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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f57f44 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,13 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text +*.htm text +*.html text +*.png binary +*.jpg binary +*.svg text +*.pdf binary +*.bmp binary +*.zip binary +*.midi binary +*.mp3 binary diff --git a/78824-0.txt b/78824-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d0b18da --- /dev/null +++ b/78824-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,7811 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78824 *** + +Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed. + + + +[Illustration: "As if I cared," returned Theo, turning her back to + her cousin.] + + + + GIRLS TOGETHER + + + BY AMY E. BLANCHARD + + AUTHOR OF + + "TWO GIRLS," "TWENTY LITTLE MAIDENS," ETC. + + + _ILLUSTRATED BY IDA WAUGH_ + + + [Illustration] + + + PHILADELPHIA + J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY + 1900 + + + + COPYRIGHT, 1895 + BY + J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY. + + + +ELECTROTYPED AND PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A. + + + + TO + + MY GIRLHOOD'S BELOVED COMPANION, + + JENNIE E. S., + + THE GENTLE MISTRESS OF "POSIE-COSSIE," + + I Dedicate + + THIS LITTLE BOOK, WITH A LOVE THAT + + GROWS FROM YEAR TO YEAR. + + + + CONTENTS. + ————— + +CHAPTER + + I.—GROWN UP + + II.—UPS AND DOWNS + + III.—A FLAVOR OF BOHEMIA + + IV.—SETTLED DOWN + + V.—JACK'S SEND-OFF + + VI.—A PRIVATE VIEW + + VII.—HOW ELDORADO ANN WAS SCARED + + VIII.—AN OLD SONG + + IX.—WHAT JACK DID + + X.—A CHRISTMAS STOCKING + + XI.—ARCHIE DECIDES + + XII.—"UNDER GREEN APPLE-BOUGHS" + + XIII.—SEPARATIONS + + XIV.—ARCHIE'S CLIENT + + XV.—BEFORE THE FEAST + + XVI.—THE WEDDING + + XVII.—AT PRESTON + +XVIII.—"AS LIKE AS A HAND TO ANOTHER HAND" + + XIX.—WHAT BECAME OF VAL'S PORTRAIT + + XX.—AND SO— + + + LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. + ——————— + + + "As if I cared," returned Theo, turning her back to her + cousin _Frontispiece._ + + She came in one afternoon, when all were sitting on + the porch + + Then, with a leap, she sprang away + + Then she turned towards home + + "The idea of chickens at this time of year," said Val + + And the work proceeded with great briskness + + + + [Illustration] + + GIRLS TOGETHER + + ——————— + +CHAPTER I. + +GROWN UP. + +THE sleepy old university town had been for some days alive with the +excitement attending class-day and the yearly commencement at the +university. + +Theo Nelson and her cousin Val Le Moyne were among the interested +participants in the festivities, and none of the town's guests were +having a better time; for Theo's brother, Archie, was one of the +graduates, and his friends, who were all well known to the girls, were +assiduous in their attentions, while in Jack Allen, Archie's special +chum and classmate, the cousins felt nearly as much interest as in +Archie himself, taking great pride in the honors Jack was bearing +off. Even Aunt Janet Nelson was as enthusiastic as the others on this +occasion; but Miss Janet was as a mother to the little group, and the +interests of her "children" had been closely hers during all the years +they had lived with her. + +Val was standing at the foot of the stairs, waiting for her cousin. + +"Theo, hurry!" she cried. "The boys are coming." + +"Boys!" answered Theo, in a tone of scorn, as she made her appearance, +drawing on her gloves. "Young men, you mean; you forget that they have +received their degrees, and that they know all there is to know. They +are 'sumptuously informed,' as I heard some one say yesterday." + +"Yes," replied Val, laughing, "and the 'young men' are quite aware of +it. Anything more lordly than Archie's tread as he walks up the street +I have never seen. Do come and look, Theo: isn't he majestic?" + +"Yes," answered Theo, coming to the door; "but he is a lord among +lords. They all do that way at first. Come, it is late; we might as +well go and meet them." + +"Where is auntie?" asked Archie of his sister. + +"She has gone with Mrs. Talcott and Nannie," replied Theo; "she will +meet us at the house. We are quite late." + +Archie consulted his watch. "Not so very," he returned; "and it is only +to drink tea that we are going. It was very good of the professor to +ask us; but, for my part, I should rather do something else." + +Val raised her eyebrows significantly. + +"Now what?" said Archie, testily. "You are so ready to pounce on a +fellow, Val. What have I done?" + +"Oh, nothing," replied Val, airily; "only I supposed from your general +demeanor that anything less than a professor's society you could not +tolerate." + +"Humph!" and Archie gave vent to the exclamation in an exceedingly +disgusted manner. + +"Stop your squabbling, children," put in Jack Allen. "Give us a little +rope, Val. We'll come down from our lofty perches soon enough; we shall +forget how much we know before many months have passed." + +And the party proceeded in an amiable spirit towards the university +grounds. + +Just before the professor's house was reached, they all stopped to look +across the valley at the beautiful view spread out before them. + +"I hate to leave it," said Jack, suddenly. + +"I shall come back every year," declared Archie. "You'll come too, +Jack?" + +"I don't know," was the doubtful response. + +And then the little group turned aside into the long corridor, to be +greeted at one of the doorways by their hostess. + +"Ah, Mr. Nelson," she said, "your aunt came long ago. We began to fear +that you had at last succumbed to the pressure of all the duties that +have been thrust upon you during the past week. On how many committees +have you served, pray?" + +"I always told Arch he was entirely too popular," remarked Jack Allen. +"He will suffer for it yet, Mrs. Marshall. Are we so very late?" + +"Not too late," she replied, with a smile. + +And she led them in-doors to where the murmur of voices gave evidence +that a company was gathered. + +Miss Janet Nelson, with Nannie Talcott on one side, Gilbert Rogers on +the other, and Teddy Forester leaning on the back of her chair, was +laughing at the nonsensical run of talk carried on by the young people. + +"Ah! There they come," announced Gilbert, catching sight of the +new-comers. "The late Mr. Nelson and his party have at last arrived." + +The girls made their way over to Miss Nelson, and were soon followed by +Archie and Jack. + +"Who do you think is here?" whispered Nannie to Theo. + +"I can't imagine." + +"Fly Crawford, Val's ancient enemy." + +"Really? Yes; see Val's color and her haughty look. Why, Nannie, +Gilbert is talking to her!" + +"Yes, I know; but I believe he quite likes her. She is stopping with +very nice people, you know, friends of Gilbert's, and he has had to +show her some attention." + +Theo looked grave, but her attention was just then turned aside, and +the subject was dropped for the time being. + +"Such a grown up set as I shall have about me," Miss Nelson was saying +to Mrs. Marshall. "Theo and Archie have graduated this year, and Jack, +too: he seems like one of us, you know. Val is my only baby: she has +another year before her, at least. She rather resents being my baby, +though." + +Val looked up quickly. "No, not that exactly," she interposed; "but I +always feel as though I were running very hard and couldn't keep up +with the others. I seem to remind myself of those little children who +are always tagging behind the older ones, especially when Archie is so +superior," glancing mischievously at her cousin. + +"And you will have them all with you again?" said Mrs. Marshall, +addressing Miss Nelson. + +"Yes; that is what comforts me in losing my children. I shall have a +young man to attend to business for me, and a young woman to take some +of my home responsibilities from my shoulders," replied Miss Janet. + +"And you go back to Roseville to-morrow?" + +"Yes; Archie thinks of reading law with an old friend of his father's, +and Theo—" + +"What will Theo do?" asked Mrs. Marshall. + +Miss Nelson did not see the quick glances exchanged by Nannie and Theo +as she replied: + +"Oh, Theo will have to be a young lady, I suppose, though I should wish +her to have some central interest; too many girls spend such useless +lives. Roseville does not offer a very broad field, but I think Theo +need not be idle, nor even uselessly busy." + + +Though the next day did indeed see them all returned to Roseville, it +saw all Miss Janet's plans overturned by a letter which awaited their +arrival. This letter was addressed to Archie by Colonel Smith, Val's +guardian, who had formed a warm attachment for the young man, and who +now offered him the opportunity of studying law in New York, under +Colonel Smith himself. Archie read the communication very slowly and +thoughtfully, put the letter in his pocket, then, picking up his hat, +he said to his chum,— + +"Come, Jack, let us go forth." + +Jack's face was very grave as he also put a letter into his own pocket +and joined his friend without saying a word. + +When they were out of the house, Archie handed his letter to Jack, +saying,— + +"Give us your opinion of that." + +"You ought to go," decided Jack. "It is the chance of a lifetime, Arch. +With such a man as the Colonel, you could not have a better." + +"I want to go," returned Archie, "but I do feel that I owe my aunt and +my sister something; they have both made sacrifices for me. I have been +at the university for four years, and I ought to be at home now." + +"I'm afraid I'm not an impartial adviser," returned Jack, "for it would +mean so much to me to have you still at hand. You can't know, old +fellow, what it would cost me to cut loose from you all." + +"I shall have to tell auntie sometime," said Archie; "so I might as +well get it over first as last." + +He found it very hard, however, to broach the subject of the letter to +his aunt. The tender, motherly care given himself and his sister from +their babyhood seemed worthy as great consideration as his own future, +and the boy honestly strove to be unselfish in the matter. + +"Give you up again, my boy!" said Miss Nelson. "That is a great tax on +my generosity, but I know Colonel Smith means to give you the best of +opportunities; and, indeed, it is not a surprise to me. The Colonel +hinted at something of the kind long ago, but I did not count upon it. +Go! Of course you will. There is no question about it. Your auntie +still has her faculties," she laughingly continued; "she doesn't grow +old as fast as she might." And so it was settled that way. + +Archie's departure for New York was hastened by a piece of information +given by Jack that evening, who stated that his own leave must soon be +taken. + +"I have just been notified of my uncle's marriage," he said. + +"What!" exclaimed Archie. "Old pineknot married?" + +Jack nodded. + +"Oh, Jack!" said Theo. + +"What a shame!" cried Val. + +"It need not affect you, Jack," remarked Miss Nelson, consolingly. + +"It need not, perhaps, but yet it may. You remember, two years ago—" +turning to Archie—"I said then I wouldn't trust Uncle Silas around the +corner; and the past two summers have not added to my confidence in +him. So I think I ought to be on hand to watch matters." + +"You will be one of the firm now, I suppose?" said Miss Nelson. + +"Perhaps," was the reply. "I cannot really tell; that was my father's +intention. He wanted me to spend the summers, during my college +life, in the office, and when I had taken my degree, to assume my +responsibilities as one of the house; but—" and Jack paused doubtfully. + +"Well, I shall go on with you," Archie declared, "and we'll still be +chums. Eh, Jack?" slapping his comrade's shoulder heartily. "When must +you go?" + +"I should not put it off," was the response. "I should say the first of +next week." + +"Oh!" exclaimed the girls. "That is mean, Jack, to take Archie away +just as we have him home again." + +"To say nothing of yourself," added Val. + +Jack looked at Theo, who said nothing. + +"Wait till the last of the week," pleaded Val. + +"Can you not, Jack?" put in Miss Nelson. + +"I might," said he, doubtfully, still looking at Theo. + +But that young person got up and went out of the room, as if +determining to have no voice in the matter. Still, Jack consented to +lengthen his stay somewhat. + + +And again, as so often before, a merry little party rollicked through +the June days. + +They were joined, not only by Theo's friend, Nannie Talcott, but +by Gilbert Rogers, whose presence, however, somewhat disturbed the +others, for Fly Crawford's return to her home was an evident reason for +Gilbert's lingering in the neighborhood. + +"It seems too bad," said Theo, in distress, to her brother, "that +Gilbert should be so strongly under the influence of a girl as utterly +frivolous as Fly. I shouldn't care if she were only frivolous, but—" +and Theo paused, not liking to say anything in further detriment. Then +she went on, "There is such a difference between a girl's being bright +and witty and being—I hate the word—fast. Now, Val is bright and lively +as can be, but she never forgets her womanliness." + +Archie