgot. Norry made me say it over and over, but mother -whispered and then I remembered." - -"Oh, I wish I could have seen you. And you are so little and pretty. -I'd like to see your French grandfather. Could I come some time?" - -"Why, yes. And you'd like Norry so much." - -"Do they live with you?" - -"Oh, no; but it's only a little way off----" - -Norah came flying back. "Come," she said hurriedly. "Grandad's had a -fit about you because I did not have you tucked under my wing. Why, I -should have dropped you while I was dancing. Glad you've taken such -good care of her;" and Norah nodded to him as she took the child by -the hand. "Don't say a word about the lad, or grandad will show his -claws and scratch all round." - -He was waiting where a path turned off. - -"Well, Yellow-top," he began, "so you're not lost. Had a good time?" - -"I was watching them dance. And they were so merry. Oh it was fine!" - -"No place for a little youngster like you. Norry was crazy to think of -it." - -"I saw some other little children----" - -"Yes, rabble;" and the nose went up. - -"Grandad, don't be cross. I had such a nice time;" and she slipped her -small hand in his. - -"You're 'most a witch, you cunning little thing;" and he gave her a -squeeze. "Now, Norry, take her to her mother's arms before you let her -go." - -They turned off, and grandad, who had not had his fun out, went back. - -"It was all splendid, Norry. I want you to show me how to dance and -teach me some songs--some of those gay and pretty ones." - -"Well, well! you _are_ getting along. Daffodil Carrick, you'll break -hearts some day;" and Norah laughed. - -She had so much to tell them at home and she spoke of Ned Langdale, -but she did not quite like to tell about the dancing, wondering if -there had been anything wrong in it, and she did not want to have -Norah blamed. She liked the gayety so much. It was rather grave at -home, with all grown people. And her mother was not _all_ hers now. -Father was very fond of her. And she was coming to like him very much. - -He was pleased that she had such a nice time. He wondered if it would -not be well to send her to this school for small children that had -lately been opened. But her mother objected decidedly. - -Oh, how beautiful the summer was with its flowers, and then its -fruits. One Sunday afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Langdale came up with their -son Edward, and Daffodil was glad to see him again. He was a nice, -well-behaved lad, and very deferential to great-grandfather. The two -soldiers talked over their battles and the state of the country. The -preliminaries of peace were under way, but the settlement seemed to -drag along. France still stood our friend. - -Daffodil took him out to see the squirrels that came at her call and -inspected him with such curious, inquiring eyes that he laughed about -it. - -"You see they are not used to boys," she explained. - -The quails were very much at their ease as well, and robins flew and -fluttered. Judy never tried to catch them, though sometimes she hunted -out in the woods. - -"Ned Langdale is a nice boy," said Dilly's father. "I don't wonder -they are proud of him. His heart is set on being a soldier." - -"I'm glad he isn't my son if that is his bent," Barbe said. "And I -hope we'll hear no more of war." - - - - -CHAPTER V - -HOW THE WORLD WIDENED - - -The summer passed rapidly. Daffodil found many things to entertain -her, but grandfather demanded much of her time. He took his morning -walk with her hand in his, but he did not go as far as formerly. Then, -on his return, he had a nap in his chair. He lost his appetite during -the latter part of the season. In the afternoon he took a long nap. -Daffodil read to him now, and he did not appear to notice her -blunders. - -"Father fails rapidly, I think," Mrs. Bradin said to her husband. - -He shook his head with a slow, sympathetic movement. - -"We shall miss him very much. And Dilly will feel it. I am sorry to -have her know the mystery no child can understand." - -"We won't go for a walk this morning, Dilly," he said one day in later -August. "The air is very close. We will wait until evening." - -"But you go to bed so early." - -"Yes, I'm getting old," with his faint, sweet smile. - -"But everybody says you must live to be a hundred. That's a whole -century." - -"Sometimes I feel as if it were two centuries since I began. But it -has been a pleasant journey toward the last. I'm glad to have had you, -Dilly." - -"I'm glad, too," the child said with her bright smile. - -"Now you may sing to me a little." - -So she sang him to sleep. Then she went to wait on her grandmother. -Her mother was sewing by the window in their sleeping-room. - -"Go and look at grandfather," she said presently. - -"He is still asleep. Mother, I wish you would show me that stitch I -began yesterday." - -So she sat down at her work. - -Mrs. Bradin went to her father. His head had drooped a little forward. -She placed her hand on his forehead, and drew a long quivering breath. -The summons had come, peacefully, for him. - -She was still standing there when her husband entered, and at a glance -he knew what had happened. - -"It is best so," he said. - -Barbe was startled beyond measure. Latterly her thoughts had been -revolving much about herself, and though she had remarked the slow -alteration, she had put off the assumption of the great change. -Somewhere in the winter--maybe spring, and here it was with the -ripening of summer. - -They carried him to his room and laid him tenderly on his bed. A long, -well-used life it had been. - -To Daffodil it was a profound mystery. No child could comprehend it. -This was the journey grandfather had spoken of, that she had imagined -going back to France. - -"What is it, mother? How do people go to heaven?" she asked. - -"Some day we will talk it all over, when you can understand better. We -must all go sometime. And we shall see each other there." - -"Then it isn't so bad as never seeing one again," and there was a -great tremble in her voice. - -"No, dear. And God knows about the best times. We must trust to that." - -He looked so peaceful the day of the burial that Daffodil thought he -must be simply asleep. She said good-by to him softly. There had been -no tragedy about it, but a quiet, reverent passing away. - -Still, they missed him very much. Barbe wanted to set away the chair -that had been so much to him. She could not bear to see it empty. - -"Oh, no, mother," pleaded Daffodil. "When I go and sit in it I can -talk to him, and he seems to come back and answer me. It's so lovely -where he is and there isn't any winter. Think of having flowers all -the year round. And no one ever is ill. There are such beautiful -walks, and woods full of birds, the like of which one never sees -here. And I can put my head down on his shoulder, just as I used, and -I can feel his hand holding mine. Oh, no, don't take it away, for then -I should lose him." - -The child's eyes had a wonderful exalted light in them, and her voice -had a tender, appealing sound, that went to the mother's heart. She -was thankful, too, that Daffodil had no terror of death. She shrank -from it as from some dread spectre standing in her way. - -The child missed him most in her walks. Norah liked neighbors to chaff -and gossip with; rambles, with no special motive, did not appeal to -her. Gran'mere was always busy, her mother was easily tired out. She -rode, as of old, with grandad, but she could not use the pillion, her -arms were too short to go around his stout body. Her father took her -out with him when he could; he did a good deal of surveying. On -Saturday Ned Langdale would hunt them up, and one day he brought -Archie, who was three years younger, and not exactly stupid, either, -but always wanting to examine the beginning of things, and how the -Indians came to own the continent, and why the Africans were black and -had woolly hair and in the country called Asia they were yellow? And -if God created only two at first, how did they come to be so -different? And how did Adam know what to name the animals? Were there -people living in the stars? - -"Oh, do hush up," his mother would exclaim impatiently. "You are -enough to turn one's brain upside down! And you can't say half the -multiplication table. I don't believe you know how many black beans -make five!" - -It had been a great puzzle to him. He sprung it on Daffodil one day. - -She considered. "Why, five would be five of anything, wouldn't it?" - -"Oh, how quick you are with a good reason, too. I couldn't see into it -for ever so long. I'm awful dull." - -Then they both laughed. His face was such a good honest one, but not -full of mirth, like Ned's. - -They were really nice boys, and her father felt he could trust her -with them. But he wished there were some tolerably well trained girls -for her to know. - -Then the winter came on again. Her father had to go to Philadelphia on -some business, and there were stirring times in the brave old city. -They missed him so much. Grandfather Bradin was promoted to the whole -name now, as there was no chance of confusion, but the little girl as -often endearingly called him "gran." - -Bernard Carrick brought home with him great-grandfather's will that -had been made five years before, and intrusted to a legal friend, who -was, like himself, a Huguenot refugee. To his wife Felix Duvernay had -entrusted his strong box, with the gold pieces that were almost -heirlooms, and various jewels, to do with whatever she chose. There -were some deeds of property that he brought home with him, and the -will. - -"I was amazed," he said to Barbe. "Why, there are acres and acres of -ground that will be worth a mint of money some day. And it is all -securely made over to Daffodil Carrick. Your father and I are -appointed guardians, and this Mr. de Ronville is administrator. His -father was exiled about the same time, but he came at once to America. -It seems a little queer that great-grandfather shouldn't have made -more of it." - -"I think, after the purchase he felt rather sore about it, as if it -was a foolish bargain. But he thought then that the French would be -the real rulers of America," said Mrs. Bradin. "Yet he never alluded -to the will; and you know he was always very fond of Dilly, and that -there was no other child." - -"Dear old man! When Dilly is grown up she will be an heiress. It can -only be leased until she comes of age. I wish it was on this side of -the river. Well, as my father says, 'it will neither eat nor drink,' -except the rains of heaven. We won't proclaim it on the housetops." - -So matters went on just the same. No one gave much thought to "over -the river" then. - -One morning Mrs. Carrick was not very well. Norah came over, and there -was grave consulting. She took Dilly back with her, and in the -afternoon grandad bundled her up and drove her over to the mill with -him, and was very jolly. They did not return until dusk, and then -Norry's supper had such a savory fragrance she decided to share it. -Norry had been over to the other house, and "mother" had a bad -headache, and Dilly was to stay all night. She had brought over her -nightgown. - -"That's funny!" exclaimed Daffodil. "Mother seldom has a headache. -Oh," with a sudden alarm, "you don't think mother will be ill for -weeks and weeks, and grow pale and thin, as she did before father came -home." - -"Oh, no;" and Norry threw up her head with a laugh. "She'll be up -again in no time." - -Grandad was teaching the little girl to play checkers, and she was -deeply interested. Norry was knitting a long woollen stocking for him, -and sang bits of gay Irish songs. But by and by the little girl began -to yawn, and made some bad plays. - -"You're sleepy," said grandad. - -"Yes, I can't get over to the king row;" and she smiled. "But you just -wait until to-morrow, when I'm bright and fresh." - -So Norry put her to bed, and, leaving grandad to read the _Gazette_, -she ran over to see how it fared with Barbe, and did not come home -until morning. Grandad had a nice fire, and had made the coffee. - -"Oh, dear," began Daffodil, coming out in her trained nightgown, as -they made garments for children to grow in, in those days, "isn't it -funny? When I woke up I couldn't think where I was, and it came into -my mind about little Bridget, that fairies took away for seven years. -Then I would be fourteen." - -"That's some of Norry's nonsense. Get on your clothes, and come and -have these grand griddle cakes and sausage, that'll make you sing in -your sleep." - -"Why not when I am awake?" with laughing eyes. - -"Anybody can do that. But it takes something extra good to make you -sing in your sleep." - -She thought they were quite good enough, and wondered how it would -seem to sing in the night, and the dark, and if she could hear -herself. - -Then her father came after her. Grandad wrung his hand and said, "Lad, -I wish you joy and the best of luck." - -What did that mean? - -"Daffodil, something wonderful has happened to us, and I hope--you -will like it. We are very happy over it. We have a little boy who came -in the night. A little brother for you. And we want you to be glad." - -"Oh, was that what grandad meant?" she asked gravely. - -"Yes. You see, girls marry and give up their name. But a boy carries -it on. And grandad hated to have the name die out. He will be very -proud of the boy, but I think no one will be quite as dear to him as -Daffodil." - -The child was revolving various thoughts in her mind, and made no -comment. When they entered the house, Grandmother Bradin took off her -hat and cloak, and kissed her very fondly. Her father watched the -small serious face. Then he sat down in the big chair, and took her on -his knee. - -"Dilly," he began in a pleading tone, "I hope you won't feel as if--as -if you would be crowded out. We have had you the longest, and you were -our first sweet joy. We can never love any other child quite like -that. And nothing can ever change our love for you. So you must not -feel jealous because we shall love him and be glad to have him----" - -"Oh, that was what you said a long time ago, when you first came -home--that I was jealous. No, I didn't like mother to love you so -much. And you were strange, and you can't love any one all at once;" -incoherently. - -"But you are not jealous now?" - -"No. It didn't take her love from me, only a little while." - -"It did not take it away at all. And there were two people to love -you, instead of one. Suppose I had felt hurt because you loved -grandfather so much?" - -"Was it like that?" She raised her lovely eyes with an appealing light -in them. "And was I very bad?" - -He stooped and kissed her. "It was very natural, and the only thing, -the best thing, is to wait until the other one understands. You love -me now?" - -She reached up and twined her arms about his neck. - -"I love you very much," she returned in an earnest tone. "And I am -gladder than ever to have you love me, now that grandfather has gone -away. But I don't want any one else to go." - -He clasped her more tightly. No, any other break in the circle would -mean a more poignant grief. There was no one to spare. - -"And you will not mind if we love the little boy a good deal?" - -"No--since it is a little boy. I am glad it is not a girl, that you -chose a boy," she made answer simply. - -"We all wanted the boy. Dilly, I am glad to have you love me, and I -hope it will grow stronger as you grow older, and understand how sweet -affection really is." - -Mr. Bradin called him away. He put Daffodil in the chair and she -leaned her head down and whispered to grandfather that a little boy -had come, and she was going to be glad, because they all wanted him. -And then a curious thought flashed over her. Death and life are -profound mysteries, even out of childhood. - -"Would you like to see the baby?" asked gran'mere Bradin. - -"Oh, yes." - -Her mother glanced up out of fond dark eyes. Why, she was as pale as -in her long sickness, but not so thin. She said, "Kiss me, Daffodil." - -"Oh, mother!" - -"And here is little brother." - -Daffodil's first feeling was disappointment. She had thought of some -angelic beauty. He was red and crumpled up, and there was a crown of -thick black hair, and his mouth was puckered up. The mother patted his -little face. - -"He will look better by and by," she said reassuringly. - -"Mother, I was thinking--it came to me in the chair--isn't it old -grandfather come back to us again to live his life over? You know, -everything begins little. The flowers die, but they spring up again, -most of them in the same places." - -"Why, child, that is a pretty thought;" and the mother smiled. "And he -will have his name, only Grandfather Carrick must have his in, so it -will be Alexander Felix Duvernay." - -"I don't want him to be called Sandy." - -"I think he won't be. And, Daffodil, you won't mind--I mean, you won't -feel jealous. We wanted him so much." There was a touch of anxiety in -the mother's voice. - -"Oh, no. Father asked me that. No, you may love him ever so much, -while you love me as well." - -"She takes it very calmly," said Gran'mere Bradin afterward. "Some -children as old as she, and been the only one so long, would have made -a great fuss. We have all spoiled her a little, but she has such a -sweet temper. It is the Duvernay temper;" smiling. - -"I hope I have a good share of it," resumed Barbe. - -The baby was not small, and he grew by the hour. He had soft, large -dark eyes. Grandad did not like so much French about him, but he was -glad to have a grandson, even at that estate. He soon bleached out, -though he was not fair like Daffodil. - -"I'll have to see about making a fortune for him," said grandad. -"Though those acres of wood and farmland will not amount to much, and -I don't see what a girl can do with a farm." - -But the acres lay smiling in the sunshine, perhaps dreaming of the -time when they should be homes of beauty. - -Meanwhile events had been going on rapidly, if not harmoniously, for a -stable government for the Colonies. And there must be some sort of a -head. A government of the largest liberty it must be, the states -forming a great federation for protection and advancement. Out of the -discussion came the Federal Constitution, and a President, the man who -had never lost faith in the possibility of a great nation. - -There were, of course, a few dissenting voices, and many fears. For -the nation was only an infant. - -"What did I tell you," said grandad to his son. He had to argue, it -was one of his satisfactions. "Four years, they say. In two years the -silly things will make him a king, and in ten years you'll be fighting -for liberty again. There's no money to be had--we shall be glad enough -to run back to England, and beg to be taken in. The French will throw -us over." - -"Don't look so far ahead." Bernard kept his temper under these -onslaughts. But he did hate to have his father haranguing little -crowds here and there over the spirits that were being so largely -manufactured. - -"Oh, yes! And have them catch us unprepared. Where's the money coming -from to build a navy, to pay new soldiers when the old ones are half -starving, to keep your grand President. You see, he'll have a court -and a style, while we common folks can kneel outside the gates." - -"We're going to look out for our own town, and let the men at the helm -take care of the larger interests. We have everything for a fine -city, and work for all, so we will take up the nearby business." - -People were straggling in; they are generally gregarious. And there -was plenty of work. There was felling of trees, a sawmill, and rough -log houses were meant for only temporary housing. Wharfs and docks -sprung up by magic. Then the school was merged into the Pittsburg -Academy, afterward to be the University of Pennsylvania. Smaller -schools came into existence, yet they were a great working people, and -in those years the three R's were esteemed the most necessary. - -Then, after a heated discussion, Pittsburg was established as the -county seat, which enhanced its prestige. Some rigorous laws were -passed, and a ducking stool was set up at the junction of the three -rivers, much to the disgust of the better classes. At first there were -crowds haunting the place, and jokes bandied about, but there was -found small use for it. - -"It's a good thing," said Sandy Carrick. "It'll keep the women in -check, anyhow." - -"Isn't it as well for the men?" asked Norah mischievously. "An', -Sandy, you better look out, ye're scoldin' about the country 'cause -you daren't try much of it on me. Don't I keep your house clean, mend -your clothes, and knit you long stockings, so's you shan't get -rheumatiz in your knees. An' if you know a woman who cooks a better -meal of vittles, you had better go an' board with her." - -She was so pretty and saucy that Sandy turned on his heel and laughed. - -Then the _Mayflower_, with a lot of New England emigrants, passed -Pittsburg for the shores of the Muskingum. - -"Them Eastern states must just have overflowed," was the verdict. -"Goin' out to Ohio, an' spreadin' theirselves abroad as bait for the -Indians, when there's civilized lands lyin' about." - -And as if Pittsburg was not large enough, they turned to consider -Alleghany, and began to lay it out. It would make another fine city. - -Meanwhile matters went on prosperously, with the Carricks and the -Bradins. Bernard added a room to his house for Daffodil, and placed a -window so she could see her mother's garden of posies. The baby grew -amazingly, was well and strong, and positively pretty, looking a -little like his mother, getting teeth without any trouble, walking, -saying all manner of crooked words, and then straightening them, being -a jolly, healthy child, and Norah's heart was bound up in him. She -borrowed him half her time. - -"I'd be a happier woman with a houseful of them," she said, "Sandy -always insisted he didn't care, but I know he does. He's just ready to -eat up little Sandy without a grain of salt." - -They _would_ call him that, while his home name was Felix. His father -called him baby at first, then son. He liked everybody, but he adored -his own father. Barbe stood a little in the background, not that she -loved him less, but she gave a continual thanksgiving that he had met -with such a warm welcome. - -Daffodil was amused at his pretty ways, and the cunning bits of -mischief that she often kept from his mother. She was so certain of -her father's affection now. She took a warm interest in his doings, -she sided with him about the country, and listened delightedly to the -stories of bravery and endurance, and absolutely quarrelled with -grandad when he predicted the wretched times that would follow -throwing off the protection of the mother country, and the surety that -an appeal would be made again for her protection. - -"An' just look at what they are saying about your precious Washington! -They'll turn him out before he's served his four years. No two of them -think alike! And how's the money to be raised for expenses! You silly -child, you don't know anything about it. An' your father's a gey -fule!" - -"I'll never come in this house again, grandad!" with a dignity that -made her pink cheeks red and her blue eyes black. - -"Then sure you'll never go out of it on such terms!" and grandad -caught her and scrubbed her with his stubby beard, and hugged her so -tight she was glad to promise she would come to-morrow. And likely she -ran over that very evening. - -"He's not worth the minding," Norry would declare. "He don't believe -the half of it, and says it to see you spurt up. He's half the time -spilin' for a quarrel that has no more in it than an empty eggshell." - -Daffodil began to have some new interests in her life. She was growing -rapidly, she went to school, and met children of her own age. Several -chapels had been started, and there was a real clergyman, though they -could not have him regularly, and then a reader took the service. The -men had various outdoor diversions that had been brought from "the old -country," and were never loath to join the women's frolics, at which -there was dancing, and, it must be admitted, not a little drinking. - -Norah took her out occasionally, "for," she said to Barbe, "it isn't -just right to make an old woman of her. They love the fun when they're -young, and that's natural, an' it's a sin to crowd them out of it." - -Barbe was very domestic. Her house, her little boy, her sewing and -spinning, filled up all her time. The child was a marvel to her. He -was so bright and active, so pretty and merry, but altogether -different from Daffodil. - -Once when they had talked over great-grandfather's bequest, Bernard -had said, "It seems almost a pity that Dilly had not been the boy, -with that great estate to come to him. A man can do so much more in a -business way than a woman. Not but that the boy will be cared for, -father's heart is set on him. And I shall see that he is well provided -for if I live." - -Bernard Carrick was deeply interested in the welfare and advancement -of the town, and found much work to do outside of the farm that his -father-in-law attended to, indeed, had the greater interest in. Sandy -Carrick had a great outlying tract. Grain of all kinds, especially -wheat, grew for the mere planting in the virgin soil. And the staple -product of the time was whiskey. Nearly every farmer had a still. The -morality of drinking was not called in question, and the better class -of people were temperate. It was the great thing they could exchange -for their needs. They sent it over the mountains to Kentucky and Ohio. -They built rough sort of tugs, and freighted it through the Ohio to -the Mississippi, disposing of it anywhere along the route. The mouth -of the great river was still in the hands of the Spanish. - -It must be confessed, since the birth of Felix, Barbe had shared her -motherhood a good deal with Norah, who laid claim largely to Daffodil. -They wandered through the woods together, for the child peopled them -with the old stories that Norah's faith made so real. She stopped for -her at school, and brought her home to supper. Grandad at times tried -to tease her. Strangely enough she was never jealous, even of her -father's love for the little brother. And she said to grandad: - -"You may love him all you like. He is a boy. Men ought to love boys. -And he is named after you, though I don't like the name." - -"Oh, you don't! One grandfather is as good as the other, and I'm -nearer of kin. It's a good old Scotch name, an' they're good as the -French any day." - -"I don't like Sandy." - -"And I don't like Felix. But I put up with it. You won't make a -Frenchman out of him. I'll see to that;" and he gave a funny wink out -of his eye. - -"And if some day he should want to go to France?" - -"I'll see that he doesn't. This place will be big enough and good -enough for him. There's fortunes to be made here. I'm going to leave -him mine, an' I'll bet you a gallon of whiskey it'll be worth more -than your wild land." - -"Well, I shan't care!" archly, and with laughing eyes. "I like the -woods and the birds and the squirrels. Some day I'll have a house -built, and I'll take Norah to live with me." - -"You will, hey? I'll have something to say about that. Do you suppose -I'll stay here and starve?" - -He tried to look very angry, but she knew all about his face, and his -tone, and said nonchalantly, "Oh, you can go over to the other house -and get something to eat." - -"Well, we'll see, little Miss Madam. You'll be gravely mistook!" - -So they jested and pretended to bicker. Then grandad set up Norah with -a pony and a sort of jaunting car, that would only hold two. For -Daffodil could no longer keep her seat in the old fashion, neither -would her arms reach around grandad. - -Sometimes Norah took out Barbe and the little boy. For Daffodil went -to school quite regularly about eight months of the year. The -remaining time most of the children were needed to help at home. - -Any other child would have been spoiled with the favoritism at school. -The older ones helped her at her lessons, and in those days there were -no easy kindergarten methods. They gave her tidbits of their -luncheons, they piled her little basket with fruit, although she -insisted there was so much at home. They brought her some strange -flower they had found, they hovered about her as if there was some -impelling sweetness, some charm. She had a way of dispensing her -regard impartially, but with so tender a grace that no one was hurt. - -"I just wish we could go to the same school," Ned Langdale said in -one of the Sunday rambles. He was always on the lookout for Norah and -her. - -"But--the big boys go there." - -"Yes. Oh, you wouldn't like it a bit. Beside, you couldn't. And the -lessons are just awful. And the thrashings----" - -"Don't. I can't hear about that;" shaking her pretty golden head. - -"No. Girls oughtn't. But they say it's good for children----" - -"For boys. Why, are boys worse than girls?" - -"Oh, they are not. I know some girls who are mean, and tricky, and -don't tell the truth. All girls are not like you." - -"Maybe it's because everybody is so good to me. I couldn't be bad in -return, you know." - -"Oh, I just wish you were my sister, and lived with us." - -"Well, you see that couldn't have been. God sent me to mother." - -"But a fellow can wish it." - -"It's queer, but there are a great many things wishing doesn't bring. -I suppose it's because they _can't_ happen." - -He gave a sigh. - -She knew how to dance now; Norah had taught her, but it comes natural -to most children, and it did to her. She used to dance by herself, and -sometimes whirl little brother round, to the great amusement of her -father. - -Ned used to stray over summer evenings to hear Mr. Carrick talk about -the war, and the dangers he had escaped. He never told the hardest -side of it, not even to Barbe. - -There were other boys who made various errands, and if she was not -home, went over to Sandy's for her. - -"This thing must stop," grandad said angrily. "What are they running -after such a child as that for? Oh, don't tell me it's some trumped-up -errand. It's just to sit and look at her as if they never saw a girl -before! She's pretty to look at, to be sure, but she's not going to -have lovers in a long time yet." - -"Sandy, don't get your head fuddled with that kind of nonsense. It's a -heap worse than whiskey." - -Sandy gave an indignant grunt. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -A NEW FRIEND - - -"Oh, here's a letter for father. Grandad brought it. From -Philadelphia. And here's a queer red something"--and Dilly peered over -it. - -"Seal," said her mother. "And, why, it's from that friend of -great-grandfather's," studying the French emblem. And an odd shiver -ran over her, as she suddenly studied her child. - -Dilly laughed. "You look as if you were afraid he wanted me, as if he -was some cruel old ogre, who might eat me up." - -Then Barbe laughed also, and stood the letter on the high shelf over -the chimney, that she could just reach. - -It was from Monsieur de Ronville. He was coming to Pittsburg on some -quite important business, for parties who had heard about the -discovery of minerals, and that a blast furnace had been started; that -Pittsburg was coming to be a point of connection with the west and -south; and he would also like to see his ward and her possessions, -that he might be able to advise in time to come. Would Mr. Carrick be -kind enough to meet him and bespeak accommodations at some hotel for -himself and his man, for all of which he would be extremely obliged. - -Bernard Carrick looked at his wife in sheer amazement. - -"Hotel! Well, there are only two or three taverns good enough for -traders, and that ilk, who don't mind a roystering crew, gaming, and -drinking. If it was government business, he might be taken in at the -Fort. Why, what can we do? And a man. You see, he is used to the -habits of civilized life, and we have had no time to fall into the -traces. The Lindsays are in their new house, but I couldn't ask them -to take in our guest." - -"And we;" Barbe hesitated, then said laughingly, "we shall have to -enlarge our borders. Sometime the boy will want a room." - -Bernard dropped into grandfather's chair and considered. He had been -about the world enough to know the place would look rather rough to a -person from one of the chief cities. Somehow, they were a little -different. There were pieces of fine old furniture that had come from -France, then their ways were rather more refined. It would be the -proper thing to take him in. And he would be here in about a week. - -Mrs. Bradin agreed on that point. Truth to tell, she was anxious to -see this M. de Ronville, whose father had been her father's boyhood's -companion. - -"Why, you could give him Dilly's room, and she could go over to -Norry's," she said as they were discussing the next day what was to be -done. "It is a good thing we brought down that old bedstead, though -Dilly hated it so." - -Dilly had outgrown her little pallet, though at first she declared the -high posts were the little brown men grown into giants, who would -carry her away. But when grandmere exhumed some faded silk hangings -where the roses were of a creamy pink, and cupids with wings were -flying about, she was soon reconciled. Then Grandfather Bradin had -made her a chest of drawers and two chairs that looked as though they -might have been imported. - -"And I can fix a bed in the attic for the man, so we will have it all -running smoothly." - -"You are a great comfort," said Bernard to his mother-in-law. - -The post now came every week. Even the busy folks went to meet it for -the sake of the newspapers and the occasional letters, though those -mostly went to the Fort. Sometimes a few emigrants had joined the -train. For now there seemed to have broken out a fever for adventure, -for founding new settlements, although in some places the Indians were -still troublesome. - -Bernard Carrick went to meet his guest. He could have picked him from -the group at once by his decidedly foreign air, the French aspect. He -was past sixty, rather tall, and very erect, almost soldierly, with a -beautiful white beard, though his hair was only half sprinkled with -snow. Clear, rather soft dark eyes, and a high-bred air that gave a -grave, yet kindly, expression to his countenance. He had his horse, as -well as his servant, who was a rather small, shrewd-eyed Frenchman. - -Carrick introduced himself, and welcomed his guest cordially, -explaining to him that they had not arrived at the dignity of hotels, -and that the taverns were but poor affairs, so he would be pleased to -offer him the hospitality of his own house. - -"Thank you," he returned. "You are the father of my ward, I presume." - -"Yes, she is my little girl;" with a smile. - -"An odd sort of charge. Though I suppose it was because I was of his -country. Nations are clannish." - -"We shall get so mixed up that we shall hardly be able to trace our -forbears. On her mother's side my little girl is mostly French." - -"A little girl!" He seemed surprised. - -"She will always be that to me. Only heaven knows my joy and gratitude -at coming home from the long struggle, and finding her and her mother -alive; indeed, the whole household. I have had a son born since." - -"Yes. You were in the war. You may be proud of that. It will be an -honor to hand down to your son. But your town----" - -With a vague glance around, and an expression that was clearly not -admiration. - -"It has not had your advantages, nor your people, and is much younger. -It seems to me on the verge of civilization." - -Bernard Carrick laughed good humoredly. - -"That is true," he returned. "Except for the confluence of the rivers -there seems no special advantage, though the land is thought to be -rich in minerals. And the Fort being built here--the French planned a -long chain of them." - -"It seems a just return to France for her indifference to her splendid -Colonies. And I have lived long enough to see if there are no fatal -mistakes made, that this will be a grand country. From the depths of -my heart I pray for her welfare." - -"And I fought for it," was the younger man's proud reply. - -De Ronville had hardly expected to see such a house as this. The -aspect was undeniably French, heightened by the old furniture that he -had been used to in his boyhood. His room was delightful. Barbe had -taken out most of the girl's fancy touches, and odd things her -grandfather Bradin had made, and left a grave aspect. Outside, -everything was a-bloom, and a rose climbed up a trellis at the side -of the window, shaking its nodding fragrant blossoms against the -window-pane, and, when it was open, showering in its sweet silky -leaves. - -They made friends readily. Great-grandfather Duvernay was the link -between, and the women were more French than of any other race. It was -almost supper time when Daffodil came in, leading her little brother -by the hand. In him again the mother's type predominated; he was a -fine, robust child, with a fearless, upright expression, and a voice -that had none of the rougher tones of so many of the early settlers. -But Daffodil! He studied her with a little wonder. - -For her abundant hair had not yet shaken off its gold, and lay in -loose thick curls about her neck. Her complexion was of that rare -texture that neither sun nor wind roughened, and all the care it had -was cleanliness and the big bonnets of those days. Her features were -quite regular, the nose straight, rather defiant, but the beautiful -mouth, full of the most tantalizing curves, fun, laughter, sweetness, -and the something termed coquetry in older women, that is not always -experience either. She was slender and full of grace, tall for her -age, but most girls grew up quickly, though she had not left the -fairyland of childhood. - -"I am glad to see the darling of my old friend," smiling as he took -her soft, dimpled hand. "I have always thought of her as a very -little girl, sitting on the arm of her grandfather's chair----" - -"Oh, did he tell you that!" in her bright, eager tone. "Yes, and we -used to talk--he told me so much about France and--it was your -father--was it not? I thought you must be quite young;" and a faint -touch of surprise passed over her face. - -"We were both set back in memory, it seems. And even I am getting to -be quite an old man." - -"But I like old men," she said, with charming frankness, and a tint of -color deepened in her cheek. "They are all old except father, and the -men who come in to play games are wrinkled up, and some of them have -white hair. I've had such a lot of grandfathers, and only one -grandmother." - -"How did you get more than two?" - -"It was great-grandfather Duvernay," explained Barbe, "that made the -third." - -"And this is his chair. Mother wanted to take it away, but I could not -bear to have it leave this corner. I could see him in it. Strange how -you can see one who is not really there, or do they come back for a -moment? Here is the arm where I sat, and I used to put my arm round -his neck. I am going to let you sit in his chair. Father won't mind;" -glancing inquiringly at her mother. - -"Dilly, you are too forward," and Barbe colored. Felix was climbing in -her lap and almost upset her. - -"No, no; her prattle is the most cordial welcome. And I hope you will -soon like me well enough to come and sit on the arm and hear my -stories." - -"Oh, have you what Norry calls a bag of stories, that the little brown -men carry about? They're queer, and they drop them over you while you -are asleep, and that makes dreams, and you see people, and have good -times with them." - -M. de Ronville laughed. Bernard came in; he had been settling the man, -and the luggage, and now repeated his hearty welcome. - -When M. de Ronville settled himself in the corner and the chair you -could almost fancy grandfather had come back. They had a strong -likeness of race of the higher type, those who had been pure livers -and held strongly to their religion. He was very tired with the -journey and looked pale as he sat there, relaxed. - -Barbe and her mother spread the table. They had a sort of outdoor -kitchen they used for cooking in the warm weather. Felix was asking -questions of his sister, who answered them with a sort of teasing -gayety. Why was this so and that, and did she ever see a panther. -Jimmy Servy's father killed a wolf out by the Fort, and Jimmy said a -wolf would eat you up. Would it truly? "Then when I am big enough to -fire a gun I'll go out and shoot all I can find." - -The supper was most appetizing if it did not have the style of his own -house. He was really pleased with the simplicity of the two women, and -Mr. Bradin and his son-in-law certainly were intelligent if they had -not the range of the greater world. Daffodil was quiet and -well-mannered he observed. In truth he was agreeably surprised with -these people who were not held in high esteem by the culture of the -large city. - -Dilly came to him afterward. - -"I am going over to grandad's," she announced. "I stay all night with -them sometimes. Oh, I hope you will like Norry. I love her dearly and -you mustn't mind if grandad is a little queer." - -"No, I will not," amused at her frankness. - -"He is just a splendid old man!" she announced to Norah. "And he looks -like great-grandfather. I'm going to like him ever so much, and I want -you to." - -"Oh, yes, I'll like him," responded Norah readily. "I fancied he was -one of the high and mighty dukes like that Colonel Leavitt, and I'm -glad for your mother's sake that he's comfortable to get along with. -It never would have done for him to go to a tavern." - -They talked a little at the other house and then retired for the -night. And the next day was a busy one. Bernard Carrick took him about -and they inspected the blast furnace on which high hopes were built, -but the knowledge in those times was rather limited. It struggled -along for some years and then better things came in its stead. - -The river front was quite a busy place. Yes, de Ronville admitted -there was great promise of a thriving city. And over opposite might be -another. He knew how the cities on the eastern coast had improved and -grown in power. One had only to wait. And his ward was young. Though -he wondered a little at the faith of his friend Duvernay. But the old -man, not so old then, had in his mind the beautiful estates in the -land of his birth, and this land commanding the