nodded thoughtfully. "A good many fellows," he said, "haven't +perspicacity enough to see the difference, but when a fellow has a +sister and a cousin, he knows. There is some hope for a girl who is +only silly, and who lacks judgment because she is young. Most girls +have a little round of thoughts that they keep going over and over." + +Theo laughed. "What are they?" she asked. + +"Oh, they wonder how they look and who is looking at them; and if +any fellow looks at them, what he thinks; and if he doesn't look, +why doesn't he; and what can she do to made him look. But it doesn't +do any harm; it is only silliness, and they get over it as they grow +older,—that is, most of them do." + +"Now, Archie," expostulated Theo, resenting this charge against her +sex, "do you think I have no better thoughts to occupy my mind?" + +"Well, maybe you don't keep in so small a circle." + +"And Val?" + +"Oh, well, Val inclines towards it, but she will get over it. There is +hope for her. She is not a girl whose inclinations are toward unwomanly +acts. If she does anything reprehensible, it is from thoughtlessness." + +"She is the nicest girl 'I' know," replied Theo. "Now, let us go down +to the others; they will think we have deserted them entirely. Do hear +Val laughing. Hasn't she the merriest laugh?" + +"Val is a nice child," observed Archie. + +Theo smiled, thinking how Val would resent being called a child. + +"Wait a minute," said Archie; "don't say anything about our +conversation, not even to Jack. We can talk as we choose together, for +we have had no secrets from each other." + +"I will be discreet," replied Theo. Then, after a pause, and a little +hesitatingly, she asked, "Do you think Jack is much concerned over his +uncle's marriage?" + +"Bless him! He would keep it to himself if he were. But I am afraid it +will affect him more or less, though one cannot tell how much. We'll +hope it may not be much the worse for him. There! Those children are +getting too hilarious. I must go and put a stop to it." + +As to putting a stop to the hilarity, Archie's presence seemed only +to add fuel to the flames, and for the rest of the afternoon, the +merriment ran high till Gilbert, pleading an engagement, left them, +when they all sobered down. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration: She came in one afternoon, when all were sitting on the +porch.] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER II. + +UPS AND DOWNS. + +THEO, with her quick sympathies, was most anxiously concerned for her +brother's friend, Gilbert Rogers. And when certain gossiping remarks +came to her ears, she resented them with all the warmth of her youthful +spirit, but only in Archie's hearing, for she did not think it wise to +repeat the gossip to any one else. + +It was Val who finally stirred up a more general indignation in the +little household. She came in, one afternoon, when all were sitting on +the porch, swept by Gilbert with the air of a tragedy queen, her blue +eyes blazing, and her little head held up in the haughtiest manner. +After she had passed into the house, silence fell upon the group, +broken at last by Archie. + +"Whew!" he ejaculated. "I feel as if a cyclone had passed us. What do +you suppose has been disturbing my lady Le Moyne? She wears the most +indignant expression I have seen for many a day. Has any one been +'sassing' her?" turning to the group. + +All protested innocence, though Gilbert looked a trifle uneasy. + +Miss Janet arose and followed Val to her room. The door was locked, but +she caught the quick tread of the girl as she paced the floor. Auntie +knocked. There was no answer. + +"It is auntie, dear," she said, presently. + +Against auntie's appeal there was never any protest, and Val +immediately opened the door, the indignant tears standing in her eyes, +as auntie said, "What has been angering my little girl? Something more +than usual, I am sure." + +"It is that horrid, horrid girl!" replied Val, with a quick stamp of +her little foot. + +"My darling child, don't be so vehement. What is it, now? You must not +be influenced by silly school-girl tales." + +"This isn't a school-girl tale; it is the truth. I heard it from a +perfectly reliable source. I am eighteen, auntie, and I am old enough +to have some sort of womanly rights. I will not have people say what is +not true of me." + +"There! There!" coaxingly said Miss Nelson. "Sit down here and tell me +all about it. We can sift down your information, and see how much need +there is for your righteous indignation." + +Val established herself in a chair and rocked fiercely for a few +moments. Then she broke out with, "It makes me ashamed even to tell +you, auntie, but you shall know it. Fly Crawford has told Gilbert that +I am in love with him. Did you ever hear of such a mean, contemptible +thing?" + +"How do you know she told him?" + +"She boasted of it to one of the girls." + +"It is a very mean act, one quite unworthy of a noble nature, but I am +afraid Lee Crawford has not a noble nature. We all know it is not true, +dear child." + +"Yes, of course you do; and Theo does; so does Archie. But how do I +know what Gilbert thinks?" + +"Why, my dear, Gilbert surely is not so vain as all that. You have +treated him just as you have Jack and Teddy Forester and the other +boys, have you not?" + +"Ye-s," replied Val, a little doubtfully; "except when we first knew +the boys, auntie, I was a little flirty then. But I was only a little +girl four years ago, and he cannot attach any importance to what I did +then." + +"I remember," returned auntie, smiling. + +"Fly has never forgiven me for deserting her faction," continued Val, +"and has shown her resentment in more ways than one; but this caps the +climax, and I will not have it. Oh, auntie! I wish you would talk to +him and let him know how utterly unworthy Fly is. I know you do not +like to have us say unkind things of other girls, and I try not to, to +outsiders, but Gilbert is too good a fellow to be thrown away on such a +girl as that. I don't see how he can be so blind." + +"Lee Crawford has very taking little ways: she is bright and pretty. +Gilbert is probably the last one to hear the real truth, and if he does +hear, he is apt to resent it. There is a very perverse side to human +nature, and a man must be singularly strong to exercise level judgment +in such matters. I am afraid it would do no good, Val." + +"Oh, but, auntie, you—he surely knows you could have no other motive +than his best good; he has such respect for your opinions. Won't you +try? I cannot have such things said of me. If you cannot help me, I +shall have to tell Archie, and then there will be a bigger fuss. Oh, +dear! Why do such serpents have to exist? I have tried not to be down +on Gilbert; but it does lower him in my opinion to have him countenance +a girl who could be so contemptible; it makes me feel as if his own +sense of honor were less than I thought." + +"It is all his vanity, my child; that being appealed to makes him lose +sight of the other things. I will try what I can do, Val, though I am +opposed to any interference in such affairs, as a rule; it seldom does +any good. If he is really very much interested, I am sure he will not +listen; but if it is merely a fancy, a word of warning may be timely. I +agree with you that Gilbert is entirely too good a boy to have his life +ruined by an utterly unscrupulous girl. + +"It is strange how girls of that character can so often dominate really +good men. I suppose it is, as some one says, that we see in others the +reflex of ourselves, and Gilbert's is an honest soul, which doubtless +finds it hard to recognize duplicity in another. His vanity is his +greatest weakness, and that, I hope, is a failing born of his youth, +rather than a radical defect of character; but through his vanity, Lee, +I fancy, has obtained her hold upon him. Now, don't let this trouble +you, dear; had Lee been a friend of yours, she could not have done it. +But since we know she is not, you must try to dismiss the whole matter." + +"But I shall hate to see Gilbert again," said Val, in a troubled voice. + +"You must try to treat him just as usual; and, dear girlie, let this +help you in this way to learn that it 'is dangerous to strike leagues +of friendship with cheap persons.'" + +"Oh, I know, I know. I might have been a 'cheap person' myself, if I +had not had you to warn me, auntie." + + +It was hard for Miss Nelson to give Gilbert the warning she desired +to give which should not seem harsh and prejudiced, but which should +open his eyes to the true character of Lee Crawford. But, fortunately, +the young man's fancy was not very deep, and obstinacy was not a +distinctive feature in his make-up. And then Miss Nelson was wise +enough to be able to convince him that hers was only a loving interest. +And since he knew her abhorrence of gossip, he attached more importance +to her opinions than he would have done to those of the ordinary woman. + +"I should be so glad," said Miss Janet, "to help Lee, to bring her into +our own circle, but I am afraid it would do her little good and do my +own girls harm. And I doubt if she would accept our advances in the +right spirit; it is not as if she were a homeless, motherless girl. +She has had good influences all her life; her parents, her teachers, +her friends, have all interested themselves in her. She knows what is +right; it is not through ignorance that she errs." + +"I feel very sorry for her," said Gilbert. + +"So do I," returned Miss Nelson; "but does it not occur to you, +Gilbert, that if she really wanted to do well she would do it for her +own sake as much as for yours? That she would scorn to use meretricious +means to secure your interest? That by poisoning your mind against your +friends, she proves herself less your friend than her own self-lover? +Think it over. Can you be sure that vague hints, little flouting +remarks, have not had their effect upon you? Have you not lately felt +that we were old-fogyish and straitlaced, and that you were cultivating +a very desirable breadth of charity for humanity in general and Lee +Crawford in particular?" + +Gilbert looked up quickly. "How could you tell that? But, Miss Nelson, +she does not have a bad influence over me." + +"Are you sure?" + +"I really think not. How could she do me any harm?" + +"In several ways. Persons might say that you are completely hoodwinked +by a very clever girl. Do you like to know that? Is it pleasant for +your friends to hear, 'Poor Gilbert Rogers! He is so simple, he cannot +see what a fool that girl is making of him.' Or, to hear, 'If that +is the kind of a girl Gilbert Rogers prefers, he must be of the same +stamp. We would rather not invite him here.'" + +"Oh, Miss Nelson, that is a little far-fetched." + +"Do you think so? It might be in some circles, but we are perhaps a +bit old-fashioned in our codes of morality, and I have heard it said +more than once. Again, would you want for a wife a woman whom your +best friends could not respect? Although marriage is probably very far +from your present thought, an infatuation might result in such a thing +before you are in a position for it." + +Gilbert was silent a moment, then he said, "I believe I have a good +influence over her. Suppose I should give her up, might I not have +helped her to be better if she is all you say?" + +"Dear boy, surely, if when she knows your standards, she cannot make +an effort to reach them, if when she is anxious to obtain your best +opinions, she still does the same audacious things as before, still +talks as compromisingly, still maintains the same light behavior, still +continues by her actions to forfeit the respect of your friends, do you +think she would be better when she had actually won your affection? If +now, when she should, by reason of her interest in you, be naturally +striving to live above reproach, and is no better, do you think you can +expect much later?" + +"But I have promised to be her friend," said Gilbert, distressedly. + +"So you may be, in moderation; but that does not mean that you must +give the greater part of your spare time to her, that you must devote +yourself to her in such a degree as to excite remark. I trust I am +neither prejudiced nor uncharitable. I should open my arms to her if +she cared for such a refuge, if I knew she desired to know the better +things of life, but that way does not lie her inclination." + +"But how do we know," persisted Gilbert, "that all we have heard is not +gossip: mere idle tales from jealous girls?" + +"Jealous! My dear boy. Why jealous? Are you such a desirable person +that mothers and daughters must combine to attract you from any one? +Why jealous of you more than others? There are numbers of other boys +who are quite attentive to other girls we know, but we do not hear a +word against the girls in consequence. Look at Jessie Meredith; there +is no more popular girl in the town; she has attention enough to turn +any one's head, but you do not hear anything said in her disfavor. No, +my dear boy, a girl whom good mothers forbid as an associate for their +daughters is not a safe companion for a young man, either." + +Gilbert