river and what would -sometime be a thriving town attracted his fancy. He had hoped so that -Barbe's child would be a son, but he had loved Daffodil with the -passion of declining years. Felix had come too late. - -M. de Ronville found much to interest him. The eastern shore would not -be all of the country. Explorers were sending back glowing tales of -western possibilities. Towns were springing up and this was the key to -them all. There were large tracts of fertile lands that seemed to have -been deserted by the Indians and that were of amazing fertility. After -all Felix Duvernay had made no mistake. - -And Daffodil found her way to the guest's heart with very little -effort. It might have been her beauty, that no one around seemed -aware of, or her pretty, winsome manner. She accompanied him and her -father on their rides about. She was a graceful and well-trained -horsewoman. She had so many dainty legends of out-of-the-way nooks; -most of them Norah had grafted on old country tales. - -And the evenings at home came to be quite a delight for them all, -listening to the glories of his city and the strides it had made. Of -the famous men, of the many incidents in the great struggle, its -churches and various entertainments as well as the social aspect. -Daffodil listened enchanted. - -They had come to be such friends that she sat on the broad arm of the -chair, but he noted her wonderful delicacy in never dropping into -familiarities, while they were so common with her father, and grandad -was almost rough with her. True, Barbe had an innate refinement and it -was the child's birth-right as well. - -She sat there one afternoon. Mother and grandmother were busy -preserving fruit for winter use, it grew so plentifully, but they had -not mastered the art of keeping some of the choicest through the -winter uncooked. - -"Daffodil," he began gravely, "your parents have entertained me most -delightfully. You have a charming home and I shall hate to leave it. -But on Thursday there is a return post and I have overstayed the time -I thought would be ample to transact the business I came about. And -now I must return." - -"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Oh, I do not want you to go." - -What pleading, beautiful eyes she raised to him. - -Old as he was it thrilled through his pulses. - -"But, my child, I cannot live here. And I shall miss you so much. Why -I have half a mind to run away with you. I wonder if you would like a -visit to my beautiful city." - -"Oh, it would be splendid! But--is there any one----" - -"To take care of you? There is a housekeeper and a maid, and a jolly, -good-natured black woman, who cooks in the kitchen. There are two -carriages and horses, and there will be so much to see. It is so -different from this." - -She seemed to consider. "Yes," rather irresolutely, "if I could go. -They would miss me so much here." - -"And would you be homesick?" - -"Not in a good long while, with you;" she returned with a child's -innocence. "And you would surely let me come back?" - -"Yes, my dear; even if it broke my heart to do it. I wish you were my -little granddaughter." - -"Then I would have another grandfather," and she gave a soft, musical -ripple. After an instant she caught his hand in hers so plump and -warm, and exclaimed--"Oh, I should like to go." - -"Dilly; Dilly!" exclaimed the fresh boyish voice; "come and see what I -have. Grandad and I have been fishing." - -There was a string of shining plump fish that as Felix said still -wiggled in their freshness. "Oh, Dilly, if you only were a boy! -Grandad says you are not worth a button at fishing." - -"They're fine, little brother. No, I don't love to fish. And baiting!" -She shuddered as she spoke. - -"But you can eat them afterward." - -"I couldn't if I caught them myself." - -"I wanted a nice lot before the gentleman went away. And Katy and Peg -Boyle were out and they are great. It was a fine afternoon for fishing -I tell you!" - -She went through to the kitchen with him. He was a boy for all kinds -of sport, but he abhorred school and was glad when it closed early in -the summer, for the boys and girls were needed at home. Sandy Carrick -inducted his grandson into all boyish pursuits. His heart was bound up -in Felix. - -He began to prepare the fish for cooking. Dilly looked out over the -wide expanse where trees were thick with leaves and laden with fruit. -But she did not truly see anything for her eyes were following her -thoughts. To go to a great and wonderful city where they had rung the -first bell for independence, to see the splendid houses and the -ladies in fine array and to hear beautiful music. But of course she -could not go. They would miss her so much. Yet it seemed as if she did -very little now. - -They had not the strenuous methods of to-day. If those old settlers of -Pittsburg with their simple living could come back they would lose -their senses at the luxury and striving for gain, the magnificence, -the continual hurry and restlessness, the whirl of business undreamed -of then. No one was striving to outshine his neighbor. House -furnishing lasted through generations. Fashions in gowns and hats went -on year after year, and it left time for many other things. Barbe -Carrick found hours for lace-making; as was the custom of that time -she was laying by in the old oaken chest articles and napery for the -time when Daffodil would go to a home of her own. For then it was a -great disappointment to the mother if a girl did not marry. - -In the old chair Gaspard de Ronville sat dreaming. He should have -married long ago and had children and grandchildren. Would there have -been one pretty, golden-haired girl among them with a sweet voice and -such eyes as were sure to find the way to one's heart, such rosy, -laughing lips, sweet for lovers to kiss when the time came? And -then--oh, if it could be! - -That evening he laid his plan before the household. Might he take -Daffodil for a few months' visit, and thereby return their cordial -hospitality that had given him a most unexpected pleasure. She would -be well taken care of, that he could assure them. And in event of her -losing her natural protectors he as her trustee and guardian would be -only too happy to take charge of her. He would have her best interests -at heart always. And it might be well for her to see a little of the -world. She might desire more education than the place could afford. - -They were all too much amazed to reply at once. - -"Pittsburg is good enough!" flung out grandad. "Her interests will be -here. She'll marry here, she'll die and be buried here, and she'll -know enough to get to heaven at the last without all the folderols of -a great city, as those folks think it because they rung their bell -when they cut loose from the mother country!" - -"Oh, we couldn't spare her," said the mother. "And, Dilly, you -wouldn't want to go away among strangers." - -"Oh, no," returned the little girl, and she knew then she had two -sides to her nature, and one was longing for the new and untried, and -the other clung to what was familiar. There were tears in her eyes, -but she could not have told which chord of her soul of all the many -was touched. - -"I should just die without you!" protested Norah. "I couldn't love a -colleen of my own better." - -Grandmere said but little. She saw there was an unquiet longing in the -child's heart. She could not quite approve of trusting her to -strangers, but she knew girls had come from the old world to Virginia -and married men they had never seen before, and made good wives and -mothers. Daffodil was too young to think of lovers, two years hence -there might be danger. - -"I'd go!" declared Felix in his most manly fashion. "Why, Tim Byerly -has been out to Ohio, which is a real country, not all a river. And -Joe Avery went over to the Mes'sipy and down to New Orleans." - -"Mississippi," corrected his mother. - -"That's what Joe calls it. And men haven't time for such long names. -Yes, I mean to go about when I'm big and have some money. Father 'n' -I'll set out and discover some new state and take possession of it in -the name of the President. Of course girls can't set out to discover -things. And Philadelphia has been discovered already." - -They had not long to think about it. And as if to make it the more -possible an old neighbor, Mrs. Craig, who was going to spend the -winter in the distant city with a married daughter, offered to give -her a mother's care on the journey. Girl friends came in and envied -her the wonderful luck. Most of the neighbors took it for granted that -she would go. - -As for the little girl she changed her mind about every hour. She had -come to care a great deal about M. de Ronville. In youth one responds -so readily to affection and he had learned to love her as he had never -loved anything in his life. He was charmed with her frankness and -simplicity, her utter unworldliness. She seemed to care no more for -the great estate over the river than if it had been a mere garden -patch. And he thought her too lovely to be wasted upon any of these -rather rough, commonplace young men. She must be taught to know and -appreciate her own value. - -It was only settled the night before. There was no need of much making -ready, they could get what she wanted in the great city. And they must -allow him the pleasure of providing for her. No one would be wronged -by whatever he might do for her. - -Grandad had been very grumpy about it, and Norah cried and scolded and -then admitted it was the most splendid thing, like a fairy story. -Felix was full of delight. And the good-by's were so crowded at the -last that her head was in a whirl. She felt as if she should come back -that same night and talk over her day's journey. - -And so the little girl went out of Pittsburg with good wishes, and -perhaps a little envy from those who would like to have been in her -place. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -DAFFODIL'S NEW WORLD - - -Their first stage was in the coach. There was really quite a caravan -for the weather was very pleasant for such a trip. Mrs. Craig fussed a -little in a motherly way, and M. de Ronville watched her attentively, -fearful she might give way to tears. But she had a stunned, -incredulous feeling. Two men in the coach were arguing about the -feasibility of Philadelphia becoming the capital of the Nation. It -should never have gone to New York, which, after all, had been a nest -of Tories. - -One of the men recalled grandad to her mind and she could not forbear -a vague little smile. It roused her to an amused interest and she -asked M. de Ronville in a low tone which was right. - -"The stout man is right, but he might be less dogmatic about it. I -wondered at its going so far North." - -Mrs. Craig was quite chatty and a very sensible body who saw several -amusing things outside of the coach. All the passengers had brought -luncheons along and they stopped by a wayside spring for a refreshing -drink and to water the horses. Most of the travellers took a little -walk around to rest their limbs. And then on again. The afternoon -seemed long to Daffodil, though M. de Ronville entertained her with -some reminiscences of the war and before that time, and how queer and -unpromising the first beginnings were, and about William Penn, whose -dream and desire had been "A fair roomy city with houses set in -gardens of greenery," and Benjamin Franklin, who had done so much -brave work for the country. - -The post road had been made very tolerable. The darkness dropped down -and the woods seemed full of strange things that made her shiver. Then -they stopped at an inn--taverns they were called in those days--and -had a good supper. - -"Are you very tired?" asked M. de Ronville with much solicitude. - -"Not so much tired as stiff. I think I never sat still so long even at -school," and she smiled. - -"It's a rather long journey, and I hope," he was going to say, "you -will not be homesick," but checked himself and added, "that you will -not get clear tired out. I will see if we cannot get some horses for -to-morrow. That will make a change." - -"Oh, I shall like that," her face in a glow of pleasure. - -The supper was very good and she was healthily hungry. Mrs. Craig -found some amusement to keep up the little girl's spirits, and she -fared very well until she was safe in bed beside her kind companion. -Then she turned her face to the wall and her mind went back to all the -nights in her short life when she had been kissed and cuddled by -mother or grandmere, or for the last ten days by Norry, and now she -suddenly realized what the separation meant. - -The glamour was gone. She could not go back. Oh, why had she come! She -wanted to fly to the dear ones. She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of -her nightdress, and sighed very softly, but she need not have minded, -for Mrs. Craig was gently snoring. - -The next morning was bright and clear, but she wondered where she was -when Mrs. Craig spoke to her. What a little bit of a room and a tin -basin to wash in! - -"I hope you slept well. And I never dreamed a word! What a shame, when -your dreams in a strange place come true--but you wouldn't want a bad -dream to come true." - -"No," in a very sober tone. - -There was noise enough, but it was not the familiar home tones and -Felix bustling about. Daffodil made a great effort to restrain her -feelings and laughed a little at some of the sallies. - -M. de Ronville was pacing up and down the hall, and he held out both -hands, but his eyes wore an anxious expression. - -"My dear little girl, I could not help thinking last night that it was -very selfish of me to want to take you away from your home and those -who love you so dearly just for a bit of pleasure to myself. Did you -go to sleep thinking hard thoughts of me?" - -She raised her lovely eyes, but the face was sweet and grave. - -"Oh, you know I need not have come unless I had wanted to. I didn't -think it would be so--so hard," and there was a little quiver in her -voice. - -"And are you sorry? Do you want to go back?" - -"No," she answered with a certain bravery. "I like you very much and -you want to do the things that please those you care a great deal for. -And I want to see the beautiful city and the wonderful places where -things have happened. And I am going to be very happy, only I shall -think of them all at home." - -"That is right. And I am going to do all I can to make you happy. The -journey will be tiresome--I have seldom had to take any delicate -person into consideration and I didn't think----" - -"Oh, I shall not get tired out," laughing with some of her olden -spirit. - -He had been upbraiding himself during the night for his covetous -desire of having her a little longer. Yes, he would have been glad if -she was in reality his ward, if she were some friendless, homeless -child that he could take to his heart for all time. There were many -of them who would be glad and thankful for the shelter. But he wanted -this one. - -The riding for awhile was a pleasant change, and they talked of -themselves, of M. de Ronville's home, one of the early old houses -where he had lived for years, alone with the servants. She had heard -most of it before, but she liked to go over it again. - -"I wonder why you didn't marry and have children of your own," and -there was a cadence of regret in her tone that touched him. - -"I supposed I would. But year after year passed by and then I grew -settled in my ways, and satisfied. I was a great reader." - -"Oh, I wonder if I shall disturb you?" and there is a charm in her -accent that warms his heart. "You must have seen that we live so -altogether, that word just expresses it, as if all our interests were -just the same. And they are. And I shall be--strange. Is the -housekeeper nice?" - -"Well--a little formal and dignified perhaps. Mrs. Jarvis. And she is -a widow without children. Then there is Jane, quite a young woman. Of -course, Chloe belongs to the kitchen department. And there is a young -man." - -There is no new accession of interest. She only says--"And is that all -in a great big house?" - -"Oh, there are visitors at times. I've had General Lafayette and -Count de Grasse and not a few of our own brave men. But they have -largely dispersed now, and sometimes I have a rather lonely feeling. I -suppose I am getting old." - -"Oh, I don't know how any one can live without folks, real folks of -their very own," she said with emphasis. - -"Yet, the friends have ties and interests elsewhere, and you have no -close claim on them. It is not a good thing. Suppose grandfather -Duvernay had been all alone those later years." - -"Oh, I don't believe he could have lived. He was so fond of us all. -And I loved him so. But I couldn't truly think he had gone away. I -used to sit on the arm of the chair and talk to him. Do you know just -where they go, and can't they come back for a little while? Oh, I know -mother would. She couldn't stay away!" - -Her eyes had a beautiful expression, almost as if she had a vision of -the other world. - -"Oh, he was to be envied," exclaimed de Ronville, with deep feeling. -His own life looked lonelier than ever. - -By noon she was glad to go back to the coach. It had changed some of -its passengers and there were two children that attracted Daffodil's -interest and put her in a still more charming light. - -It was a long and tiresome journey with one wild storm and some -cloudy days, but at last they reached the much desired city, and were -driven out to the end of Broad Street. It was still the "greene -country towne," although it had taken on city ways. This house stood -then in the midst of greenery, having a garden on both sides, one -devoted to choice fruit, the other to flowers and a sort of kitchen -garden. It was a square brick house with green blinds, a wide doorway, -and a hall running through the centre. - -Mrs. Jarvis answered the summons herself. - -"A hundred warm welcomes, my dear friend," she said most cordially. -"We have missed you so much. I hope you are well?" - -"Quite worn with the journey. And this is my ward--Miss Daffodil -Carrick." - -She held out her hand to the young girl and smiled at the attractive -face. - -"Will you go upstairs at once? There will be time for a rest before -supper. Oh, sir, you can hardly think how glad we are to get you -back." - -The hall and stairs seemed to Daffodil as if they were carpeted with -moss. Four rooms opened on the upper hall. Jules had his master's -portmanteau as well as that of the girl, which he set down at the -opposite door. Mrs. Jarvis led her in. - -"This is my room and you see there is a connecting doorway so you need -not feel lonely. You must be tired with the dreadful journey. How -people ever ventured before there was a post road I can't imagine. Yet -there are families going out to Ohio and Kentucky, as if there was not -land enough here to settle. Now I'll send up Jane with some warm water -that will refresh you very much. And then you had better take a rest. -Supper is at six. You have nearly two hours." - -Left to herself Daffodil took a survey of the room. It looked quite -splendid to her untrained eyes with its soft carpet, its pretty -chairs, its bedstead and bureau of light wood, its clock and tall -candlesticks on the mantel, and the dressing mirror that stood on feet -and in which you could see the whole figure. Then in a little nook -curtained off was a washing stand with beautiful appointments in white -and old blue. She glanced around in amazement and was still standing -there when Jane entered. - -A quaint enough figure in a short, scant frock, short-waisted as was -the fashion of the times, of home-dyed blue linen that would have been -one of the new colors of to-day where we have gone through every -conceivable shade and hue. The sleeves were short, but there were -long-armed mitts for summer wear. The cape was of the same material -and the straw gipsy hat had a bow on the top and the strings to tie -under the chin when it was not too warm. - -"Oh, you look as if you did not mean to stay," cried Jane. "Let me -take your hat and cape." - -Jane was nearer thirty than twenty, a comely, fresh-faced girl with an -air of youthfulness, attired in a sort of Quaker gray gown, with a -lace kerchief crossed over her bosom. Her hair was banded straight -above her ears and gathered in a knot behind. - -"Oh, miss, you look fagged out. Mrs. Jarvis said when you'd had a good -wash you must go to bed awhile. There's nothing freshens you up like -that. It must have been an awful journey! My brother has gone out to -Ohio. Do you live anywhere near that?" - -"Not so very far away. And the Ohio river runs by us." - -"I want to know now! The world's a funny sort of place, isn't it, -Miss, with land here and water there and great lakes up North and a -gulf at the South that they do say is part of the ocean. Now--shan't I -unpack your portmanteau?" - -"Monsieur de Ronville wouldn't let mother pack up much, he said things -could be bought here." - -"Yes, there's no end of them now that we are trading openly with -France." - -"And I was growing so fast," she continued apologetically, for the two -frocks looked but a meagre outfit. One was a delicate gingham made out -of a skirt of her mother's when gowns were fuller, the other her best -white one tucked up to the waist and with some rare embroidery. - -"Can I help you any?" - -"No," returned Daffodil in a soft tone and with a half smile. "I'm -used to waiting on myself." - -"I'll come in and fasten your frock. You'll put on the white one;" and -Jane withdrew. - -Oh, how good the fresh water and soap scented with rose and violet -seemed! She loitered in her bathing, it was so refreshing. Then she -did throw herself across the foot of the bed and in a few moments was -soundly asleep, never stirring until some one said--"Miss; Miss!" - -"Oh! I had a lovely rest. You get so jolted in a stage coach that it -seems as if your joints were all spinning out." - -"Oh, miss, what beautiful hair? It's just like threads of gold. And it -curls in such a lovely fashion! And such dark lashes and eyebrows sets -you off." - -Jane was such a fervent note of admiration that Daffodil blushed. - -She was very pretty in her frock that ended above the ankles, and her -fine white linen home-knit stockings were clocked. True her shoes were -rather clumsy, but her shoulders made amends for any shortcomings. Her -skin was very fair; sometimes it burned a little, but it never -tanned. - -"Oh, miss, if you had a ribbon to tie your curls up high! All the -young ladies wear it so." - -"I'm not _quite_ a young lady," archly. - -M. de Ronville came out of the library to meet her. The little flush -and the shy way of raising her eyes was enchanting. She seemed a part -of the handsome surroundings, really more attractive than in the -plainness of her own home. - -"You are a most excellent traveller," he began. "And I give you a warm -and heartfelt welcome to my house. You should have been my -granddaughter. What now?" seeing a grave look settled in her face. - -"I was thinking. I wish I might call you uncle. It's queer but I never -had an uncle with all the other relations. They seem to run in one -line," and she laughed. - -"Oh, if you will. I've wished there was some way of bringing us nearer -together. Yes, you shall be my niece. You won't forget?" - -"Oh, no; I am so glad." She seemed to come a little closer, and he -placed his arm around her. Oh why did he never know before how sweet -love could be! Then he kisses down amid the golden hair. Even her -cheek is sacred to him and her lips must be kept for some lover. - -There was a little musical string of bells that summoned them to -supper. A young man of three- or four-and-twenty stood just inside the -door. - -"For convenience sake Miss Carrick will be announced as my niece as -she is my ward. Allow me to present Mr. Bartram." - -Daffodil flushed and bowed. M. de Ronville placed her chair for her. -The table was round and very beautifully appointed. She and the young -man were opposite. He was rather tall, well looking without being -especially handsome. Mrs. Jarvis poured the tea. The two men talked a -little business. - -"I shall lay the matter before the Wetherills to-morrow," de Ronville -said. "I was surprised at the promise of the place and it has a most -excellent location. At present it is rather wild, but after seething -and settling down the real town comes to the surface. It will not be a -bad investment if one can wait. And the Wetherills are not likely to -lack descendants. - -"I am glad you were not disappointed," returned the young man. - -"We know so little about Pittsburg," said Mrs. Jarvis, "except the -great defeat of Braddock in the old war. Your people are French, I -believe," turning to Daffodil. - -"Yes, on the one side. The town seems to be made up of all nations, -but they agree pretty well. And they have many queer ways and -fashions." - -Daffodil did not feel as strange as she had been fearing for the last -two or three days that she would. Mother and grandmere would stand a -comparison with Mrs. Jarvis, who had the dignity and bearing of a -lady. - -Some friends came in to congratulate M. de Ronville on his safe -return. Mrs. Jarvis was much relieved at Daffodil's quiet manner. And -she certainly was a pretty girl. They had quite a little talk by -themselves when the guests were gone and Mrs. Jarvis was well pleased -that she had come of a good family, as the town set much store by -grandfathers and the French were in high repute. - -Before M. de Ronville went to business the next morning he made a call -on Miss Betty Wharton, who was a person of consequence and had had a -romance, a lover who had been lost at sea when he was coming to marry -her and the wedding finery was all in order. She and her mother lived -together, then the mother died and Betty went on in her small house -with a man and a maid and a negro cook. They were in high favor at -that time. She had been quite a belle and even now was in with the -Franks and the Shippens and the Henrys, and through the war her house -had been quite a rendezvous for the patriots. She was an excellent -card player, good humored and full of spirits, helpful in many society -ways. She could have married, that all her friends knew; indeed two or -three elderly beaux were still dangling after her. - -"I am come to ask a favor," he said after the talk of his journey was -over. "I have brought back with me a young girl, my ward, who will -some day have a big and valuable estate as the country improves. Mrs. -Jarvis hardly feels capable of shopping for her, and of course does -not go about much. She is a charming girl and my father and her -great-grandfather were the dearest of friends. M. Duvernay almost -rounded out his hundred years. I call her my niece as the French blood -makes us kin. Could you oblige me by taking her in hand, seeing that -she has the proper attire and showing her through the paths of -pleasure? You will find her a beautiful and attractive young girl." - -"Why--really!" and her tone as well as her smile bespoke amusement. -"French! Where did you unearth this paragon? And is she to have a -lover and be married off? Has she a fortune or is she to look for -one?" - -He would not yield to annoyance at the bantering tone. - -"Why, she is a mere child, and has no thought of lovers. She will have -fortune enough if times go well with us, and need not think of that -until her time of loving comes. She has been brought up very simply. -There is a brother much younger. Her father was in the war the last -three years. She is not ignorant nor unrefined, though Pittsburg does -not aim at intellectuality." - -"Pittsburg! Isn't it a sort of Indian settlement, and--well I really -do not know much about it except that it is on the western borders." - -"Oh, it is being civilized like all new places. We have had to work -and struggle to plant towns and bring them into shape. Pittsburg has a -most admirable position for traffic and abounds in iron ore as well as -other minerals." - -"And the girl _is_ presentable?" - -"Oh, she is not old enough for society. I did not mean that. But to go -about a little and perhaps to a play, and places where it would look -odd for me to take her without some womenkind. We French have rather -strict ideas about our girls. Come to supper to-night and see her." - -"Why, I'll come gladly. I like your young man, too. He has not been -spoiled by the flirting young women. It is a shame I did not marry and -have such a son to lean on in my old age;" and she laughed gayly. - -"Then you can see for yourself. And if you do not like Miss Carrick we -will let the matter drop through." - -"Yes, I will be happy to come." - -M. de Ronville went on to his office. Already there began to be -business streets in the Quaker City that was rapidly losing its -plainer appearance. This was rather old-fashioned and wore a quiet -aspect. One clerk sat on a high stool transcribing a lengthy deed, -and young Bartram had just deposited another pile of letters on his -employer's desk which was at the far end of the place and could be -shut off. - -"I think these are not worth your first consideration," he said in a -quiet tone. "And here is a list of people anxious to see you to-day. -And--if you can spare me a little while--I am due at the Surrogate's -office." - -"Yes," nodding politely. Then he watched the young man as he walked -away with a light, firm tread. There had always been a certain -manliness in Aldis Bartram since the time he had attracted his -employer's favor and been taken in as a clerk. Then he had an invalid -mother to whom he had been devoted, that had been another passport to -the elder's favor. On her death M. de Ronville had offered him a home -and he was now confidential clerk and might one day be taken in the -business which had been made a most excellent one from the Frenchman's -uprightness and probity as well as his knowledge and judgment. Many a -time he had settled a dispute and made friends between two hot-headed -litigants. - -He did not read his letters at first but dropped into a peculiar train -of thought. He was in good health and vigor, his mind was clear and -alert. But he was growing old. And if Betty Wharton in the prime of a -delightful life thought a son would conduce to the pleasure and -security of her old age, why not to his? Could he have a better son -than Aldis Bartram? But he wanted the feminine contingent and he was -past marrying. He wanted some one young and bright, and, yes, charming -to look at, tender of heart. And here were these two in the very -blossom time of life. Why they might fancy each other and in the -course of time have it ripen to a real and lasting regard. Oh, the old -house would be a Paradise. And if there were children---- - -He had to rouse himself from the dream with an effort and look over -the accumulation. For perhaps the first time business seemed irksome -to him, and he had always been fond of it, too fond perhaps. - -Men nearly always went home to a noon dinner. He found Mrs. Jarvis and -Daffodil in a comfortable state of friendliness, but the girl's eyes -lighted with pleasure at the sight of him and her voice was full of -gay gladness. No, she was not homesick; she had been in the garden and -there were so many flowers she had never seen before and the ripe -luscious fruit. There had been so many things to look at that she had -not finished her letter, but she would do that this afternoon. - -She is a gleam of the most enchanting sunshine in the old house, and -her voice soft and merry, the tiredness and discomfort of travelling -gone out of it is sweetest music to him and warms his heart. The eyes -are very blue to-day, not so much brilliant as gladsome and her rosy -lips curve and smile and dimple and every change seems more -fascinating than the previous one. There is no young man in the room, -it is the outcome of her own delightful golden heart. Oh, any young -man might fall in love on the spot. - -"Miss Wharton will be in to supper," M. de Ronville remarked casually. -"She is not a young girl," seeing the look of interest in Daffodil's -face; "but you will find her a very agreeable companion." - -"It's queer, but I don't know many young girls. Some of the older ones -were married in the spring, and I have been so much with mother and -grandmere and Norah that I'm a little girl, a big little girl, I've -grown so much." - -Her laugh was a gay ripple of sound. He took it with him to the office -and her golden head seemed dancing about everywhere, just as it had at -home. - -"Of course," Miss Wharton said to herself as she lifted the brass -knocker, "de Ronville never could be so foolish as to fall in love -with a chit of a thing, though I have heard of men training a young -girl just to their fancy. He has always been so discreet and -punctilious. French _are_ a little different." - -No, he had not overpraised her beauty. Betty Wharton admitted that at -once. And her manners had a natural grace, it ran in the French -blood. Why it would be a pleasure to take her about and have men -stare at her as they would be sure to do. - -She and Mrs. Jarvis found enough to talk about, and while the -housekeeper had gone to look after the tea she turned her attention to -Daffodil. - -"Oh, I can't help liking the place," the child said with charming -eagerness. "Mrs. Jarvis has been telling me about the stores and the -gardens a dozen times prettier than this, though I don't see how that -can be. They don't seem to care much about gardens at home, they have -a few posy beds, but you can go out and gather basketsful in the -woods, only they are not grand like these. And there are no such -beautiful houses. Oh, there are lots of log huts, really, the older -ones, and people are not--I don't just know what to call it, but they -do not seem to care." - -"All towns improve after a while. The people in New York think they -are much finer than we, and then there is Boston--where the people are -starched so stiff with the essence of fine breeding that they can -hardly curtsey to one another. I like my town the best, having seen -them all." - -"Oh, how splendid it must be to go about to strange, beautiful -places," the child said wistfully, with glowing eyes. - -"But I have not been to France;" laughingly. - -"Neither have I. But great-grandfather came from there when he was a -young man. And he had been to Paris, but he did not live there. And he -and grandmother, whom I never saw, had to fly for their lives because -they worshipped God in a different fashion from Royalty. And I can -talk quite a good deal in French, but I like English better. It seems -to mean more." - -Miss Wharton laughed at that. - -They had a very delightful meal and Betty, by a well known society -art, brought out the brightness of the little girl, that made her very -charming without any overboldness. - -"Why you have unearthed quite a prize," Miss Wharton said to her host -later in the evening. "Has Pittsburg many such girls? If so I am -afraid our young men will be running after them. You may command me -for any service, only I must have her as my guest now and then." - -"A thousand thanks. Will you see about her wardrobe to-morrow? There -is no need to stint." - -"I shall be very glad to oblige you. I suppose you do not mean to turn -her into a young lady?" - -"No--o," rather hesitatingly. - -"Then it shall be simple prettiness." - -After that Miss Wharton played on the spinet and sang several old -songs. Daffodil wished grandad could hear two that were his favorites, -and she was quite sure Norry could not have resisted jumping up and -dancing at the sound of "The Campbells Are Coming." Mr. Bartram turned -over the leaves of the music, while Daffodil snuggled in the corner of -the sofa beside her guardian. And when she went to bed her head was -full of Norah's fairy stories come true. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -IN SILK ATTIRE - - -The shopping the next day was something wonderful. Daffodil was quite -sure the fairies must have had a hand in it. And such beautiful -things, she fairly held her breath over them. - -"But, madam, when am I to wear these lovely garments? For mother says -I grow so fast, and there is no one to take them afterward." - -Betty Wharton laughed many times at the fascinating simplicity of the -child. - -Then she took her to the mantua-makers, where she was measured, and -where she hardly understood a word of what they were saying, but -between whiles played with a beautiful yellow cat, who sat on a silken -cushion and purred his delight at the touch of the gentle hands. - -"Now, you are to come home to dinner with me." - -"Did uncle say I might? For mother told me to do nothing without his -permission." - -"Oh, you darling infant!" She squeezed the slim little body that, -after all, was plump enough. It was shocking for a young person to be -fat in those days. - -"I will make it all right with him." - -Miss Wharton's house was much smaller. A square sort of hall, with -oddly pretty furnishing, a parlor and a dining-room off it, and all -were filled with curiosities that were family heirlooms, beautiful -things, for Miss Wharton abhorred ugliness and despised horrid Chinese -idols. The dinner was very dainty, and Daffodil wondered how she could -feel so much at home. - -"And to-morrow we will go out again, but we will drive around, and you -shall see the city. What means that sober look?" - -"Oh, madam, I shall feel so spoiled with beauty, that I don't know how -I shall content myself to go back to Pittsburg;" and her eyes swam in -a soft lustre that was almost tears. - -"Perhaps we shall not let you go back;" laughingly. - -Jane came around for her in the afternoon, and she said, "We missed -you so much at dinner time. And ever so many bundles have come for -you." - -"And I've been so full of pleasure, that any more would run over. Oh, -madam, how can I thank you!" - -"By coming again. I'll call for you to-morrow." - -They walked home, past pretty gardens all a-bloom with summer -richness. Daffodil was so full of delight she wanted to dance. In her -room was one large box--that was the new hat. A rather fancy straw, -and she had not seen it trimmed. It had a wreath of fine roses -inside, and larger ones on the outside, and beautiful wide strings of -some gauzy stuff, that in warm weather were to float around, but in a -high wind they were tied under the chin. - -And there was a dainty pair of red slippers, laced across the top, -with a red cord fastened diamond-wise, and a pair of black shoes. They -were not "boots" then. These came up almost to the ankles, and were -laced across with ribbon and tied in a bow. There were some imported -stockings, but Mrs. Jarvis declared she had never seen such pretty -home-knit ones as the little girl wore, that looked quite as if they -were of silk, and the clocks were perfect. - -In another package was a beautiful scarf, with threads of gold in the -border, and some fine handkerchiefs. - -"Mother has some at home, two that have wide borders of beautiful -lace, that she made herself. And bibs that you wear over the neck of -your frocks. And she is making a lovely skirt for me, that is lace and -needlework, and I am to have it when I am quite grown up and go out to -tea." - -Barbe Carrick had begun to think of her daughter's marriage, and as -there was but little ready money, outfits were made at home, and -packed away against the time. For most mothers counted on it, even -thought of grandchildren. - -Daffodil had enough to talk about that evening. Mr. Bartram went out, -and for an hour Dilly had her guardian quite to herself. Then two -gentlemen came in, and the tired little girl went to bed. - -About ten the next morning a pony chaise stopped at the door. Jules -came out and took the reins, and Miss Wharton stepped lightly down and -was greeted by Mrs. Jarvis. - -"I have come for the little girl," she said, "having her guardian's -permission. I am going to show her the sights, and make her sick of -Pittsburg. We want her here. Why, I never supposed I had such a -motherly streak in my nature, or I would have wedded and had a -houseful. Or else the child has some bewitchment about her. Jane, put -on her new hat and the scarf. The frocks will be here in a day or -two." - -Daffodil did look bewitching as she stepped into the chaise. Miss -Wharton was quite used to driving. They went along Chestnut Street -first, past the stores, then looked at some of the old places that -were to be historical. Mistress Betty told over many of the war -adventures and the coming of the good news. - -"And I remember that," said Daffodil. "Grandad was angry about it. He -still believes England will get us back sometime." - -"Yet your father went to war. How did he take that?" - -"I was so little then. I think I didn't know much about him until we -heard he would come home. Then I really began to remember. I didn't -like him so much at first, and I went to great-grandfather for -comfort. Oh, madam, he was so sweet and dear. And when M. de Ronville -came, and I put him in the old chair, it seemed almost as if -grandfather had come back. And I liked him at once. Now he is to be my -uncle, we have settled that." - -Then they went out on the beautiful road, where the Shippens and -several of the old families had their capacious estates, and their -large old mansions. Oh, how lovely and orderly everything looked, the -picture of peace and plenty. - -"Some day we will go over to Valley Forge. But it is nearing noon, and -I must not starve you. I know of a nice place, where ladies often go -at noon, and you do not need to have a man tagging after you. Start -up, Dolly!" to the pony. - -They came back to busy streets. There were Quakers at Pittsburg, but -they did not seem so pronounced as here. And there were such -fine-looking men, in their drab suits, widebrimmed hats, and they wore -knee-breeches and silk stockings, quite like the world's people. Here -and there one nodded to Miss Wharton. The elegance and harmony -appealed to the child, without her understanding why. - -They paused at a house set back a little from the street, with a -courtyard of blooming flowers. There was a wide covered porch and a -trellis work wreathed with vines. A wide door opened into a spacious -hall. - -A young colored boy came out to them. - -"Pomp," Miss Wharton said, "take the pony and give him a little feed -and water, not too much, mind now. He wants a little rest, so do we." - -Pompey assisted them out with a flourish, and led the pony up a side -way. They