looked rather sheepish. "You think I am dreadfully conceited, +don't you, Miss Janet?" + +Miss Nelson smiled. "I think you are a little too fond of admiration, +but I do not think it is a hopeless defect. Later on, I expect to see +you develop into a very sound man. You know, my dear boy, there is no +real friendship in which truth is not the first element, and you do +believe me to be your friend." + +"I do," replied Gilbert, warmly. "Miss Nelson, I know I shall thank you +for all this, but just now I am a little sore over it." + +And the interview ended, though Gilbert gave heed to the counsel. His +weakness did not extend beyond a certain love of admiration; so he +was not impervious to reason, but was strong enough to see that Miss +Nelson could have no motive beyond helping him to escape a misfortune, +as he began to think it really might be. And when Archie and Jack took +their leave, Gilbert went too. Fly Crawford lost no time in turning her +attention in a new direction, and that was the end of that matter. + + +After Archie and Jack departed, Theo seemed given to many brown +studies, and to Val's plans for the coming winter appeared to +enter with little heartiness. The cause of this was made apparent +as the first of September approached, for Nannie Talcott wrote +enthusiastically from New York, begging Theo to join her there. + +"I have taken a room, and am going to study at the League," she +announced; "could you not come on for a little while, anyhow?" + +Theo did not look up as she read, for she knew there would be disfavor +in her aunt's face. + +"It is not to be thought of," said Miss Nelson, as Theo closed the +letter. "Two girls there alone! I could not consent, Theo." + +"But Archie is there." + +"True; still, you would be alone all day. You want to go very much, +don't you, dear?" + +"Oh, I do, I do," replied Theo. "Nan and I have been talking of it for +a year; and I could study music. And, oh, auntie, I should be near +Archie." + +"And Jack," put in Val, craftily. + +"That would be sufficient reason for my remaining here," replied Theo, +caustically. + +"Mean girl!" exclaimed Val. "The idea of your wanting to leave auntie +and me. You love Nannie better than anybody, I do believe." + +Theo looked distressed. + +"That isn't quite fair, Val," reproved auntie. "I understand how Theo +feels. This is a very narrow field for her energies. She loves her home +beyond anything,—that I know. But Nannie's plan is full of delightful +possibilities; and if there were some older person to be with them, I +should be inclined to think it a good thing. I trust my girls entirely, +but I am not quite sure into what their inexperience might lead them. +Let the question rest for a time, Theo, and I will think over all the +pros and cons." + +The result of Miss Nelson's cogitations was that a most attractive plan +was unfolded to the delighted girls. It was nothing more nor less than +that they should all go to New York, Val taking up her studies there, +and Miss Nelson still overlooking them all. + +"How perfectly, perfectly delightful!" cried Theo. "Oh, how pleased the +boys will be!" + +"And the Colonel," cried Val, "the dear old Colonel. Oh, Theo, I +believe he will dance for joy." + +The idea of the dignified Mr. Smith dancing for joy was too much for +Theo, and she laughed heartily. + +"I have counted the cost," Miss Janet informed them, "and I think we +can manage very comfortably. I have an opportunity of renting the house +furnished. I think that is what decided me; it seemed to answer the +question. Mrs. Lewis has decided to give up boarding, and as there +are only herself and her husband in the family, no one could be more +desirable. I think, too, it will do me good to be shaken up a little. I +am getting too well satisfied to sit down in the chimney-corner. I need +a fresh infusion of spirit to keep me young." + +"You darling, blessed auntie, you are always just right," exclaimed +Theo; "and it is the most delicious plan I ever heard of. When can we +go?" + +"I propose that you go as soon as you can get ready, and I will follow +with Val. I am not afraid but what you can get along for a week or two, +and Nannie is so eager to have you. So you will have a little chance to +try that 'unhampered existence' Nannie is so fond of expatiating upon; +and it will also give you a chance of being glad to see me." + +"As if I ever needed that!" reproached Theo. "Then you know Archie is +right at hand, and I couldn't do anything very much out of the way," +she added. + +The idea of Theo's doing anything out of the way amused Val. "We shall +have such larks, Theo," she exclaimed, "when I get there." + +"Don't be too sure," interposed Miss Janet. "I shall have an eye on +you; and you are not going just for fun, Miss Val; you are going for +hard study. Mr. Smith quite approves of your finishing your studies at +another school, and I want Theo to take up some other special work. +What shall it be, Theo?" + +"Oh, French or German. French, I think. I do so want to go on with +that. We can all study together, maybe. I know Nannie will be glad to, +and we can have a nice little class." + +"Isn't it strange," remarked Val, "how it is the unexpected that always +happens? Who could have dreamed that we all—the whole kit and crew of +us—would up and start for New York? What shall you do, auntie, about +Mammy and Eldorado Ann and Ishmael?" + +"They can stay right here. Mrs. Lewis is only too glad to have that +question settled; and she is devoted to cats, so Ishmael will fare +well. We have nothing to do but to pack up and start. But, dear me! It +is an undertaking for me, after all." And Miss Nelson looked around, as +if half regretting her decision. + +"Oh, no," expostulated Theo; "it will give you something pleasant to +think about, auntie, and it will do you a world of good. You have not +been away from home for years. I think it is going to be as well for +you as for any of the rest of us." + +For the next two weeks there was much consulting with dressmakers, many +trips to the dry-goods shops, and the girls were absorbed in the topic +of clothes. + +"One would suppose we were the dressiest creatures in the world," said +Theo, as she made the sewing-machine fly. + +"And that there were no shops at all in New York," laughed Val. "Why do +you suppose we are going to all this trouble?" + +"Oh, so as not have to bother when we get there. We want to look +halfway respectable, though no doubt we shall feel very 'meechin' when +we get on Fifth Avenue," replied Theo. "Val, how do you want this +trimming put on?" + +"'I am not choicy,' as Mammy says." + +"So?" inquired Theo. "That is more youthful?" + +"Youthful!" + +"Yes, old 'Miss Le Moyne,' youthful." + +Val sniffed; but she gave her consent, and the sewing went on. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER III. + +A FLAVOR OF BOHEMIA. + +THEO started for New York with high hopes. She was met by Nannie, and +their glee knew no bounds at the prospect before them. + +"We shall have to hunt up a boarding-place," said Nannie, "for I have +only a little hall bedroom. And I thought it would be fun for us to go +around together, and I waited before deciding upon another." + +"I didn't let Archie know the day I should be here," informed Theo, +"for I knew he would insist upon my coming to the house where he is; +and, besides, I thought it would be nice to surprise him. We will send +out cards when we are all settled. We want to be perfectly independent +while we can." + +"I have a list of places," and Nannie referred to a slip she had taken +from her purse. "I thought if we could find two rooms, one that had a +north light, which we could use for a studio, and one which would do +for a bedroom, it would be very nice." + +"Exactly the thing," agreed Theo. "Oh, Nan, isn't it the most +delightful experience in the world? I can hardly believe it is not a +dream; but wasn't auntie the dear, to let me come on first? She is so +lovely in that way. She seems to enter right into one's feelings, and +if there is a way to allow us our heart's desire, she finds out the +way." + +"I think it was good of her," replied Nannie; "and I think it will be +delightful to have her here, and Val, later on. We must be sure to find +just the right place." + +But to find "just the right place" was not so easy a matter, and many +were the disappointments. "We shall have to give it up for to-day," +said Nannie, as evening overtook them, "and go to my boarding-house. My +bed isn't a very narrow one; we can sleep there for one night. There +isn't another room vacant, or we could take our time. I don't care +about staying there any longer than I can help, however, the people +are so very ordinary. I mean, those who keep the house; and they are +so very pretentious. They are continually talking about their former +grandeur, and deploring their fall from high places and their present +unhappiness, while they use 'ambril' for umbrella, and 'remlet' for +remnant, and all such unique expressions." + +Theo laughed and declared she was glad of it. "It makes the whole thing +much more interesting," she said. "I wouldn't have it all perfect, for +anything." + + +The next morning, they set forth betimes, but one o'clock found two +discouraged, tired girls. + +"Do let us go somewhere for a luncheon," proposed Nannie. "I am +half-starved, and we are away off from our boarding-house. I don't see +why we came poking over here, anyhow. We said we wouldn't think of +anything east of Fourth Avenue and south of Fortieth Street, and here +we are right by the Cooper Institute: it is too far off, and all that." + +"Did you believe there could be so many impossible places?" remarked +Theo; "and aren't some of them funny, Nan? How many have we left? Oh, +are we going in here?" for Nannie was turning towards a modest-looking +restaurant. + +"It looks clean and respectable," averred she; "and we are too hungry +to care for anything else." + +Theo's face was a study, as, after giving their order, the two weary +girls sat looking around at the little tables scattered about the room. +They were occupied by a motley set of people, most of them eating +voraciously, as if time were the main consideration with them. In the +front of the establishment was a bakery, from which orders were being +rapidly filled for those desiring a piece of pie, a few buns, or some +such. A door behind the girls slammed continually, and the rattle of +dishes proclaimed the fact that the kitchen was not far off. Theo was +much diverted, and her amusement increased as the orders given by the +waiters, in a high key, reached her ears. + +"Twice a cup of tea!" "Mince pie red hot!" and such peculiar +expressions came to their hearing. + +"Are they crazy? What sort of a place are we in?" asked Theo. + +Nannie laughed. "It isn't very elegant," she acknowledged, "but it +is quite respectable; and they will give us a very palatable little +luncheon, no doubt, at a very small price. We are entering Bohemia, +Theo, and we cannot be fastidious, though we may always be respectable. +Many you see here are students from the Cooper, or clerks from shops +near by. There comes our order, I am happy to see; let us join the +company of eaters." + +Theo's amusement did not prevent her from eating heartily a +well-cooked, appetizing meal. And she declared, as they went out, that +she wouldn't have missed it for anything. + +"But did you ever see people eat so fast?" she observed. "I saw one man +eat a whole pie and drink a glass of milk in less than two minutes, I +am sure." + +"That reminds me of a foreigner whom I met at the house of a friend. +He said that when he first came to New York, he wondered why no one +ever seemed to have any time to spend over a meal, until he saw a man +devour a dinner in five minutes, and observed the same man spending the +following half hour on the corner talking to an acquaintance. Rather a +severe hit at our loquacity as a nation, wasn't it? But we must give +our attention to our list or we shall never get settled." + +"Yes," responded Theo. "I am beginning to want to see Archie, and my +longing increases rapidly. But I will not humor it till I can say we +have made all our arrangements, thank you. What comes next, Nan?" + +"This," said Nannie, showing her list, and "this" chanced to be decided +upon. + +It was a house which had been newly papered and painted, and, although +the rooms looked rather bare, the host, whose politeness was extreme, +assured them that in a day or two each apartment should be resplendent. + +"Is he French, do you think?" whispered Theo, as they were left alone +for a moment. + +"No, I think not; but he is certainly not an American." + +They were finally shown two small rooms, communicating; these they +decided might be made available. + +"Can we have a folding-bed?" inquired Nannie. + +"Sartainly, Mees," was the reply. + +"Then I think we might venture to take them," and Nannie turned to +Theo, who signified assent. + +"Efrytheeng comb vair soon," avowed the man, ushering them into the +parlor, which was singularly devoid of furniture. "Here comb a meeroir. +Pairfickly mogneefcent," with a wave of the hand towards the wall. +"Here comb a sofaw. Pairfickly mogneefcent;" another wave towards the +corner of the room. "Here comb a keertain. Pairfickly mogneefcent;" a +third wave indicated where the "portière" should hang. "Efrytheeng will +be vair fine, vair good, vair nice, vair well," volubly explained the +host. + +"And we can come this evening? Will you have everything ready for us?" +asked Nannie. + +The man assured them he would have everything in readiness. "My vife is +Frainch," he said. "She see the meal, vair fine, vair good, vair well. +I myself to the house, also vair mogneefcent." + +The girls could hardly restrain their mirth, but, as all seemed +very neat and clean, and the house was one to which they had been +recommended, they felt that they could do no better, and departed to +return in time for a late dinner. + +"We can make it look very habitable, I am sure," pronounced Theo. "We +are pretty high up, to be sure; but that does not matter." + +And they set to work with a will to give their rooms a homelike +appearance. + +Matters of adornment being the first considered by the girlish mind, +the walls were soon decked with sketches, fans, and casts; draperies +graced Nannie's easel; cushions were arranged in chairs. + +"There are rather meagre accommodations for our clothes," mentioned +Nannie, "but until the 'pairfickly mogneefcent' wardrobe comes, we +shall have to do the best we can. It is long after bedtime, Theo; let +us see what sort of an affair our folding-bed is." + +This proved to be another subject for diversion, the bed being, as +Nannie declared, "designed for discomfort." + +"It is like two boxes hinged together," said Theo, as she established +herself in her side. "How are you, Nannie? Can you turn over?" + +"Not at all," replied Nannie, "unless we both get up and get in again. +I feel as if I were in a coffin." + +"So do I," responded Theo, "or as if I were boxed up to be sent off by +express." Then, as if the subject were a very cheerful one, they broke +into peals of laughter. + +They slept but little that night, and the next morning decided that +the folding-bed was not a success, but, as there was no other to +be furnished them, they concluded to return to a bed of ordinary +structure, and in consequence were more comfortable. + + +Archie and Jack were duly notified, and called promptly, berating +them soundly for being so independent. But the girls only laughed and +declared themselves quite able to look after themselves. + +A few days' trial of their boarding-place, however, proved that they +would be obliged to seek other quarters, for their host evidently +labored under the delusion that his guests were guests indeed, and +became quite incensed when the girls refused to join the family, or +declined to make the acquaintance of other boarders whom he insisted +upon presenting to them. + +"As if we wanted to know them," said Theo, haughtily. "I like to choose +my own acquaintances, I must confess; and auntie particularly charged +me not to make cheap acquaintances. She never would have let me come +alone, or with any other girl but you, Nan." + +"And mamma, although she quite approves of my studying and of my +independent ideas, does not approve of girls, no older than we are, +going into a boarding-house alone. You can't think how delighted she is +at the prospect of your auntie's coming to oversee us." + +"Auntie says that the danger lies in a girl's ignorance of the world; +and even with Archie here, she said, I must be very careful. So, Nan, +we will take our leave as soon as we can find another place. I think we +would best take rooms only, next time, and either go out to meals or +have them served us from a caterer's. I am sure we shall enjoy it much +more. You don't know how I hate to come in contact with some of the +people we see three times a day at the table here." + +"Yes," replied Nannie; "I quite agree with you. And sometimes we can +cook our own meals, and that will be great fun. We must try, though, to +find a place ourselves, and not let the boys know we are dissatisfied. +We will not give them the triumph of thinking we made a muddle of it +because we did not consult them." + + +Several days passed in which no attractive place presented itself. + +"I really believe you are homesick," said Nan, one morning, to Theo; +"you look quite down-hearted." + +"I believe I am a little," confessed Theo. "I must say I do not like +our dwelling-place." + +"You are very sensitive to surroundings," criticised Nannie; "you +always were." + +"I am more so regarding people," returned Theo; "and I hate to confront +our fellow-boarders,—they take away my appetite." + +"You shall not do it much longer," declared Nannie. + +And, true to her word, she came in that very evening with an +announcement, made with a beaming face. + +"I have found the dearest spot," she informed Theo, "if we can only +get it. As I was coming from the League this afternoon, I was walking +down one of the cross-streets, looking about, when I saw a house with +a big vine running over the front of it, which attracted me for some +reason, and I went up and inquired for rooms. To my delight I was told +that rooms could be had there; and, oh, Theo, on the top floor are two +rooms which will suit us exactly. I believe I was directed to the spot, +for the former owner of the house was an artist, and one of the rooms +he used as a studio; it has a skylight, and the other will make such a +delightful bedroom. There are immense closets, and it is just exactly +what we want; there are not many persons in the house yet, and there +will be rooms to be had for Miss Nelson and Val on the same floor. The +only trouble is that one of our rooms is occupied now, but Mrs. Joy +is going to see what arrangements she can make, and will let us know +to-morrow. Oh, we must, we must get them." + +"And shall we get our meals there?" + +"We can or not, as we choose; there is a caterer in the basement. But I +think we might try going out till your auntie comes, anyhow." + +Fortunately, the arrangements were made to the girls' satisfaction, and +they left the promised splendor for more sure comfort, and established +themselves so agreeably that they did not regret their period of +probation. + +"We shall have to send for some dishes," said Nannie. "I will write +to-night; meantime, we will make the best of what we can pick up." + +"Let us have dinner here," eagerly proposed Theo. + +"All right; and we will go out and forage before the boys come." + +An hour later, the girls returned laden with packages, and followed by +a boy bearing sundry parcels. + +"Let me see; that is right," said Nannie, depositing her share of the +burden on the table. "One, two, three, four. I haven't dropped any. +Now, Theo,—Oh, how good that coffee smells; but, my goodness! there +isn't a blessed thing to make it in." + +"Yes, there is," and Theo triumphantly brandished a tin pint cup. + +"That?" + +"Certainly. Archie and I have often made picnic-coffee in a tin-cup or +a tomato-can, and mighty good it was, too. Isn't that a darling of a +gas-stove? And how good of Mrs. Joy to let us use it. She is kindness +itself. Do spread out everything on the table, Nan, where I can see it." + +"It is a funny collection, sure enough," stated Nannie, as she +displayed coffee, eggs, butter, rolls, potatoes, and chops, a can of +condensed milk, sugar, pie, and cheese. + +Theo unrolled her parcels,—two cups and plates, two knives and two +spoons, a saucepan and a frying-pan. + +"Oh, Nan, we forgot the forks!" she exclaimed, in consternation. "Oh, +no, we didn't: here they are. But what shall we boil the potatoes in? +Why, in the saucepan; how stupid of me. We can boil the water for the +coffee over the gas—no; we will boil the potatoes and then make the +coffee." + +While the potatoes were boiling, a rap was heard at the door, which +being answered, Archie and Jack were admitted. + +"Oh, we didn't expect you yet!" exclaimed Theo, in confusion. + +"You didn't?" returned Archie. "That's a nice greeting, when we have +come to take you out to dinner. Goodness gracious! What are you up to?" + +"Why, we're cooking our dinner," replied Theo. "The water is boiling +over, Nan; and," she continued, looking ruefully at the two plates, +"we'd ask you to stay and dine with us, but our table appointments are +insufficient." + +"You'd better go out with us," interposed Jack; "much better." + +"Oh, no. Stay, boys, and let us have our first dinner in the studio," +put in Nannie. "Who cares if there aren't plates enough; we can eat out +of the frying-pan or the saucepan lid." + +Archie was only too ready to accept Nannie's suggestion, and Jack, +finding that all were in favor of it, accepted the situation. + +"Isn't it a fine, large studio?" said Nannie, delightedly. "See the +skylight, just high enough, and the floor all inlaid wood. I feel as +if we had stumbled upon the most wonderful discovery. If I had read +it in a book, I couldn't believe it possible to have such luck," and +Nannie paused in the operation of cooking the chops to point out the +best features of the room. "We are going to get everything arranged +right away, for we are sure we shall stay. Mrs. Joy is so nice, and +everything is so clean and convenient. I never was so happy," and +Nannie clattered a knife and fork together as if they were castanets. +"Come, gentlemen, 'sit by,' as they say up in the country." + +"This is a very dull knife," observed Archie, sawing away at his chop; +"or else it has been many years since this was a little playful lamb." + +"Oh, you mustn't use that!" exclaimed Nannie. "That is the spreader. We +didn't think it worth while to buy two real sharp knives, for we have +sent home for a whole table outfit; so we only bought one good knife, +and the other is a five-center. Here is the cutter; use it, and pass it +along: the spreader is for the bread and butter. You will have to get +used to our novel way of entertaining, Archie." + +"It is great fun," maintained he; "only we ought to have brought +something to top off with." + +"We'll go and get some ice-cream after dinner," suggested Jack; "or, +better still, we'll bring some here to the girls. My, but this is fine +coffee!" + +"I knew it would be," returned Theo; "you know it always used to be +good when we made it in a tin-cup, Archie." + +"Always," he responded. "What are you going to do this evening, girls?" + +"We are going to hang Nan's sketches, put up the hammock, and set +things to rights generally. We know we are sure to stay, so we are not +afraid to unpack everything this time," Theo replied. + +"We might stay and help," suggested Archie. + +"There is no 'compellion' about it," retorted Theo. + +"We mean to stay and help," decided Archie. "Miss Fourth of July, you +ought to be dressed up in stars and stripes, you are so everlastingly +independent." + +"She is a regular Liberty bell," put in Jack. + +Theo made a little face, and gave her attention to clearing away the +meal, while the boys went out for the ice-cream. + + +"It has been such a satisfactory meal," said Theo, as the last of her +cream disappeared; "so much better than a boarding-house." + +"So much better," agreed Nannie and the boys. + +"You couldn't take us to board?" inquired Archie. + +"No," from Nannie, in a tone of scorn; "you'd get tired of it in less +than a week, and complain because we didn't have roast beef and soup +and puddings. You'd better stick to your own ways; besides, we are only +doing this till Miss Nelson and Val come, and then we shall have our +meals served, except once in a while we'll get up something extra, just +for the fun of it." + +"Where do you want your hammock?" asked Archie. + +"In that corner," directed Nannie; "here are the hooks. I think it can +go from the framework of that door over to the chimney-piece; it goes +nicely in that corner." + +When the sketches were hung, the hammock put up, and Nannie's draperies +arranged with studied carelessness, the effect was quite good, and +Archie sat down in the hammock to admire. But in a few moments, without +warning, came a creak and a crash, and down came the hammock, bringing +with it the framework of the door. + +Consternation fell upon the group as the four stood gazing upon the +devastation. After the first "oh's!" and "ah's!" there was silence, +broken by Archie's exclaiming,— + +"'Oh, that I could know the end of this day's business!' Don't call, +for your life; don't call any one, good people. If the lady of the +house appears, do not let her in. Tell her something fell, and that it +is no matter. I'll be back anon," and he fled. + +He was not long gone. And on his return, he was accompanied by a +carpenter, who soon put matters to rights, and suggested a more stable +place for the hammock; so the accident was not so bad as it at first +seemed. + +"We insist that you go to dine with us to-morrow," notified Jack, +as the boys took their leave. "We want you to eat some real Italian +macaroni, and see how it is to dine 'table d'hôte' at a place we have +found. You will be too tired to cook your own dinner, anyhow, and we +shall come for you at half-past five." + +The girls consented, and went to bed entirely satisfied with their new +quarters and with the prospect the winter seemed to present. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER IV. + +SETTLED DOWN. + +THE middle of October saw Miss Nelson and Val established in New York, +and everything in good running order. Theo hired a piano and made +diligent use of it; Val was much interested in her studies, and Nannie +was an indefatigable student at the League. She had made much progress +during the past season, which she had spent at a summer school, and was +more than ever in love with her work. The boys came and went, bringing +their trials, their hopes, and their fears to a sympathetic group of +hearers. Mr. Smith, Val's guardian, appeared at odd times, frequently +bearing off the whole party to the theatre or the opera, sometimes +to dinner or to drive, and once or twice insisting upon every one's +accompanying him to his country home, Lyndehurst. It was there that +Thanksgiving was spent, and a merry day they made of it. + +Theo and Jack alone felt troubled; the former from the fact that +Jack showed evidences of not having outgrown his boyish fancy for +his friend's sister, and it irked Theo to be made conscious of a +devotion which she did not care to consider; and Jack, poor fellow, +felt a growing uneasiness on account of his own business affairs. He +anticipated that there was trouble in store for him, that his uncle's +actions warranted such a suspicion he was positive, and he determined +that the first of the year must decide how much or how little he would +be affected. But these clouds did not more than appear above the +horizon, and certainly did not affect the general sunniness of their +daily life. + +The studio made a delightful sitting-room, and here they all gathered +in the evening, each bringing some recountal of the day's doings, some +funny tale, or some pitiful one. Nannie's affairs excited the most +interest, there being a certain halo of romance about her student +life which gave the other girls great entertainment, and, as they +were initiated into the mysteries of art, they became more and more +interested in what Nannie had to say about her work. On the other hand, +the counter influence of those not actual art students kept Nannie from +narrowing her prejudices down to a stereotyped form of criticism, and +she was not less amused than Theo and Val at the wholesale way in which +some of her fellow-students condemned the work at the exhibitions. + +"I think," said Theo, one day, as she and Nannie were returning +from looking at some pictures, "that it is the funniest thing in +the world to stand behind a group of art students; they are the +most 'knowledgable' creatures I ever came across. Such unsparing +condemnation I never heard, and their little set patter is so absurd." + +"Don't be too hard on us," laughed Nannie. + +"Oh, I don't mean you," returned Theo; "you have more sense than to say +no artist can paint except the one you specially affect. Why, I heard +one girl say, 'Dagnan-Bouveret can't paint,' and another declared, +'Bouguereau is no artist,' while a third criticised, in the loudest +voice, the composition of one of Jules Breton's pictures; as for +Meissonier and Gérome, they had no chance at all." + +"Well," said Nannie, "that is because we should prefer to paint +differently, ourselves." + +Theo laughed mirthfully. "Take care, Nan, that savors of the clique." + +"Well, I mean," expostulated Nannie, "that for my own part, I should +rather paint like Zorn and Cazin and our own Sargent than like +Bouguereau or Gérome." + +"I like their work best, too," replied Theo; "but why say a man is no +artist who is recognized as such by the best judges in the world?" + +"It does sound rather conceited, I must confess," returned Nannie. + +"Worse than that: I think it sounds pitifully ignorant." + +"We are all looking for truth," responded Nannie; "and if the present +school can see more color or more breadth of treatment, why may not +that be a step beyond? But as for drawing, I am afraid many of us +are very shallow there, and ought to look with utter humility upon +the splendid knowledge which the older artists have shown in that +direction." + +"Now that sounds more like my honest Nan." + +"The fact is, Theo," continued Nannie, "that there are extremes at +first in any new methods; and we are extreme, perhaps, now. I don't +agree with those cavilling girls. I must say, most of them do wretched +work, and the worse their work, the louder they are in their censure +of others. It is usually when they have only begun to study that they +are so vociferous. A little knowledge proves itself a dangerous thing +in their cases, for it only makes them ridiculous; and the poor things +don't know it. However, they are not the only ones who flaunt their +ignorance. I knew of a picture painted by a celebrated artist, no +longer living; it was sent to a loan exhibition by a friend of mine,—a +delightful picture it was, too,—but the chairman of the committee, in +a fit of bombastic arrogance, refused it, because, forsooth, it was +not cleaned and varnished. The tone was delicious: an idiot like that +pretending to dictate! Oh, the Philistine!" + +Theo laughed at Nannie's indignation. "You're great fun, Nan, when you +get off on one of these harangues. Go on." + +"You have dashed my inspiration," returned Nannie. "I forget what I was +going to say next. Oh, yes, only this, that Hunt says it is much easier +to condemn than to praise; it takes very little knowledge to pick +flaws, but a great deal to commend judiciously." + +"Good!" exclaimed Theo. "I like that. It is just what I should like to +have said myself. Oh, Nan, weren't you amused at Val's school friend, +Nettie Wayne, when you asked her to sit for you?" + +Nannie smiled. + +"She looked so conscious," continued Theo. "Why did you ask her? She +isn't a bit pretty." + +"No," answered Nannie; "but she has a certain paintable quality. I can +hardly explain, but we have had very ugly models sometimes that were +interesting in the extreme. We don't always ask people to sit for us +because we think they are handsome, but they nearly always think that +is it." + +"I might have thought so myself, if you hadn't taught me better. We are +lots of help to each other in more ways than one, Nan." + +"Yes; but I am afraid we are all so content with one another that it +makes us selfish about outsiders. I actually am getting to hate to see +a stranger come into the studio." + +"I don't wonder. Think of last Saturday, when Mrs. Ashton called. She +hasn't a bit of mental property to exchange, but she thinks artists and +such people are so amusing, and she wants to be amused; so she wastes +your time by the hour. I was so provoked, for I knew your poor flowers +would fade, and I knew you couldn't half attend to your painting with +such a rasp at your elbow." + +"A rasp at my elbow!" laughed Nannie. "What a figure of speech, Theo. +Yes, I know she is a bore. I am always reminded of the drones in a hive +when I meet such people. I do need all my time for my work, and to have +some one come in and say, 'I'll not detain you a minute, I know you are +busy; I just wanted to see what you were doing, it is so interesting.' +And then they stay and stay, and you are fidgety, and the daylight is +going, and you wish you were a bee and could sting them out of the +hive. I feel actually vicious sometimes. It is a great strain on one's +powers of endurance. Oh, Theo, I wonder if it is ourselves or they who +are selfish?" + +"Both, maybe," replied Theo. + +"Well, girlies!" was Miss Nelson's greeting as they entered the room +together. "We have been waiting for you. Val is full of a scheme, and I +could hardly restrain her from going out to find you." + +"Girls! Girls!" called Val from the next room. "Wait." + +"We are waiting," responded Theo. "What did you think we were going to +do?" + +"I didn't know," answered Val, making her appearance; "you might be +going to do most anything. Girls, I have found the dearest old lady to +take our French class. She has white hair, and is so fat and so funny, +and is so sentimental and ridiculous; no, I don't mean ridiculous, +but she is so funny. I met her at Nettie Wayne's to-day. She came to +inquire about possible pupils, and I told her to come here. If you +girls and Archie and Jack would join, it would be quite a little class, +and we could meet her. Don't you think it is just what we want?" + +"Exactly," agreed Theo. "We will dilate upon the subject this evening +when the boys come. And, auntie, you will be one of us, won't you?" + +Miss Nelson shook her head. "I think not," she replied. "I have +expended all my superfluous brain matter upon my Dante class, and +cannot take up anything now. I am not going to fritter away my time +with chits of girls." + +"Now, auntie!" in a chorus. + +"Auntie doesn't need to, she means," explained Theo. "She reads French +perfectly now, and it would only be tiresome to her; but we shall have +her to help us along, and that will be fine." + +"Madame Ribeau is coming to see auntie," Val informed them; "though I +know all about her from the Waynes." + + +The boys consenting to give certain hours during the week, the French +class was formed without delay, and, as Miss Janet's engagements took +her away on Friday, it was arranged that the young people should make +that their lesson day, and great fun they had out of it. + +In lieu of a blackboard, the back of a wardrobe, standing in one +corner of the studio, was used, the boys laboriously turning it around +each week, and to this very day, one may possibly see the remains of +"J'aime, Tu aime, Il aime," chalked upon the wooden surface. + +Archie's ingenuity knew no bounds, and with Val as an able abettor, +some absurdity was introduced into each lesson, to the great delight +of Madame Ribeau, who was entertained beyond measure by her lively +pupils, and gave them an interest and affection she gave no others, for +the boys were courteously attentive to her, and the girls generously +interested in her pleasure. + +"What is our fable to-day?" whispered Archie to Val, one afternoon. + +"Don't you remember?" returned Val. "Une tortue lasse d'être toujours +enfermée." + +"Oh, yes," replied Archie, "I recollect," and, giving her a significant +nod, he left the room. + +"Ou est Monsieur Archie?" asked Madame, looking around before +commencing the lesson. "And Mademoiselle Val, she has too departed, +for why?" and Madame looked inquiringly at the others, who shook their +heads. + +"We do not know, Madame." + +"Ah, it is nothing," said Madame, foreseeing some diversion; "we will +proceed with the lesson. Vous, Mademoiselle Theo, commencez. Une +tortue—" + +"Une tortue lasse d'être toujours enfermée dans son écaille," read +Theo, when the door opened, and in walked Val and Archie, bearing +between them a stick, the ends of which were held between their teeth; +from the middle dangled a marvellous presentment of a turtle, composed +of a small pin-cushion with appended legs and head of paper. The two +advanced into the middle of the room, and with all gravity stood before +Madame. + +"Ciel!" cried she, throwing up her hands. "Quel Niais! Comme le tortue +est drôle," and she laughed till the tears ran down her fat cheeks. + +At another time, when the fable was "Un navire charge d'un grand +nombre des singes, etc.," Archie launched from some unperceived spot a +boat-load of absurd little sponge monkeys. + +But Madame was clever enough to turn the little episode into an object +lesson for them all, and drilled them upon the different parts of a +ship, till Jack declared himself ready to man a French cruiser. + +But into the happy little company crept at last an intruder whose +presence finally drove away Jack Allen, and who gave uneasiness in more +or less measure to them all. + +Theo announced, one day, that she had met an old acquaintance, Felix +Parkhurst. "You remember him, Val?" she said. + +Val nodded. "Of course I do; the young man with the sleepy eyes and +the lazy way of talking. You rather liked him, didn't you? Oh, yes," +as Nannie looked around, "I remember all about it now. Why, Nan, he is +your cousin—and—" but Val stopped. + +"He is my cousin," replied Nannie. "I wasn't laughing at that. I was +laughing at the tender way my aunt referred to him in her conversation +with Theo after she had discovered Theo had inherited Preston." + +"Now, Theo, don't blush," laughed Val. + +"I didn't let Felix know of my being here," continued Nannie, "because +I knew he would be drifting in here any hour of the day and taking up +our time; he has nothing on earth to do. I despise a useless man." + +"Oh, and I told him where we were; I never thought," and Theo gave the +information with some misgivings. "It never occurred to me, Nan, but +what you would like to see him." + +"I don't object to seeing him; he isn't a bad fellow," admitted Nan; +"he is simply useless and uninteresting. Don't you think so?" and she +turned suddenly to Theo. + +Theo looked down. "I don't know;" she gave the answer hesitatingly. "I +think maybe there is more in him than you imagine, Nan; anyhow, he is +coming to see us." + +"To see you, you mean," Val specified, teasingly. + +Theo