walked to the porch, raised by three steps, and Miss Wharton -was greeted warmly by several parties. - -"Here is a table," said Mrs. Mason. "My dear creature, I haven't seen -you in an age. Have you been getting married, and is this _his_ -daughter? Did you take him for the sake of the child?" - -"Alas! I have not been so fortunate! The child has both parents. And -she has just come from Pittsburg. You know, M. de Ronville went out -there and brought back--well, it is his grandniece, I suppose--Miss -Daffodil Carrick." - -The waiter, another colored servant--they were quite favorites in the -city for their obsequious politeness--placed chairs for them. - -"Pittsburg! Why, that's way at the West in the Indian countries, on -the way to Ohio, I believe. What a long journey. And how is M. de -Ronville?" - -"Rather improved by his journey, I think. Now, Daffodil, what will you -have? You ought to be hungry." - -"You choose for me, madam;" in a low tone, and with a tint of -exquisite coloring. - -It kept wavering over the sweet face, for she felt somehow that she -was being observed. She wished she had on one of the pretty frocks, -but Jane had ironed out this white one, and Mrs. Jarvis had found her -a sash. But she was not accustomed to much consideration of herself, -and she was hungry. The ladies were prettily dressed, some of them in -rather quakerish colors and they had beautiful fans and parasols. It -was quite a meeting-place, where they exchanged bits of news, a little -gossip, and had most excellent tea. - -"Carrick isn't a French name," said Madam Neville, rather critically. - -"No. She is French on the mother's side. M. de Ronville's father and -her grandfather were Huguenot exiles in the old times. He is her -guardian now, and there is some property, enough for a town, I -believe. And you know the French once had possession of most of that -country." - -Betty Wharton knew that would settle her status at once, more -decisively than her beauty. - -Then some other ladies, having finished their tea, came over for a -little chat. Had she been to see the new play? For "The Academy of -Polite Science" seemed rather above an ordinary theatre, and -Philadelphia had swung back to amusements. Was she going to Mrs. -Chew's card party this evening? - -"Oh, yes. She wouldn't miss it for anything." - -"What a beautiful child!" whispered another. "Will she live here in -town?" - -"Oh, she is only on a visit now." - -"She's too nice to be wasted on such an outlandish place as Pittsburg, -where they do nothing but make whiskey." - -The pony came round, and the ladies said their good-bys. Since the -closing of the war, indeed, in gratitude for French assistance, much -honor had been paid to our noble allies. - -That evening M. de Ronville went to his card club. But Daffodil had -Mrs. Jarvis for audience, and in return heard many wonderful things -about the great city. - -If Daffodil had not been so utterly simple-hearted and had so little -self-consciousness, it might have proved a rather dangerous ordeal for -her. In a few days she certainly was the light of the house. Even Mr. -Bartram yielded to her charm, though he fancied girls of that age were -seldom interesting: either painfully shy, or overbold. She was -neither. She seemed to radiate a pervasive atmosphere of happiness, -her smile was so full of light and joy; and her sweet voice touched -the springs of one's heart. - -M. de Ronville had never met with any such experience. A shy young -man, he had kept much to his own compatriots. Then he had devoted -himself to business, with a vague idea that when he had made a fortune -he would go back to France, that had grown much more liberal in -matters of religion. But he had become warmly interested in the new -country, and especially the city. - -He had been pleased with the household at Pittsburg, the plain -sensible soldier, who was making an excellent citizen, but the two -ladies he found most interesting. It was golden-crowned Daffodil that -stirred his heart in a new fashion, and made him feel how much had -been lost out of his life. And now he had her. A sweet, dazzling, -bird-like creature, that gave the house an altogether new aspect. - -She went with Jane to call on Mrs. Craig. The daughter was well -married, and had four small children, though their house was rather -simple. - -"And have you cried yourself to sleep with homesickness?" asked Mrs. -Craig. "I've heard it is rather quiet in the big house where you are, -with only a few grown people. True, Mr. de Ronville is like a father -or, perhaps, a grandfather would be nearer, and you have been used to -elderly men." - -"Oh, madam, it is delightful. I like him so much. I did at home, or I -never could have come. And Mrs. Jarvis is nice and pleasant, and tells -me what is good manners for little girls, and Jane spoils me by -waiting on me." - -"Madam, indeed!" laughed Mrs. Craig. "Why, you make me feel as if I -belonged to the quality!" - -"They call the grown-up ladies that, the elder ones I mean. And there -is one who has been so good to me, Miss Wharton, who bought my new -clothes, and tells me what to wear, and things to say that are the -fashion here. I think we have not much fashion at home. She takes me -out, and, oh, there are so many things to see. And now uncle has hired -a pony, and I ride with him in the morning, and we all went to a play, -where the people made believe they were part of a story, and I was -charmed, for it seemed so real. And there was a fine concert, I never -heard so many instruments. And going to church is quite grand. I wish -we had a lovely church at home. Oh, I hardly have a moment, but I do -think of them all, and how wild Felix will be over all I shall have to -tell him." - -"I'm afraid you won't want to go back." - -"Not go back to mother and all the others? Why, every day makes it one -day nearer;" and the lovely light in her face showed she was not -forgetting them. - -"I am going before real cold weather. It would be too hard a journey -to take in winter. But I find it very pleasant, too." - -"And the stores are so full of beautiful things. People must be very -rich, they spend so much money." - -"It is a big town, and there are many people." - -"And one can't help being joyous and happy." She looked as if she -could dance or fly. "And uncle likes me best to be gay, and I should -be ungrateful to mope when so much is being done for me." - -"Yes, that is true." - -"And next week Miss Wharton is going to take me to a grand out-of-door -party of young people. Mrs. Pemberton came and gave uncle the -invitation for me, and he has promised to come in the evening to see -us, and to fetch me home." - -"Oh, but they're on the Schuylkill! Well, you are going among the -quality. You'll never do for Pittsburg again." - -"But I shall do for father and mother, and I shall have such fun -hearing grandad scold about all the doings, and say that I am spoiled, -and not worth a pewter platter. And then he will hug me so tightly -that it will almost squeeze the breath out of me." - -She laughed so merrily and her face was in a glow of mirth and -mischief. Then Jane came for her, though she was quick about learning -the city streets. But M. de Ronville thought her too precious to be -trusted out alone, though now the town was safe enough. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -WITH THE EYES OF YOUTH - - -The place was like a picture by some fine artist, and the midsummer -coloring, the shade of the tall trees, the great beds of flowers made -it lovely, indeed. There was a space of greensward that ran down to -the river, then a series of steps up the terrace, where a large level -lawn with another row of steps led and a wide porch, with fluted -columns. The house was large, and hospitable of aspect. Now it was -filled with graceful figures, flitting to and fro, of all ages, it -seemed. For it was quite a notable occasion. - -There were two Pemberton sons, one married; then Miss Bessy, who was -eighteen; Mary of sixteen, and Belinda, a growing girl, whose birthday -was the same as Bessy's, though there was five years between them. -This is why young people are asked to the birthday party. And the -mothers of the girls, the brothers, and other young men. The tables -will be set out on the lawn, three of them. - -Bessy was to be married early in the autumn, and lovers in those days -were in no wise abashed by their engagement. Mr. Morris hovered about -his betrothed, young Mr. and Mrs. Pemberton had not outlived their -honeymoon. There were other engaged couples, and quite a merry crowd -of children. - -Betty Wharton glanced over the group, as they ascended the steps. Not -a girl was as handsome as her _protegee_. They had come in a coach, -and the child had just a light scarf thrown over her shoulders. Her -frock was of some white crapy stuff, the bodice cut square in the neck -after the fashion of the day, and edged with a bit of lace; the short -waist defined with a soft blue silk sash. Her curls were caught up -high on her head, with a blue bow, and every movement seemed to shake -off a shower of gold. Where the chin melted in her neck, and the neck -sloped to her shoulder, there were exquisite lines. - -"That's the little girl from Pittsburg," exclaimed Anton Wetherell. "I -didn't suppose they could raise anything like that. She's not so -little, either; why, she must be well on to fifteen. Some connection -of that old French lawyer, de Ronville. I wonder if he means to make -her his heir? I fancy there's a good deal of money." - -"Miss Wharton has been making much of her, it seems, and she isn't the -one to fall into a mistake." - -The elder ladies greeted her cordially. There was such a charming -simplicity about her and her enjoyment of everything was infectious. -She gravitated to the younger girls, and Belinda was really -fascinated with her. They played some games, and she was so ready to -assent to what they proposed, so frank to admit her ignorance of some -things, that they were all ready to help her and explain. Presently -they sat on the grass in a little ring, and asked her about Pittsburg. -Was it a great city? - -"Oh, you would think it very queer," she said laughingly. "Only the -rivers are beautiful, and the hills, and the woods over opposite. But -the people"--then she flushed a little, but she was too honest to -embellish--"well, they are Scotch, and Irish, and English, and a few -from the East, but now those folks are going out to Ohio. And----" - -"But you're French," said one of the girls. "Though I thought all -French people were dark." - -"Mother and grandmere have beautiful dark eyes and hair. So has my -little brother Felix. But my father has blue eyes, and I don't know -where the yellow hair came from. That was why my mother called me -Daffodil." - -"What an odd, pretty name. And your hair is beautiful, like silk. Does -it curl that way without----" - -For little girls and big ones, too, had their hair put up in curl -papers, or the hairdresser used tongs. - -"Oh, yes, it curls naturally, and tangles, too. When I was little I -wanted it cut off, there were such awful pulls. But mother wouldn't, -because father was away soldiering, and when he came home he wouldn't -hear to it. One grandfather used to call me Yellowtop." - -The nearest girl was petting one of the soft, silky curls. Another -said, "Can you talk French? I'm studying it at school. It's awful hard -and queer." - -"Oh, yes. You see, I learned to talk in both languages. Then I had a -lovely great-grandfather, who lived to be almost a hundred, and he -taught me to read quite well. There are some French Acadians, who come -in to see us now and then. But their speech has been mixed up so much. -I've been reading a little with uncle. After grandfather died, I -almost forgot." - -"And are there fine stores and churches, and do you have plays, and -entertainments, and parties?" - -"Oh, no. It's queer and plain, quite rough, though now they are making -nice streets, and people are spinning and weaving. Some of the women -make beautiful lace. There's always a May party and a dance; and then -a time when the new year begins, and tea drinkings, and some birthdays -are kept. No, you wouldn't like it, after such a beautiful city." - -"Oh, you won't want to go back!" - -"Mother and all my people are there," she answered simply. "But if I -had always lived in a beautiful city like this, I wouldn't want to." - -By this time the tables were arranged, and they were summoned to the -repast. Several young lads had joined the company, and Mary took the -head of the children's table. The lawn was a picturesque sight. -Afterward some lanterns were strung about, but it was clear and -moonlight, which added to the beauty of the scene, and presently -dancing began. There was much rambling around. - -Miss Wharton found her, and asked if she was having a good time. She -had been dancing with two of the boys. "And Mr. Wetherell wants the -pleasure of dancing with the young lady from Pittsburg;" laughing. - -"But I am not a real young lady. And I don't know all the dances;" in -a hesitating tone. - -"You do it at your own risk, Anton," Betty said to the young man. "You -have been warned." - -"I'll take the risk." - -He piloted her through very skilfully. Then young Mr. Pemberton asked -her. She met Mr. Bartram in this quadrille, and he talked to her -afterward. She wished he would ask her to dance, but he seemed very -much occupied with the older girls. And presently she spied out uncle -de Ronville, and went over to the step of the porch, where he was -sitting in a chair. He felt very proud of her. She was so full of -enjoyment she fairly bubbled over with delight, as she detailed the -pleasures. - -"And we must be thinking of going home. That is one of the penalties -of old age." - -"Oh," with a kind of _riant_ sweetness in her voice, "if you could go -back halfway, and I could come on halfway, wouldn't it be delightful! -But I get sleepy often in the evening, not like to-night;" as an -afterthought. "I suppose that comes of living in a country place, -where people go to bed at nine! But you sometimes go to bed quite -late." - -Yes, if they could meet halfway! Oh, what a foolish old man! - -It has been a delightful evening, and Miss Wharton joins them. -"Daffodil, you have had honors enough to turn your head. M. de -Ronville, are we spoiling her?" - -He gave her a fatherly look, and taking her soft little hand in his, -they rose together. - -"Will you go home in our coach?" he asked of Miss Wharton. - -"Very glad, indeed, my dear sir, I am rather tired. Our party began -early." - -There were a good many adieus to make, and some very flattering -invitations for Daffodil. They put Mistress Betty down at her own -door, and when they reached home M. de Ronville gave her a tender -good-night. - -"It was splendid, Jane," she said as the finery was being removed. -"And I danced with several of the young men. I didn't quite know how, -but I thought of Norry's stories about the fairy dances in the -moonlight, and I guess the real moonlight helped." - -"I don't believe there was as pretty a girl among them all," declared -Jane admiringly. - -It was late when Mr. Bartram came in, and he had enjoyed himself as -well. - -But it was not all dissipation. There were evenings when Daffodil read -French to her host, and he corrected any faulty pronunciation. At -other times it was the newspaper. She had such a clear young voice, -and she did everything with such charming cheerfulness. The rides with -him in the morning were a delight. And though her figure had not -rounded out, there was something exquisite in the virginal lines. She -did not realize herself that she was a big girl now, so gradual was -the change, and she had been a little girl all her life to those at -home. He thought it was the French blood, as he could recall the girls -of his youth, with their pretty deference, but it is the little -admixture of Irish that makes her so winsome and frank. - -Yet there were times when Daffodil was surprised at herself, and the -strange feelings and stronger emotions that would flash across her. -Was it the wider life, the variety of people and incident, the deeper -and more comprehensive tone of the talk, and the new pleasures of the -higher type? - -There was no special dividing line in those days. Little girls wore -ankle-length frocks, so the tucks were let out as they grew taller. -After a little the hair was put up high with a pretty comb discarded -by an older sister. When she had a lover, the next younger girl came -to the fore. - -"If the child was two years older I might make an excellent match for -her," thought Betty Wharton. "But she isn't thinking about lovers or -admiration. She will be very lovely presently, when she knows how to -use those heart-breaking eyes and that dangerous smile. When she comes -again--of course, it would be a sin to bury such a girl alive in that -dozy, drowsy old Pittsburg!" - -The days flew by so rapidly. Letters did not come frequently, postage -was high, and there was a sort of secret faith in most people that -things were going on well, according to the old adage that "no news -was good news." But when a rare letter came, she cried over it -secretly for two or three days, and was rather grave, but she thought -it ungracious not to be bright and happy when so much was being done -for her. Mrs. Craig was planning to go before the autumnal rains set -in, and she took it for granted that it was her place to return -Daffodil. - -The child had been talking this over one afternoon, and a flood of -home love had overwhelmed her. Mrs. Jarvis had an old friend to supper -and to spend the evening, Jane had gone out, and M. de Ronville had -gone to a sort of sociable dinner, with some of the citizens who were -interested in the library project. It had proved a rather lonesome -evening, and she had really longed for home. She wandered about -aimlessly, and presently settled herself in the corner of the -vine-covered porch, and yielded to the beauty and fragrance of the -night. Everything had a richer aspect and meaning to her. It was -moonlight again. The tall trees seemed outlined in silver, and the -flower-beds were transformed into fairy haunts. Only a few stars were -out, they were larger and more golden than usual. She drank in the -honeyed fragrance all about her, and it seemed a land of enchantment. - -Some one came into the library, but did not make a light. She heard M. -de Ronville's low, but clear-toned, voice. - -"I have wanted to talk this matter over with you. There need be no -hurry, one or two years here will answer. You see, I am getting to be -an old man. Latterly I have come to long for some one of my own, that -I could go down the valley of life with, and who would care to make -the journey more cheerful. You have been almost like a son to me. I -should like you to be that, indeed. And this child has grown very dear -to me. To think of you both going on here in the old house when I have -left it, would give me my heart's desire. She is lovely, she is sweet, -and has a most admirable temper. Then those people are in comfortable -circumstances, and of the better class. You know it is a trait of our -nation to be deeply interested in the marriage of our children, to -advise, often to choose for them, with our wider experience." - -"But she is such a child, eager, unformed, and I have thought of some -one, companionable, with a wider education----" - -That was Mr. Bartram's voice. - -"We can remedy all that. I could have her here, and I think she is an -apt scholar. She is well up in French, and that is quite in demand -now. She could be trained in music, she has a sweet voice. And she is -very graceful. If you could see the indifferent manners of most people -in that queer, backward town, you would wonder at her refinement, her -nice adjustment. Her mother, the Duvernay people, are high-bred, yet -in no wise pretentious." - -There was a brief silence, then the young man began. - -"Mr. de Ronville, you have been the best and kindest friend a young -man could have. I owe you a great deal. But I would not like to bind -myself by any such promise. I have an old-fashioned notion that one -must or should choose for one's self, and another perhaps foolish one, -that I should like to win the woman I marry, not have her take me -because some one else desired it. She would naturally be -impressionable----" - -All this talk was about her. She just realized it. She had listened as -if some one was reading out of a book. She started now, and light and -fleet as a deer flashed across the porch and up to her own room, in a -queer, frightened state, hardly knowing what it meant, and yet vaguely -suspicious. She had not been especially drawn to Mr. Bartram. He -treated her quite as a child, sometimes teased, and evoked quick, -mirthful replies, at others passed her by indifferently. All her -experience had been with boys, and men of middle age, and she had no -idea of lovers. Did uncle de Ronville mean that she should come here -and love, and then be married to Mr. Bartram! - -She was suddenly and unreasonably homesick for ugly old Pittsburg. The -shops and the drives, the gayeties and delights, had lost their charm. -If she could fly home to her mother's arms! If she could sit on her -father's knee and have him hug her to his heart, or even grandad's -rough love. And Norah, and Felix, and grandfather Bradin, who took her -out in his boat, and sang funny sea-going songs. No, she couldn't come -here to live! - -Yet it was curious the next morning. Everything seemed exactly the -same. Uncle said, "Will you get ready for your ride?" in that gentle, -courtly manner, and they went off together. Mr. Bartram had been very -quiet, she had hardly ventured to raise her eyes to him. - -Oh, maybe she had fallen asleep and dreamed it. - -Mary Pemberton came over early. A host of girls were going to have a -picnic up the river, and Belinda wanted her. They would bring her back -by five in the afternoon. It was to be just a girls' party, only her -brother would be there to see that Darius, the black servitor, -attended to them properly. - -It was a bright, jolly day, with swinging, and a gipsy campfire, -playing tag and telling riddles, and even running races. And she was -so joyous talking it all over that evening, M. de Ronville felt he -could never let her go. Could he persuade her to stay? Young people -were fond of pleasure, and after this Pittsburg would be dull. - -All the week the desire in Daffodil's heart had grown into absolute -longing to go home. Yet she cares so much for them here: Uncle, Mrs. -Jarvis, Miss Wharton, and a number of other people. But how could the -return be planned. No one had suggested such a thing. - -Providence comes to her assistance, opening the way in the shape of -Mrs. Craig, who stays to supper, as she has a matter to lay before M. -de Ronville. And that is, that she has finished her visit, and desires -to return before the autumnal rains set in, while the going is still -good. And she will take Daffodil. - -"I am afraid we can't spare her," returned M. de Ronville. "She has -become such a part of our household." - -"But I must go home sometime," said the child with a quick gasp in her -breath. - -"Are you tired of us?" - -"Tired!" She came and placed her arm caressingly over his shoulder. -"Oh, I have never been tired, but there is mother and--the rest," with -a tremble in her voice, while her eyes had the softness of coming -tears. "Think how long I have been away!" - -"And they've had many a heartache, I dare say. I don't know how they -could spare you long. Of course, where your daughters marry it is a -different thing. You resign yourself to that," said Mrs. Craig. - -"When did you think of starting?" - -"Well, so as to miss the equinoctial." People pinned their faith to -its coming regularly in those days. "And perhaps no one would care to -take such a journey if they had no need, and she couldn't come alone." - -"No;" in a grave, slow tone. "We must talk it over. I've thought of -her staying in the winter and going to school, perhaps. And you might -study music," glancing at her. - -"Oh, you are very good. But--I ought to go." - -"Yes. You've had a nice long time, and lots of going about, I've -heard. I hope you have not been spoiled. And you are the only girl -your mother has. Then she had you so long before Felix came and while -your father was away, and I know she's missed you sorely." - -The tears did come into Daffodil's eyes then. - -After Mrs. Craig had gone, her guardian drew her down on the sofa -beside him. - -"Daffodil," he began, "I have come to love you very dearly. There has -been no one in my life to call forth any special affection. There -might have been, I see now that there should have been. It is along -the last of life that we feel most of the need of these ties. And if -you could give me a little----" - -"Oh, I do love you. You have been so kind, and given me so many -pleasures. But not altogether for that. I liked you when you first -came, you know. There was something--I can't quite express it--even if -I had not come to Philadelphia, I should have thought of you so often. -And it has been such a delightful visit. But I know mother has missed -me very much, and she has the first claim. And oh, I want to see her." - -The longing and piteousness in her tone touched him. She was not all -lightness and pleasure-loving. - -"My dear, it is hard to give you up. Child, why can you not divide -some time between us, and let me do for you as a father would. They -have Felix--and each other. They have parents as well. And I am all -alone. It would be a joy to my latter years to have some one to care -for, to share my almost useless fortune, and my home." - -She leaned her golden head down on his shoulder, and he knew she was -crying. - -"Oh," she sobbed, "it is very hard. I do love you. But, you see, they -have the best right, and I love them. I am torn in two." - -Yes, it was selfish to try her this way. He had dreamed of what might -happen if he could keep her here, a girl sweet and lovely enough to -charm any one. But it was wrong thus to covet, to make it harder for -her. - -"My child, it shall be as you wish. Sometime you may like to come -again. My home and heart will always be open to you, and I shall study -your best interests. When you want any favor do not hesitate to ask -me. I shall be only too glad to do anything." - -"Oh, do not think me ungrateful for all this love and kindness. Every -day I shall think of you. Yes," and the brightness in her tone -thrilled him. "I may come again if you want me----" - -"I shall always want you, remember that." - -M. de Ronville was not the only one who made an outcry. Miss Wharton -took her to task. - -"Daffodil, you are not old enough to realize what a foolish girl you -are, and so we must not be too severe. Mr. de Ronville is a rich man, -a fine and noble one as well. I have no doubt but that he would leave -you a handsome portion, for he loves you sincerely. And think of the -advantages of a city like this. But when you go back to Pittsburg, you -will see a great difference. If all is true, there is no society, no -interest for such a woman as you may become with proper training, such -as you would get here. You are--yes, I will say it, too lovely to be -wasted on a place like that. I am really vexed with you." - -The tears stood in her beautiful eyes. - -"Oh, one can't be angry with you, you are so sweet! A year or two -hence you could have no end of admirers at your feet, and take your -pick of them. I hate to give you up. I want to see you a queen in -society, you lovely, winsome, short-sighted thing! I don't believe you -have a bit of vanity, and they say no girl child was ever born without -it. I shall make your uncle, as you call him, keep track of you, for I -shall want to know where you throw away your sweetness. I believe if I -was Mr. de Ronville I would offer to buy you from your father." - -"Oh, he couldn't." - -It sounded as if she said it exultantly. - -Jane bemoaned the proposed departure as well. - -"The house will feel just like a funeral when you have gone out of it, -Miss Daffodil. You've been like the sunshine floating up and down. We -never missed it on the rainiest day, for there was your flashing -golden head. And, oh, I wish you could stay and, grow up a young -woman, and go to parties, and then have a splendid lover. Oh, dear!" -and then Jane broke down crying. - -Poor Daffodil's heart was torn by the regrets. It seemed as if uncle -was the only one who was like to help her bear the parting, and he was -so tender that at times she almost relented. Mr. Bartram did not -count. He was polite, and to a degree sympathetic. He did not tease -her, nor laugh about Pittsburg, that would have made her indignant -now. - -She had come with such a little parcel, now there was a trunk to be -packed. M. de Ronville slipped in some dainty little boxes that were -not to be opened until she reached home. And at last the day came, and -there were sad enough good-by's. - -There was a new Post coach in its shining paint, and four stout -horses. Mr. de Ronville pressed Daffodil's hand the last one, but he -turned his eyes away. Yes, the light of his house had gone. But he -could not give up all hope. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE PASSING OF THE OLD - - -Oh, how queer it looked at Old Pittsburg, after the fine city she had -left. Daffodil almost shrank from the sight of the old dilapidated log -houses, the streets that were still lanes. But there were the two -households to greet her, with not a change in them. Oh, how dear they -were! The familiar room, the chair so endeared to her, the high shelf, -with its brass candlestick, and there in the corner her mother's -little flax wheel. - -"We were so afraid they'd keep you," said Felix. "Didn't they want you -to stay?" - -"Ah, yes," and the tears came to her eyes. - -"And you look queer, changed somehow. Your voice has a funny sound. -And I want you to tell me all about Philadelphia. Did you see that Mr. -Benjamin Franklin, and the men who signed the Declaration of -Independence?" - -"Mr. Franklin was abroad. And they don't all live there. I believe I -saw only three of them. But there was Governor Mifflin. And they hope -sometime to have the Capitol there." - -"Felix, let your sister have a little rest. There will be days and -days to talk. Dilly, are you not tired to death? Such a long journey -as it is. I don't see how Mrs. Craig stood it." - -"Yes, I am tired," she answered. How plain her room looked, though it -had been put in nice order with the best knitted white quilt on her -bed, and a bowl of flowers on a pretty new stand grandfather Bradin -had made. She hung her coat in the closet, and took off the frock she -was so tired of, glad to change it for a fresher one. - -"Now you look natural," declared grandmere. "We have our little girl -back, but it does seem as if you had grown. And, oh, how glad we are -to have her!" - -There certainly was some mysterious change. Her mother studied it as -well. It seemed as if the little girl had vanished, one could almost -imagine the seven years had come and gone, and she had been to -fairyland. But she put her face down on her mother's shoulder and -cried. - -"Dear, are you glad to see us all again, to come back to us? For I -have had a heart-breaking fear that I know it must have been -delightful there, and Mr. de Ronville had a great love for you. Oh, I -really wonder that he let you come." - -"He wanted me to stay--yes. To stay and be educated in music and many -things. It is so different there. I don't know that I can make you -understand." - -"Dear," subjoined her mother, "he wrote to us. It was the kindliest -letter. If he had persuaded you----" - -They clung more closely together, each answering with the pressure. -But she made no mention of Mr. Bartram. The talk had not been meant -for her ears, indeed, she did not rightly understand the real desire -that underlay it. - -"Now you must rest awhile," said her mother. "There will be a crowd in -to supper." - -Felix had been denied the pleasure of a half holiday. "You will have -time enough to see your sister," Barbe said to the importunate boy. -"She is going to stay at home now." - -Daffodil did have a nap and awoke refreshed, though she still looked -tired and pale. - -"Put on one of your pretty frocks," said her mother, with a touch of -pride. Indeed, much as she had missed her darling she had enjoyed the -honor. Not every girl could have such an opportunity to see the great -city where so many notable events had happened. There were few formal -invitations in those early days. Evenings were generally given over to -pleasure, for the day was devoted to work. You were sure of a welcome -unless somewhere there was a family feud and even that was often -overlooked after a few glasses of whiskey. So there were guests -in--to supper. Daffodil was inspected, questioned, commented upon in a -friendly fashion. They drank to her health, to the fact of her return -safe and sound, for, after all, was not a big city where they had all -sorts of dissipations dangerous. - -But all that was nothing to the evening. Then there was a crowd. -Grandad did get very merry and dance a jig, the laughter grew -uproarious. Dilly shrank with a fear that was half disgust. - -Barbe caught Norah's arm presently. - -"Ask them over to finish their merriment," she said persuasively. -"Daffodil is very tired and must go to bed." - -She looked like a little ghost now and her eyes were heavy. - -"Yes, yes; we ought to have a little thought," and Norah rapped on the -table and gave her invitation, which was cordially accepted. - -"Dear little daughter," began her father. "It's rather wild and rough, -but it is their idea of a good, hearty welcome. And you must pardon -grandad. He has a warm, loving heart." - -"Oh, yes; I know all that. But I _am_ tired." And her voice was full -of tears. - -"Oh, child, it would be hard to have you outgrow us. And I love you -so! I had such hard work to win your love in the beginning. But you -don't remember." - -"Oh, yes, I do. Was I dreadful? I think I couldn't love any one all at -once. And I didn't like mother to care so, when she had loved me best. -But I know better now. Her love for me is different from her love for -Felix and her love for you. Oh, I am glad to be back." And she clung -to him convulsively. - -He hoped in his heart she would never go away again. There were some -promising beaux in the town. Of course she would marry. He wouldn't -want his little girl to be an "old maid." - -She said a long prayer that night, it seemed as if there had never -been so many things to pray for. Then she crawled into bed and cried -softly, she did not know why. Did she wish herself back? - -Was it that the place had changed so much or was it all in her. Felix -seemed such a big boy, good looking too, with beautiful dark eyes and -a very rosy face much sunburned. His dark hair was a mass of -clustering curls, they inherited that from their mother. But he talked -with his mouth full, he clattered his knife and fork, dropped them -occasionally, and asked more questions than one could answer in an -hour. - -She looked up at her father and smiled her approval. He understood it -was that. He had some gentlemanly ways and she was very glad that M. -de Ronville had not been shocked by the rude manners that obtained -largely in the town. Grandmere waited on the table for there was -generally a second cooking. People had stout appetites in those days. - -It seemed to her the trees had grown, they were longer armed. And here -was the pretty flower garden a-bloom now with marigolds, which were -not field flowers. There were large balls of pale yellow and deep -orange, bronze ones with a pile as if made of velvet. How beautiful -they were. Not a weed was to be seen. - -It was a half-cloudy day, not dark or sullen, but with friendly gray -under roof. She put on her sun-bonnet, her mother had it starched and -ironed for her. Up at the back of the house it was still wild land, a -sloping hill, a tangle of summer growth rhododendrons half smothered -with it. She threaded her way up, then there was a long level of -stubble turning brown. Far to the north vaster bulks loomed up. There -was a great world beyond. What if some day it should be cities like -Philadelphia. And--people, men and women living in pretty houses and -having nice times. - -It was a beautiful world, too. There was the fragrance of wild grapes -in the air, the sweetness of dying clover blooms and the rich autumnal -smells. She drew long breaths and broke into song with the birds. -Then she started and ran. How little the houses looked down there! - -"Oh," she cried in dismay as she ran through the open doorway, "is it -dinner time. I've been up in the woods. It _is_ beautiful." - -Her mother looked up smilingly. She had been paring apples to dry and -had a great tubful. They strung them on a cord and hung them out in -the sunshine to dry. Grandmere had the dinner ready to dish up. - -"Oh, I could have been stringing the apples!" she said remorsefully. -"And I've been way up the hill. I wondered if it would look so lovely -to me. For the Schuylkill is like a dream, but our rivers are finer -than the Delaware." - -"Don't worry about work so soon. You must get used to it by degrees. -And get rested over the journey. Janie and Kate Byerly were in. They -want you to come to supper to-morrow night. Janie has a lover and -she's promised. 