drew herself up to her full height, and looked down haughtily at +the little figure nestling among the cushions of the divan. + +"Don't, Theo, don't," expostulated Val, laughing saucily; "you +appropriate all the pride of your ancestors when you put on that look. +I'll tell you one thing,—Archie won't like him; neither will Jack." + +"As if I cared," returned Theo, turning her back to her cousin. + +And then Val formed a scheme in her mischievous little head, not +meaning to do much harm. But, being rather a thoughtless little +mortal, she loved her cousin absorbingly; but she could not resist +following out a plan which she meant should benefit her, and which, +perhaps, really did in the end, although the means employed were not +praiseworthy. + + +The very next day Felix Parkhurst presented himself. He was a +gentle-mannered young man, but, as Nannie said, "he was born weary;" +and his little languid air amused her, though she felt a contempt for +it. Theo, however, was rather impressed by it. + +Theo was a girl of strong sentiment, but she was too young to +distinguish between real feeling and a certain sentimentalism which +young people are apt to esteem highly. + +From the first, Felix Parkhurst attached himself to the girl, who was +so sweetly sympathetic, and who told herself she felt "so sorry for +him." + +"It is not a happy existence I lead; there is nothing worth living +for," he said once, lifting his head and looking gloomily at the girl. + +Theo opened her eyes. "Oh, don't say that; there is so much to live +for; it is a beautiful world." + +"To some," replied Mr. Felix. And then he dropped a few romantic +phrases about his lonely heart, about his being misunderstood, about +the emptiness of all his pursuits, all of which Theo repeated in +innocent confidence to Nannie. + +"Why doesn't he go to work?" said Nannie, bluntly, standing off from +her easel and viewing her canvas with half-closed eyes. + +"Oh, Nan," answered Theo; "his father does not encourage him to do the +things he likes, and he has no heart for mercantile life." + +"What would he like to do?" asked Nan, stepping forward with loaded +brush, and putting a dab of paint on her canvas. + +"Oh, he would like to be a writer, or something of that sort." + +Nannie again stepped back, viewing her work critically, but made no +immediate reply. But presently, she turned and looked at Theo. "You +goose!" was all she said. + +Finding Nannie entirely unsympathetic, Theo gave no more confidences, +but brooded over the matter in silence, gaining interest in Felix as +she did so. + +Theo had heretofore shown such a lofty disdain of any possible lover +that it never occurred to Miss Janet that hers was anything more than +the same friendly interest the girl had shown in Gilbert Rogers or +other friends of her brother's. She could not guess that the dear child +was weaving her first romance out of such very unsubstantial stuff. + +Nannie gave a superb scorn to it; that any one could really fall in +love with Felix seemed impossible to her. Archie saw nothing; for Theo, +like the true woman she was, would rather have died than have confessed +her liking to any one, even to her beloved Archie. + +But little Val was wiser than any, and here came in her plan of +operation. Felix's entrance into the French class was Val's signal for +a series of coquetries which surprised Theo, amused Archie and Nannie, +and flattered Felix. Only Jack sensitively felt the reflex of Theo's +every emotion, saw her grow pale and red by turns, saw her charming, +unconsciously gracious manner change to a disturbed silence, saw +furtive, miserable glances cast at Val, whose little bewitching ways +would have attracted a much less susceptible heart than that of Felix, +who, however, possessed no real sentiment, knowing only a sort of +surface sentimentality which pleased itself with romantic phrases and +a theatrical display of emotion. While Theo counted his triflings as +coming from his heart, Val recognized them at their counterfeit worth, +and played with them accordingly, believing that she was doing Theo a +real kindness. + +Not so, poor Theo. Feeling that Nannie had no sympathy with her fancy, +that auntie was blind to it, and that Val was determinedly putting a +barrier between confidences by her apparent usurping of Theo's place, +the girl was very miserable; the more so that difficulties having +arisen made the object of her fancy the more attractive by reason of +there appearing a possible loss. + +"What is the matter with Theo?" asked Miss Janet. "She looks so +dejected and pale; she says she is well, so she must be worrying over +something. It cannot be Jack's affairs, do you think, Val? I sometimes +wonder if Theo is not more interested in him than she is willing to +confess." + +Val laughed, a little wickedly. + +"Does it seem so amusing?" inquired auntie. + +Val came up and put her arms around her. "You dear blind auntie, I am +not going to tell you, if you cannot see for yourself. Theo care for +Jack! Not a bit of it." + +Miss Nelson turned around and took the girl's face between her hands. +"What are you up to, Val?" she asked, as Val's eyes shot out a +mischievous glance. + +"I wonder if I ought to tell you," said Val, settling herself at +auntie's feet. "Yes, I will; you ought to know everything about us, +auntie dear, for you always know how to get the right out of anything. +My opinion is, that Theo is sort of, kind of interested in Felix, and I +am doing my best to cut her out," and with this audacious speech, Val +looked up, but looked down again very quickly as she encountered Miss +Nelson's grave face. + +"If that is so," said auntie, "you are doing a very wicked thing." + +"Oh, auntie!" + +"Yes, dear child; perhaps you do not mean to. I do not know your +motive." + +"Why, oh, auntie," put in Val, hastily, "I am doing it all for Theo. +He is so unworthy of her; and if he didn't flirt with me, he would +with her. He says the same things to us both, I know he does: he is +that kind, and he doesn't mean a word of it; but Theo is so earnest, +she doesn't see it at all, and in time, she might like him too much. +Mind, I don't say she does, but she idealizes him, and he makes her +think she is a comfort and a help to him, as if he needed either. He +has everything in the world to make him happy; he is only 'blasé' and +discontented, and Theo calls it sensitiveness, and all that." + +"Who made you so worldly-wise, little girl?" + +"I don't know; it is because I love Theo, I suppose, that I see it. +Jack—" Then Val paused. + +"What about Jack?" + +"Nothing—only—Jack sees it, too. I am sure that is why he is going to +give up the French class; he says it is because he cannot spare a whole +afternoon from the office. Oh, dear! It is a muddle. Auntie dear, help +me," and Val looked up so appealingly that auntie had to bend and kiss +her. + +"My darling, you are all wrong, I am afraid. It is true that if Felix +Parkhurst has a shallow nature, he would make Theo very miserable. She +is too fine and earnest herself, but you, no doubt, are only adding +fuel to the flames. To make her jealous is not only the surest way to +help on the matter, but it is disloyal. Suppose we say that Theo had +something which she valued very much, perhaps only a little bird with +a harsh note, but which had learned to eat from her hand, and sing its +meaningless little song to her, and suppose you should coax it from +her, and at last appropriate it entirely, saying 'Theo shall not have +it; that is not a song it sings.'" + +Val was listening attentively. + +"I should say, better let her find out that there is no music there, +and she will set it free of her own accord; but you have no right to +steal it." + +"Steal it!" + +"Yes, dear; it is nothing more nor less than robbery, and unworthy of +the really noble, loving heart I know yours to be." + +The tears were in Val's eyes, and she took Miss Janet's hand, laying +her cheek against it, then sighed. + +"Auntie, the top of your ladder is so near the sky, I am afraid it is +beyond poor humanity to reach it. I don't believe any one looks at +things quite so loftily; at least, I know lots of girls who have done, +and still do, and intend to keep on doing, as I have done from a very +different motive." + +"Even so; it does not follow that it is right. Poor humanity, indeed! +Where would it be if anything less than the highest moral life were +our goal? When we have that before us, if we still stumble and err so +constantly, what could we hope for with less high aims?" + +"Where is Theo?" asked Val, presently. + +"In her room, I think." + +"And Nannie has not come in yet?" + +"Not yet." + +In another moment, Val was at Theo's door. She knocked timidly, and +then turned the knob and entered. + +Theo had evidently just sprung to her feet from the bed where she had +been lying; there was the imprint of her head on the pillow, and her +eyes were red with crying. + +Val sprang towards her. "Oh, darling, darling!" she cried. "I am a +mean, wicked girl, but I didn't mean to be," and she poured forth her +tale in Theo's ears. + +"And he has talked that way to you?" said Theo, as Val concluded her +recital. + +"Yes," softly replied Val. + +There were two burning spots in Theo's cheeks. She put out her hand and +held Val's tightly. + +"Thank you," she said. + +Val's arm stole around her. "Don't you hate me?" she whispered. + +"I was so disappointed in you," was Theo's low reply; "it hurt me so to +feel that you were not true, Val. I felt as if I couldn't believe in +friendship at all, if I couldn't trust yours." + +From that time Val's coquetries with Felix Parkhurst ceased. And Theo's +manner towards him, though slightly haughty, was as graciously polite +as ever. + +"Theo is really grown up," said Archie to his aunt, as he watched his +sister at an evening gathering. + +She was, indeed, across the threshold. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER V. + +JACK'S SEND-OFF. + +IT took some time for Theo's eyes to be entirely opened; it was hard +for her to give up her ideals, and she reproached herself with an +inconstancy which she decried. It is often so with imaginative natures. +While heretofore she had always confided in her aunt, Theo now felt it +impossible to share her secret with any one. + +The nearest approach to a confidence, strange to say, was in a +conversation with Mr. Smith, whose feeling for Theo was very deep. He +had watched her pass through her first trials, had learned to value +the pure womanly nature which scorned artifice of any kind, and with +his natural astuteness, he guessed that she was in danger of bestowing +her affections where he dreaded their falling. He knew we are apt +to judge persons from the stand-points of our own compositions, not +realizing that they who are differently temperamented must act and feel +differently. And so he believed that Theo was in danger of clothing her +ideal in Felix Parkhurst's form, imagining he possessed the qualities +she most admired. And he saw that Felix was clever enough to make her +believe that he answered to her ideal, when all which was responsive +in him was only surface deep; he was a mere trifler with the true and +beautiful, a seeker of new emotions, and only a lover of himself. Young +men of this type were most heartily despised by Mr. Smith. + +"He hasn't a bit of force," was his criticism; "he is as weak as +dishwater, conceited jackanapes!" he exclaimed. + +This was in answer to Val's question of "What do you think of Felix +Parkhurst, Colonel?" + +Mr. Smith was standing in the studio, looking at one of Nannie's +studies. He was waiting for Theo to go out to drive with him; and Val +had been teasing him in her usual saucy way. + +"I don't see why you don't take me?" she said, hanging on his arm. "You +always ask Theo," she continued, pouting. + +"Would you rather I asked you?" inquired he, sharply. + +Val laughed. "You thought you would catch me, Colonel, but I am not +to be taken in that way, for I don't want to go a bit. I have an +engagement, if you please, good sir. You aren't near as snappish as +you used to be," she added, going off and regarding him meditatively. +"I don't know what would have become of you if papa had not asked to +have you appointed my guardian. You would eventually have become like +some of these new war explosives: one couldn't come within miles of you +without being blown up," and, making an elaborate courtesy, she left +the room just as Theo entered. + +"I am not going to have you lose your bloom in this city air," was the +Colonel's greeting. + +Theo smiled, but rather wearily. "I remember you brought it back once +before," she replied; "you always do me good, Mr. Smith. I think you +are a wholesome tonic. I am in a doubting mood to-day; if you can find +me some faith in myself on our way, I shall come home in much better +spirits." + +Mr. Smith made no reply just then, and they were fairly on their way, +when he suddenly turned and said,— + +"Don't doubt yourself because you haven't found your ideal. Take an old +man's advice, Theo. I've been through the mill, and I cannot have you +beginning to be bitter at your age." + +"But I must be such a weakling, such a dreamer," returned Theo. + +"No, child; it is like searching for truth. One may make many mistakes, +but the endeavor is none the less true, nor is truth the less when +it is found. It is not your limit, my girl, nor are you any the less +constant to love as love." + +"How did you know?" said Theo, softly, after a pause. + +The Colonel turned, and saw that her eyes were cast down to hide the +tears falling from them; for answer, he only whipped up his horse and +changed the subject. But Theo felt that among her friends none read her +heart so well or gave her closer sympathy than the gruff old Colonel. + + +During this period of Theo's self-abasement, nothing tended to restore +her to a better state of mind than Jack's little unassuming attentions, +although she did not realize what he was doing for her, so delicately +did he offer comfort. A bunch of violets, a bright book, a turn of +the talk from morbid subjects to something actively interesting, +suggestions of all sorts to Miss Nelson for taking Theo out of herself, +suggestions which auntie was wise enough to offer without accounting +for the source. + +One evening, Jack came in with something cuddled up under his overcoat. +Theo was in the studio with her aunt. + +"I have brought a suppliant for your favor," announced he, still +holding his coat over the little creature he concealed. + +Theo came nearer. "Oh, what is it, Jack? Let me see." + +"Can you harbor a homeless waif?" + +"That depends," remarked Miss Nelson. + +"Is it a kitten?" inquired Theo, curiously. + +Jack shook his head. "No; I wouldn't dream of bringing any one to +share his majesty Lord Ishmael's reign. 