'Tisn't a good sign when the youngest goes off first." - -"Why, Janie isn't----" in surprise. - -"She was fifteen a month ago;" said grandmere. - -"Would you want me to get married?" she asked soberly, recalling the -talk she could not confess for honor's sake. - -"We are in no hurry," said grandmere. "Though I approve of early -marriages. You settle to one another more easily. And women are -happier in their own homes." - -"I'll get father to put up an addition and bring my husband here;" she -rejoined with a kind of reckless gayety. "I couldn't go very far away -from you." - -Her mother glanced up with fond eyes. And just then her father -entered. - -Most people at that time were little given to caressing ways. But his -own had been much dearer to Bernard Carrick after his three years' -absence, and now he kissed his daughter, taking her sweet face in both -hands. - -"Why, you look fresh as a rose. I half expected to find you in bed. -Are you equal to a ride this afternoon?" - -"Oh, yes; only--mother----" glancing at her. - -"Can't mother spare you?" - -"Yes, yes. There will be time enough to work, child." - -Her mother was made very happy at the deference. - -Felix did not always come home at noon. - -"They were pretty gay last night," he began apologetically. "Seen -grandad this morning?" - -"No, I went up in the woods. I wondered how it would look to me. It -was beautiful. And it was a shame not to run over there first." - -"Well, you may go a bit before we start. I have some papers to look -over. We're in a great wrastle about some whiskey business. And now a -man has to hold his tongue sharp if he isn't on the right side." - -"You are on the right side?" She looked at him with laughing, trusting -eyes. - -"I wouldn't dare go agin grandad," he laughed back. - -It was the old time to her. The cloth was coarse homespun partly -bleached; they had some fine ones laid away for the little girl's -outfit; the dishes were a motley lot, some pewter plates among them. -The pretty accessories that she had become so accustomed to were -missing. Was it this way when M. de Ronville was here? She colored -vividly. - -"I'll get up, Doll," her father said, "and stop for you." So she ran -down to the other house. - -Norah kissed her effusively. - -"I'm glad you weren't in this morning. I was on thorns an' briars all -the time for fear. The men were in howling an' shouting until you'd -thought they'd upset the government. An' they will, too. We're not -going to pay tax on our very bread. Why they're coming the old game -that they fit about for seven years. And grandad's fierce. He'd turn -us all back to England to-morrer." - -"I don't know----" Daffodil looked up confused. - -"No, I s'pose not. Women has husbands to think for them an' gals -needn't think about anything but beaux. Did you have any over there?" -nodding her head. "Body o' me! but you've grown tall. You ain't a -little girl any more. And we'll have to look you up a nice beau." - -"Must everybody be married?" - -Norah put both hands on her lips and laughed. - -"Well, I don't know as there's a _must_, only old maids ain't of much -account an' get sticks poked at 'em pretty often. I wouldn't be one -for any money. I'd go out in the woods and ask the first man I met to -marry me." - -"How old must you be?" asked Daffodil soberly, thinking of Miss -Wharton. - -"Well, if you ain't married by twenty, lovers ain't so plenty, and at -twenty-four you're pushed out of the door and at thirty you might as -well go down. But you're not likely to have to ring the bell for them. -My! but you're pretty, only I wish your cheeks were redder. I guess -you've been housed up too much. I want to hear all about the sort of -time you had! Wasn't the old gentleman a little stiff?" - -"Oh, no. He seemed so much like great-grandfather to me. I loved him a -great deal. And there was a splendid housekeeper. The maid was sweet -and she cried when I came away." - -"Little Girl," called her father. - -"Oh, are you going to ride away? Come over to-night. Grandad is going -to the meeting where they will spout like a leaky gargoyle. Or stay, -your father will go too. I'll come over instead." - -Daffodil mounted Dolly, who certainly had not grown fat in her -absence. Felix had attended to that. "Dear old Dolly!" patting her -neck, and the mare whinnied as if overjoyed. - -"You haven't forgotten, dear old Dolly;" and Daffodil was minded to -lean over and give her a hug as she had times before. - -"We'll go down town. We are stretching out our borders. Here is the -new dock. We are building boats for the western trade, and here is the -shipyard." - -It had doubled itself since spring. Everybody seemed hurrying to and -fro. Brawny, sunburned men with shirt sleeves rolled nearly to the -shoulders, jesting, whistling, sometimes swearing, the younger ones -pausing now and then to indulge in a few jig steps. There were boats -loading with a variety of freight, but largely whiskey. Carrick took -some drawings out of his memorandum book. - -"Look them over sharp, Cap'n Boyle, though I think you'll find them -all right." - -There was the long point, the two rivers flowing into the Ohio, the -murmur like the undertone of the sea. And over beyond, far beyond an -endless stretch. There were some Indian wigwams, there were long -reaches of cornfields yet uncut, a few stacked; apples ripening in the -mellow sunshine, a wild kind of fruit, great tangles of grapevine -enough to smother any tree. - -"It is beautiful," she said with deep feeling. "Oh, do you suppose -there'll ever be anything--over there--like a town, houses and such?" - -She nodded upward. That was her portion. - -"If we go on this way. There's a line for trade between this and -Cincinnati all planned out, boats being built, there's coal and iron -to supply places around, and they're talking about glass even. We -shall be the head centre. Oh, land doesn't cost much since taxes are -so light. Yes, some likely young fellow will take it in hand and -evolve a fortune for you. Daffodil, you will not go back to de -Ronville?" - -"To live? Oh, no." - -"I couldn't spare my little girl. I want you to marry and settle -here." - -She seemed to shrink from the thought. - -Down here they were working streets. New houses were going up. -Store-houses were being built. Carrick had to stop and discuss several -openings. And no matter what subject was in hand it came round to the -whiskey. - -"What is it all about, father?" she asked, raising her perplexed face -to his. - -"I don't know that you can understand. We were all served with a -summons in the summer to appear at court over the other side of the -mountains. Crops were just at the point where they would be ruined if -left. The distillers were very angry, the farmers, too. They held -meetings and decided they wouldn't go. It's a matter of the general -government. The country is behind in everything and is striving to -meet its expenses. It could not be otherwise after such a war as we -have had. The tax is four pence per gallon--it seems a big figure on -hundreds of gallons, still they can recoup themselves on the other -end." - -"And who is right?" - -Bernard Carrick laughed. - -"There is but one side to be on just now. Grandad is among the -distillers and Norah is as hotheaded as he. But women ought to stay -out of it. Take pattern by mother and grandmere and have no opinions. -You can't help hearing it talked about. I'm glad it wasn't one of M. -de Ronville's interests or you might have heard hard things said about -us. There now, business is done, let us have a fine gallop over this -road." - -Dolly went very well for a while then said plainly she could not keep -it up. - -"You are a good rider, Dilly. I'm glad you did not get out of -practice. Your guardian must have been indulgent." - -"We had a ride every fine morning. He was very fond of it." - -He was glad to have her talk about her visit. The life would be very -different here. Not only were all his interests here, and he was -getting to be one of the rising men of the town, but the Bradins held -the house they lived in and he was as a son to them. Barbe had never -been parted from her mother. And though he had gone to his country's -call with their consent he knew his own father would never forgive a -second defection. No, he must stay here, and his daughter must marry -here. - -Felix begged her to come out with him and see the great bee tree where -father was going to take up the honey some night, but she was tired -and curled herself up in the grandfather chair. Her thoughts wandered -a little. - -"I don't believe you are paying a bit of attention to me!" the boy -flung out angrily. "I wish you hadn't gone to that old city. You were -twice as good fun before. And I s'pose you won't climb trees or run -races or--or do any of the things that used to be such good fun. What -in the world _did_ you do there?" - -"Oh, I'll try them with you again. But I've been out with father all -the afternoon----" - -"And now he'll be so taken up with you he won't want me. Girls haven't -any call to be out so much with men." - -"Not when they are our own fathers?" smiling. - -"Well--there's knitting, and spinning, and sewing, and darning -stockings----" - -"I thought you were begging me to go out and have a good romp with -you?" - -"Oh, that's different." - -She laughed. Then father came in and they had supper. After that until -he went out he had to help Felix with sums, then the boy was sleepy, -and went to bed. - -Daffodil had to talk about her visit. She had been to the theatre -twice and to some fine out-of-doors concerts. Then the afternoon at -the Pembertons, where the ladies had been so beautifully dressed, and -the dance and the tea on the lawn. She had been sent to a dancing -class and knew the modern steps. - -"And I just don't believe any one can beat grandad;" said Norah with -pride. "And stout as he is, he's as light on his feet as a young girl. -And about this Miss Wharton and her living alone with servants just as -if she was a widow, and she must be an old maid. It's queer they -should make so much of her." - -"But she's so nice and sweet. Everybody likes her. And her house is so -full of pretty things. The gentlemen are always wanting to dance with -her and come to tea." - -"Well, it's very queer except for a queen. There was a great queen -once who didn't and wouldn't get married." - -"That was Queen Elizabeth and Virginia was named in her honor." - -"Well, I hope you won't get sick of us after a little. But blood's -thicker than water;" and Norah nodded confidently to Daffodil's -mother. - -Then it seemed really strange to go over to the Byerly's to tea. They -had been older girls in school. Now they were busy all day spinning -and Kate wove on a hand loom. Girls worked through the day and -frolicked in the evening. They all seemed so large to Daffodil. They -joked one another about beaux. Half a dozen young men were invited. -Kitchen and dining-room was all one, and the two tables were put -together, and would have groaned with their burden if they had not -been strong. - -"I want Daffodil Carrick," said Ned Langdale rather peremptorily. "I -went to her first party and she came to mine." - -"That's whether she wants you," said Janie saucily. "Do you, -Daffodil?" - -"Do I--what?" - -"Want Ned to take you in to supper. We're pairing off. By right you -ought to take Kate," to Ned. "She can have some of the younger boys." - -Daffodil was rather startled at Ned. He had grown so tall and looked -so manly. - -"I'll take Archie," she said a little timidly. - -Archie smiled and came over to her, clasping her hand. - -"I'm so glad," he said in a half whisper. "Oh, Daffodil, you're so -pretty, like some of the sweet pictures in a book mother has. Yes, I'm -so glad." - -Did Daffodil go to school with most of these girls? She felt curiously -strange. After the first greeting and the question about her visit, -that she was getting rather tired of, there was a new diversion at the -entrance of Mr. Josephus Sanders, who was announced to the company by -his betrothed. He was a great, rather coarse-looking fellow, with a -red face burned by wind and water, and reddish hair that seemed to -stand up all over his head. Even at the back it hardly lay down. He -was a boatman, had made two trips to New Orleans, and now was going -regular between Pittsburg and Cincinnati with a share in the boat -which he meant to own by and by. He had a loud voice and took the -jesting in good part, giving back replies of coarse wit and much -laughter. - -Mrs. Byerly waited on the guests, though the viands were so arranged -that there was a dish for every three or four. Cold chicken, cold ham, -cold roast pork temptingly sliced. White bread and brown, fried nuts -as they called them, the old Dutch doughnuts and spiced cakes, beside -the great round one cut in generous slices. And after that luscious -fruits of all kinds. - -"Yes, I am so glad to see you. And you have been off among the -quality. But I hope you have not forgotten--" and he raised his eyes, -then colored and added, "but you weren't so much with the boys. I do -suppose girls' schools are different. Still there were Saturdays." - -"I don't know why I lagged behind," and she gave a soft laugh that was -delicious. "Maybe it was because some of them were older. Even now I -feel like a little girl and I don't mean to be married in a long time. -Oh, yes, I remember the May day fun and the races and tag----" -pausing. - -"And the tree climbing and the big jumps and prisoner's base, and -'open the gates' and 'tug of war.' Ned was famous in them. I liked -often to go off by myself and read, but once in a while it was fun." - -"Oh, you should go to Philadelphia. There are so many fine books. And -many of the people have libraries of their own. My guardian had. And -pictures." - -He bent his head quite low. - -"I'm going some day. That's my secret. I mean to be a doctor." - -"Oh!" The eyes she turned upon him thrilled him to the heart. Oh, she -was the prettiest and sweetest girl in the room. - -But she wasn't glowing and red-cheeked and black-eyed. Then yellow -hair wasn't particularly in favor. - -The table was cleared and the dessert was grapes and melons, -yellow-hearted cantelopes and rosy watermelons, and they snapped seeds -at one another, a rather rude play, which made a great deal of -dodging. Afterward they went to the best room and had some more -refined plays. They "picked cherries," they had to call their -sweetheart and stand with him in the middle of the room. Ned chose -Daffodil Carrick and he kissed her of course, that made her blush like -a peony. And she chose Archie. - -But, alas! Archie had to choose some one else. He said afterward--"I -had a great mind to choose you again, but I knew they'd laugh and say -it wasn't fair. But I didn't care at all for Emma Watkins." - -They wound up with "Oats, Peas, Beans, and Barley Grows." Then Janie -Byerly took her betrothed's hand and stood in the middle of the room. - -"Joe and I are to be married in October somewhere about the middle. We -haven't set the day yet, but you'll all know it and I want a great -crowd to come and see the knot tied. Then we're going to Cincinnati on -Joe's boat to visit his folks, and if I like it first-class we may -settle there. I hope you have all had a good time." - -They said they had in a shout. - -"I'm coming over to see your pretty frocks," Janie whispered to -Daffodil. "My, I shall be so busy that my head will spin." - -Of course Archie had to see her home, but as Ned's girl was already -home, he walked with them and did most of the talking, to Archie's -chagrin. And he ended with--"I've so much to tell you. I'm coming over -right soon." - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -THE WOOF OF DAILY THINGS - - -"Dilly, you're not worth shucks since you came back!" exclaimed the -boy in a severely upbraiding tone. "You don't do nothin' as you used, -you just sit and moon. Do you want to go back to that old man? I sh'd -think you'd been awful dull." - -"Do you talk that way at school?" - -"Oh, well, a fellow needn't be so fussy at home." - -"What would you like me to do? You are off with the boys----" - -"That's because you're no good. You don't run races nor climb trees -nor wade in the brook to catch frogs, nor jump--I'll bet you don't -know how to jump any more. And you were a staver!" - -"Girls leave off those things. And you are a good deal younger, and -ought to have a boy's good times. I must sew and spin and help keep -house and work in the garden to take care of the flowers and learn to -cook." - -"My! I wouldn't be a girl for anything! Dilly, who will you marry?" - -Her face was scarlet. Must a girl marry? She understood now the drift -of the talk she had unwittingly overheard. And her cheek burned -thinking that she had been offered and declined. - -"I'm not going to marry any one in a good while," she returned -gravely. - -"Tim Garvin asked me----" he looked at her hesitatingly. - -"Well?" - -"If he might come round. He thinks you sing like a mocking bird. And -he says he likes yellow hair. I don't. I wish yours was black and that -you had red cheeks and that you'd laugh real loud, and want to play -games." - -"There are plenty of little girls, Felix, who are ready for any sort -of fun." - -He spun round on his heel and went off. It had been one of the -resplendent early autumn days with a breath of summer in the air and -the richness of all ripening things. The call of the wood thrush came -softly through the trees with a lingering delicious tenderness. She sat -on a large boulder nearly at the foot of a great sycamore tree. She -used to have a play-house here. What had changed her so? She did not -want to go back to Philadelphia. She would never want to see Mr. -Bartram again. In a way she was content. Her father loved her very -much, it was a stronger love in one way, a man's love, though her -mother was tender and planning a nice future for her. - -She did not understand that it was the dawning of womanhood, the -opening of a new, strange life different from what had gone before. -There was a sort of delicious mystery about it and she stood in -tremulous awe. It was going to bring her something that she half -dreaded, half desired. - -She had gone down by the schoolhouse one afternoon. They had built a -new one, really quite smart, and now they had taken off an hour of the -last session. The children were out at play, racing, screaming, -wrestling, here playing ring around a rosy, here London bridge is -falling down, here a boy chasing a girl and kissing her roughly, she -slapping his face and being kissed half a dozen times more. Had she -ever been one of this boisterous, romping group? - -The French blood had brought in more refinement, like the Quaker -element. And she had been rather diffident. At home they were more -delicate, while they had too much good breeding and kindliness to hold -themselves much above their neighbors. - -The marriage of Janie Byerly was quite an event. It took place at ten -in the morning and there was a great wedding cake with slices for the -girls to dream on. Then they went down to the boat in a procession and -there was a merry time as the boat made ready to push out. Rice had -not come in yet, but old shoes were there in abundance. - -There were other marriages and the little girl went to them because -she did not want to slight her old companions. Some of the couples -set up housekeeping in a two-roomed cabin and the new wife went on -with her spinning or weaving and some of them were quite expert at -tailoring. There was plenty of work getting ready for winter. - -Tim Garvin had been as good as his word and came on Sunday evening. -Daffodil sheltered herself behind her father's protecting wing. They -talked of the whiskey question, of the Ohio trade, and then there was -a lagging, rather embarrassing time. Four elderly people sat -around--they generally retired and gave the young folks a chance, but -it was Daffodil who disappeared first. And Tim did not make a second -attempt. - -The Langdale boys had better luck in establishing friendliness. Ned -came over in high feather one afternoon. Daffodil was practising a -rather intricate piece of lace making. He looked manly and proud. He -was tall and well filled out, very well looking. - -"I hope you'll all congratulate me," he began in a buoyant tone. "I've -enlisted. I'm going to live up at the Fort and begin soldier life in -earnest." - -"And I do most heartily wish you success," declared grandmere, her -eyes lighting up with a kind of admiration at the manly face in the -pride of youth. "We shall need soldiers many a day yet, though I hope -the worst is over. Still the Indians are treacherous and stubborn." - -"And we may have another fight on our hands;" laughing. "For we are -not going to be ridden over rough shod." - -"But you must belong to the government side now." - -"I suppose so;" flushing. - -The delinquent distillers had been summoned to Philadelphia and had -refused to go. - -"This is our very living," declared grandad, who was one of the most -fiery insurgents. "Then they will tax our grain, our crops of all -kinds. A king could do no worse! What did I tell you about these men! -Why, we'll have to emigrate t'other side of the Mississippi and start -a new town. That's all we get for our labor and hard work." - -"I ought to have waited until this thing was settled," Ned said rather -ruefully, studying Daffodil's face. "But I had hard work to coax -father, and when he consented I rushed off at once. He thinks there's -going to be fortunes in this iron business, and Archie won't be worth -shucks at it. He hates it as much as I do, but he's all for books, and -getting his living by his brains. Maybe he'll be a lawyer." - -Daffodil flushed. She held Archie's secret. - -"You don't like it," Ned began when he had persuaded her to walk a -little way with him. "You said once you didn't like soldiering. Yet it -is a noble profession, and I'm not going to stay down at the bottom of -the line." - -"No," with a sweet reluctance as if she was sorry to admit it. "It -seems cruel to me, why men should like to kill each other." - -"They don't like it in the way of enjoyment, but do their duty. And -they are for the protection of the homes, the women and children. We -may have another Indian raid; we have some"--then he paused, he was -going to say, "some French to clear out," but refrained. The French -still held some desirable western points. - -"Father talks of the war occasionally, and mother shivers and -says--'My heart would have broken if I had known that!' And to be away -three years or more, never knowing if one was alive!" - -No, she wouldn't do for a soldier's wife. And Archie had prefigured -himself a bachelor; he really had nothing to fear there, only would -she not take more interest in his brother? There were other young -fellows in the town, but not many of her kind. Well, he would -wait--she seemed quite like a child yet. - -Somehow she had not made the same impression as she had in -Philadelphia. No one praised her hair or her beautiful complexion or -her grace in dancing. It did not hurt her exactly, but she felt sorry -she could not please as readily. Only--she did not care for that kind -of florid approbation. - -Grandmere looked up from her work when they had gone out. "He is a -fine lad," she commented. "And they are of a good family. Daffodil is -nearing sixteen. Though there doesn't seem much need of soldiers--it -is a noble profession. It seems just the thing for him." - -"She is such a child yet. I don't know how we could spare her. And her -father is so fond of her." - -Mrs. Bradin had a rather coveting regard for the young man. And a -pretty girl like Daffodil should not hang on hand. - -Ned Langdale made friends easily at the Fort. And during the second -month, on account of a little misbehavior in the ranks, he was -advanced to the sergeantship. - -Meanwhile feeling ran higher and higher. Those who understood that the -power of the general government must be the law of the land were -compelled to keep silence lest they should make matters worse. Even -the clergy were forced to hold their peace. Processes were served and -thrown into the fire or torn to bits. Then the government interfered -and troops were ordered out. - -Bernard Carrick had tried to keep his father within bounds. It did not -do to protest openly, but he felt the government should be obeyed, or -Pittsburg would be the loser. Bradford and several others ordered the -troops to march to Braddock's field, and then to Pittsburg. The town -was all astir and in deadly terror lest if the insurgents could not -rule they would ruin. But after all it was a bloodless revolution. -Governor Mifflin, after a temperate explanation, softening some of the -apparently arbitrary points, commanded the insurgents to disperse. -Breckenridge thought it safest to give good words rather than powder -and balls. So they marched through the town in excellent order and -came out on the plains of the Monogahela where the talking was -softened with libations of whiskey, and a better understanding -prevailed, the large distillers giving in to the majesty of the law. - -Some of the still disgruntled insurgents set fire to several barns, -but no special damage was done. And thus ended the year's turmoil and -business went on with renewed vigor. There was also an influx of -people, some to settle, others from curiosity. But the West was -awakening a new interest and calling for immigrants. - -Mrs. Janie Sanders came back with glowing accounts of the town on the -Ohio. And now trade was fairly established by the line of boats. And -from there down to New Orleans continual traffic was established. - -The older log houses were disappearing or turned into kitchens with a -finer exterior in front. People began to laugh at the old times when -there was much less than a thousand inhabitants. - -And though Bernard Carrick still called his daughter "Little Girl," -she was quite grown up with a slim lissome figure and her golden hair -was scarcely a shade darker. She was past sixteen, and yet she had -never had a lover. Young men dropped in of a Sunday afternoon or -evening, but she seemed to act as if they were her father's guests. -After two or three attempts they dropped out again. - -Archie had gone to Philadelphia for a year at a preparatory school, -then was to enter college. Ned now was first lieutenant, having been -promoted for bravery and foresight in warding off an Indian sortie -that might have been a rather serious matter. - -The little girl had vanished with the old Pittsburg. She hardly knew -herself in these days. Something seemed to touch her with a magic -wand. She was full of joy with all things of the outside world, and -the spring and the early summer, nature seemed to speak in all manner -of wooing tongues and she answered. She took long walks in the woods -and came home with strange new flowers. There was not much to read, it -was not a season of intellectuality but a busy, thrifty time laying -the foundation for the great city of industry and prosperity that was -to be. - -Barbe Carrick made pretty garments with fine needlework and lace and -laid them by in an old oaken chest. Grandmere was sometimes a little -impatient over the dreaming child. Another year was going and she had -counted on Daffodil being married before the next generation of girls -came to the fore. Plain ones, loud, awkward ones were married and had -a jollification. Some of them at twenty had three or four children. - -She was very sweet, charming and helpful. Grandad had taken the -"knuckling down," as he called it, rather hard, but it seemed as if -the tax and more came back in increased sales. He was very fond of -small Sandy, now a fast-growing boy, but there was a different love -for Daffodil, who looked over his accounts, read the paper to him, and -listened to his stories as well as his complaints. - -"I wish it wasn't so much the fashion for girls to marry," he said one -day to Norah. "I don't know how we could spare Dilly." - -"And keep her an old maid!" with scorn in her voice. "But it's queer! -One would think lovers would buzz about her like bees." - -Now and then there came a letter from Philadelphia that she answered -with a good long one, yet she wondered afterward what she found to -say. That visit seemed such a long, long while ago, almost in another -life. And Mistress Betty Wharton had married and gone to Paris, as her -husband was connected with the embassy. There were many questions yet -to settle. - -"Don't you want to go over to the Fort with me, Daffodil?" her father -asked one afternoon. He had a fondness for Lieutenant Langdale, and -not the slightest objection to him as a future son-in-law. - -"Oh, yes," eagerly, and joined him, smiling under the great hat with -its flaring front filled in with gathered silk, her white frock short -enough to show the trim ankles and dainty feet, and her green silk -parasol that had come from Philadelphia that very spring. She -generally wore her hair in curls, though it was cut much shorter in -the front and arranged not unlike more modern finger puffs. A very -pretty girl of the refined type. - -Fort Pitt was then in all its glory though the old block house of -Colonel Bouquet was still standing, up Duquesne way, and there were -soldiers strolling about and a few officers in uniform. - -Langdale was on duty somewhere. Captain Forbes came to greet them. - -"You'll find the general in his office, Mr. Carrick. May I take charge -of Miss Carrick, meanwhile?" - -"Yes, I shall be glad to have you." - -Captain Forbes was a Philadelphian, so they were not at loss for -conversation. Here two or three men were in earnest discussion, there -one deeply interested in a book, who touched his cap without looking -up. In a shady corner two men were playing chess, one a civilian, the -other a young private. - -"Well, Hugh, how goes it?" asked the captain. - -"Why, I am not discouraged;" laughing and bowing to Daffodil. - -"He is going to make a good, careful player, and I think a fine -soldier." - -"Allow me--Mr. Andsdell, Miss Carrick." - -There had come with General Lee and his body of soldiers sent to quell -the insurgents, a number of citizens out of curiosity to see the place. -Among them a young Englishman, who had been in the country several -years seeking his fortune and having various successes. He had tried -the stage at Williamsburg, Virginia, and won not a little applause. He -was an agreeable well-mannered person and always had excellent luck at -cards without being a regular gamester. He made no secret of belonging -to a titled family, but being a younger son with four lives between -him and the succession he had come to America to try his fortune. Yet -even in this new world fortunes were not so easily found or made. - -Daffodil watched them with interest. M. de Ronville had played it with -an elderly friend. - -"You have seen it before?" Andsdell asked, raising his eyes and -meeting the interested ones. - -"Oh, yes; in Philadelphia. I spent a few months there." - -Her voice had a charm. She seemed indeed not an ordinary girl. - -"I have been there part of the last year. I was much interested." - -He kept a wary eye on the young fellow's moves. - -Once he said--"No, don't do that; think." - -The other thought to some purpose and smiled. - -"You are improving." - -A flush of pleasure lighted the boyish face. - -"Check," said Andsdell presently. "I had half a mind to let you win, -but you made two wrong moves." - -The young man glanced at his watch. "Now I must go and drill," he -exclaimed. "Can we say to-morrow afternoon again?" - -"With pleasure;" smiling readily. - -He bowed himself away. Andsdell rose. - -"I wonder if I might join your walk? I have met a Mr. Carrick----" - -"That was my father likely. Grandfather is quite an old man." - -"And figured in the--what shall we call it--_emeute_?" - -Captain Forbes laughed. "That was about it. Yet at one time I was a -good deal afraid there would be a fierce struggle. Better counsels -prevailed, however. When the army arrived those who had not really -dared to say the government was right so far as obedience was -concerned came out on the right side. A thousand or so soldiers -carried weight," with a half sarcastic laugh. - -Andsdell stole furtive glances at the girl the other side of Forbes. -What a graceful, spirited walk she had; just what one would expect -with that well poised figure. - -Then she stopped suddenly and the captain paused in his talk as she -half turned. - -"There's father," she exclaimed with a smile that Andsdell thought -enchanting. - -He had met the Englishman before and greeted him politely. After a -little talk he slipped his daughter's arm through his and said mostly -to her--"I am ready now." - -She made her adieu with a kind of nonchalant grace in which there was -not a particle of coquetry. He followed her with his eyes until they -had turned the corner of the bastion. Then again he saw her as they -were going out. - -"I should think that girl would have half the men in the town at her -feet," he said. - -"Oh, Miss Carrick?" as if he was not quite certain. Then with a half -smile--"Do you think so? Well, she hasn't." - -"She is very lovely." - -"In a certain way, yes. I believe our people like more color, more -dash and spirit. We are not up on a very high round, pioneers seldom -are. It takes a generation or so to do the hard work, then comes the -embellishment. They are rather dignified and have some French ways. -An old grandfather, the fourth generation back, might have stood for a -portrait of the grand Marquis. It is on the mother's side." - -"She doesn't favor the French." - -"No, but the boy does, a bright, handsome fellow, wild as a deer and -full of pranks. It will be hard to tell what race we do favor most. A -hundred years hence we will be going back with a sort of pride, -hunting up ancestors. At present there is too much to do." - -Andsdell went his way presently. He was comfortably well lodged. He -had a bountiful supper and then he went out for a walk. There was a -young moon over in the west just light enough to bring out the silvery -beech trunks and touch the tips of the grasses. The woodthrush still -gave his long sweet call at intervals. This path led into the town. He -would not go that way. He wished he knew just where these Carricks -lived. He fancied her sitting on the porch drinking in the loveliness -of the evening. - -How absurd! He had seen pretty girls before, danced with them, flirted -with them. There were the imperious belles of Virginia, who bewitched -a man's fancy in one evening. There were the fair seductive maids of -Philadelphia, and so far he had not been specially impressed with the -girls of this town. A crowd were coming this way--he heard the -strident laughter and loud voices, so he stepped aside. - -Dilly was not sitting out in the fragrant air, but trying to explain a -lesson to Felix. Neither did she give one thought to the young -Englishman. She was glad in her inmost heart that Ned Langdale had -been engaged elsewhere. Something in his eyes troubled her. She did -not want to make him unhappy. She hated to be cold and distant to her -friend, yet when she warmed a little he seemed to take so much for -granted that she did not feel inclined to grant. Why couldn't one be -satisfied with friendship? Occasionally she heard from Archie. They -were eager, ambitious letters and she always read them aloud. - -But if there could come any warmer interest Archie never would be -content with this busy, bustling, working town, and then they would -lose her. Every day she grew dearer to the mother. Geoffrey Andsdell -decided he did not like the place very well either. He could not be -winning money all the time from the garrison, and no business opening -had been really thrust upon him, though he felt it was high time he -turned his attention to the fact of making an honest living. He had -wasted four years since he left England. It would be folly to return, -and when that thought crossed his mind he bit his lip and an ugly look -settled in his eyes. He had come to the New World to forget all that. - -Yes, he would go back to Philadelphia. There were genteel -opportunities there, and he was not a dullard if he had not been -business bred. - -He was asking a little advice of Mrs. Forbes as they had been -sauntering about the hills that were showing bits of autumnal scenery -and scattering the fragrance of all ripening things on the air. The -jocund song of the birds had settled into a sort of leisurely -sweetness, their summer work was done, nest building and caring for -the young was over with for the season, and they could review their -losses and gains. Somewhere along the stream that wound in and out a -great frog boomed hoarsely and the younger ones had lost their fine -soprano in trying to emulate him. Insects of all kinds were shrilling -and whirring, yet underneath it all there was a curious stillness. - -Then a human voice broke on their ear singing a merry Irish lilt. - -"Oh, that's Daffodil Carrick. I could tell her voice from fifty -others. It is never loud but it carries so distinctly. Let's see where -she is." - -They turned into the wider path zigzagging through the woods. Yes, -there she sat on the limb of a tree she had bent down and was gently -swaying to and fro. Her sun-bonnet was held by the strings serving to -drive troublesome insects away. Her golden hair clustered about her -temples in rings and then floated off by the motion of the swinging, a -lovely bewildering cloud. She did not notice them at first; then she -sprang up, her face a delicate rosy tint. - -"Oh, Mrs. Forbes! And--Mr. Andsdell!" - -She looked a startled woodland nymph. He thought he had never seen a -more lovely picture. - -"Are you having a nice time to yourself in your parlor among the -hills? Can't we sit down and share it with you? I am tired. We have -been rambling up hill and down dale." - -A great hollow tree had fallen some time and Mrs. Forbes seated -herself waving her hand to Mr. Andsdell, who looked a little -uncertain. - -"Oh, yes," Daffodil said. "I have been roaming around also. It is just -the day for it. Now the sun comes out and tints everything, then it is -shade and a beautiful gray green." - -"You were singing," he said, thinking what compliment would not be too -ornate. Out here in the woods with nature and truth one could not use -flattery. - -"Yes." She laughed softly a sound that was enchanting. "When I was -little I was a devout believer in fairies. Grandfather Carrick's -second wife came from Ireland when she was fifteen, and she knew the -most charming stories. You know there are stories that seem true and -hers did. I used to feel sure they would come and dance in the grass. -That was the song little Eileen sang, and they carried her off, but -they couldn't keep her because she wore a cross that had been put -round her neck when she was christened." - -"And did you want to be carried off?" he asked. - -"Yes, I think I did. But I had a cross that I made of beads and named -them after the saints. We are not Catholics, but Huguenots. I took my -cross out in the woods with me, but the fairies never came." - -"There is a great deal of really beautiful faith about those things," -said Mrs. Forbes. "And some of the Indian legends as well. Old -Watersee has stores of them. Some one ought to collect the best of -them. Fairy stories go all over the world, I think, in different -guise. They are the delight of our early lives. It's sad to lose that -childhood faith." - -"Oh, I don't want to lose it all," Daffodil said earnestly. "I just -say to myself it might have been true somewhere." - -Then they branched off into other matters. The sky grew grayer and the -wind moaned through the trees, shaking down a cloud of ripe leaves. - -"Is it going to rain?" asked Andsdell. - -"I think it will storm by to-morrow, but not now. You see, evening is -coming on. We might go down;" tentatively, not sure she was the one to -propose it. - -The path was beautiful, winding in and out, sometimes over the pile of -richest moss, then stirring up the fragrance of pennyroyal. But the -streets and houses began to appear. - -Barbe Carrick sat on the porch waiting for her daughter, always -feeling a little anxious if she loitered, though these woods were free -from stragglers. She came to meet them now, she knew Mrs. Forbes and -invited them to rest awhile, and they cheerfully accepted. Then she -went for some cake and grapes and brought some foaming spruce beer. -Even grandmere came out to meet the guests. Andsdell was delighted and -praised everything and Mrs. Bradin said with her fine French -courtesy--"You must come again." - -"I shall be most happy to," he replied. - -They finished their walk almost in silence. Andsdell was recalling the -many charms of the young girl. Mrs. Forbes was looking upon him in the -light of a lover. She could understand that the ordinary young man of -the town could not make much headway with Daffodil Carrick. There were -some nice men in the garrison, but after all----And it was high time -Daffodil had a lover. All women are matchmakers by instinct and -delight in pairing off young folks. She was a happy wife herself, but -she recalled the fact that the girl was not in love with soldiers. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -SPINNING WITH VARIOUS THREADS - - -"Richard," Mrs. Forbes began, looking up from the beaded purse she was -knitting, "do you know anything about that Englishman, Andsdell?" - -He had been reading, and smoking his pipe. He laid down both. - -"A sort of goodish, well-informed fellow, who doesn't drink to excess, -and is always a gentleman. He plays a good deal, and wins oftener than -he loses, but that's luck and knowledge. Like so many young men, he -came over to seek his fortune. He was in Virginia, was some general's -aide, I believe. Why are you so eager to know his record?" - -"Why?" laughing softly. "I think he is very much smitten with Daffodil -Carrick. She is pretty and sweet, a most admirable daughter, but, -somehow, the beaux do not flock about her. She will make some one a -lovely wife." - -"Young Langdale has a fancy for her." - -"And she is not at all charmed with military glory. Her father was a -good, brave soldier, and went at the darkest of times, because his -country needed him, not for fame or enthusiasm. She has heard too -much of the dangers and struggles. Edward Langdale is full of -soldierly ardor. They have had opportunities enough to be in love, and -she rather shrinks from him. No, her husband, whoever he is, must be a -civilian." - -"Why, I think I can learn about him. The Harrisons are at -Williamsburg, you know. And there is a slight relationship between us. -Yes, it would be well to learn before you dream of wedding rings and -all that." - -Still she could not resist asking Daffodil in to tea to meet some -friends. There were Mrs. Trent, the wife of the first lieutenant, and -Bessy Lowy, young Langdale, and the Englishman. Bessy was a charming, -dark-eyed coquette, ready of wit, and she did admire Ned. Andsdell was -almost a stranger to her, and in the prettiest, most winsome fashion -she relegated him to Miss Carrick. - -They had a gay time, for Mrs. Trent was very bright and chatty, and -her husband had a fund of small-talk. Afterward they played cards, the -amusement of the times. In two of the games Ned had Daffodil for a -partner, but she was not an enthusiastic player. And she had accepted -Andsdell's escort home, much to Ned's chagrin. - -"I did not know whether you would be at liberty," she said simply. - -"I'll have an afternoon off Thursday. Will you go for a walk?" - -She hesitated, and he remarked it. - -"I see so little of you now. And you always seem--different." - -"But you know I am quite grown up. We are no longer children. And that -makes a change in every one." - -"But that need not break friendship." - -"I think it doesn't break friendship always," she returned -thoughtfully. - -"Daffodil, you are the loveliest and sweetest girl I have ever known." - -"But not in the whole world," she rejoined archly. - -"In my world. That is enough for me. Good-night;" and he longed to -kiss her hand. - -She and Andsdell came down from the Fort, crossed several streets, and -then turned to the east. Philadelphia was their theme of conversation. - -"I was such a little girl then," she said, with almost childish -eagerness. "Everything was so different. I felt as if I was in a -palace, and the maid dressed me with so much care, and went out to -walk with me, and Miss Wharton was so charming. And now she is in -France." - -"Would you like to go to France--Paris?" - -"Oh, I don't know. You have been there?" - -"Yes, for a short stay." - -"And London, and ever so many places?" - -"Yes. But I never want to see it again." - -Something in his tone jarred a little. - -"I am glad you like America." - -Then they met her father, who was coming for her, but Mr. Andsdell -went on with them to the very door. - -"Did you have a fine time?" asked her mother. - -"Oh, yes, delightful. Mrs. Trent was so amusing, and Bessy Lowy was -like some one in a play. I wish my eyes were dark, like yours. I think -they are prettier." - -Her mother smiled and kissed her. - -All the next morning Dilly sat and spun on the little wheel, and sang -merry snatches from old ballads. She wished she were not going to walk -with Lieutenant Langdale. - -"Is there any wrong in it, mother?" she asked, turning her perplexed -face to Barbe. - -"Why, not as I see. You have been friends for so long. And it is -seldom that he gets out now." - -The Post brought a letter from Archie. It was really very joyous. He -had won a prize for a fine treatise, and had joined a club, not for -pleasure or card playing, but debating and improvement of the mind. - -She was very glad they would have this to talk about. And when Ned saw -her joyous face, and had her gay greeting, his heart gave a great -bound. They went off together in a merry fashion. - -"Oh, you cannot think"--then pausing suddenly--"Did you have word from -Archie in the post?" - -"No, but a letter came for mother." - -"You hurried me so, or I should have remembered to bring it. Father -thought it so fine. He has won a prize, twenty-five pounds. And he -thinks another year he may pass all the examinations. Oh, won't your -mother be glad?" - -There was such a sweet, joyous satisfaction in her tone, such a lovely -light in her eyes, that his heart made a protest. - -"You care a great deal about his success?" he said jealously. - -"Yes, why not?" in surprise. - -"And none about mine?" - -"Why--it is so different;" faltering a little. "And you know I never -was overfond of soldiering." - -"Where would the country have been but for the brave men who fought -and gained her liberty? Look at General Washington, and that brave -noble-hearted Lafayette. And there was General Steuben that winter at -Valley Forge, sharing hardship when he might have lived at ease. It -stirs my blood when I think of the hundreds of brave men, and I am -proud to be a soldier." - -He stood up very straight, and there was a world of resolution in his -eyes, a flush on his cheek. - -"But you are glad of his success?" - -"And why should you not be as glad of mine?" not answering her -question. - -"Why--I am. But you see that appeals to me the more. Yet I shall be -glad for you to rise in your profession, and win honors, -only--fighting shocks me all through. I am a coward." - -"And he will come back a doctor, and you will rejoice with him. I -shouldn't mind that so much, but you will marry him----" - -"Marry him! Ned, what are you thinking of!" - -There was a curious protest in her face almost strong enough for -horror. Even her lips lost their rosy tint. - -"What I am thinking of is this," and there was a fierce desperation in -his tone. "I love you! love you! and I cannot bear to think of you -going to any other man, of any person calling you wife. I've always -loved you, and it has grown with my manhood's strength. Archie will -always be lost in his books, and his care for others. A doctor ought -never to marry, he belongs to the world at large. And I want you in my -very life;" then his arms were about her, and clasped her so tightly -that for an instant she could make no protest. She pushed away and -dropped on a great stone, beginning to cry. - -"Oh, Daffodil, what have I done! It is my wild love. It is like some -plant that grows and grows, and suddenly bursts into bloom. I almost -hated Bessy Lowy taking possession of me in that fashion. I wanted to -talk to you, to be near you, to touch your dear hand. All last night I -lay awake thinking of you. It was so sweet that I did not want to -sleep." - -"Oh, hush," she entreated, "hush," making as if she would put him away -with her slim hands. "You must not talk so to me. It is a language I -do not understand, do not like. I think I am not meant for lovers and -marriage. I will be friends always, and rejoice in your success. And -it is the same with Archie. Oh, let me live my own quiet life with -father and mother----" - -"And never marry?" - -"Not for years to come, perhaps never. I am not afraid of being called -an old maid. For Miss Wharton was delightful and merry, and like a -mother to me, though I shall not be as gay and fond of good times. I -like quiet and my own pretty dreams, and to talk with the birds and -squirrels in the woods, and the lambs in the fields, and sometimes -great-grandfather comes back." - -Her face was partly turned away, and had a rapt expression. He was -walking moodily up and down. Why was she so different from most girls? -And yet he loved her. She might outgrow this--was it childishness? - -"Well," with a long sigh, "I will wait. If it is not Archie----" - -"It is no one. And when some nice girl loves you--oh, Ned, you should -find some nice sweet girl, who will be glad of your love. I think -girls are when they meet with the right one. And do not think of me in -that way." - -"I shall think of you in that way all the rest of my life. And if you -do not marry, I shall not marry either." - -Then there was a long silence. - -"Shall we go on?" she asked timidly. - -"The walk is spoiled. It doesn't matter now;" moodily. - -"Oh, Ned, let us be friends again. I cannot bear to have any one angry -with me. No one ever is but grandad, when we talk about the country or -the whiskey tax," and she laughed, but it was half-heartedly. - -What a child she was, after all. For a moment or two he fancied he did -not care so much, but her sweet face, her lovely eyes, the dainty -hands hanging listlessly at her side, brought him back to his -allegiance. - -They walked on, but the glory had gone out of the day, the hope in his -heart, the simple gladness of hers. Then the wind began to blow up -chilly, and dark clouds were drifting about. She shivered. - -"Are you cold? Perhaps we had better go back?" - -"Well"--in a sort of resigned tone. Then, after a pause--"Are you very -angry with me?" - -"Perhaps not angry--disappointed. I had meant to have such a nice -time." - -"I am sorry. If I could have guessed, I would not have agreed to -come." - -They paused at the gate. No, he would not come in. The fine face -betrayed disappointment. - -"But you will come sometime, when you have quite forgiven me," and the -adorable tenderness in her tone reawakened hope. After all, Archie was -not looking forward to marriage. Jeffrey Andsdell had not even entered -his mind. - -She went in, and threw aside her hat. - -"Did you have a nice walk? You came back soon." - -"No, I did not. Ned neither." She went and stood straight before her -mother, pale, yet with a certain dignity. - -"You did not quarrel, I hope. Is it true he is charmed by Bessy?" - -"He asked me to love him. He wants to marry me;" in a tone that was -almost a cry. - -"Well?" subjoined her mother. The young lieutenant was a favorite with -her, worth any girl's acceptance, in her estimation. - -"I--I don't understand about love. To give away your whole life, years -and years;" and she shivered. - -"But if you loved him, if you were glad to do it;" and the mother's -tone was encouraging. - -"Ah. I think one ought to be glad. And I wasn't glad when he kissed -me." Her face was scarlet now, her bosom heaving with indignation, her -eyes full of protest. - -"He will make a nice husband. His father is devoted to his mother. He -has learned what a true and tender love really is." - -"Mother, would you like me to marry?" - -She knelt down at her mother's knee. - -"Oh, my dear, not until you love some one;" and she kissed her fondly. - -"Do you think there was ever a girl who could not love in that way?" - -"I should be sorry for her; love is the sweetest thing in life, the -best gift of the good Lord is a good husband." - -Autumn was coming on slowly. Housewives were making preparations for -winter. Daffodil was cheery and helpful. Grandmere was not as well as -usual. She said she was growing old. There was a great deal of outside -business for the men. Pittsburg was a borough town, and its citizens -were considering various industries. Every day almost, new things came -to the fore, and now they were trying some experiments in making -glass. The country round was rich in minerals. Boat-building required -larger accommodations. The post road had been improved, straightened, -the distance shortened. There were sundry alterations in looms, and -homespun cloth was made of a better quality. - -Daffodil Carrick watched some of the lovers, who came under her -notice. She met Lieutenant Langdale occasionally, and they were -outwardly friends. They even danced together, but her very frankness -and honesty kept up the barrier between them. He tried to make her -jealous, but it never quickened a pulse within her. - -Yet in a curious way she was speculating on the master passion. There -were not many books to distract her attention, but one day there came -a package from her guardian that contained a few of the old rather -stilted novels, and some volumes of poems by the older English poets, -dainty little songs that her mother sung, and love verses to this one -or that one, names as odd as hers. And how they seemed to love Daisies -and Daffodils. - -She took them out with her on her walks, and read them aloud to the -woods, and the birds, or sometimes sang them. Jeffrey Andsdell found a -wood nymph one day and listened. He had met her twice since the -evening at Mrs. Forbes'. And he wondered now whether he should -surprise her or go his way. - -She rose presently, and by a sudden turn surprised him. - -"I beg your pardon," he said. "I have been listening, enchanted. First -I could not imagine whether it was some wandering fay or wood nymph -wild." - -"Oh, do I look very wild?" with a most charming smile. - -"Why"--he colored a little--"perhaps the word may have more than one -meaning. Oh, you look as if you were part of the forest, a sprite or -fairy being." - -"Oh, do you believe in them? I sit here sometimes and call them up. -There was an odd volume sent me awhile ago, a play by Shakespere, -'Midsummer Night's Dream,' and it is full of those little mischievous -elves and dainty darlings." - -"That is not it?" coming nearer and looking at her book. - -"Oh, it is verses by one Mr. Herrick. Some of them almost sing -themselves, and I put tunes to them." - -"And sing to the woods and waters. You should have a more appreciative -audience." - -"Oh, I couldn't sing to real people," and she flushed. "I wonder -if"--and there came a far-away look in her eyes that passed him, and -yet he saw it. - -"What is the wonder?" - -"That if you could write verses, songs." - -She asked it in all simplicity. - -"No, I couldn't;" in the frankest of tones. - -"One must know a good deal." - -"And be a genius beside." - -"What queer names they give the girls. Chloe, that isn't a bit pretty, -and Phyllis, that is a slave name. And Lesbia, that isn't so bad." - -"I think I have found Daffodil among them. And that is beautiful." - -"Do you think so?" She could not tell why she was glad, but he saw it -in her face, and what a sweet face it was! He wondered then how such a -fascinating bit of sweetness and innocence could have kept its charm -in this rather rough soil. Her frankness was fascinating. - -"Do you come here often?" he asked presently. - -"Oh, yes, in the summer." - -"That was when I first met you. I was with Mrs. Forbes. And her little -tea was very nice and social. I've not seen you since. Don't you go to -the Fort only on special invitation? There are quite a number of -visitors. Strangers always come." - -"I am quite busy," she replied. "Grandmere has not been well, and I -help mother. There is a great deal to do in the fall." - -Such a pretty housewifely look settled in her face. How lovely it was, -with the purity of girlhood. - -The wind swayed the wooded expanse, and sent showers of scarlet and -golden maple leaves down upon them. The hickory was a blaze of yellow, -some oaks were turning coppery. Acorns fell now and then, squirrels -ran about and disputed over them. He reached over and took her book, -seating himself on the fallen log, and began reading to her. The sound -of his voice and the melody of the poems took her into another land, -the land of her fancy. If one could live in it always! The sun dropped -down, and it seemed evening, though it was more the darkness of the -woods. - -She rose. They walked down together, there was no third person, and he -helped her with the gentlest touch over some hillocks made by the -rain-washed roots of the trees. Then she slipped on some dead pine -needles, and his arm was around her for several paces, and quietly -withdrawn. - -Daffodil laughed and raised her face to his. - -"Once I slipped this way, it was over on the other path, where it is -steeper, and slid down some distance, but caught a tree and saved -myself, for there was a big rock I was afraid I should hit. And I was -pretty well scratched. Now I catch the first thing handy. That rock is -a splendid big thing. You ought to see it." - -"You must pilot me some day." - -They emerged into the light. The rivers were still gleaming with the -sunset fire, but over eastward it was twilight gray. - -"Good-night;" as they reached her house. "I am glad I found you there -in the woods. I have had a most enjoyable time." - -"Good-night," she said in return. - -A neighbor was sitting by the candle her mother had just lighted. - -"Dilly, you come over here and write these recipes. My eyes ain't what -they used to be. And your mother does make some of that peppery sauce -that my man thinks the best in Pittsburg. And that grape jam is hard -to beat. Your fingers are young and spry, they hain't washed, and -scrubbed, and kneaded bread, 'n' all that for forty year." - -Daffodil complied readily. Mrs. Carrick told the processes as well. - -"For there's so much in the doin'," said Mrs. Moss. "That's the real -luck of it." - -Felix went down to the shipyard after school, and came home with his -father. To go to New Orleans now was his great aim. - -"Grandad wants you to come over there," Mrs. Carrick said to her -daughter. - -"Then I'll have to read my paper myself," Mr. Carrick complained. - -Grandad wanted her to go over some papers. They were all right, he -knew, but two heads were better than one, if one was a pin's head. -Then she must gossip awhile with Norah, while grandad leaned back in -his chair and snored. Her father came for her, and she went to bed to -the music of the dainty poems read in an impressive voice. - -And when she awoke in the morning there seemed a strange music surging -in her ears, and in her heart, and she listened to it like one -entranced. But she had gone past the days of fairy lore, she was no -longer a little girl to build wonderful magic haunts, and people them. -Yet what was it, this new anticipation of something to come that would -exceed all that had gone before? - -It came on to rain at noon, a sort of sullen autumn storm, with not -much wind at first, but it would gain power at nightfall. Daffodil and -her mother were sewing on some clothes for the boy, women had learned -to make almost everything. It took time, too. There were no magic -sewing machines. Grandmere was spinning on the big wheel the other -side of the room, running to and fro, and pulling out the wool into -yarn. - -"Why so grave, child? Is it a thought of pity for the lieutenant?" and -Mrs. Carrick gave a faint smile that would have invited confidence if -there had been any to give. She could hardly relinquish the idea that -her daughter might relent. - -"Oh, no. One can hardly fix the fleeting thoughts that wander idly -through one's brain. The loneliness of the woods when the squirrels -hide in their holes, and no bird voices make merry. And bits of verses -and remembrance of half-forgotten things. Is any one's mind -altogether set upon work? There are two lives going on within us." - -Barbe Carrick had never lived but the one life, except when her -husband was with the army, and she was glad enough to lay down the -other. Had it been wise for Daffodil to spend those months in -Philadelphia? Yet she had accepted her old home cheerfully. And all -unconsciously she had worked changes in it to her grandmother's -delight. Now her father was prospering. They would be among the "best -people" as time went on. - -The storm lasted three days. There had been some hours of wild fury in -it, when the trees groaned and split, and the rivers lashed themselves -into fury. Then it cleared up with a soft May air, and some things -took a second growth. There was a sort of wild pear tree at the corner -of the garden, and it budded. - -Daffodil did not take her accustomed walk up in the woods. Something -held her back, but she would not allow to herself it was that. -Instead, she took rides on Dolly in different directions. One day she -went down to the shipyard with a message for her father. Mr. Andsdell -stood talking with him. Her pulses suddenly quickened. - -"Well, you've started at the right end," Bernard Carrick was saying. -"This place has a big future before it. If it was a good place for a -fort, it's a splendid place for a town. Philadelphia can't hold a -candle to it, if she did have more than a hundred years the start. Why -they should have gone way up the Delaware River beats me. Yes, come up -to the house, and we'll talk it over." - -Then they both turned to the young girl. There was a pleasurable light -in Andsdell's eyes. - -Afterward he walked some distance beside her horse. The storm, the -beautiful weather since, the busy aspect of the town, the nothings -that are so convenient when it is best to leave some things in -abeyance. Then he said adieu and turned to his own street, where he -had lodgings. - -She went on with a curiously light heart. Her father had said, "Come -up to the house," and she was glad she had not gone to the woods in -the hope of meeting him. - -She slipped off Dolly and ran to the garden. "Oh, Norry, what are you -doing?" she cried with a sound of anger in her voice. "My beautiful -pear blossoms! I've been watching them every day." - -They lay on the ground. Norry even sprang up for the last one. - -"They're bad luck, child! Blossoms or fruit out of season is trouble -without reason. I hadn't spied them before, or I wouldn't have let -them come to light. That's as true as true can be. There, don't cry, -child. I hope I haven't been too late." - -"Yes. I've heard the adage," said her mother. "Norry is -superstitious." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE SWEETNESS OF LOVE - - -"Still, I'm glad you inquired," Mrs. Forbes said to her husband. "And -that there's nothing derogatory to the young man. He's likely now to -settle down, and he will have a fine chance with Mr. Carrick, who -certainly is taking fortune at the flood tide. And one can guess what -will happen." - -"A woman generally guesses that. I hoped it would be Langdale. He is a -fine fellow, and will make his mark," was the reply. - -"Daffodil isn't in love with military life. Most girls are;" laughing. -"Why, I never had two thoughts about the matter. I must give them a -little tea again." - -"Ask Jack Remsen and Peggy Ray, and make them happy, but leave out the -lieutenant. Something surely happened between them." - -Andsdell came to the Carricks according to agreement. How cosy the -place looked, with the great blaze of the logs in the fireplace, that -shed a radiance around. He was formally presented to Mrs. Carrick and -the Bradins. Daffodil and her mother sat in the far corner, with two -candles burning on the light stand. The girl was knitting some fine -thread stockings, with a new pattern of clocks, that Jane had sent her -from Philadelphia. Felix had a cold, and had gone to bed immediately -after supper, and they were all relieved at that. - -Jeffrey Andsdell had stated his case. He was tired of desultory -wandering, and seven-and-twenty was high time to take up some life -work. He was the fourth son of a titled family, with no especial -longing for the army or the church, therefore he, like other young men -without prospects, had emigrated. The heir to the title and estates, -the elder brother, was married and had two sons, the next one was -married also, but so far had only girls, and the entail was in the -male line. The brother next older than Jeffrey had been a sort of -imbecile, and died. But there was no chance of his succeeding, so he -must make his own way. He had spent two years at Richmond and -Williamsburg, then at Philadelphia. At Williamsburg he had taken quite -a fancy to the stage, and achieved some success, but the company had -disbanded. It was a rather precarious profession at best, though he -had tried a little of it in London. - -The straightforward story tallied with Captain Forbes' information. -True, there was one episode he had not dwelt upon, it would never come -up in this new life. How he had been crazy enough to take such a step -he could not now imagine. But it was over, and done with, and -henceforward life should be an honorable success. - -Daffodil listened between counting her stitches. She stole shy glances -now and then, he sat so the firelight threw up his face in strong -relief. The brown hair had a little tumbled look, the remnant of some -boyish curls. The features were good, rather of the aquiline order, -the eyes well opened, of a sort of nondescript hazel, the brown beard -worn in the pointed style, with a very narrow moustache, for the upper -lip was short and the smiling aspect not quite hidden. - -When he rose to go the ladies rose also. He shook hands, and held -Daffodil's a moment with a pressure that brought a faint color to her -soft cheek. - -"He is very much of a gentleman," commented Mrs. Bradin. "And, taking -up a steady occupation is greatly to his credit. Though it seems as if -a soldier's life would have been more to his taste." - -"I am glad he did not fight against us," said Barbe. - -"Some have, and have repented," added her husband, with a touch of -humor in his tone. "And we are large-minded enough to forgive them." - -Daffodil did not see him until she went over to the Fort. Langdale -dropped in to see her, but there was no cordial invitation to remain. -He knew later on that Andsdell was there, and in his heart he felt it -was not Archie who would be his strongest rival. If there was -something that could be unearthed against the Englishman! - -The Remsens, mother and son, were very agreeable people, quite -singers, but there was no piano for accompaniment, though there were -flutes and violins at the Fort. Andsdell, after some pressing, sang -also, and his voice showed training. Then he repeated a scene from -"The Tempest" that enchanted his hearers. Daffodil was curiously proud -of him. - -"You did not haunt the woods much," he began on the way home. "I -looked for you." - -"Did you?" Her heart beat with delicious pleasure. "But I did not -promise to come." - -"No. But I looked all the same, day after day. What were you so busy -about?" - -"Oh, I don't know. I thought--that perhaps it wasn't quite--right;" -hesitatingly. - -"It will be right now." He pressed the arm closer that had been -slipped in his. Then they were silent, but both understood. There was -something so sweet and true about her, so delicate, yet wise, that -needed no blurting out of any fact, for both to take it into their -lives. - -"And who was there to-night?" asked her mother, with a little fear. -For Mrs. Forbes would hardly know how matters stood between her and -Lieutenant Langdale. - -"The Remsens only. And they sing beautifully together. Oh, it was -really charming. Mrs. Remsen asked me to visit her. It's odd, mother, -but do you know my friends have mostly fallen out! So many of the -girls have married, and I seem older than the others. Does a year or -two change one so? I sometimes wonder if I was the eager little girl -who went to Philadelphia, and to whom everything was a delight." - -"You are no longer a little girl." - -"And at the nutting the other day, I went to please Felix, you know. -But the boys seemed so rough. And though I climbed a tree when they -all insisted, I--I was ashamed;" and her face was scarlet. - -Yes, the Little Girl was gone forever. - -Her mother kissed her, and she felt now that her child would need no -one to tell her what love was like. For it took root in one's heart, -and sprang up to its hallowed blooming. - -It was too soon for confidences. Dilly did not know that she had any -that could be put into words. Only the world looked beautiful and -bright, as if it was spring, instead of winter. - -"You've changed again," Felix said observantly. "You're very sweet, -Dilly. Maybe as girls grow older they grow sweeter. I shan't mind your -being an old maid if you stay like this. Dilly, didn't you ever have a -beau? It seems to me no one has come----" - -"Oh, you silly child!" She laughed and blushed. - -There were sleighing parties and dances. It is odd that in some -communities a girl is so soon dropped out. The dancing parties, rather -rough frolics they were, took in the girls from twelve to sixteen, and -each one strove boldly for a beau. She was not going to be left behind -in the running. But Daffodil Carrick was already left behind, they -thought, though she was asked to the big houses, and the dinners, and -teas at the Fort. - -Andsdell dropped in now and then ostensibly to consult Mr. Carrick. -Then he was invited to tea on Sunday night, and to dinner at the -holidays, when he summoned courage to ask Bernard Carrick for his -daughter. - -For he had begun a new life truly. The past was buried, and never -would be exhumed. And why should a man's whole life be blighted by a -moment of folly! - -They grew brave enough to look at one another in the glowing -firelight, even if the family were about. One evening she stepped out -in the moonlight with him. There was a soft snow on the ground, and -some of the branches were yet jewelled with it. Half the lovers in the -town would have caught a handful of it and rubbed crimson roses on her -cheeks. He said, "Daffodil," and drew her closely in his arms, kissed -the lips that throbbed with bashful joy and tremulous sweetness. - -"Dear, I love you. And you--you are mine." - -There was a long delicious breath. The story of love is easily told -when both understand the divine language. - -She came in glowing, with eyes like stars, and went straight to her -mother, who was sitting alone. Both of the men had gone to some -borough business. She kissed her joyous secret into the waiting heart. - -"You love him. You know now what love is? That is the way I loved your -father." - -"It is wonderful, isn't it? You grow into it, hardly knowing, and then -it is told without words, though the words come afterward. Oh, did you -think----" - -"Foolish child, we all saw. He carried the story in his eyes. Your -father knew. He has been very honest and upright. Oh, my dear, I am so -glad for you. Marriage is the crown of womanhood." - -Her mother drew her down in her lap. Daffodil's arms were around her -neck, and they were heart to heart, a happy mother and a happy child. - -"You will not mind if I go to bed? I--I want to be alone." - -"No, dear. Happy dreams, whether you wake or sleep." - -She lay in a delicious tremor. There was a radiant light all about -her, though the room was dark. This was what it was to be loved and to -love, and she could not tell which was best. - -Then at home he was her acknowledged lover. He came on Wednesday night -and Sunday to tea. But Norry soon found it out, and was glad for her. -Grandad teased her a little. - -"And you needn't think I'm going to leave you any fortune," he said, -almost grumblingly. "The blamed whiskey tax is eating it up every -year, and the little left will go to Felix. You have all that land -over there that you don't need more than a dog needs two tails. Well, -I think there are times when a dog would be glad to wag both, if he -had 'em. That will be enough for you and your children. But I'll dance -at the wedding." - -Barbe Carrick looked over the chest of treasures that she had been -adding to year after year. There was _her_ wedding gown, and it had -been her mother's before her. The lace was exquisite, and no one could -do such needlework nowadays. What if it had grown creamy by age, that -only enhanced it. - -Here were the other things she had accumulated, sometimes with a pang -lest they should not be needed. Laid away in rose leaves and lavender -blooms. Oh, how daintily sweet they were, but not sweeter than the -girl who was to have them. And here were some jewels that had been -great-grandmother Duvernay's. She would have no mean outfit to hand -down again to posterity. - -Barbe was doubly glad that she would live here. She could not bear -the thought of her going away, and a soldier's wife was never quite -sure where he might be called, or into what danger. There would be a -nice home not very far away, there would be sweet, dainty -grandchildren. It was worth waiting for. - -Jeffrey Andsdell was minded not to wait very long. Love was growing by -what it fed upon, but he wanted the feast daily. They could stay at -home until their new house was built. - -"We ought to go over across the river," she said, "and be pioneers in -the wilderness. And, oh, there is one thing that perhaps you won't -like. Whoever married me was to take the name of Duvernay, go back to -the French line." - -"Why, yes, I like that immensely." That would sever the last link. He -would be free of all the old life. - -"It isn't as pretty as yours." - -"Oh, do you think so? Now, I am of the other opinion;" laughing into -her lovely eyes. - -She grew sweeter day by day, even her mother could see that. Yes, love -was the atmosphere in which a woman throve. - -Barbe settled the wedding time. "When the Daffodils are in bloom," she -said, and the lover agreed. - -Archie Langdale wrote her a brotherly letter, but said, "If you could -put it off until my vacation. I'm coming back to take another year, -there have been so many new discoveries, and I want to get to the very -top. Dilly--that was the child's name, I used to have a little dream -about you. You know I was a dull sort of fellow, always stuffing my -head with books, and you were sweet and never flouted me. I loved you -very much. I thought you would marry Ned, and then you would be my -sister, you could understand things that other girls didn't. I am -quite sure he loved you, too. But your happiness is the first thing to -be considered, and I hope you will be very happy." - -The engagement was suspected before it was really admitted. There were -various comments, of course. Daffodil Carrick had been waiting for -something fine, and she could afford to marry a poor man with her -possible fortune, and her father's prosperity. And some day a girl -would be in luck to get young Sandy Carrick. - -Lieutenant Langdale took it pretty hard. He had somehow hoped against -hope, for he believed the Carricks would refuse a man who had come a -stranger in the place. If he could call him out and shoot him down in -a duel! He shut himself up in his room, and drank madly for two days -before he came to his senses. - -March came in like the lion and then dropped down with radiant suns -that set all nature aglow. There were freshets, but they did little -damage. Trees budded and birds came and built in the branches. Bees -flew out in the sunshine, squirrels chattered, and the whole world was -gay and glad. - -One day the lovers went up the winding path to the old hill-top, where -Jeffrey insisted he had first lost his heart to her. They sat on the -same tree trunk, and he said verses to her, but instead of Clorinda it -was Daffodil. And they talked sweet nonsense, such as never goes out -of date between lovers. And when they came down they looked at the -daffodil bed. The buds had swollen, some were showing yellow. - -"Why, it can be next week!" cried the lover joyously. - -"Yes," said the mother, with limpid eyes, remembering when the child -was born. - -There was not much to make ready. The cake had been laid away to -season, so that it would cut nicely. There was a pretty new church -now, and the marriage would be solemnized there, with a wedding feast -at home, and then a round of parties for several evenings at different -houses. The Trents had just finished their house, which was considered -quite a mansion, and the carpets had come from France. They would give -the first entertainment. - -She had written to her guardian, who sent her a kindly letter, wishing -her all happiness. The winter had been a rather hard one for him, for -an old enemy that had been held in abeyance for several years, -rheumatism, had returned, and though it was routed now, it had left -him rather enfeebled, otherwise he would have taken the journey to see -his ward, the little girl grown up, whose visit he had enjoyed so -much, and whom he hoped to welcome in his home some time again. - -And with it came a beautiful watch and chain. Presents were not much -in vogue in those days, and their rarity made them all the more -precious. - -They dressed the house with daffodils, but the bride-to-be was all in -white, the veil the great-grandmother had worn in Paris, fastened with -a diamond circlet just as she had had it. - -"Oh!" Daffodil exclaimed, "if great-grandfather could see me!" - -Jeffrey Andsdell took her in his arms and kissed her. This was, -indeed, a true marriage, and could there ever be a sweeter bride? - -She was smiling and happy, for every one was pleased, so why should -she not be! She even forgot the young man pacing about the Fort -wishing--ah, what could he wish except that he was in Andsdell's -place? For surely he was not mean enough to grudge _her_ any -happiness. - -She walked up the church aisle on her lover's arm and next came her -parents. Once Andsdell's lips compressed themselves, and a strange -pallor and shudder came over him. - -Her father gave her away. The clergyman pronounced them man and wife. -Then friends thronged around. They were privileged to kiss the bride -in those days. - -"My wife," was what Jeffrey Andsdell said in a breathless, quivering -tone. - -They could not rush out in modern fashion. She cast her smiles on -every side, she was so happy and light-hearted. - -They reached the porch just as a coach drove up at furious speed. A -woman sprang out, a tall, imperious-looking person, dressed in grand -style. Her cheeks were painted, her black eyes snapped defiance. One -and another fell back and stared as she cried in an imperious tone, -looking fiercely at the bride, "Am I too late? Have you married him? -But you cannot be his wife. I am his lawful, legal wife, and the -mother of his son, who is the future heir of Hurst Abbey. I have come -from England to claim him. His father, the Earl of Wrexham, sends for -him, to have him restored to his ancestral home." - -She had uttered this almost in a breath. Daffodil, with the utmost -incredulity, turned to her husband and smiled, but the lines almost -froze in her face. For his was deadly white and his eyes were fixed on -the woman with absolute terror. - -"It is God's own truth," she continued. "I have your father's letter, -and you will hardly disown his signature. Your son is at Hurst -Abbey----" - -"Woman!" he thundered, "it is a base trumped-up lie! There are four -lives between me and the succession, and there may be more." - -"There _were_, but last autumn they were all swept suddenly out of -existence. The Earl was crazed with grief. I went to him and took his -grandson, a beautiful child, that would appeal to any heart. And at -his desire I have come to America for you." - -Jeffrey Andsdell placed his wife in her father's arms. "Take her -home," he said hoarsely, "I will follow and disprove this wild, -baseless tale." - -Then he pressed her to his heart. "Whatever happens, you are the only -woman I have ever loved, remember that;" and taking the woman's arm, -entered her coach with her. - -The small group dispersed without a word. What could be said! There -was consternation on all faces. Bernard Carrick took his daughter -home. Once her mother kissed the pallid cheek, and essayed some word -of comfort. - -"Oh, don't!" she cried piteously. "Let me be still. I must wait and -bear it until----" - -She did not cry or faint, but seemed turning to stone. And when they -reached the house she went straight through the room where the feast -was spread, to her own, and threw herself on the bed. - -"Oh, acushla darlin'," cried Norah, "sure we had the warning when the -pear tree bloomed. I said it was trouble without reason, and though I -broke them all off it couldn't save you." - -"Oh, my darlin', God help us all." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -SORROW'S CROWN OF SORROW - - -"Whatever happens!" The words rang through Daffodil's brain like a -knell. There was something to happen. She had been so happy, so -serenely, so trustingly happy. For her youthful inexperience had not -taught her doubt. The cup of love had been held to her lips and she -had drank the divine draught fearlessly, with no thought of bitter -dregs at the bottom. - -Grandmere came and unpinned the veil; it was too fine and precious an -article to be tumbled about. - -"Let the rest be," she said. "He is coming and I want to be as I was -then." - -Then they left her lying there on the bed, the gold of her young life -turning slowly to dross. Some curious prescience told her how it would -be. - -She heard the low voices in the other room. There was crying too. That -was her mother. Felix asked questions and was hushed. Was it hours or -half a lifetime! All in her brain was chaos, the chaos of belief -striving with disbelief that was somehow illumined but not with hope. - -He came at last. She heard his step striding through the room and no -one seemed to speak to him. He came straight to her, knelt at the -bed's side, and took her cold hands in his that were at fever heat. - -"My poor darling!" he said brokenly. "I should not have learned to -love you so well, I should not have asked for your love. But in this -new country and beginning a new life it seemed as if I might bury the -old past. And you were the centre, the star of the new. Perhaps if I -had told you the story----" - -"Tell it now," she made answer, but it did not sound like her voice. -She made no effort to release her hands though his seemed to scorch -them. - -"You can hardly understand that old life in London. There is nothing -like it here. I was with a lot of gay companions, and all we thought -of was amusement. I had a gift for acting and was persuaded to take -part in a play. It was a success. I was flattered and feted. Women -made much of me. I was only a boy after all. And the leading lady, -some seven years my senior, fascinated me by her attention and her -flatteries. It did turn my head. I was her devoted admirer, yet it was -not the sort of love that a man knows later on. How it came about, why -she should have done such a thing I cannot divine even now, for at -that time I was only a poor, younger son, loaded with debts, though -most of my compeers were in the same case. But she married me with -really nothing to gain. She kept to the stage. I was tired of it and -gave it up, which led to our first dissension. She fancied she saw in -me some of the qualities that might make a name. And then--she was -angry about the child. We bickered continually. She was very fond of -admiration and men went down to her. After a little I ceased to be -jealous. I suppose it was because I ceased to care and could only -think of the wretched blunder I had made and how I could undo it. We -had kept the marriage a secret except from her aunt and a few friends. -She would have it so. The child was put out to nurse and the company -was going to try their fortunes elsewhere. I would not go with her. In -a certain way I had been useful to her and we had a little scene. I -went to my father and asked him for money enough to take me to -America, where I could cut loose from old associates and begin a new -life. He did more. He paid my debts, but told me that henceforward I -must look out for myself as this was the last he should do for me." - -"And now he asks you to return?" There was a certainty in her voice -and she was as unemotional as if they were talking of some one else. - -"It is true that now I am his only living son. Late last autumn Lord -Veron, his wife and two sons, with my next brother, Archibald, were -out for an afternoon's pleasure in a sailboat when there came up an -awful blow and a sudden dash of rain. They were about in the middle of -the lake. The wind twisted them around, the mast snapped, they found -afterward that it was not seaworthy. There was no help at hand. They -battled for awhile, then the boat turned over. Lady Veron never rose, -the others swam for some time, but Archibald was the only one who came -in to shore and he was so spent that he died two days later. I wonder -the awful blow did not kill poor father. He was ill for a long while. -My wife went to him then and took the child and had sufficient proof -to establish the fact of the marriage, and her aunt had always been a -foster mother to the boy. There must be some curious fascination about -her, though I do not wonder father felt drawn to his only remaining -son. Archibald's two children are girls and so are not in the entail. -Hurst Abbey would go to some distant cousins. And she offered to come -to America and find me. She has succeeded," he ended bitterly. - -There was a long pause. He raised his head, but her face was turned -away. Did she really care for him? She was taking it all so calmly. - -"You will go," she said presently. - -"Oh, how can I leave you? For now I know what real love is like. And -this is a new country. I have begun a new life, Daffodil----" - -"But I cannot be your wife, you see that. Would you give up your -father's love, the position awaiting you for a tie that could never be -sanctified? You must return." - -"There is my son, you know. I shall not matter so much to them. It -shall be as you say, my darling. And we need not stay here. It is a -big and prospering country and I know now that I can make my way----" - -It was not the tone of ardent desire. How she could tell she did not -know, but the words dropped on her heart like a knell. Apart from the -sacrifice he seemed ready to make for her there was the cruel fact -that would mar her whole life, and an intangible knowledge that he -would regret it. - -"You must go." Her voice was firm. - -Did she love so deeply? He expected passionate upbraiding and then -despairing love, clinging tenderness. One moment he was wild to have -the frank, innocent sweetness of their courtship; he was minded to -take her in his arms and press bewildering kisses on the sweet mouth, -the fair brow, the delicately tinted cheek, as if he could not give -her up. Then Hurst Abbey rose before him, his father bowed with the -weight of sorrow ready to welcome him, the fine position he could -fill, and after all would the wife be such a drawback? There were many -marriages without overwhelming love. If his father accepted her--and -from his letter he seemed to unreservedly. - -He rose from his kneeling posture and leaned over her. She looked in -her quaint wedding dress and marble paleness as if it was death rather -than life. - -"You can never forgive me." His voice was broken with emotion, though -he did not realize all the havoc he had made. "But I shall dream of -you and go on loving----" - -"No! no!" raising her hand. "We must both forget. You have other -duties and I must rouse myself and overlive the vision of a life that -would have been complete, perhaps too exquisite for daily wear. It may -all be a dream, a youthful fancy. Others have had it vanish after -marriage. Now, go." - -He bent over to kiss her. She put up her hand. - -Was it really more anger than love? - -"I wish you all success for your poor father's sake." She was going to -add--"And try to love your wife," but her whole soul protested. - -He went slowly out of the room. She did not turn or make the slightest -motion. She heard the low sound of voices in the other room, his among -them, and then all was silence. He had gone away out of her life. - -Her mother entered quietly, came near, and took her in her arms. - -"Oh, my darling, how could the good All Father, who cares for his -children, let such a cruel thing happen? If that woman had come a -month ago! And he fancied being here, marrying, never to go back, made -him in a sense free. But he should not have hidden the fact. I can -never forgive him. Yet one feels sorry as well that he should have -misspent so much of his life." - -"Help me take off my gown, mother. No one must ever wear it again. And -we will try not to talk it over, but put it out of our minds. I am -very tired. You won't mind if I lie here and see no one except you who -are so dear to me." - -It was too soon for any comfort, that the mother felt as she moved -about with lightest tread. Then she kissed her and left her to her -sorrow. - -Mr. Carrick had been very much incensed and blamed the suitor -severely. Andsdell had taken it with such real concern and regret and -apparent heart-break that the father felt some lenity might be allowed -in thought, at least. - -Grandad was very bitter and thought condign punishment should overtake -him. - -"And instead," said warm-hearted Norah indignantly, "he turns into a -great lord and has everything to his hand. I could wish his wife was -ten times worse and I hope she'll lead him such a life that he'll -never see a happy day nor hour, the mean, despicable wretch." - -In the night tears came to Daffodil's relief, yet she felt the -exposure had come none too soon. With her sorrow there was a sense of -deception to counteract it. He had not been honest in spite of -apparent frankness, and it hurt her to think he had accepted her -verdict so readily. Hard as it would have been to combat his -protestations in her moment of longing and despair, any woman would -rather have remembered them afterward. - -Daffodil kept her bed for several days. She felt weak and distraught. -Yet she had her own consciousness of rectitude. She had not been so -easily won, and she had been firm and upright at the last. There was -no weak kiss of longing to remember. The one he had given her in the -church could be recalled without shame. For a few moments she had been -in a trance of happiness as his wife. And putting him away she must -also bury out of sight all that had gone before. - -She took her olden place in the household, she went to church after a -week or two and began to see friends again, who all seemed to stand in -a little awe of her. The weather was lovely. She was out in the garden -with her mother. She rode about with her father. But she felt as if -years had passed over her and she was no longer the lightsome girl. - -It made her smile too, to think how everything else was changing. The -old log houses were disappearing. Alleyways were transformed into -streets and quite noteworthy residences were going up. General O'Hara -and Mayor Craig enlarged their glass house and improved the quality of -glass. She remembered when her father had tacked some fine cloth over -the window-casing and oiled it to give it a sort of transparency so -that they could have a little light until it was cold enough to shut -the wooden shutters all the time, for glass was so dear it could not -be put in all the windows. Not that it was cheap now, the processes -were cumbersome and slow, but most of the material was at hand. - -Mrs. Forbes was a warm and trusty friend through this time of sorrow. -She would not let Daffodil blame herself. - -"We all liked Mr. Andsdell very much, I am sure. I can count up half a -dozen girls who were eager enough to meet him and who were sending him -invitations. He really was superior to most of our young men in the -way of education and manners. And, my dear, I rather picked him out -for you, and when I saw he was attracted I made the captain write to a -friend of his at Williamsburg and learn if there was anything serious -against him, and everything came back in his favor. Of course none of -us suspected a marriage. He talked frankly about his family when there -was need, but not in any boastful way. And this is not as disgraceful -as some young men who have really had to leave their country for their -country's good. But, my dear, if it had not been for this horrid -marriage you would have gone off in style and been my lady." - -"But maybe none of it would have happened then;" with a rather wan -smile. - -"True enough! But you're not going to settle down in sober ways and -wear hodden gray. And it's not as if you had been jilted by some gay -gallant who had married another girl before your eyes as Christy -Speers' lover did. And she found a much better man without any long -waiting, for Everlom has never succeeded in anything and now he has -taken to drink. Don't you suppose Christy is glad she missed her -chance with him!" - -"It won't be that way, though. I think now he will make a fine man and -we shall hear nothing disgraceful about him, if we ever hear at all, -which I pray may never come to pass. For I want to put it out of my -mind like a story I have read with a bad ending." - -"You are a brave girl, Daffodil." - -"I don't know why I should be really unhappy. I have so many to love -me. And it doesn't matter if I should never marry." - -Mrs. Forbes laughed at that, but made no reply. Here was the young -lieutenant, who was taking heart of grace again, though he did not -push himself forward. - -On the whole it was not an unhappy summer for Daffodil. She found a -great interest in helping Felix though he was not a booky boy. Always -his mind seemed running on some kind of machinery, something that -would save time and labor. - -"Now, if you were to do so," he would say to his father, "you see it -would bring about this result and save a good deal of time. Why -doesn't some one see----" - -"You get through with your books and try it yourself. There's plenty -of space in the world for real improvements." - -Daffodil went up to the old trysting place one day. How still and -lonesome it seemed. Had the squirrels forgotten her? They no longer -ran up her arm and peered into her eyes. He was at Hurst Abbey and -that arrogant, imperious woman was queening it as my lady. Was all -this satisfying him? - -It was the right thing to do even if his motives were not of the -highest. To comfort his father in the deep sorrow, and there was his -little son. - -"No," she said to herself, "I should not want to come here often. The -old remembrances had better die out." - -She had written to her guardian explaining the broken marriage, and he -wondered a little at the high courage with which she had accepted all -the events. He had sent her a most kindly answer. And now came another -letter from him. - -There had been inquiries about leasing some property at Allegheny. -Also there were several improvements to be made in view of -establishing a future city. His health would not admit of the journey -and the necessary going about, so he had decided to send his partner, -Mr. Bartram, whom she must remember, and whom he could trust to study -the interests of his ward. And what he wanted to ask now was another -visit from her, though he was well aware she was no longer the little -girl he had known and whose brightness he had enjoyed so much. He was -not exactly an invalid, but now he had to be careful in the winter and -stay in the house a good deal. Sometimes the days were long and -lonesome and he wondered if out of the goodness of her heart she could -spare him a few months and if her parents would spare her. -Philadelphia had improved greatly and was now the Capitol of the -country, though it was still staid and had not lost all of its old -nice formality. Couldn't she take pity on him and come and read to -him, talk over books and happenings, drive out now and then and be -like a granddaughter as she was to his friend Duvernay? - -"Oh, mother, read it," and she laid the letter in her mother's lap. -Did she want to go? She had been so undecided before. - -Bernard Carrick had received a letter also. Mr. Bartram was to start -in a short time, as it seemed necessary that some one should look -after Daffodil's estate and he wished to make her father co-trustee if -at any time he should be disabled, or pass out of life. He could -depend upon the uprightness and good judgment of Mr. Bartram in every -respect. And he put in a very earnest plea for the loan of his -daughter awhile in the winter. - -"Oh, I should let her go by all means," declared Mrs. Forbes. "You see -that unlucky marriage service has put her rather out of gear with -gayeties and when she comes back she will be something fresh and they -will all be eager to have her and hear about the President and Lady -Washington. And it will cheer her up immensely. She must not grow old -too fast." - -Daffodil went to tea at Mrs. Ramsen's and there was to be a card party -with some of the young men from the Fort. Mrs. Forbes and the captain -were at tea and the Major's wife. They talked over the great rush of -everything, the treasures that were turning up from the earth, the -boats going to and fro. Booms had not come in as a word applicable to -this ferment, but certainly Pittsburg had a boom and her people would -have been struck dumb if the vision of fifty or a hundred years had -been unrolled. Lieutenant Langdale came in to the card playing. They -really were very merry, and he thought Daffodil was not so much -changed after all, nor heartbroken. He was very glad. And then he -asked and was granted permission to see her home. He wanted to say -something sympathetic and friendly without seeming officious, yet he -did not know how to begin. They talked of his mother, of Archie and -how well he was doing. - -"And at times I wish I had not enlisted," he remarked in a rather -dissatisfied tone. "Not that the feeling of heroism has died out--it -is a grand thing to know you stand ready at any call for your -country's defence, but now we are dropping into humdrum ways except -for the Indian skirmishes. And it gets monotonous. Then there's no -chance of making money. I didn't think much of that, it seemed to me -rather ignoble, but now when I see some of those stupid fellows -turning their money over and over,--and there's that Joe Sanders; do -you remember the wedding feast and his going off to Cincinnati with -his new wife, who was a very ordinary girl?" and Ned gave an almost -bitter laugh. "Now he owns his boat and is captain of it and trades -all the way to New Orleans." - -"Oh, yes." She gave a soft little laugh as the vision rose before her. - -"I remember how sweet you looked that night. And I had to be dancing -attendance on her sister. How many changes there have been." - -"Yes; I suppose that is life. The older people say so. Otherwise -existence would be monotonous as you said. But you did admire military -life." - -"Well, I like it still, only there seem so few chances of -advancement." - -"But you wouldn't want real war?" - -"I'd like an opportunity to do something worth while, or else go back -to business." - -If she had expressed a little enthusiasm about that he would have -taken it as an interest in his future, but she said-- - -"You have a very warm friend in Captain Forbes." - -"Oh, yes;" rather languidly. - -Then they talked of the improvements her father had made in the house. -There had been two rooms added before the wedding. And the trees had -grown so, the garden was bright with flowering shrubs. - -"I wonder if I might drop in and see you occasionally," he said rather -awkwardly, as they paused at the gate. "We used to be such friends." - -"Why, yes;" with girlish frankness. "Father takes a warm interest in -you two boys." - -Her mother sat knitting. Barbe Carrick hated to be idle. Her father -was dozing in his chair. - -"Did you have a nice time, little one?" - -"Oh, yes. But I am not an enthusiastic card player. I like the bright -bits of talk and that leads to carelessness;" laughing. "Mrs. Remsen -is charming." - -Then she kissed them both and went her way. - -"She is getting over her sorrow," admitted her father. "Still I think -a change will be good for her, only we shall miss her very much." - -"She has been a brave girl. But it was the thought of his insincerity, -his holding back the fact that would have rendered him only the merest -acquaintance. She has the old French love of honor and truth." - -"And the Scotch are not far behind." - -Lieutenant Langdale tried his luck one evening. Mr. Carrick welcomed -him cordially, and Felix was very insistent that he should share the -conversation. He wanted to know about the Fort and old Fort Duquesne, -and why the French were driven out. Didn't they have as good right as -any other nation to settle in America? And hadn't France been a -splendid friend to us? And why should the French and English be -continually at war? - -"It would take a whole history to answer you and that hasn't been -written yet," subjoined his father. - -Ned had stolen glances at the fair girl, who was sitting under -grandmother Bradin's wing, knitting a purse that was beaded, and she -had to look down frequently to count the beads. Yes, she had grown -prettier. There was a fine sweetness in her face that gave poise to -her character. Had she really loved that detestable Englishman? - -They made ready for Mr. Bartram. Not but what there were tolerable -inns now, but taking him in as a friend seemed so much more -hospitable. Daffodil wondered a little. He had not made much of an -impression on her as a girl. Sometimes he had fallen into good-natured -teasing ways, at others barely noticed her. Of course she was such a -child. And when the talk that had alarmed her so much and inflamed her -childish temper recurred to her she laughed with a sense of wholesome -amusement. She knew now a man must have some preference. The old -French people betrothed their children without a demur on their part, -but here each one had a right to his or her own most sacred feelings. - -Mr. Bartram was nearing thirty at this period. Daffodil felt that she -really had forgotten how he looked. He had grown stouter and now had a -firm, compact figure, a fine dignified face that was gentle and kindly -as well, and the sort of manliness that would lead one to depend upon -him whether in an emergency or not. - -Her father brought him home and they all gave him a cordial welcome -for M. de Ronville's sake first, and then for his own. He had the -refined and easy adaptiveness that marked the true gentleman. - -They talked of the journey. So many improvements had been made and -towns had sprung up along the route that afforded comfortable -accommodations. Harrisburg had grown to be a thriving town and was the -seat of government. He had spent two very entertaining days within its -borders. - -"Yes, M. de Ronville was in failing health, but his mind was clear and -bright and had gone back to the delights and entertainments of his -early youth. He had a fine library which was to go largely to that -started in the city for the general public. He kept a great deal of -interest in and ambition for the city that had been a real home. -Through the summer he took many outside pleasures, but now the -winters confined him largely to the house. - -"I do what I can in the way of entertainment, but now that I have all -the business matters to attend to, I can only devote evenings to him -and not always those, but friends drop in frequently. He has been like -a father to me and I ought to pay him a son's devotion and regard, -which it is not only my duty, but my pleasure as well. But he has a -warm remembrance of the little girl he found so entertaining." - -"Was I entertaining?" Daffodil glanced at him with a charming laugh. -"Everybody, it seems, was devoted to me, and my pleasure was being -consulted all the time. Mrs. Jarvis was so good and kindly. And Jane! -Why, it appears now as if I must have been a spoiled child, and -spoiled children I have heard are disagreeable." - -"I do not recall anything of that. And Jane is married to a -sober-going Quaker and wears gray with great complacency, but she -stumbles over the thees and thous. Our new maid is very nice, -however." - -"Oh, that is funny. And Jane was so fond of gay attire and bows in my -hair and shoulder knots and buckles on slippers. Why, it is all like a -happy dream, a fairy story," and her eyes shone as she recalled her -visit. - -They still kept to the old living room, but now there was an outside -kitchen for cooking. And some logs were piled up in the wide -fire-place to be handy for the first cold evening. - -"M. de Ronville talked about an old chair that came from France," Mr. -Bartram said as he rose from the table. "His old friend used to sit in -it----" - -"It's this," and Daffodil placed her hand on the high back. "Won't you -take it? Yes, great-grandfather used it always and after he was gone I -used to creep up in it and shut my eyes and talk to him. What curious -things you can see with eyes shut! And I often sat here on the arm -while he taught me French." - -"I suppose it is sacred now?" He looked at it rather wistfully. - -"Oh, you may try it," with her gay smile. "Father has quite fallen -heir to it. Grandfather Bradin insists it is too big for him." - -"I'm always wanting a chair by the light stand so that I can see to -read or make fish-nets," said that grandfather. - -The room was put in order presently and the ladies brought out their -work. Daffodil saw with a smile how comfortably the guest adapted -himself to the old chair while her father talked to him about the town -and its prospects, and Allegheny across the river that was coming -rapidly to the attention of business men. What a picture it made, -Aldis Bartram thought, and, the pretty golden-haired girl glancing up -now and then with smiling eyes. - - - - -CHAPTER XV - -ANOTHER FLITTING - - -Mr. Carrick convoyed his guest around Pittsburg the next day, through -the Fort and the historical point of Braddock's defeat, that still -rankled in men's minds. A survey of the three rivers that would always -make it commercially attractive, and the land over opposite. Then they -looked up the parties who were quite impatient for the lease which was -to comprise a tract of the water front. And by that time it was too -late to go over. - -"Well, you certainly have a fair prospect. And the iron mines are -enough to make the fortune of a town. But the other is a fine -patrimony for a girl." - -"There was no boy then," said Bernard Carrick. "And she was the idol -of great-grandfather. She does not come in possession of it until she -is twenty-five and that is quite a long while yet." - -They discussed it during the evening and the next day went over the -river with a surveyor, and Bartram was astonished at its -possibilities. There were many points to be considered for a ten -years' lease, which was the utmost M. de Ronville would consent to. - -Meanwhile Aldis Bartram became very much interested in the family -life, which was extremely simple without being coarse or common. Yet -it had changed somewhat since M. de Ronville's visit. - -"And enlarged its borders," explained Daffodil. "There are three more -rooms. And now we have all windows of real glass. You see there were -board shutters to fasten tight as soon as cold weather came, and thick -blankets were hung on the inside. And now we have a chimney in the -best room and keep fire in the winter, and another small one in the -kitchen." - -"It is this room I know best. It seems as if I must have been here and -seen your great-grandfather sitting here and you on the arm of his -chair. I suppose it was because you talked about it so much." - -"Oh, did I?" she interrupted, and her face was scarlet, her -down-dropped eyelids quivered. - -"Please do not misunderstand me. M. de Ronville was very fond of your -home descriptions and brought them out by his questions. And you were -such an eager enthusiastic child when you chose, and at others prim -and stiff as a Quaker. Those moods amused me. I think I used to tease -you." - -"You did;" resentfully, then forgiving it. - -"Well, I beg your pardon now for all my naughty ways;" smiling a -little. "What was I saying? Oh, you know he brought home so many -reminiscences. And he loves to talk them over." - -"And bore you with them?" - -"No; they gave me a feeling of going through a picture gallery and -examining interiors. When I see one with a delicate white-haired old -man, it suggests Mr. Felix Duvernay. I had a brief journey over to -Paris and found one of these that I brought home to my best friend and -I can not tell you how delighted he was. And because we have talked it -over so much, this room had no surprises for me. I am glad to find it -so little changed." - -"We are--what the papers call, primitive people. It seemed queer and -funny to me when I came back. But the ones I love were here." - -She paused suddenly and blushed with what seemed to him uncalled for -vividness. She thought how she had been offered to him and he had -declined her. It was like a sharp, sudden sting. - -"I'm glad you don't----" Then she stopped short again with drooping -eyes. The brown lashes were like a fringe of finest silk. How -beautiful the lids were! - -"Don't what?" It was a curious tone, quite as if he meant to be -answered. - -"Why--why--not despise us exactly, but think we are ignorant and -unformed;" and she winked hard as if tears were not far off. - -"My child--pardon me, you brought back the little girl that came to -visit us. I do not think anything derogatory. I admire your father and -he is a man that would be appreciated anywhere. And your grandparents. -Your mother is a well-bred lady. I can find queer and _outre_ people -not far from us at home, all towns have them, but I should not class -the Carricks nor the Bradins with them." - -"Grandad is queer," she admitted. "He is Scotch-Irish. And Norry is -Irish altogether, but she's the dearest, kindliest, most generous and -helpful body I know. Oh, she made my childhood just one delightful -fairy story with her legends and her fun, and she taught me to dance, -to sing. I should want to strike any one who laughed at her!" - -"Do you remember Mistress Betty Wharton?" His tone was quite serious -now. "She was one of the favorites of our town. And she was charmed -with you. If you hadn't been worthy of taking about, do you suppose -she would have presented you among her friends and paid you so much -attention? She considered you a very charming little girl. Oh, don't -think any one could despise you or yours. And if you could understand -how M. de Ronville longs for you, and how much pleasure another visit -from you would give him, I do not think you would be hard to -persuade." - -He had laid the matter before her mother, who had said as before that -the choice must be left with her. - -He and Felix had become great friends. The boy's insatiable curiosity -was devoted to really knowledgeable subjects, and was never pert or -pretentious. - -When he decided, since he was so near, to visit Cincinnati, Felix -said-- - -"When I get to be a man like you, I mean to travel about and see what -people are doing and bring home new ideas if they are any better than -ours." - -"That is the way to do. And the best citizen is he who desires to -improve his own town, not he who believes it better than any other. -Now, do you suppose your father would trust you with me for the -journey? I should like to have you for a companion." - -"Would you, really?" and the boy's face flushed with delight. "Oh, I -am almost sure he would. That's awful good of you." - -"We'll see, my boy." - -"If you won't find him too troublesome. I meant to take him on the -journey some time when urgent business called me thither. You are very -kind," said Bernard Carrick. - -"You see you're not going to have it all," Felix said to Daffodil. "I -just wish you had been a boy, we would have such fun. For another boy -isn't quite like some one belonging to you." - -The child was in such a fever of delight that he could hardly contain -himself. His mother gave him many cautions about obeying Mr. Bartram -and not making trouble. - -"Oh, you will hear a good account of me;" with a resolute nod. - -Meanwhile the business went on and papers were ready to sign when the -two enthusiastic travellers returned. Mr. Carrick was to be joint -trustee with Mr. Bartram in Daffodil's affairs. - -"It is a pity we cannot take in Felix as well," Mr. Bartram said. "He -will make a very earnest business man, and I look to see him an -inventor of some kind." - -Felix had been wonderfully interested in the model of William Ramsey's -boat forty years before of a wheel enclosed in a box to be worked by -one man sitting in the end, treading on treadles with his feet that -set the wheel going and worked two paddles, saving the labor of one or -two men. It was to be brought to perfection later on. - -Meanwhile Daffodil and her mother discussed the plan for her visit. It -would last all winter. Could they spare her? Did she want to stay that -long? Yet she felt she would like the change to her life. - -There was another happening that disturbed her not a little. This was -Lieutenant Langdale's visit. When he came in the evening the whole -family were around and each one did a share of the entertaining. And -if she took a pleasure walk she always asked some friend to accompany -her. Mrs. Carrick was not averse to a serious ending. Daffodil had -reached a stage of content, was even happy, but the unfortunate -circumstance was rarely touched upon between them. It seemed as if she -had quite resolved to have no real lovers. What if an untoward fate -should send the man back again. The thought haunted the mother, though -there was no possible likelihood of it. And her sympathies went out to -the lieutenant. - -If she went away, he would realize that there was no hope of -rekindling love out of an old friendship. It would pain her very much -to deny him. - -They spoke of her going one evening, quite to his surprise. - -"Oh," he said regretfully, "can you not be content here? I am sure -they all need you, we all do. Mrs. Forbes will be lost without you. -You are quite a star in the Fort society." - -"In spite of my poor card-playing," she laughed. - -"But you dance. That's more real pleasure than the cards. And we will -try to have a gay winter for you. But after all we cannot compete with -Philadelphia. I believe I shall try to get transferred from this dull -little hole." - -"I do not expect to be gay. The great friend I made before married and -went to Paris. And M. de Ronville is an invalid, confined mostly to -the house during the winter. I am going to be a sort of companion to -him. He begs so to have me come." - -Archie would be there. A sudden unreasoning anger flamed up in his -heart and then dropped down to the white ashes of despair. Was there -any use caring for a woman who would not or could not care for you? -There were other girls---- - -"You have really decided to go?" her mother said afterward. - -"Oh, I hate to leave you." Her arms were about her mother's neck. "Yet -for some things it seems best. And the old story will be the more -easily forgotten. I may make it appear of less importance to myself. -It has grown quite dreamlike to me." - -"Yes," answered the mother under her breath. - -So the fact was accepted. "You will never regret giving a few months -to an old man near his journey's end," said Mr. Bartram. "And I am -very glad for his sake." - -Then preparations were made for the journey. - -"You must not want for anything, nor be dependent on your good -friend," said her father. "And have all the pleasures you can. Youth -is the time to enjoy them." - -It gave them a heartache to let her go. Mrs. Craig wished she could be -her companion again, but she was too old to take such a journey. And -now travelling was a more usual occurrence, and she found two ladies -who were going to Harrisburg, and who had travelled a great deal, even -been to Paris. Aldis Bartram was much relieved, for he hardly knew -how to entertain a being who was one hour a child and the next a -serious woman. The last two years he had sought mostly the society of -men. There were many grave questions to discuss, for the affairs of -the country were by no means settled. - -It was a very pleasant journey in the early autumn. She enjoyed -everything with so much spirit and delight, but she was never -tiresomely effusive. The ladies had come from New Orleans and were -full of amazement at the rapid strides the country was making, and the -towns that were growing up along the route. Their stay in Pittsburg -had been brief and they were much amused at some of the descriptions -of the earlier days the little girl could recall, the memories of the -French great-grandfather, who had lived almost a hundred years, and -grandad, who in his earlier years had been what we should call an -athlete and was a master hand at games of all sorts. They were much in -vogue yet, since there were no play-houses to draw people together for -social enjoyment. - -Mr. Bartram used to watch her with growing interest. Yes, she would be -invaluable to M. de Ronville, and a great relief to him this winter. -How had she so easily overlived the great blow of her wedding day! She -was a very child then, and truly knew nothing about love. - -"We shall be in Philadelphia sometime before Christmas," explained -Mrs. Danvers, who was a widow. "We are thinking of settling ourselves -there, or in New York, and we shall be glad to take up the -acquaintance again. We have enjoyed your society very much, and truly -we are indebted to Mr. Bartram for many favors that a maid is apt to -blunder over. Women never get quite used to the rougher ways of the -world." - -"And I shall be glad to see you again," the girl said with unaffected -pleasure. "I have enjoyed the journey with you very much." - -How did she know just what to say without awkwardness, Mr. Bartram -wondered. - -The quiet street and the old house seemed to give her a cordial and -familiar greeting. Mrs. Jarvis herself came to the door. - -"Oh, my dear, we are so glad to have you back again," she cried with -emotion. "But how tall you are! You are no longer a little girl." - -"I have the same heart after all that has happened;" and though she -smiled there were tears in her eyes. - -A slow step came through the hall, and then she was held close to the -heart of her guardian, who had longed for her as one longs for a -child. - -Yes, he was quite an old man. Pale now, with snowy hair and beard, and -a complexion full of fine wrinkles, but his eyes were soft and tender, -and had the glow of life in them. - -"Oh," he exclaimed, "you still have the golden hair, and the peachy -cheeks, and smiling mouth. I was almost afraid you had changed and -grown grave. And your voice has the same ring. I am so thankful to -your parents for sparing you again. And, Aldis, you must not mind me, -for the business has fallen so behind that I shall not feel neglected -if you go to the office at once. We will devote the evening to talk. -Are you very tired with your journey?" That to Daffodil. - -"No, it was so pleasant and entertaining, and some of it beautiful. -Then I do not tire easily." - -M. de Ronville held her hand as if he was afraid she might escape, and -his longing eyes touched her very heart. But Mrs. Jarvis stepped up on -the stairs, and giving him a tender smile, she followed. - -Nothing had been changed. Why, she might have left it only yesterday. - -As if Mrs. Jarvis had a similar thought about her she said, "My dear, -you are just the same, only grown up." - -"And everything here is the same. I am very glad; it is like home." - -There was the pretty dark blue-and-white toilette set, where the blue -looked as if somehow it had melted a little and run over the white. -She smiled, thinking how she used to wonder about it. - -"This is Susan, our new maid. Mr. Bartram may have told you that Jane -was married. She has a good husband and a nice home. But Susan fills -the place very well, and now she will wait upon you with pleasure," -announced Mrs. Jarvis. - -Susan courtesied and smiled. She was younger than Jane, a fresh, -fair-looking girl, who had the appearance of having been scrubbed from -top to toe. - -"And now, when you are ready, come down to the library and have a cup -of tea. Oh, I remember, you didn't care for tea, that's an old ladies' -comfort. Well, there are other refreshing things that will stay you -until supper. We have our dinner now in the middle of the day. M. de -Ronville likes it better. Feel thoroughly at home, child." - -Susan unpacked her belongings and put them in drawers and the spacious -closet, where Daffodil thought they must feel lonesome. - -She went downstairs presently, fresh and bright, having chosen her -simplest frock, and tied her curls in a bunch behind, instead of -putting them high on her head with a comb. On her pretty neck she wore -the chain and pendant M. de Ronville had given her. She looked very -sweet and youthful. - -He motioned her to the sofa beside him. - -"I understand how it is, that children and grandchildren keep one -young," he began. "It is the new flow of life that vivifies the old -pulses. And I advise all young men to marry;" smiling a little. -"After awhile business loses its keen interest, and when you have -made enough, why should you go on toiling and moiling? Then comes the -time you want to take an interest in younger lives. And now tell me -about your mother and father, who is prospering greatly, Aldis has -written. And the little brother." - -She was in full flow of eager talk when Susan brought in the tray with -some tea and dainty biscuits, and golden-hearted cake, and Mrs. Jarvis -followed her and drew up the little table. - -"You see, I am quite pampered. I like a cup of tea at mid-afternoon, -for the reason that it makes a break in a rather lonely time. I go out -in the morning, when I can, but I take the garden and the porch in the -afternoon, and in the evening friends drop in." - -Daffodil had a glass of milk. There were some delightful sandwiches, -and she was really hungry, as they had not stopped for much dinner at -noon. And as she glanced around she saw more cases had been added, and -were filled with books, and two or three paintings and beautiful -vases. The room did have a cosy aspect, with some easy chairs that -were just coming in for elderly people. Young people were expected to -sit up straight. - -Afterward they walked in the garden. There were choice late roses in -bloom, and flowers she had never seen before. Smooth paths of sand -beaten hard, here a way of fine white gravel that looked like a snowy -ribbon between the green. How beautiful it was! This was what money -and education and taste could do. Pittsburg was beginning to have the -money, to prosper and boast, but all things seemed in a muddle, -compared to this. - -She was merry and sweet, and yet it did not seem to her as if it came -from a true heart. Was she sorry she had come. Was not her place back -there! Was it not her duty _not_ to outgrow Pittsburg, for there she -must live her life out. And when she was an old lady there would be -Felix, who would marry and have children growing up, true Duvernays, -for he would take the name, not her husband. - -When they went in the paper had come, and she read that to him. She -had stepped so naturally into the old place. Susan began to arrange -the table, Mr. Bartram came in looking really fagged out, but -cordially attentive and chatty with the happenings. - -It was a sort of high tea, and there was an air about everything -different from their simplicity at home, but Mr. Bartram had adapted -himself so readily to that. Was it out of kindly consideration? - -"Now, I am going to dismiss you, my little dear," exclaimed the old -man gently, "for I want to hear what Aldis has to say. And you have -been very sweet and patient. Promise that you will not disappear in -the night." - -"Oh, I promise. I am not a bird that I could fly back in the night, -and then I think only evil birds fly at that period." - -He kissed her on the forehead. She sat on the porch awhile with Mrs. -Jarvis, and then went to bed in the room that was sweet with rose and -lavender. Well, so was her pillow at home. But it was so still here. -Even the insects seemed to have modulated their shrillness. She buried -her face in the softness and cried. Was she regretting the change? Was -some gladness, some hope, lost out of her life, that could never come -again? - -It was bright morning when she woke. Even the very sun seemed to shine -in gladness. Susan came, bringing her some water, and wished her -good-morning. Yes, it should be a good morning and a good day. - -They went to drive when the mists of the night had blown away. Oh, how -gay everything looked! Stores had increased, beautiful buildings had -gone up, and there was the President's residence. Lady Washington, as -many people still called her, came out with her maid and her black -servant, with a huge basket. There were others doing the same thing, -for it was quite a fashion of the day, though some people were -beginning to be waited on by the market men. Ladies in carriages and -men walking or riding bowed to M. de Ronville, and wondered who the -pretty girl beside him could be. He quite enjoyed the surprised look -they gave her. - -Then he took a rest on the sofa, and begged her to tell him of the -changes they had made in the house, and the boats her father was -building, and what new industries had been started. And was grandad as -bright and merry as ever? And the ignoble whiskey insurrection; the -soldiers at the Fort! - -Everything had so much interest for him, and the time passed so -rapidly, that Mr. Bartram came home before they hardly thought of -dinner. He asked with a smile if she was homesick yet, and although -she shook her head with vague amusement, she wondered why she had -cried last night? They had some bright talk and then M. de Ronville -asked her if she did not want to go shopping with Mrs. Jarvis, who -would like very much to have her. Mr. Bartram had brought some papers -that must be looked over and signed. But she must not stay out too -late for his cup of afternoon tea. - -The shopping was really a great diversion. They met several people, -who remembered her. And how funny it seemed to pay away so much money -for an article, but then there seemed plenty of paper money. - -Chestnut Street was gay with riders, both men and women, and some of -the latter looked fine in their dark-green habits and gilt buttons. -There were many promenading, dressed in the quaint style of the day, -and not a few Friends in silvery-gray, with the close-fitting -scuttle-shaped bonnets. - -"I am so glad you have come," was Susan's greeting. "There are two -ladies waiting to see you, Miss Daffodil, and M. de Ronville would -make me bring in the tea for them." - -"Oh, what are their names?" cried the girl eagerly. - -"I was not to tell you;" and a smile lurked behind Susan's lips. - -She ran upstairs and took off her hat and mantle, and came into the -library wondering. - -"Oh;" pausing to think for a moment. "It's Miss Pemberton, and--is it -Belinda?" - -"Oh, you haven't changed a bit, except to grow tall;" and Belinda -almost hugged her. "But Mary is Mrs. Hassel, and has the darlingest -little boy you ever saw. Oh, do you remember our party out on the -lawn, and our picnic? I'm so glad you have come again. I'm the only -girl home now;" and then Belinda blushed deeply. - -"And Mr. de Ronville would have us share his tea. I've heard it's a -kind of English fashion, which he ought not countenance, since he is -French, I tell him," said Mrs. Hassel jestingly. "But it is -delightful. I think I'll start it. A cup of tea seems to loosen one's -tongue." - -"Do women really need the lubrication?" asked M. de Ronville with a -smile. - -"Yes, they do. Think of three or four different women hardly knowing -what to say to each other, and after a few sips of tea they are as -chatty as you please. But I must say I was so delighted with his -charming news that I would have waited until dark for the chance of -seeing you." - -"Oh, thank you;" and Daffodil blushed prettily. - -"And we know a friend of yours, at least Jack does, a young doctor, -who is going to be great some day, and who is from Pittsburg, Dr. -Langdale." - -"Oh, yes, I knew he was studying here." - -"And he has made one or two remarkable discoveries about something or -other. Dr. Rush considers him one of the coming men." - -"I am very glad to hear that. Oh, we all seemed children together. And -his older brother is a lieutenant at Fort Pitt." - -"Can't he get a furlough? I'd like to see him," said Belinda gayly. - -"He's tired of dull Fort Pitt, and was talking of getting exchanged. -That isn't quite right, I believe; it sounds as if he was a prisoner." - -"We must go," insisted Mrs. Hassel. "We will hardly have time for -another call. M. de Ronville has been so fascinating." - -"Oh, did I hold out a fascination?" mischievously. - -"It was both," admitted Belinda. "And now we want to see ever so much -of you. Mary, give us a regular tea party; she only lives round in -Arch Street. And you will want to see the baby." - -"Of course I will," said the young girl. - -Then they made their adieus. Susan took away the tea-things. - -"Was the shopping nice?" enquired her guardian. - -"Oh, there are so many lovely things! I didn't mean to buy anything, -you know, but we looked at such an elegant pelisse. Only everything -costs so much!" - -"Oh, economical little girl!" - -"And the shopwoman would try on such a splendid white beaver that had -just come in with a beautiful long plume and a white satin bow on top. -Why, I felt as if I had just arrived from Paris!" - -M. de Ronville leaned back and laughed. She looked so pretty and -spirited, standing here. He could imagine her in the white beaver and -handsome pelisse. - -"How about the French?" he asked. "Have you forgotten it all?" - -"Oh, no. Grandmere and I talk sometimes." - -"We must have a little reading. Why, _we_ could talk as well. I -sometimes get rusty." - -"It was very nice of the Pembertons to remember me," she said -reflectively. - -"I had said you were likely to come, and they heard Mr. Bartram had -returned. So they came at once." - -She could see he was proud of the compliment paid her. - -"Now, you are tired," he said. "I'll read the paper for myself." - -"No, no." She took it away playfully. "When my voice gets shaky, you -may ask me to stop;" and the mirth in her tone was good to hear. - -How delightful it was to lean back comfortably and listen to the -pleasant voice, with its subtle variations. Ah, if Aldis Bartram could -have made sure of her in that other time, before she had learned to -love and had her sorrow. And now he seemed to be settled in bachelor -ways, and resolved to miss the sweetness of love and life. - -"Aldis," he said, at the tea table, "do you know young Dr. Langdale?" - -"In a way. He is not in my line, you know. A very promising young -fellow. Were you thinking of trying him?" - -"Oh, no. But he is from Pittsburg. The Hassels and Miss Pemberton seem -to know him quite well. And he is a friend of Daffodil's." - -"Oh, and is that lieutenant his brother?" - -Daffodil blushed, though why, she could not have told, and she merely -nodded. - -"Mrs. Hassel seems to think very highly of him." - -"He's made some sort of discovery--they had him at Dr. Rush's, and he -is in a fair way to success. Score one for Pittsburg." - -"But he has been studying here," rejoined Daffodil frankly. - -The next day it rained, and rainy days seemed to affect M. de -Ronville, but he hardly noted it. They read and talked French, and had -a rather laughable time. And in the afternoon an old friend, Colonel -Plumsted, came in to play chess, and Daffodil watched, much -interested. Aldis was surprised to find his host in such good spirits -when he returned. - -Mrs. Hassel gave her tea party soon after. Daffodil met several old -friends, who remembered the little girl. Belinda found time to impart -the secret that she and Jack Willing were engaged, though she meant to -have one good winter of fun before she was married. Jack seemed to be -a nice, jolly fellow. And there was Anton Wetherell and Arthur -Pemberton, and Arthur was asked to take her out to the supper table. - -"Why, it's quite like old times to have you here again! Truly, I never -thought of your growing up. You were always in my mind as a little -golden-haired fairy that flashes about and then--do they return to the -'little folk'?" - -"I haven't, you see. But I was not quite a fairy. And one grandfather -used to call me Yellowtop." She laughed musically. - -"One? How many grandfathers did you have?" - -"I had three at one time, one in every generation. But the oldest one -went away, and now there are only two." - -"And I danced with you, I remember. I hope you haven't forgotten how. -We have dancing parties, as well as tea parties. We are considered -quite staid and sober-going people, but we young folks put in a good -deal of fun. Bel's engaged, I dare say she told you, and I am the only -solitary--shall I call myself a blossom? left on the parent stalk." - -They both laughed at that. It takes so little to amuse young people. - -"You'll have to go to one of Lady Washington's receptions, though in -the whisper of confidence be it said they are rather stiff. There's -the Norris house, that's the place for fun. The Norris girls find so -many bright people, and they're not the jealous kind, but they make -everybody shine." - -Then Bel took her off to meet Miss Plumsted. - -"I'm very glad to see you;" and Miss Plumsted's voice was honestly -sweet. "Grandfather goes to play chess with M. de Ronville. He is your -guardian, I believe. And now, are you going to live here?" - -"Oh, no. I am here only on a visit. My parents and all my folks live -at Pittsburg." - -"Oh, that seems way out West. The Ohio River is there, and they go out -to St. Louis and down to New Orleans. Is it a real city?" - -"Not yet, but they are talking about it." - -Then some one else came. Two or three of the young men dropped in -during the evening, and there was some music on a flute and a violin. -Altogether it was a very pleasant time, and Arthur Pemberton took her -home and asked if he might not have the pleasure of calling -occasionally. - -She hardly knew what was proper. It seemed ungracious to say "no," so -she answered that he might. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -SAINT MARTIN'S SUMMER - - -One of the quiet evenings, the two men were playing chess and Daffodil -was watching them; Susan came in and said in her most respectful -manner: - -"A gentleman wishes to see Miss Carrick. Here is his card." - -Daffodil took it and read, "Archibald Langdale, M.D." - -"Oh," in a glad, girlish tone, "it's my old friend, Archie, that I -haven't seen in ever so long. Dr. Langdale;" with a pretty assumption -of dignity. - -"Yes." - -"And, uncle, you must see him. Not that I want you to accept him for a -family physician, for really I don't know what he is like. He may be -the veriest prig;" and she gave a dainty half laugh. "If he is spoiled -it will be the fault of your city, he was very nice at Pittsburg. And -you, too, Mr. Bartram." - -"I have met the young man. I didn't see that he was much puffed up -with his honors." - -"Thank you." She made a fascinating courtesy. How pleased she was, he -could see that. - -"We will soon be through with the game. Yes, I'll come," said M. de -Ronville. - -She would hardly have known Archie. He stood up straight and he was -quite as tall as Ned. He had filled out somewhat, though he was still -rather thin, but his face had lost that deprecating expression, and -had a clear notion not only of truth and honor, but of his own power -as well. It was a tender face also, with the light in it that draws -one unconsciously. The eyes seemed to have grown darker, but the hair -was light as in boyhood. - -"I am so glad to see you again;" and he took both hands in a warm -clasp. "I couldn't wait until some accidental meeting, where you might -kindly invite me for old friendship's sake." - -"That would not have been worth while. I have heard about you, and I -wondered if you had outgrown childish remembrances." - -"You would bring them all back if I had. How little you have changed, -except to grow tall. And now tell me about yours and mine. Once in a -great while Ned writes, and mother doesn't seem to have the gift of -chatty letters. Hers are mostly about my humble self, _her_ son -rather, and how he must avoid certain things and do other certain -things, and not grow hard-hearted and irreligious and careless of his -health;" smiling with a touch of tenderness. "So, you see, I do not -hear much about the real Pittsburg." - -"Oh, you would hardly know it now, there are so many changes, and so -much business. New streets, instead of the old lanes, and the old log -houses are fast disappearing. We are making real glass, you know, and -there is talk of a paper mill. And nearly all the girls are married; -the older ones, I mean. Families are coming in from the country, -others go out to Ohio and Kentucky. Why, it is a whirl all the time." - -"I'd like to see it and mother. I've planned to go several times, but -some study or lectures that I couldn't miss would crop up. And it -takes so much time. Why doesn't some one invent a quicker way of -travelling? Now, if we could fly." - -"Oh, that would be just splendid!" eagerly. - -"I used to watch the birds when I was a boy, and flying seemed so easy -for them. Now, why can't some one think up a pair of wings that you -could slip on like a jacket and work them with some sort of springs, -and go sailing off? I'm learning to put people together, but I never -was any hand for machinery." - -"Oh, think of it! A winged jacket;" and they both laughed gleefully. - -Then M. de Ronville entered and expressed his pleasure at meeting the -young man, who was already distinguishing himself, and who was an old -friend of Miss Carrick. - -"Not that either of you are very old," he commented smilingly. - -Mr. Bartram he recalled. And certainly the generally quiet student -talked his best. Was Daffodil a sort of inspiration? Was that one of -the graces of early friendship? - -He apologized presently for his long stay. He so seldom made calls, -that he must plead ignorance of the correct length, but he had enjoyed -himself very much. And then M. de Ronville invited him to drop in to -tea. He would like to discuss some new medical methods with him. - -"A very intelligent, well-balanced young man," the host remarked. "If -the other one is as sensible, they are sons to be proud of." - -"Their mother _is_ proud of them, but their father would rather have -had them in business," said Daffodil. - -Belinda Pemberton was quite fascinated with Daffodil. "You are such a -sweet, quaint, honest little thing," she said, "and you do make such -delightfully naive remarks. And Arthur declares you must have learned -to dance in fairyland." - -"I think I did," she returned gayly. "And I do love it so." - -Then the little circle, and the wider one, had a fine surprise. Betty -Wharton, now Madame Clerval, returned quite unexpectedly, as her -husband had resigned his position. - -"I had quite enough of Paris," she said to a friend. "One wants an -immense fortune to truly enjoy it. And somehow things seem shaky. -Then, too, one does have a longing for home when one gets past youth." - -So she opened her house and set up a carriage. Monsieur Clerval found -himself quite in demand by the government, as the country needed a -multitude of counsellors. - -She came in to see M. de Ronville, who gallantly said she had renewed -her youth, and begged for the secret. - -"It is simply to keep young, to resolve _not_ to grow old;" with a gay -emphasis. - -"But time passes, my dear lady." - -"And where is that pretty, golden-haired Daffodil?" she enquired. - -The girl was summoned. Yes, she had outgrown childhood, but there was -a delightful charm in her young womanhood. - -"We were such friends--if you can remember so far back." - -"And you were so good to me, and made everything so enjoyable. Wasn't -I very ignorant?" - -"You were very frank, and honest, and adaptable. So we must take up -the old intimacy again. M. de Ronville, I shall drop in often and say, -'Lend me your daughter for this or that occasion.' Or is it your -niece? And if some one falls in love with her you must not scold me. -Young men have eyes, and really, I am too kindly-hearted to throw dust -in them." - -Daffodil turned scarlet. - -"Is it quite right to go about so much?" she said to M. de Ronville -afterward, and the tone had a great uncertainty in it, while the -curves of her pretty mouth quivered. "For you know----" - -He drew her down beside him on the sofa. - -"I thought some time we would talk it over--your unfortunate marriage, -I suppose, comes up now and then to haunt you. Yet, it was fortunate, -too, that the explanation came just as it did. I honestly believe it -was an ignorant child's fancy. You were not old enough to understand -real love. I think he could hardly have been a thorough villain, but -an incident like this has happened more than once. And I truly believe -you have overlived it." - -She shuddered, and her eyes were limpid with tears. It was good to -feel his friendly arm about her. - -"It is like a dream to me, most of the time. And I think now, if he -had made a passionate, despairing protest, it would have gone much -harder with me. But it was right for him to go away when his father -sent, and he was the next in succession to Hurst Abbey. And there was -his child, his boy. I could never have been his true wife, but it hurt -to be given up so readily, yet it was best. It gave me courage. And -what if he had tired of me later on? They all helped me to bear it. -And there was the deception. For if he had told the truth, there might -have been pity, but no love." - -"It was a sad thing to happen. My heart ached for you. But you know, -Daffodil, you never were a wife in the true sense of the word. You are -quite free, you have always been free. And you must feel so. You must -not carry about with you any uncertainty. It is something buried -fathoms deep, that you need never draw up to the surface, unless in -time to come you tell the story to the man you marry." - -"I shall never marry," she returned gravely. "I have it all planned. -Felix shall have the fortune, for what could a woman do with it in her -own hands? And he has the name, he has only to leave off the Carrick. -And it shall be my business to make every one as happy as I can. And -if it is not wrong to take pleasure for myself--I do love joy and -happiness, and I could not grieve forever, when I knew the thing I -would grieve for was wrong." - -There were tears dropping off the bronze lashes, but she was not -really crying. He pressed her closer. There was an exquisite depth to -her that did not often come to the surface. - -"So you have it all planned for the years to come," he returned after -a moment or two. "That is quite far off. Meanwhile you must have a -good time with other young people. That will make me the happiest, if -you care for me." - -"Oh, indeed I do, indeed I do," she cried earnestly. Then, after quite -a pause, she continued-- - -"I almost lost sight of what I wanted to ask. It was whether I ought -to explain anything, whether it would be sailing under false colors -when no one knew;" and she gave a tangled sort of breath that she -would not allow to break into a sob. - -"My dear child, there would be no use in explaining what could only be -a matter of gossip. I think, nay, I am certain, Aldis and myself are -the only ones who know, and if there had been any trouble I should -have sent him to your assistance. I dare say, some of your friends and -neighbors at home have wellnigh forgotten about it. And now, do not -let it disturb you, but be as happy as God meant you should be, when -He snatched you from the peril." - -"Oh, thank you," she rejoined with a grateful emotion that he felt -quiver through her slender body. - -She wondered if she was too light-minded, too easily pleased. For -every joyous thing seemed to come her way. The girls sought her out, -the young men wanted to dance with her, and were willing to bore -themselves going out to supper, if they knew she would be there. It -was not because she was brighter or wittier than the others, or could -think of more entertaining plays, but just that she seemed to radiate -an atmosphere of happiness. - -She did not give up all her time to pleasure. She drove with her -guardian on pleasant days; he had left off riding now, but he sent her -out occasionally with Mr. Bartram, lest she should get out of -practice, he said. Then she read to him, or they took up French. She -made merry over her blunders. - -The autumn was long and warm. They sat in the garden in the sunshine, -or walked up and down. Now and then he went to the office, when there -were some important matters on hand. - -Madame Clerval gave a dance after she had her house set in order. It -might have been called a ball. It was mostly for the young people; she -was just as fond of them as ever, and secretly admitted that she -didn't enjoy prosy old people, who could talk of nothing but their -pains and aches, and how fast the country was going to ruin. - -"Do you think Mr. Bartram would consider it a nuisance to come for -me?" she asked of her guardian, with a face like a peony. - -"Why, no, child. Madame made quite a point of his coming. He is -growing old too fast." - -"Why, he isn't old," she said rather indignantly. "And you see--it's -hard sometimes not to offend this one or that one, and if he is really -coming, will you ask him to bring me home? Wouldn't _you_ prefer it?" - -"I think I would;" very gravely, though he wanted to smile. - -Wetherell and Arthur Pemberton were pushing each other for her favors, -and she tried to distribute them impartially. - -The dance was a splendid success, and the dainty supper had a French -air. Mr. Bartram came in just before that. Daffodil was engaged, of -course. Madame provided him with a charming partner. - -There was only a galop afterward. At private affairs it was not -considered good taste to stay after midnight. Mr. Bartram made his way -to Daffodil, and asked her if she was ready to go, and she nodded -gracefully. - -She looked so pretty as she came down the stairs, wrapped in something -white and fleecy, smiling on this side and that. - -"It was very enjoyable," he said, "at least to you young people. I'm -not much of a dancer nowadays, so I didn't come early." - -"It was just full of pleasure. Madame Clerval always plans admirably." - -He smiled to himself. Most girls would have protested about his being -late, even if they had not specially cared. - -The young people took up the habit of calling in the evening, three or -four of them, sometimes half a dozen. Mrs. Jarvis would send in some -cake and nice home-made wine, which was quite a fashion then. They -made merry, of course. - -"Dear uncle," she said one morning, it was raining so they couldn't go -out, "didn't we disturb you last evening with our noise and laughter? -I don't know why they are so eager to come here, and think they have a -good time, for I am not as full of bright sayings as some of the -girls. And if it annoys you----" - -"My child, no. I lay on the sofa and listened to it, and it almost -made me young again. I had no merry youth like that. Oh, am I coming -to second childhood?" - -His eyes were bright, and she thought she had never seen them so -merry, save at first, when he had laughed at some of Felix's pranks. -And his complexion was less pallid, his lips were red. - -"Then second childhood is lovely. And you have grown so interested in -everything. You don't get tired as you used. Are you real happy, or -are you doing it just to make me happy?" - -She gave him such a sweet, enquiring look, that he was touched at her -solicitude. - -"It is both, I fancy. You see, last winter I was ill and alone a great -deal. I missed Betty Wharton, who was always flying in with some fun, -or a bright story that had been told. Aldis had all the business to -attend to, and sometimes wrote in the evenings. Time hung very heavy -on my hands, and I began to think it was time for me to go hence. And -by spring I had quite lost heart, though I began to crawl about a -little. And I kept thinking how I should live through another dreary -winter, and be half sick. It kept looming up before me. Then I thought -I ought to settle something about your business when your father wrote -concerning the lease. You came into my mind. I thought how brave you -had been through that unfortunate time, and wondered if you would not -like a change. I wanted some one to bring in the sunshine of youth, -and you had spent so many of your years with elderly people, I thought -you must have some art. I could make it pleasant for you, and the -reflected light would brighten me. So I begged a little of your sweet -young life." - -"I am glad if it has made you happy," she said, much moved. - -"It has given me new zest, it has made me almost well. True, I have -had some twinges of my old enemy, rheumatism, but they have not been -severe. I have not been lonely. There was some pleasure within my -reach all the time. Oh, old people do want a little of the sun of -youth to shine on them. And if you had no dear ones at home, I should -keep you always, golden-haired Daffodil." - -She took his hand in hers, so full of fresh young life. "And I should -stay," she said. - -"So, do not think your little merry-makings annoy me at all. I am -glad for you to have them, and next day it is like reading a page out -of a book, a human book that we are apt to pass by, and say we have no -pleasure in it, but it is what we need, and what we want, down in our -very heart of hearts, but often we are ashamed to ask for it." - -It was true, he was much better. The house was losing its grave -aspect. Jane had been used to flinging about wise old saws, and -comparisons, and finding things to enjoy; Susan was quiet, falling -into routine, and staying there until some new duty fairly pushed her -out in another direction. She had no sense of humor or enthusiasm, yet -she performed all the requirements of her place with ease and -industry. - -Mrs. Jarvis was just as kindly solicitous as ever, but intellectually -there was a great gulf between her and M. de Ronville. She entertained -whatever guests came with an air of precision, never forgetting she -was a higher sort of housekeeper. She enjoyed the quiet of her own -room, where she sewed a little, and read a good deal, the -old-fashioned English novels, such as "Children of the Abbey," -"Mysterious Marriage," "The Cottage on the Cliff," and stories of the -latter half of the century. She thought it no part of a woman's -business to concern herself with politics, she would have preferred -living under a real King and nobility, but she accepted the powers -that ruled, and stayed in her own little world, though she, as well -as M. de Ronville, enjoyed the stir and interest that Daffodil brought -about. - -After Madame Clerval came, there was more variety and gayety in -Daffodil's life, and she helped to rouse M. de Ronville as well. Then -came a reception at the Presidential mansion. - -"Of course, you will go," Madame said to him, in her persuasive, yet -imperious, manner. "We must not be a whit behind those New York people -in the attention we pay our President. And one need not stay the whole -evening through, you know. You will meet so many old friends. Come, I -cannot have you getting old before your time." - -"But I am an old man," he protested. - -"In our new country we must not get old. It is to be the land of -perennial youth," she answered gayly. - -Aldis Bartram joined his persuasions as well, and M. de Ronville went -almost in spite of himself. He had kept his delicate, high-bred air -and French atmosphere, and looked well in the attire of that day, with -his flowered waistcoat, his black velvet suit and silk stockings, with -a jewelled buckle on his low shoes. His beautiful white hair was just -tied in a queue, with a black ribbon. There was something dignified -and gracious about him, and friends thronged around to congratulate -him. And though he had seen Washington in many different phases of his -eventful life, he had not as yet met him as President of the nation -he had fought for and cemented together. - -There were handsomer girls than Daffodil; indeed, the fame of the -beauties of Philadelphia in that day has been the theme of many a song -and story. But she was very pretty in her simple white frock that in -the fashion of the day showed her exquisite neck and shoulders, though -the golden curls, tied high on her head, shaded and dazzled about it -in a most bewitching manner. Madame Clerval was wise, she was not -trying to outshine any of the belles, yet there was a bevy of young -men about her constantly, and most devoted to her and to M. de -Ronville, was Dr. Langdale. In fact, he was really the favorite -visitor at the house. He ran in now and then with news of some new -book, or some old translation, and a talk of the progress of the -library and the trend of general education. Why should Boston have it -all? Or a new medical discovery, though he was in no sense M. de -Ronville's physician. - -Was it strange that both these young people, having passed their -childhood in Pittsburg, should come to a nearer and dearer -understanding? Aldis Bartram watched them with the sense of a new -revelation. Yet he could not subscribe to it cordially. The medical -enthusiast was hardly the one he would choose for a girl like -Daffodil. Arthur Pemberton would do better, yet he was not quite up to -her mark. She was a simple seeming girl, yet he was learning that she -had a great deal of character and sweetness. Somehow she kept herself -curiously enfranchised from lovers. Her friendly frankness gave them a -status it was difficult to overcome. - -"I never expected to enjoy myself so much again," said M. de Ronville, -when they were in the carriage. "It is an excellent thing to go on -moving with the world, to keep in touch with the things that make up -the sum of life, instead of feeling they belong to the gone-by time, -and you have no interest in them." - -How much like his olden self he was, Aldis Bartram thought. He -wondered if he had been at fault in letting him drop down. There was -much perplexing business, and he had hated to bother the elder man -with it. Sometimes it seemed tedious to explain. Had he grown selfish -in certain ways, preferring to take the burthen, rather than the -trouble of sharing it with another? He had much personal ambition, he -was in full earnest of a man's aims and life purposes. Yet it was this -man who had helped him to the place whereon he stood, and it was not -honorable to crowd him out under the plea that his best days were -over. - -It seemed, indeed, as if days fairly flew by, there was so much -crowded in them. When the morning was fine, Daffodil insisted they -should drive out. It was delightful to keep bowing and smiling to -friends, with this attractive girl beside him. He went to some -meetings of the Philosophical Society, and he took a new interest in -the Library plans. - -"You certainly have worked a transformation," Bartram said to -Daffodil, when M. de Ronville consented to go to a concert with them, -to hear two remarkable singers, who had come from abroad. "You will -have to stay. Didn't I hear you discussing Pittsburg with Mrs. -Jarvis?" - -"Oh, they are longing for me to return. And in two days March will -come in, that will be spring. And I was only to stay through the -winter." - -"But March is a cruel and deceitful travesty on spring. February has -been too short." - -"But they want me. And, yes, I want to see them all, and the garden, -and the woods, and what new things have happened to Pittsburg. For -there is something new coming in all the time." - -Her face was so eager and full of happy interest. - -"Well--I don't know what we shall do without you"; and the inflection -of his voice was disconsolate. "I am afraid we shall fall back to the -old routine. I am a busy man, you know, and have to shoulder a great -many cares not really my own. Perhaps, too, I haven't the divine art -of making a house bright, a woman's province." - -"Oh, Mr. Bartram, I will tell you;" in a clear, earnest tone. "Why do -you not marry, and bring some one here to do it? There are so many -charming girls, sometimes I feel quite unimportant and ignorant beside -them." - -She uttered it in the same manner she might have asked why he did not -bring home some flowers to grace the study table. Her lovely eyes were -raised to his in the utmost innocence, and not a tint of color wavered -on her cheek. His flushed with sudden surprise. - -"Perhaps the charming young girl would consider it a dull house for -life, and then elderly people have whims and fancies--well, younger -men do. I have myself. And it would be asking a good deal." - -"I think uncle hasn't many whims, and he does keep them in the -background. You almost have to watch for them. Why, think of grandad!" -and she laughed with a soft musical sound. "What he liked yesterday he -may not like at all to-day, so Norry does the new thing, and says -nothing about the other. And he often disputes with father as to -whether there was any real need for the war, and that we would be -better off under King George. But uncle is so large-minded, and then -he has so many refined and delightful tastes. But you would get -lonesome if you were not very well, and no one came to cheer you up, -or bring you new thoughts and bright bits of things, that were going -on in the world outside." - -She paused suddenly, and flushed like a culprit, looking more -beguiling than ever, with her downcast eyes. - -"I suppose I oughtn't have said it, but it seems true to me, only I'm -not blaming you. You have a great many things to attend to, and you -must do them in a man's way, devote your whole mind to them, and you -can't be frivolous, or other people's business would suffer. If I -hadn't any one I would come and stay, but--I love them, and sometimes, -in spite of the pleasure, my heart is almost torn in two with the -longing. I said I would come back in the spring, and I must go. Then -it will not be quite so bad, for Madame Clerval will be in and out, -and he is so much better. And you'll let him take an interest in -business, when he feels like it--oh, I seem to be giving you advice, -and I sincerely beg your pardon. After all, I am not much more than a -little girl, and I am talking as if I was old and wise;" and a sudden -shame flamed her cheeks with scarlet. - -"I think you have been wise, and sweet, and patient, without growing -old. You have done a great deal for your guardian this winter--I -really was afraid we should not have him with us for very long, and he -did seem to wish for you so. Perhaps we were selfish, he and I." - -"Oh, I was ready to come, too. It has been a delightful winter, and -everybody has been so good to me, I've been just full of pleasure. But -when you love those you have left behind, you sometimes feel as if -you could fly." - -She winked very fast, then made a sudden dab at her eyes, and half -laughed, too. - -"I think I understand. I have had no one to love dearly since I was a -little lad, and all I remember about my mother is that she was pale, -and ill, and could not endure a noise. Then I was put in school, and -my father went away and died. When I was eighteen I went in M. de -Ronville's office, and finished my studies. He has been my best -friend, really like a father to me. I ought to make all the return in -my power." - -"Oh;" and there was a bewildering sweetness in her tone. "I have been -so happy most of my life, and had so many to love me." - -Then that unfortunate episode had not cost her any deep-seated grief. -Had she loved at all, or was it only a childish fancy? He hoped it -was, for the sake of her future. - -He turned then and went out of the room. M. de Ronville had been up in -his dressing-room, with his valet, and now he went to the library, and -she followed him. There were some reports to look over, then the -carriage came for them. It was sunny, with very little wind, and they -had plenty of wraps. - -Aldis Bartram went his way to the office. The two clerks were there -and busy. He opened his letters, and answered several, the others had -need of some legal opinions to be looked up. Then he took up a rather -complicated case, but he soon lost the thread of it, for Daffodil's -almost upbraiding voice haunted him. He had been outwardly patient -many a time when all was irritation within, for he was too manly and -too really grateful to show impatience. - -Had Daffodil's being there this winter proved the source of the -reaction in M. de Ronville's health? Had loneliness intensified the -disease and discomfort? Perhaps. And now two or three young men -dropped in, and had entertaining talks with him. Or was it because -they liked the byplay of the pretty, vivacious girl, who never made -herself the first attraction. - -"Marry some pretty, charming young girl!" Where would he find one to -M. de Ronville's liking? - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -OH, WHICH IS LOVE? - - -March opened cold and stormy. Rheumatism made a clutch at M. de -Ronville. For several days he did not come downstairs, but insisted -that some of the guests must come to him. Dr. Langdale skipped away -from a lecture he really desired to hear, and spent an hour comforting -the invalid. Madame Clerval came in with a budget of news and friendly -gossip, and Daffodil talked of her little girlhood, and old Pittsburg, -as they had begun to call it, and sitting on the arm of -great-grandfather's chair, and listening to tales of a still older -time. He did not wonder that his friend Duvernay had lived to be -almost a hundred, with all that affection to make the way pleasant. - -Then he improved and came downstairs, took up chess-playing, and -little promenades on the porch when the sun shone. And then the talk -veered round to Daffodil's departure. He would not hear anything about -it at first. - -"Yet we have no right to keep her away from her own household, when -she has been brave enough to give up all the winter to us," Mr. -Bartram said. - -"Oh, no, I suppose not. If I was younger, or in assured health, I -should go and spend the summer with them. Oh, don't look so startled. -I know it wouldn't do, with my uncertain health." - -Aldis smiled. "If the summer is fine, and you keep pretty well, we -might both take a trip. I would hardly trust you to go alone." - -"So we might." The elder was gratified with the consideration. - -"Aldis?" presently, in a half-enquiring tone. - -"Well?" glancing up. - -"Do you think--that Dr. Langdale--that there is anything between him -and Daffodil?" - -"There has been some talk. But young Pemberton is devoted to her as -well." - -"With either she would have to come back here to live. I like the -doctor. He is such a fine, large-hearted, sympathetic young fellow, -with so much real charity for suffering. I seem to be envying other -people's sons and daughters;" ending with a longing sound. "Yes, if -she were in love with him." - -Aldis Bartram experienced a feeling of protest. Yet, why should he -object? They were both young, they had been friends from childhood, -and he was certainly worthy of her. - -That very evening he dropped in. There had been a wonderful surgical -operation on a poor fellow, who had been mashed and broken by a bad -fall. There had been a dispute at first, whether they could save him -intact, but after hours of the most careful work there was a good -chance. Dr. Langdale was so proud and enthusiastic, giving every one -his due with no narrowness. - -Then he said, "Oh, Daffodil, are you really going home?" - -"They have sent for me. The winter has gone!" and there was a piquant -smile hovering about her face. - -"It has been such a short winter I have not done half the things I -planned to do. But I am resolved to run away some time in the summer. -It is ungrateful not to visit mother. And I do want to see the town, -and all the old friends." - -"Oh, do come!" There was a joyous light in her eyes, and a sweetness -played about her lips. - -Yes, he surely thought he would. Then they went on about other -matters. Bartram was not much versed in love indications, but -something rose within him--as if there should be a higher, stronger, -more overwhelming love for _her_. - -She would make them talk cheerfully about her going. She said sagely -there was such a thing as wearing out one's welcome, and that now she -should feel free to come again. - -"Next winter," said her guardian. "I think I can get along through the -summer with this thought to sustain me, but I shall be a year older, -and perhaps more feeble." - -"I strictly forbid either of the consequences;" she laughed with -adorable gayety, her eyes alight with fun. - -"One would think I was of great consequence," she exclaimed a few days -later, "by the lamentations my friends make. Or is it a fashion? It -will make it harder for me to go. If we could move Pittsburg over! But -there are the splendid rivers, and the hills covered with -rhododendrons. And, you see, I shall miss the daffodils." - -"If it is such sorrow to part with one, I hardly know how you can -endure losing so many," said Aldis Bartram gravely. - -She looked at him enquiringly. He seldom paid compliments to any one -but Madame Clerval. - -There were bloom and beauty enough in the grand old town, where every -point was romantic. Every day Daffodil and her guardian were out -driving, until it seemed to her she could have found her way about in -the dark. And in his office Aldis Bartram sat thinking how lonely the -house would be without the sunshine of her golden head, and the sound -of her sweet, merry voice, her small, thoughtful ways, and the ease -with which she could change from one mode of action that she saw was -not bringing about a desirable result. At first he considered this a -sort of frivolity, but he understood presently that she not -infrequently gave up her own pleasure or method for something that -suited M. de Ronville better. - -He was ambitious, and he had marked out a career for himself. He meant -to be rich and respected, his instincts were all honorable, and this -had commended him to his employer, who detested anything bordering on -double dealing. So, from one position he had been advanced to another, -and by persistent study had taken his degree with honor. He enjoyed -the life of the class with which he was in keen touch, and he found he -could maintain a degree of mental superiority that satisfied his -ambition. - -There had been a partnership; he was junior counsel, and some of the -clients preferred the young, broad-minded man. Then had come the -proffer of a home that really surprised him. There were no relatives -to be jealous; why, then, should he not be as a son to this man, who -no longer felt equal to the burthen and heat of the new day that had -dawned on the country, and was calling forth the highest aims and -energies of the men of the time? - -There had been one intense fascination in his life that had turned to -the ashes of bitterness. And now, while he was affable and enjoyed the -society of women, he considered himself proof against their -blandishments. He had heard of Daffodil's interrupted marriage, and -gave her a very sincere sympathy. But he had not been warmly in favor -of her visit. Still, it seemed cruel and selfish not to agree to the -longing of the invalid, who had an obstinate idea that his days were -numbered. A pet and play-thing was perhaps what he needed, for -sometimes the devotion exacted bored him and seemed a painful waste of -time and energy. - -Then M. de Ronville saw the necessity of arranging his guardianship of -Daffodil Carrick on a different basis, so that there might be no -trouble at his death. Her father might not understand all the fine -points, and need some legal aid. This had brought about the visit to -Pittsburg, and he had joined his solicitation to that of the guardian, -truly believing M. de Ronville's days were numbered, and he did -fervently desire to give him whatever happiness and comfort was -possible. - -But Daffodil was different from the vague idea he had formed of her. -She was not a sentimental girl, even if she had been caught by a -specious love, and though gay and eager, had a tender, truthful, and -noble side to her nature. They were all of a higher class than he had -thought possible, and Felix he considered quite an unusual boy. Mr. -Carrick had made one brief explanation of the marriage, none of the -others alluded to it. - -"But you know that the law holds her as an unmarried woman. There was -nothing binding in the vows on her side, and pure fraud on his," said -Bartram decisively. - -"Yes, we are aware of that, but young as she is, it has changed her in -some respects. But she is dearer than ever to us. I deprecate this -fashion of such youthful marriages, though mine has been very happy," -returned the father. - -Dr. Langdale came in one morning with a face full of the highest -satisfaction. Bartram had been lingering about, discussing the -journey. Madame Clerval had offered one of her French maids, but she -knew so little of American ways. - -"Daffodil," the doctor exclaimed, "will you take me for an escort? I -find there is nothing very important for the next few weeks. I have -but one more lecture in my course. And I do want to see mother. So, if -you have no objection----" - -"Why, I should be delighted, though I begin to feel quite like a wise -and travelled body. And think how women are coming from abroad and -from Canada, and going West, and all over, and reach their destination -safely. But I shall be very glad all the same, and your mother will be -wild with joy." - -"I am afraid we do not think of the pleasure we can give our elders, -who, in the nature of things, have less time for the enjoyment of -their children. And I feel ashamed that I have allowed the time to -slip by, content with a hurried letter. I mean to do better in the -future." - -"And I applaud your decision," exclaimed M. de Ronville. "Oh, I think -you young people really do not know how much happiness you can give us -elders just by the sight of your happy faces, and a little cordial -attention." - -Daffodil glanced at Dr. Langdale with a smile that seemed almost a -caress, it was so approving, enchanting. Aldis Bartram caught it and -turned away, saying-- - -"I must leave you to perfect arrangements. I am late now, so I must -wish you good-morning," bowing himself out of the room. - -He was very busy, and did not go home to dinner, as he had been doing -of late. And it was not until he was walking home in the late -afternoon that he allowed himself to think of Daffodil's departure. - -"She will marry Dr. Langdale and come back here to live, which will be -a great pleasure to M. de Ronville," he said to himself, remembering -it had his friend's approval. And why should it not have his? Yet he -felt as if he did not cordially assent. And if she returned next -winter--he lost a sudden interest in the plan. They would be lovers -and there would be their joy and satisfaction flaunted in everybody's -face. - -How could Daffodil keep so bright and cheerful? Had she any real -depth? Did not every change, every new plan appeal to her just the -same? - -But if he had seen her with her arms about Mrs. Jarvis' neck, and the -tears in her eyes, he would not have made the comment to himself. And -the tender, beseeching tone in which she was saying-- - -"Oh, you will not let him miss me too much. And when it is pleasant, -won't you walk about the garden with him and praise his roses and the -flowers he cares for? And keep him thinking that he is better, and has -years yet to live, and if Mr. Bartram will go on being devoted to -him." - -"Mr. Bartram seems to have grown more tenderly thoughtful. Of course, -he has a great deal on his mind, and now there are so many perplexing -questions about the country, and when one is tired out with the day's -work it is hard to rehearse it all over. Oh, my dear, I think you have -worked a change in us all with your sweet, generous ways, and your -lovely outflowing youth. I am afraid I was beginning to think too much -of my own comfort." - -Dr. Langdale proved himself most solicitous. Bartram found the -planning was taken quite out of his hands, and he chafed a little. -Madame Clerval declared herself inconsolable, but she had the fine -grace that speeds the parting guest when the going is inevitable. - -There was only one day more. M. de Ronville had his breakfast sent -upstairs. Daffodil went to find some papers her guardian was going -over, and turning, she met Aldis Bartram entering the library. - -"I was afraid you might forget them," she said, handing the packet to -him. - -"Thank you." How often she had charged her mind with these little -things. - -"I suppose," he began in a wandering sort of tone, as if his mind had -strayed to something else, "that it will not really be out of order to -congratulate you, since it will be a long while before I shall see you -again." - -"Oh, about going home? But I shall often think of you all here, and -wish the old fairy stories were true, where you could be transported -elsewhere in a moment. I think I did truly believe in them once." - -How charming she was in that absolute simplicity, the exquisite, -innocent, glowing face too frank for concealment. He had no business -to probe her secret, and yet he must know. - -"Oh, I meant, you will not come back to us the same. You will have -learned the lesson of love, and I hope--you will be very happy." - -"I don't understand"--a puzzled line settling in her fair brow. "Oh!" -suddenly relieved, and then half smiling, "did you think," and then -her face crimsoned to its utmost capacity, "that I, that Dr. -Langdale--it is a mistake. We were dear friends in childhood, we are -warm friends now. For, you see, he has been like a little bit of -Pittsburg to me, and sometimes, when I was longing for the dear ones -at home, it was comforting to talk them over. And he has no thought of -marrying in a long, long while. He means to do so much first." - -Was she a finished coquette by the grace of nature? Young men were not -given to consideration of this or that when the bewildering passion -seized them. But coquette or not, a sharp, overmastering knowledge -seized him. Once she had advised him to marry and bring in the -household a charming girl. She recognized that his duty would be to M. -de Ronville while he lived. He knew that, too, if he would not prove -himself an ingrate. And here was the charming girl. - -He looked at her so long and steadily that there came faint colors in -her face, growing deeper, the lines about her mouth showed tremors, -the bronze-fringed lids drooped over her eyes, and she turned away. -But the delicious half-bashful movement set his pulses aflame. - -"Daffodil," and he caught her hand, "if there is no other among these -young men, or even at home, may I not sue for a little favor? I know -it surprises you; then perhaps I am too old to win a young girl's -regard, love I mean----" - -"Oh, you must not," she interrupted. "For I think you hardly like -me--you did not at first. And then, I--well--I do not mean to marry. -You know there was the----" - -"Which simply has no weight in your life." - -"But you see, I thought I loved him. Oh, I _did_ love him. And I was -so happy. Why, I would have gone to the end of the world with him! -Only when one deceives you, when one dares not tell the whole truth, -and when one cannot, does not want to give up wealth and station, what -was love is some way crushed out. But how could I tell if any new love -was the right thing? I might be mistaken again. And there are fickle -women in the world I have heard, who can love many times. I don't -desire to be one of them. Maybe it is only friendship I am fitted -for." - -She was trembling in every pulse, though she had made such a brave -defence. And she seemed to him a hundred times sweeter than she ever -had before. He had much ado not to clasp her to his heart. "My dear -little Daffodil," he said with passionate tenderness, "though you have -been wooed and said marriage vows, you know nothing about a true and -fervent love. That was not much beyond a child's fancy, and you have -overlived it, or you could not be so light-hearted. It is only a dream -in your life. And I will wait until the woman's soul in you wakes. But -I shall not let you go from my influence, I shall keep watch and ward, -and try to win you." - -"No, no, I am not worth all that trouble. No, do not try," she -pleaded. - -"I shall take your earlier advice. You said I must marry some charming -girl and bring her here. No other girl or woman could satisfy M. de -Ronville as well." - -"Did I advise you to do that?" and she blushed daintily. "Well," and -there was a glint of mischief in her eyes, soft as they were, "once I -was offered to you, and you declined." - -"Offered to me?" in surprise. - -"When I was here before. It was in this very library. I was outside, -and when I knew who was meant I ran away." - -"Oh, you were such a child then! And I was doing something that I have -always despised myself for. I knew a beautiful and fascinating woman, -who led me to believe she cared a great deal for me. And then she -laughed at my folly. I deserved it for my blindness. So you see, I too -had a rude awakening, and found that it was not love, but a mere sham. -I believe for a month or so I have been trying _not_ to love you, -shutting my eyes to a longing that stirred all my nature. And now that -I have admitted it, it has taken a giant's growth in a few hours. I -will wait until you can give me the true, sincere regard of your soul. -But I could not let you go until I had settled whether I had any -ground for hope. Shall we be friends, dear and fond friends, until -that time? But I want to be loved sincerely, deeply." - -She stood like a lovely culprit before him, and then he did enfold her -in his arms, and pressed his lips against her blushing cheek. - -"Oh, I cannot tell--yes, I like you--and you will be good to _him_ -while I am gone. But it is new and strange to me, and I cannot -promise." - -"But there is no one else--tell me that." - -"There is no one else. But whether--I can love again;" and there was a -great tremble in her voice, "whether it would be right." - -"Oh, little innocent, you will find the right and the truth some day, -I feel assured of that. I can trust you to tell me by word or sign -when that day comes, for I know you will be honest. And now I must go, -but I take with me a joy that will make glad the days and weeks of -separation. Oh, my little darling!" - -He went out of the house with a proud tread. He would never pause -until he had won her. His soul was startled and roused by the sudden -revelation of himself. He had supposed he should marry sometime, after -his duty was done here, for he could not imagine a woman broad enough -to share it with him. And here an angel had touched him with her fine -beneficence, and shown him the duty in a stronger, truer light. - -There was not much time for the ardent side of love, though Aldis -Bartram had to fight with himself for a show of mere friendliness. She -was to go at ten the next morning, and friends came to escort her. - -"And I shall stay and help our good friend to bear the trial of -parting," declared Madame Clerval. "We will talk over your virtues and -your shortcomings, the lovers you might have had if you had been an -astute young woman, and try to shed some sunshine on the doleful days -until next winter." - -There was the maid with some budgets, there was Dr. Langdale, proud -and serene enough for a lover, and it did rouse a spasm of jealousy in -the soul of Aldis Bartram. But he knew she was truth itself, and he -could depend upon her. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -A REVELATION - - -It was a lovely journey if the term could be applied to the -old-fashioned stagecoach. But the season of the year, the bloom and -beauty everywhere, and the pleasant companionship lightened the few -discomforts for Daffodil. There are natures that refrain from spoiling -anticipations by cares or perplexities left behind, and hers was one. -Indeed, hers was not complex, and people, women especially, had not -learned to crowd so many interests, and fears, and hopes together. She -would see those she loved the best, yes, she did love them the best of -all now. - -How glad they were to get her back! Yes, there were changes and -changes. New business plans and firms, old ones enlarged, discoveries -of coal and iron all about, materials for glass-making, a paper mill -under consideration. - -But the war was not yet over. The advisers of the King had begun to -adopt a tone of insolence toward the young Republic; indeed, in spite -of peace being signed, there was still an endeavor to stir up the -Indians on the outskirts of many of the towns. The Indian villages -along the Maumee received supplies of arms and ammunition, and were -fortifying their own forts. The alarm spread down the Ohio. The -British had not yet given up all the forts they had held in the -preceding war, in spite of the agreements. - -Tired of inaction, Lieutenant Langdale had, with several others, -offered his services to General Anthony Wayne, as there was great need -of trained officers. So Mrs. Langdale was doubly delighted with this -visit of her son, of whom she was quite as proud as of her soldier. - -"And I hope you have made good your chance with Daffodil Carrick," she -said to him a few days after his return. "She'll be quite worth the -winning, even if the father's money should all go to the son, who is a -very promising lad, I hear. But they count on having a big place over -the river, and that is all her share. One of you boys ought to win -her. I thought it would be Ned. And you have had a chance all winter." - -Archibald smiled, but there was no disappointment in it. - -"She was a great favorite all through the winter, and she can marry -any time she likes. But I have too much to do to take upon myself -family cares, and I think she isn't the sort of girl to be in a hurry. -We are just fine, sincere friends." - -"But I want you to marry. And I've counted on grandchildren. I wish I -had you both settled just around me. I shall be a lonesome old woman." - -"Then when I am rich enough to set up a house, you shall come and live -with me." - -"Do you think Dilly's going to let that miserable mess of a marriage -spoil all her life?" - -"Oh, she is very happy, mother; girls don't marry as young as they -did, and it is a good thing, too. They have some years of bright, gay -girlhood, and won't get worn out so soon. Daffodil is a charming -girl." - -"But she's getting quite along, and it isn't like being a widow -either," said the mother, who thought every girl ought to marry. - -Daffodil watched mother and grandmere with longing eyes. Yes, -grandmere _was_ getting old. Her mother was losing the pretty -girlishness, but she was very happy in her husband, and her son, who -was tall and very good-looking, quite toned down in manner. - -The house had no more changes. Here was her pretty room. Oh, yes, -there was a new bright rag carpet on the floor. She went around with a -tender touch on everything, patting the white pillow-slips, -straightening a picture or two, and wondering in a curious fashion if -sometime her brother's wife would be here and a group of merry -children--she hoped there would be a houseful of them. And gran would -be a great-grandfather, and sit in the big chair at the corner of the -fireplace, that he had covered over with buckskin of his own tanning. -Where she would be she did not plan. Only she would not mind being an -old maid, she thought. - -Everybody in the little circle supposed she would marry Dr. Langdale, -and were surprised when his mother sorrowfully admitted it was not to -be. - -"There's them that goes through the woods, and picks up a crooked -stick at the last;" and Norah shook her head resentfully. - -"My stick won't be crooked, I promise you," laughed the girl. - -"You may have no stick at all and go limping afoot and alone," was the -curt rejoinder. - -She was very happy, why she could hardly tell, for she felt she ought -not to be. There came a letter with the stamp of the office on it and -it had two enclosures. Her guardian's was most pleasant and fatherly. -They missed her very much, but Mrs. Jarvis had taken on a new phase of -kindliness so that he should not long too much for Daffodil, and Aldis -was like a son. They went out driving together. And Aldis had grown so -fond of the garden that he had not used to care much about. The -weather was fine and he really was quite well for an old gentleman. - -She almost dreaded to open the other. A blinding sort of consciousness -pervaded her as if she were a prisoner, as if there was asked of her -a curious, undefined surrender that she could hardly understand. -Before, she had gone on simply and been overtaken, as it were, given -without knowing just what she gave. Was it because she was older, -wiser? She had still to learn that there were many mysteries in love -that only a lifetime could explain. - -She let her eyes wander over it in a vague sort of fashion. Did she -really belong to him? He seemed to take possession of her in a way -that she could not gainsay, could not even refuse. - -But did she want to refuse? - -She went out to the keeping room after awhile. Her mother sat alone, -sewing some trifle. She came and laid both letters in her lap, then -went and sat on the door sill where a great maple threw its green arms -about in the soft breeze. There was a cuckoo somewhere, a -yellow-hammer searching for half-hidden food, and a thrush with his -long, sweet note. - -"Yes," her mother remarked, as if in answer to a question. "He laid -the matter before your father a month ago in the letter that came with -you." - -"Oh!" Then after a long while--"Mother, it is nothing like it was -before. Then I did not doubt myself, now I wonder. He is so wise in -many ways, I feel as if I had to reach up and up and I am a little -afraid. I have seen so many fine girls in the city. And beautiful -women." - -"The woman a man chooses is the best to him always." - -She did not torment herself with the thought that he was doing this -for her guardian's sake. She felt that he was not the kind of man to -take the mere crumbs of love while some one else feasted on the heart -of love divine. What troubled her was whether she could love enough. -And she hated to think there had been any previous regard. But did he -not say, too, that he had been fascinated by an unworthy liking? - -The summer seemed to check the wave of prosperity and men looked at -each other in half affright. For no one knew just how the tide might -turn. When the Indians made their sortie on Fort Recovery word came -that the garrison had been massacred, but Captain Gibson bravely held -it in spite of an all-day attack, and at night the enemy retreated. -General Wayne was in command of all the forces and the Indians made -various feints, hoping to be joined by the British, who were urging -them on, but there was no big regular battle until that of Fallen -Timbers, where a tornado had swept through the woods some time before. -A few miles below was a British fort, the meeting place of the western -fur traders. It was a hard fought field, but the victory for the -Americans was such a signal one that it ended the terror of a frontier -war that had hung over the border so long. - -No town rejoiced more than Pittsburg, which lost some men and was -proud of heroes who had come through the conflict unscathed. Among -these was Lieutenant Langdale, whose bravery and foresight gained him -a captaincy. - -"He's a brave fellow!" declared grandad, and Daffodil was glad he had -won some of the fame and glory for which he had longed. - -"It's fine to be a soldier when you can fight and have nothing happen -to you," declared Felix. "But I wouldn't want to be among the killed. -There's so many splendid things in life. I hope I will live to be a -hundred." - -There were many matters to share Daffodil's attention, though she did -miss the bright society and the knowledge branching out on every side. -Yet these girls who had married half a dozen years ago and had grown -common and careless with their little ones about them seemed very -happy. It certainly was an industrious community, but they played as -they worked. There were games that would have been no discredit to -modern scores, there was dancing and merriment and happiness as well. - -Was Daffodil learning her lesson? Aldis Bartram thought very slowly. -But he was a man who prized hard won contests. And if with the -attractive young men about her through the winter she had not been -won, then she was not an easy prize. He smiled at times over her -careful and futile reasoning. At least they would have the winter to -go over the ground. And though he was becoming an ardent lover he was -not an impatient one. - -There are some events and decisions in life that are precipitated by a -shock, the film that held one in thrall, veiling the clear sight, is -suddenly disrupted. And this happened to Daffodil Carrick. Her father -put an English paper in her hand one evening as he came up the path -where roses were still blooming. It had been remailed in Philadelphia. - -"From Madame Clerval," she said with a smile. "Some gay doings, I -fancy. She has friends in London." - -She glanced it over carelessly. The summer struggles had made her more -of a patriot, and brought to her mind vividly the morning she had run -out to know the cause of Kirsty Boyle's call and the ringing of his -bell. A very little girl. She was always glad she had heard it. - -She turned the paper to and fro rather impatiently. Oh, what was here -with the black insignia of death: "_Died, at Hurst Abbey, of a -malignant fever. Margaretta, wife of Jeffrey, Lord Andsdell, only -remaining son of the Earl of Wrenham._" - -She was not interested in the beauty of the bride, who had been a -great belle in her day and won no little fame on the stage, nor the -terrible accident that had deprived the Earl of two older sons and -two grandsons, paving the way for the succession of Lord Andsdell. She -shuddered and turned ghostly pale, and was terrified with a strange -presentiment. But she could not talk of it just yet and was glad Norry -and grandad came in to spend the evening with them. - -The next morning she gave her father a little note with "important" -written on the corner of the folded paper. - -"What now?" enquired her father laughingly, "Did you forget your -postscript?" - -She assented with a nod. - -Then she went about her daily duties, but a great terror surged at her -heart. She was to remember through everything that she was the only -woman Jeffrey Andsdell loved. Long ago she had cast it out. No doubt -he had been happy in his ancestral home, at least, he had chosen that, -well, wisely, too. But to ask that the woman he wronged should cling -to her burthen! - -How slowly the days passed. Aldis Bartram might have been away when -the note came--he had been to Baltimore on some troublesome -business--but waiting seemed very hard. And when it drew near to the -time, she used to take different paths down by the square where the -stage came in, just far enough away to see, but not be seen, and stand -with a blushing face and a strange trembling at her heart. One day -she was rewarded. There was the manly figure, the erect head, the -firm, yet elastic step. A sudden pride leaped up in her heart. - -She waylaid him in a bypath. - -"Daffodil!" he cried in surprise. "What has happened? - -"Nothing, nothing; I wanted to see you," but her voice trembled. "Come -this way." - -"How mysterious you are!" If she meant to give him his _conge_ she -could have done it better by letter. And the clasp of her hand on his -arm had a clinging force. - -"There is something for you to see. Let us turn here." - -After a space through intervening trees they came to the open, where -she paused and unfolded a paper she had held in her hand. "Read this," -she said, and he stared a moment silently. - -One moment, another moment. How still it was, every bird had hushed -its singing, even the crickets were not chirping. - -"He will come back to America. He will come back for you now that he -is free," Bartram subjoined hoarsely. Should he hold her or let her -go? Was the old love---- - -She faced him and slipped both hands over his shoulders, clasped them -at the back of his neck. It seemed to him he had never seen such an -entrancing light in her eyes. - -"Aldis," she began, with tremulous sweetness, "I would rather be your -wife than the greatest duchess of them all." And then she hid her -blushing face on his breast. - -It would not be raised, but he kissed the brow, the eyelids, and said -in a shaken voice: - -"Were you afraid----" - -Then she raised the sweet face where he saw tears and the quick rifts -of color, but there were high lights of resolve in the beautiful eyes. - -"Not afraid anything could rekindle the glamor of that mistake, nor -any repentance on his part mend the deception. I was a child then. I -did not understand the depths that go to the making of a true love. -All summer I have been learning----" - -Then she paused and hid her face again. - -"And there is a great deal more to learn, sweetheart. We shall go on -studying the delightful lesson all our lives, I trust, and never reach -the bottom of the cup of joy. Daffodil, you have already roused me to -a wider, higher life. A year ago I would not have been worthy of you. -Yes, I was blind and self-engrossed then. We will study the sweet -lesson together." - -Then they paused at a fallen log, not the old place that she never -cared to see again. A little stream came trickling down the high hill -and there were tender bird voices as accompaniments to the delicious -confession. It had grown slowly, she was so afraid of another mistake, -but he would never need to doubt its truth, its duration, its -comprehensiveness. - -It seemed minutes only and yet held the mysterious sweetness of hours. -Then she heard a voice calling. - -"Why--see! It is almost night! And that is Felix's voice. Oh, what -have I been doing?" and she rose in a startled manner. - -"We will explain our iniquity," he said laughingly. - -They met Felix. "Oh!" he exclaimed in surprise. "We couldn't think! -And we had supper." - -Then mother said, "Why, did you come in the stage? That was here hours -ago," to Mr. Bartram, in a wondering tone. - -"Yes; but we had a good deal of business to settle. I hope you didn't -eat up all the supper?" - -He studied them both curiously. Daffodil's face was scarlet. - -"Mr. Bartram, are you going to marry her?" he asked with a boy's frank -eagerness. - -"I hope to. Are you going to object?" - -"No," rather reluctantly. "Only I wish you were going to live here." - -Bernard Carrick had gone downtown. It showed the strides Pittsburg had -made when there was already a downtown. Barbe stood in the doorway -watching, for now the sky was growing gray with coming evening. But -before Mr. Bartram spoke, she knew. One of the delights of the other -engagement had been the certainty of keeping her daughter, now the -pang of separation pierced her to the quick. - -"Mrs. Carrick," he said in an appealing tone, "will you take me for a -son?" but Daffodil kissed her. - -They did not want much supper, but the others returned to the table -and talked. He had only come for a few days, but he begged that they -might have a wedding in the early fall, just as soon as possible -indeed, for the journey was so long they could not afford to waste -much time in courtship. They must be lovers afterward. - -So, after much discussion to shorten the time, mid-September was -settled upon. - -"Oh," Daffodil said in her most adorable tone, "I shall pray daily -that nothing will befall you, that God will send you back safely to -me." - -"And I shall be praying for you. Love surely opens one's heart to -God." - -There was not much to be made ready. The girl laid aside this and that -for the son's wife when he should take one, "for," said she, "there is -so much in my new house already. And Felix must marry young, so you -will have a new daughter in my place." - -She would not be married in church nor wear the olden wedding gown. -"Let it skip a generation," she said, "and that may change the luck." - -So the time came and the lover so full of impatience. She would have -the ceremony in the old room that had been so interwoven with her -life, and she fancied the spirit of great-grandfather was sitting -there in the old chair and she went for his blessing. - -The little girl passed out of Old Pittsburg and left behind lonely -hearts. Grandad could not be reconciled, there were some fine young -fellows in the town that would make good husbands. But Norah gave her -a blessing and the best of wishes. So Daffodil Bartram went out to her -new life, wondering how one could be so glad and happy when they were -leaving behind so much love. - -Old Pittsburg did not vanish with the little girl, however. But she -went on her way steadily, industriously. The new century came in with -great acclaim. Shipbuilding prospered. Iron foundries sprang up. The -glass works went from the eight pots and the capacity of three boxes -at a blowing to double that number, then doubled it again. The -primitive structure erected by George Anshuts before the century ended -was the progenitor of many others sending their smoke defiantly up in -the clear sky. And all along the Monogahela valley as well as in -other places the earth gave up its stores of coal as it had given up -its stores of iron. - -And in 1816 Pittsburg was incorporated as a city and had a mayor and -aldermen and her own bank. It was a new Pittsburg then, a hive of -human industry, where one business after another gathered and where -fortunes were evolved from real work, and labor reaps a rich reward. - -There are not many of the old things left. The block house built in -1764 by Colonel Bouquet still stands. A great depot covers the site of -the ancient Fort, and the spot of Braddock's defeat. But there are -Duquesne Heights, all her hills have not been levelled, if most of the -old things have passed away. She is the workshop of the world now, one -writer calls her "the most unique city in the world." And she has not -neglected the finer arts of beautifying. She has magnificent -buildings, fine libraries, and cultivated people, musical societies, -and half a hundred benevolent institutions. And we must not forget -that in six days after the firing on Fort Sumter a company of -Pittsburgers marched to Washington and offered their services to the -secretary of war. - -If the little girl had vanished, Daffodil Bartram found much happiness -in the new home. M. de Ronville was not only delighted, but grateful -over his two children who were not of kindred blood, but of the finer -and higher kin of love. There came children to the household, three -boys and one golden-haired girl, but he did not quite reach the years -of his friend Duvernay. And when the two older sons were grown they -cast their lot with Allegheny City, which in the course of time grew -into a lovely residential city, free from smoke and dust and noise, -and theirs proved a noble patrimony. The Bartrams still had a son and -daughter, and the journey to Pittsburg no longer had to be made in a -stage coach. - -Felix Duvernay Carrick made one of the notable citizens of the town, -the author of several useful inventions and a most thriving business -man, not needing any of his sister's fortune, for grandad left him -one, beside the one he was making with his brains and industry. And -Barbe was a happy grandmother to a merry flock, but she would never -leave the old house, though the farm was cut up by streets and houses -crowded in upon them. And she kept her bed of daffodils to the very -last. - -If there was not so much romance, it was the old story of the -Rhinegelt of the land and the rivers yielding up such treasures as few -cities possess, but without the tragedy of their legend. Work and -thrift and the ingenuity of man have reared a magnificent city. - - - - -[Illustration] - -THE LITTLE GIRL SERIES - -By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS - -ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES - -HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING PRICE, 60 CENTS - -A series of stories for girls by that popular author, Amanda M. -Douglas, in which are described something of the life and times of the -early days of the places wherein the stories are located. Now for the -first time published in a cheap edition. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD NEW YORK - -This is a pretty story of life in New York 60 years ago. The story is -charmingly told. The book is full of vivacious narrative, describing -the amusements, employments and the social and domestic life of Old -New York. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD BOSTON - -The story deals with the bringing up of little Doris by these Boston -people, who were her nearest relatives. It is a series of pictures of -life in Boston ninety years ago. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD BALTIMORE - -This tells the story of how a little girl grew up in a Southern city a -hundred years ago. A host of characters of all sorts--women, children, -slaves, rich people and poor people, fill the pages. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PITTSBURG - -An interesting picture is given of the pioneer settlement and its -people; while the heroine, Daffodil, is a winsome lass who develops -into a charming woman. - - -A LITTLE GIRL OF LONG AGO - -This story is a sequel to A Little Girl in Old New York. This is a -book for girls and boys of the present age, who will enjoy going back -to the old times. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD CHICAGO - -Ruth Gaynor comes to Chicago with her father when she is but eight or -nine years old. Ruth is a keen observer and makes a capital heroine. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD NEW ORLEANS - -The story gives a very picturesque account of the life in the old -Creole city. It is a well told and interesting story with a historical -background. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD SAN FRANCISCO - -This is the story of the little Maine girl who went to live in the -strange new city of the Golden Gate; she grows up a bright and -charming girl. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD WASHINGTON - -This story carries one back to Washington, a city then in its infancy. -The story throws a strong light on the early customs and life of the -people. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD PHILADELPHIA - -Little Primrose was the child of Friends, or Quakers. The author tells -Primrose's experiences among very strict Quakers, and then among -worldly people. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD QUEBEC - -The heroine is called "The Rose of Quebec." The picturesque life of -this old French city, as seen through the eyes of the little girl, is -here pictured. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD SALEM - -Cynthia Leveritt lived in old Salem about one hundred years ago. -Cynthia grows up, and so dear a girl could scarce have failed to have -a romance develop. The book will be enjoyed by all girls. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD ST. LOUIS - -This story will give a delightful treat to any girl who reads it. The -early days of this historical old city are depicted in a manner at -once true and picturesque. - - -A LITTLE GIRL IN OLD DETROIT - -The stirring times in which the little girl lived, and the social life -of a bygone age are depicted very happily. The heroine is a charming -girl. - - - - -The Girl Comrade's Series - - -ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. - -ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES. - -A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular -authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and -full of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting -motives, vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl -readers. - -HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING. - -PRICE, 60 CENTS. - - -=A BACHELOR MAID AND HER BROTHER.= By I. T. Thurston. - -=ALL ABOARD. A Story For Girls.= By Fanny E. Newberry. - -=ALMOST A GENIUS. A Story For Girls.= By Adelaide L. Rouse. - -=ANNICE WYNKOOP, Artist. Story of a Country Girl.= By Adelaide L. Rouse. - -=BUBBLES. A Girl's Story.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - -=COMRADES.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - -=DEANE GIRLS, THE. A Home Story.= By Adelaide L. Rouse. - -=HELEN BEATON, COLLEGE WOMAN.= By Adelaide L. Rouse. - -=JOYCE'S INVESTMENTS. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - -=MELLICENT RAYMOND. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - -=MISS ASHTON'S NEW PUPIL. A School Girl's Story.= By Mrs. S. S. Robbins. - -=NOT FOR PROFIT. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - -=ODD ONE, THE. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - -=SARA, A PRINCESS. A Story For Girls.= By Fannie E. Newberry. - - - - -The Girl Chum's Series - - -ALL AMERICAN AUTHORS. - -ALL COPYRIGHT STORIES. - -A carefully selected series of books for girls, written by popular -authors. These are charming stories for young girls, well told and -full of interest. Their simplicity, tenderness, healthy, interesting -motives, vigorous action, and character painting will please all girl -readers. - -HANDSOME CLOTH BINDING. - -PRICE, 60 CENTS. - - -=BENHURST, CLUB, THE.= By Howe Benning. - -=BERTHA'S SUMMER BOARDERS.= By Linnie S. Harris. - -=BILLOW PRAIRIE. A Story of Life in the Great West.= By Joy Allison. - -=DUXBERRY DOINGS. A New England Story.= By Caroline B. Le Row. - -=FUSSBUDGET'S FOLKS. A Story For Young Girls.= By Anna F. Burnham. - -=HAPPY DISCIPLINE, A.= By Elizabeth Cummings. - -=JOLLY TEN, THE; and Their Year of Stories.= By Agnes Carr Sage. - -=KATIE ROBERTSON. A Girl's Story of Factory Life.= By M. E. Winslow. - -=LONELY HILL. A Story For Girls.= By M. L. Thornton-Wilder. - -=MAJORIBANKS. A Girl's Story.= By Elvirton Wright. - -=MISS CHARITY'S HOUSE.= By Howe Benning. - -=MISS ELLIOT'S GIRLS. A Story For Young Girls.= By Mary Spring Corning. - -=MISS MALCOLM'S TEN. A Story For Girls.= By Margaret E. Winslow. - -=ONE GIRL'S WAY OUT.= By Howe Benning. - -=PEN'S VENTURE.= By Elvirton Wright. - -=RUTH PRENTICE. A Story For Girls.= By Marion Thorne. - -=THREE YEARS AT GLENWOOD. A Story of School Life.= By M. E. Winslow. - - - - -The Boy Spies Series - -These stories are based on important historical events, scenes wherein -boys are prominent characters being selected. They are the romance of -history, vigorously told, with careful fidelity to picturing the home -life and accurate in every particular wherein mention is made of -movement of troops, or the doings of noted persons. - - -THE BOY SPIES WITH LAFAYETTE. The story of how two boys joined the -Continental Army. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES ON CHESAPEAKE BAY. The story of two young spies under -Commodore Barney. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES WITH THE REGULATORS. The story of how the boys assisted -the Carolina Patriots to drive the British from that State. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES WITH THE SWAMP FOX. The story of General Marion and his -young spies. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES AT YORKTOWN. The story of how the spies helped General -Lafayette in the Siege of Yorktown. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES OF PHILADELPHIA. The story of how the young spies helped -the Continental Army at Valley Forge. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES AT FORT GRISWOLD. The story of the part they took in its -brave defense. - -By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE BOY SPIES OF OLD NEW YORK. The story of how the young spies -prevented the capture of General Washington. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - - - -The Navy Boys Series - -These stories are based on important historical naval events, scenes -wherein boys are prominent characters being selected. They are the -romance of history, vigorously told, with careful fidelity to -picturing the life on ship-board, and accurate in every particular -wherein mention is made of movement of vessels or the doings of noted -persons. - - -THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE WITH PAUL JONES. A boys' story of a cruise with -the Great Commodore in 1776. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS ON LAKE ONTARIO. The story of two boys and their -adventures in the war of 1812. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE ON THE PICKERING. A boy's story of privateering -in 1780. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS IN NEW YORK BAY. A story of three boys who took command -of the schooner "The Laughing Mary," the first vessel of the American -Navy. - -By James Otis. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS IN THE TRACK OF THE ENEMY. The story of a remarkable -cruise with the Sloop of War "Providence" and the Frigate "Alfred." - -By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS' DARING CAPTURE. The story of how the navy boys helped -to capture the British Cutter "Margaretta," in 1775. - -By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE TO THE BAHAMAS. The adventures of two Yankee -Middies with the first cruise of an American Squadron in 1775. - -By William P. Chipman. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - -THE NAVY BOYS' CRUISE WITH COLUMBUS. The adventures of two boys who -sailed with the great Admiral in his discovery of America. - -By Frederick A. Ober. Cloth. Price 60 cents. - - - - -The Boy Chums Series - -By WILMER M. ELY - -Handsome Cloth Binding. Price, 60 Cents Per Volume. - -In this series of remarkable stories by Wilmer M. Ely are described -the adventures of two boy chums--Charley West and Walter Hazard--in -the great swamps of interior Florida and among the cays off the -Florida Coast, and through the Bahama Islands. These are real, live -boys, and their experiences are well worth following. If you read one -book you will surely be anxious for those that are to follow. - - -THE BOY CHUMS ON INDIAN RIVER, or The Boy Partners of the Schooner -"Orphan." - -In this story Charley West and Walter Hazard meet deadly rattlesnakes; -have a battle with a wild panther; are attacked by outlaws; their boat -is towed by a swordfish; they are shipwrecked by a monster manatee -fish, and pass safely through many exciting scenes of danger. - - -THE BOY CHUMS ON HAUNTED ISLAND, or Hunting for Pearls in the Bahama -Islands. - -This book tells the story of the boy chums, Charley West and Walter -Hazard, whose adventures on the schooner "Eager Quest," hunting for -pearls among the Bahama Islands, are fully recorded. Their hairbreadth -escapes from the treacherous quicksands and dangerous water spouts; -how they lost their vessel and were cast away on a lonely island, and -their escape therefrom are fully told. - - -THE BOY CHUMS IN THE FOREST, or Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida -Everglades. - -The story of the boy chums hunting the blue herons and the pink and -white egrets for their plumes in the forests of Florida is full of -danger and excitement. How the chums encountered the Indians; their -battles with the escaped convicts; their fight with the wild boars and -alligators are fully told. - - -THE BOY CHUMS' PERILOUS CRUISE, or Searching for Wreckage on the -Florida Coast. - -This story of the boy chums' adventures on and off the Florida Coast -describes many scenes of daring and adventure, in hunting for ships -stranded and cargoes washed ashore. The boy chums passed through many -exciting scenes, on shore and island; and the loss of their vessel, -the "Eager Quest," they will long remember. - - -THE BOY CHUMS IN THE GULF OF MEXICO, or a Dangerous Cruise with the -Greek Spongers. - -This story of the boy chums, Charley West and Walter Hazard, hunting -for sponges, is filled with many adventures. The dangers of gathering -sponges are fully described; the chums meet with sharks and -alligators; and they are cast away on a desert island. Their rescue -and arrival home make a most interesting story. - - - - -The Boy Scout Series - -By HERBERT CARTER - -New stories of Camp Life, telling the wonderful and thrilling -adventures of the Boys of the Silver Fox Patrol. HANDSOME CLOTH -BINDINGS. - -PRICE, 60 CENTS PER VOLUME - - -THE BOY SCOUTS FIRST CAMP FIRE; or, Scouting with the Silver Fox -Patrol. - -This book, every up-to-date Boy Scout will want to read. It is -brimming over with thrilling adventure, woods lore and the story of -the wonderful experiences that befel the Cranford troop of Boy Scouts -when spending a part of their vacation in the wilderness. The story is -clean and wholesome in tone, yet with not a dull line from cover to -cover. - - -THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE BLUE RIDGE; or, Marooned Among the Moonshiners. - -Those lads who have read The Boy Scouts First Camp Fire and followed -the fortunes of Thad Brewster, the Young Patrol leader, will be -delighted to read this story. It tells of the strange and mysterious -adventures that happened to the Patrol in their trip through the -"mountains of the sky" in the Moonshiners' Paradise of the old Tar -Heel State, North Carolina. When you start to read you will not lay -the book down until the last word has been reached. - - -THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL; or, Scouting through the Big Game -Country. - -In this story the Boy Scouts once more find themselves in camp and -following the trail. The story recites the many adventures that befel -the members of the Silver Fox Patrol with wild animals of the forest -trails, as well as the desperate men who had sought a refuge in this -lonely country, making most delightful reading for every lad who has -red blood in his veins. This is a story which every boy will be glad -to read and recommend to his chums. - - -THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The New Test for the Silver Fox -Patrol. - -In the rough field of experience the tenderfoots and greenhorns of the -Silver Fox Patrol are fast learning to take care of themselves when -abroad. Many of the secrets of the woods, usually known only to old -hunters and trappers, are laid bare to the eyes of the reader. Thad -and his chums have a wonderful experience when they are employed by -the State of Maine to act as Fire Wardens, since every year terrible -conflagrations sweep through the pine forests, doing great damage. - - -THE BOY SCOUTS THROUGH THE BIG TIMBER; or, The Search for the Lost -Tenderfoot. - -A serious calamity threatens the Silver Fox Patrol when on one of -their vacation trips to the wonderland of the great Northwest. How -apparent disaster is bravely met and overcome by Thad and his friends, -forms the main theme of the story, which abounds in plenty of humor, -rollicking situations, hairbreadth escapes and thrilling adventures, -such as all boys like to read about. If you ever dream of camping out -in the woods, here you may learn how to do it. - - -THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES; or, The Secret of The Hidden Silver -Mine. - -By this time the boys of the Silver Fox Patrol have learned through -experience how to rough it upon a long hike. Their last tour takes -them into the wildest region of the great Rocky Mountains, and here -they meet with many strange adventures that severely test their grit, -as well as their ability to grapple with emergencies. This is one of -the most interesting of the stories in the Boy Scout Series,--the -experiences of Thad Brewster and his Cranford troop abounds in plenty -of humor, and hairbreadth escapes. - - -For sale by all booksellers, or sent post-paid on receipt of price by -the publishers, A. L. BURT COMPANY, 52-58 Duane Street, New York - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg, by -Amanda M. 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