'This is another story.' As +I was coming up the street, a few days ago, I saw a little lost dog, +which, when I spoke to him, followed me so persistently that he must +have imagined I was his master. I took him home, not knowing what else +to do, but I couldn't keep him long,—for I am going away in a short +time,—and though Archie, dear old man, would be glad to see to him, +the little chap would be lonely if left to himself all day. I have +advertised, but no answer has come, and I haven't the heart to turn him +loose," and Jack turned back his coat, displaying a little Yorkshire +terrier, whose bright eyes looked out from under his scraggy hair. + +"The darling!" exclaimed Theo, and down bounced doggie, running to her, +wagging his stump of a tail, and putting suppliant paws on her lap. +"You dear little fellow," giving utterance to the caressing words as +she picked him up. "Oh, auntie!" appealing to Miss Janet. "We may keep +him, mayn't we? We can as well as not." + +Jack gave Miss Janet a quick glance. + +"Will you be responsible for him?" she asked. + +"Of course I will," vouched Theo. "I will see that he has plenty to +eat, and will take him out airing every day; won't I, doggie? What do +you call him, Jack?" + +"Rags!" replied he. + +"That just suits him," and Theo hugged up the little creature, showing +such a lively interest in him that Jack was entirely satisfied with his +policy in bringing him. + +"You are going away?" said Miss Nelson, turning to Jack. "You will not +be gone long, I hope." + +"I don't know," he answered. "I may never come back: I cannot tell." + +"Oh!" cried Theo, contritely. "And I never noticed what you said. I was +so taken up with Rags. You really are not going, Jack?" + +Jack set his lips firmly and looked at the girl regarding him with +friendly eyes. "Yes," he said. "I have not spoken of it before, even to +Arch. I only told him to-day. I have nothing in the world, Theo, but +my own energy to depend upon. I am not rich any longer. My uncle has +absorbed everything; he has failed, after making over everything to his +wife." + +"Oh, you poor boy!" exclaimed Theo, with real concern. "Tell us all +about it," and she left her place to go to his side. + +"There is nothing to tell," replied Jack, simply; "that is all. My +uncle married, I think, with this end in view; he had put all my money +in the business. I could not get it out, and he has failed for a +million, at least; so I must go to work." + +"But you have been working," asserted Miss Nelson; "you have never been +an idler, Jack. Tell us your plans. I am just beginning to take in all +you have said. It will be hard to lose one of my boys; and Archie—how +he will miss you." + +"I am going south," Jack told them; "there is a chance for me there; +and when I make my fortune, I will come back," and he gave a smile full +of sweetness and courage to Theo. + +"We shall all miss you dreadfully," she assured him. "Oh, Jack, we +shall indeed," as she suddenly remembered all his little thoughtful +ways, his never-failing readiness to be of use to one and all, and her +eyes filled. "It was cruel of your uncle." + +"Never mind; it will be all right," he said, consolingly. "Don't mind, +Theo: it will make a man of me, maybe," he added. "No doubt, it's just +as well." + +Miss Nelson understood, if Theo didn't; for she knew how hard it was +for him to give them all up, Theo especially; and that nothing less +than absolute compulsion could give him the courage to renounce the +companionship so dear to him. + +"I shall keep you well posted, young man," said Miss Janet, "as to all +that concerns us, for I do not mean to have you give us up at all. +And Archie, of course, will hear from you very often, so it is not an +entire separation. When must you leave us?" + +"About the first of the month; there is time for any number of +farewells. Don't bother, Miss Nelson; it's all right, you know. I don't +mind it much." + +But auntie knew he did mind, auntie and Archie. Theo felt a little +indignant that he should assume such indifference, and Nannie was +genuinely sorry to have him go; Archie was inconsolable, and Val was +loud in her lamentations and continually bewailed Jack's hard lot. She +finally told Theo it was all her fault, and heaped such reproaches upon +her that poor Theo began almost to believe that she had been party to +an iniquitous proceeding. + +The evening before Jack's departure, they agreed to have, as Archie +said, "one glorious, old, idiotic time;" and the preparations for this +somewhat modified the sharpness of the loss of their comrade. + +By this time, Rags had a new sobriquet, it having been arrived at by a +series of expressions, through Theo's endeavor to teach him the trick +of sitting up on his hind legs and crossing his forepaws. + +"Poor thing, cross his legs," in a coaxing tone, became "poor 'sing, +c'oss he legs," then "po''sing, c'oss he," and finally "Posie-Cossie," +and "Posie-Cossie" every one called him. + +He was a most intelligent, sensitive, affectionate little fellow, and +developed as many peculiar tastes as did Theo's cat, Ishmael. + +The evening's jollifications were ushered in by a candy party, and +great was the variety the girls managed to manufacture. + +"Don't they look good?" said Val, as she daintily nibbled a cream +chocolate. "I think these are the best. We will put them aside where it +is cool, and eat some of those ragged-looking things first. Jack likes +chocolate, and this is his send-off," and she took the buttered sheet +of paper carefully into another room. + +"I like the nutty ones best," declared Theo, "and so does Archie; so +we will save a lot of those, too." And these were set aside with the +chocolates. + +But an hour later, when Theo went to get them, not one of the +chocolates was left, and only a few of the nutty ones. + +"Val, Val," she called, "where have you put the chocolates?" + +"Why, in there," responded Val, pausing in her occupation of laying a +table for a reception of the feast. + +"They're not here." + +"Not there!" And Val appeared at the door, then approached nearer +to examine the place. She looked around, above and below, and, +finally, discovered the paper on the floor. "I know!" she exclaimed. +"Posie-Cossie has taken them. Where is he?" + +Theo called him, and presently, with a very wagging tail and an +exceedingly cordial manner, the little dog appeared from under the bed; +but he approached slowly and with much fawning. + +"Posie-Cossie," said Theo, in a severe tone, "who took the chocolates?" + +Immediately Posie-Cossie fell over on his back and held up deprecating +paws, while his tail from wagging kept up a slight wiggle, as if he +meant to assure them that, no matter what their feelings towards him, +he was entirely amiably disposed. + +"You're a bad, naughty dog!" scolded Theo. "Poor Jack, to think it +should be his favorite candy, too. It is a mean shame." + +Posie-Cossie was plunged into utter misery by the continued reproaches, +and Theo concluded he was punished enough when she refused to respond +to his blandishments; for he was, by this time, trying to jump up and +lick her hand. But when, failing of all other resources, he went off in +the corner abjectly and crossed his paws, in the most approved manner, +Theo had to laugh, and that ended the scolding. + +With Miss Nelson and Mr. Smith as audience, Theo, Val, Nannie, Archie, +and Jack as performers, the evening's entertainment began. + +"I'm not going to be in it at all," decided Jack. "I think it is more +fun to look on. Or, I'll tell you: give me my acts first, and let me +join the audience." + +"Oh, no," remonstrated Archie; "you're up to it, Jack. Come, join the +gang." + +"No," said the girls; "that isn't fair, Archie. We are all audience, +you know, for each one enjoys the others' performances, and we can look +on when we are not performing. Jack shall do just as he pleases; it is +his last evening, and this is in his honor, so don't cross him." + +"Don't cross him!" repeated Archie. "One would suppose he was a +toddling infant just recovering from the whooping-cough." + +"He is anything but an infant," retorted Val, smiling up into Jack's +face, at such a height above her. "I declare, Jack, you are so nice +and big, I could almost fall in love with you; it is a pity you are +going away. Why didn't I think of it sooner?" And Val laughed saucily +at Archie as he gave her a disappointing look. "Don't look upon me with +such 'spurn,'" she besought him. "Jack doesn't care. Do you, Jack?" + +"Not in the least," he assured her. "I know your capabilities, and am +not afraid of what you can do." + +"What a very subtle and obscure speech," remarked Val to Nannie. "What +does he mean? That I am not capable of falling in love, or that he is +proof against me?" + +"Here, here," ordered Archie, "stop fooling. It is time we were getting +into our rigs. You and Nannie come after Jack, Val, and you haven't +begun to get ready. Hurry up now, while we go to our green-room and +prepare." + +"Don't forget you're to do the announcing," called Val after him. + +Jack had precipitately fled before this, and was ready to return as +Lamio the great snake-charmer. How he contrived to manipulate his paper +snakes was a mystery to all; but they certainly did crawl out of a +basket, coil themselves up at his bidding, dance, fight, and do so many +strange things that one really doubted if they were not alive. + +"I believe he has hypnotized us," said Nannie, "for I certainly +never saw anything so uncanny. Oh, Theo!" For one of the snakes was +slowly winding its way along towards them, but crept back at Nannie's +exclamation. + +"Doesn't he look handsome?" whispered Val. "Where did he get his +turban?" + +"My scrap-basket," informed Theo. "I wound it with a white mull scarf +I had, and his costume is just odds and ends; but he does look well in +it." + +"These snakes," Jack's voice broke in, "are very dangerous and +venomous. They are found in the wilds of Africa. Their names are Beard +of the Prophet, Pride of the Desert, Plains of South Africa, and +Brother of Princes. Here, Beard of the Prophet, you are getting sleepy; +wake up," and the creature jumped from its coiled position. "The +natives," continued Jack, "hunt them with tigers by watching for their +footprints in the sands." + +After this astounding statement, he paused for inspiration; then he +went on. "They are very similar to the boa-constrictor, and their +habits are much the same; only their habits are smaller," he added, +gravely, much to the amusement of Val, who burst into such a peal of +laughter as disconcerted Lamio, and he was not long in bringing his +exhibition to a close. + +Before long, Val and Nannie sent word that they were ready, and Archie +announced to the audience "the first appearance on any stage of the +infant prodigy, Baby Le Moyne," and Val, led by Nannie, came in. The +latter's appearance, however, created such mirth—for Theo and Jack +had joined the others till they should be called upon to appear—that +the infant prodigy had no chance at first. Nannie was stuffed out to +large proportions, her nose was held up by a thread of silk cunningly +fastened to her hair, and her costume was strikingly unique, while her +brogue was richness itself. Val carried a doll, and looked so like a +little baby that it was impossible to believe her eighteen years old. +Her voice, too, was pitched to exactness, and as she sang a little song +and repeated a little poem, she was perfect, and retired amid great +applause. + +Then Theo appeared as Miss Argosa, a freak with three eyes,—the third +one of glass, in the middle of her forehead,—upon which an eyebrow +and eyelashes had been most artistically painted by Nannie. Miss +Argosa professed to be able to see more than any one else; and Archie +pretended to hide articles, but in the most obvious places, which Theo +discovered immediately, of course. + +Archie next bounded upon the scene in an astounding acrobatic +costume, devised from some of Nannie's draperies. And he went through +such performances as standing on his head, turning somersaults and +handsprings, walking on his hands, till his agility evoked much +applause. + +Theo, as a professional singer, came out and sang a popular song in +most approved concert style, receiving a market-basket of paper flowers. + +Nannie painted a picture to music. She was dressed in the most +fantastic garb, with a false nose and flowing ringlets, a scarf with +fluttering ends about her shoulders. But her wax nose-fell off, and +created such merriment that she couldn't get it back again, and was +obliged to finish her sketch "with her own nose," as Val remarked. + +Then Jack sang a rollicking song. But being encored vociferously, he +began a ballad. + + "The busy tide of time flows on + And bears our lives unto the main; + And you are there, but I am gone, + And we shall meet no more again,—" + +the rich voice rang out, and into it crept such a pathos that presently +Val was crying unmistakably. The tears were standing in Miss Nelson's +eyes, and Nannie was shading her face with her hand. + +Theo rebelliously bit her lip, and Archie cried out, "Let up, Jack; we +can't stand that." + +And Jack looked around to see them so sobered and saddened that he +broke into the Toreador Song from Carmen, and in a few moments, the +mood had changed. + +Archie, meantime, had dressed up Posie-Cossie, and, bringing him in, +tried to make him perform some tricks. + +Then followed an Indian dance, the costumes bringing into requisition +all the rugs, a striped Italian blanket, a pair of striped "portières," +and such like articles, while a quantity of monkey-fur served for +hair in the case of Archie, and Jack being surmounted by small +feather-dusters. An absurdly solemn dance it was, and, when exhausted +with the whirling, one after another stopped, and at last, the +performance was declared at an end. + +"We had a good time, didn't we?" said Val. "Wasn't it funny, Colonel? +Did you ever laugh more?" + +"I never in my life laughed more," declared Mr. Smith. "I don't see +how you children manage to be so intensely amusing," which was a great +compliment for the Colonel, who seldom praised, and the performers were +correspondingly grateful. + +"Posie-Cossie ate up all the chocolates," announced Nannie; "so, Jack, +we will have to select some other 'dainty dish to set before a king.'" + +"Never mind," replied Jack; "the display is tempting enough without +them. I'll take a nutlet. I'm not much of a candy fiend, and you have +enough left to supply an army." + +"You will make yourselves ill, children," warned Miss Nelson; "do eat +something besides sweets. How do they manage to do it?" she said to Mr. +Smith. + +"Try a bon-bon, Colonel," said Val, persuasively. + +"Not for the world," he replied, with a wry face; "but you may give me +some of that salad: it looks passable." + +"Passable!" was Val's indignant response. "It is equal to Delmonico's. +Theo and I made it, drop by drop, just as the recipe says." + +"A remarkable way," concluded Mr. Smith, smiling. "It isn't bad," +pronounced he, "but you might improve it." + +"I wonder if we left out anything," said Val, in an aside to Theo. + +"No," she replied, "of course we didn't; he is only teasing." + +"Time is flying," Jack proclaimed. "I must be off." + +"Oh, dear!" sighed Val. "Jack, I just hate to say good-by. Please come +back soon. You are so like the rest of us, it is a shame to lose you +out of the crowd. You are so appreciative of our own special form of +wit, and are so responsive." + +"You are giving him a fine load to carry away with him, Val," said +Archie; "he will not be able to travel with all those compliments." + +"Never mind," retorted she. "Jack has strength enough to carry them; +now you—" + +"Stop, stop; no personalities," interrupted Jack. "Really, it is high +time we were going, for I must put some things in my trunk to-night, +and, do you know, it is to-morrow already. Midnight, actually," and he +began his adieux, to Miss Nelson first, to Theo last. + +For a moment he stood in the doorway, his eyes resting on the girl +whose face showed a lingering regret as he turned away. Then he darted +back again, and caught her hand in both his. + +"God bless you!" he said, huskily; then, without another word, he was +gone, and Archie followed. + +"There goes one of the truest, noblest men I know," said Mr. Smith, +breaking in upon the silence which had fallen upon the group. + +"Who?" asked Theo, flippantly, to hide some real emotion. "Archie?" + +"No, Miss," returned Mr. Smith, taking up his hat; "Jack Allen." + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER VI. + +A PRIVATE VIEW. + +AFTER Jack left, "the flock," as they were called by Mr. Smith, settled +down quietly. Each turned to the work at hand, and, though Jack was +sadly missed, the winter months flew by very rapidly and, on the whole, +happily. Miss Nelson, whose opportunities for lectures and concerts +had never been very great, now was able to indulge herself in many +directions hitherto denied her. Theo worked away resolutely at her +music, her voice losing none of its sweetness by good training. Perhaps +nothing could have given her more comfort at this time than her power +to sing. Val, whose chief charm had always been her little engaging +ways, was now adding to them some of Theo's graciousness. She was also +gaining a thoughtfulness and an appreciative spirit which heretofore +had been somewhat lacking. + +Archie spoke out one day, when Miss Nelson had completed some little +service for which Val expressed her thanks,— + +"You are getting to be an awfully nice girl, Val," he exclaimed. + +Val blushed, then retorted, "As if I were not always an awfully nice +girl." + +"Well, so you were, compared to some; but you used to take everything +as a matter of course. Miss Le Moyne used to come first, and now she +doesn't. You used to accept anything done for you as if it were your +right." + +"I was a little spoiled, I believe," replied Val. "I did use to think +just that way, Archie, but now I see that no favor, no kindness is too +small to appreciate; and not only that, but to appreciate by expressing +thanks for it. That is auntie's teaching and Theo's example, and it is +due to one of our teachers, too, a little. It is awfully good of you to +say I have improved." + +"Humph!" responded Archie. "I might take a few lessons myself. I've +been pretty mean to you sometimes, Val, but I believe I tried to take +you down a peg or two, so I didn't praise you too much." + +"I shouldn't think you did," and Val laughed. "Miss Butler didn't +either, till she thought I deserved a little encouragement. She told us +one day of her grandmother, who was one of the most lovable old ladies +in the world. We were all saying what we most dreaded, and one of the +girls said she dreaded old age more than anything. Then Miss Butler +gave us these little maxims of her grandmother's," and Val drew a +little note-book from her pocket. "Do you want to hear them?" she asked. + +"Certainly; 'what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.' Fire +away!" + +And Val read,— + + "'She who feeds upon admiration may one day starve upon neglect.' + + "'She who worships self, worships at an empty shrine.' + + "'She who sees no beauty save in her mirror will not have much to +admire in the evening of life.' + + "'She who in youth seeks nothing but pleasure will find old age a +dreary time.' + +"For she read he," said Val, in conclusion, putting back the book into +her pocket. + +"They're pretty good," said Archie, thoughtfully. "What do you most +dread, Val?" + +"Oh, being shut up in a place where I can't stand upright," she +replied; "that is my horror. One of the girls said she dreaded +obscurity,—it is funny how the characteristics of each one came out +that day,—and we all smiled, for she is so exactly that way, and is +always saying she is so very proud. But it isn't real pride at all: it +is a love of importance. She would rather be important than happy." + +"What an occult way of putting it," remarked Archie. "Just what do you +mean?" + +"I mean that she loves adulation. She enjoys the sweet taste of praise. +She would rather wear herself out for the sake of a word of praise than +be at peace without it. Oh, Archie, we do have larks sometimes; there +are some such witty girls at this school. Not long ago, we had great +trouble in keeping any soap in the lavatory. The girls would take it +out and forget to return it, till one of the girls put up on the door, +'Who enters here, leave soap behind.' And it struck every one's sense +of humor, so that we have had no trouble since." + +"Shall you only go this year?" + +"I don't know. I sometimes think I should like to go to college, if +you all were to be near me. I like auntie's idea of a woman's taking +up certain studies, even if she makes no practical use of them. +Auntie thinks women need breadth of mind and concentration, and for +that reason should study mathematics and science. She thinks we allow +ourselves to be drawn away by little details too much, and do not see +things in a large way. But I don't want to go away off by myself." + +"Are you afraid of getting into mischief?" asked Archie, teasingly. + +"No," replied Val, scornfully. "I used to get into mischief and do +indiscreet things, but I hope I have more respect for myself now. If +I do not go to college, we can study at home, Theo and I; there are +plenty of studies we could keep up without masters." + +"Do you remember the summer we tried to study literature?" said Archie +to Theo, who had just come in. + +"Yes," answered Theo, smiling. "Archie was so funny, Val; he used to +ask the most ridiculous questions. I remember once, when Hawthorne was +our subject, and auntie said, 'And then they went to live at the old +Manse,' that Archie burst out with, 'He couldn't have had much pride, +auntie. Why did he go to live at the old man's? Couldn't he support his +wife?' How auntie did laugh!" + +"You didn't know any better yourself," retorted Archie, "till auntie +told us what the old Manse was. I was a very little chap, anyhow, only +about ten or twelve." + +"Where is Nan?" asked Val. + +"She has gone to see one of her artist friends." + +"Isn't she working too hard?" asked Archie. + +"She does work hard," was Theo's reply; "but it is her delight. I never +saw any one more in love with her work. She says she loves her brushes +better than anything else, and I almost believe her. I sometimes tell +her that her friends are a minor consideration where her painting is +concerned. But if she is happy, I shouldn't say a word. When I scold +her about wearing herself out, she always answers me with: + + "'Get leave to work + In this world,—'tis the best you get at all,—' + +"And then I have nothing at all to say, since I have such great respect +for Mrs. Browning; and then Nan believes in giving expression to +whatever talent one may possess. She says, 'If you have anything to +say, say it, through one medium or another; if you have anything to do, +do it.'" + +"If you have anything to eat, eat it," interrupted Archie, spying a +dish of fruit on the table and reaching over to help himself to an +apple. + +"If you have anything to snatch, snatch it," interposed Val, suiting +the action to the word and robbing Archie of his fruit. + +Then began a wild flight of Val around the room, behind tables and +chairs, with Archie after her, Theo remonstrating. "Don't, Archie! +Stop, Val! The people on the floor below will think we are savages +executing a war dance." + +But in the midst of the tussle Nannie came in, and the two belligerents +agreed to divide the apple, bite and bite about. + +"What luck, Nan?" inquired Theo. + +Nannie dropped into a chair. "I don't know," she answered; "but I sent +it haphazard, and now I am so nervous and excited over it." + +"Over what?" asked Archie, curiously. + +The girls looked at each other. + +"Shall we tell him?" said Theo. + +"Oh, yes," decided Val; "tell him. Nan doesn't mind his knowing." + +Nannie hesitated, but at Archie's reproachful look confessed the +secret. "I have sent a picture to the exhibition," she admitted. "I +didn't want any one to know, for, in case it should be rejected, I +should feel so cut up about it. So don't tell, Archie." + +"I'll be as silent as a clam," promised Archie; "but you'll get in, +Nan. I prophesy that." + +"Oh, don't!" exclaimed Nannie, putting up her hand as if to ward off +the prophecy. "Don't say anything to make me more excited than I am. I +think it was very brazen of me to send it, at best; but I did so want +to." + +"It wasn't brazen!" exclaimed the other girls. "Oh, Archie, it is +splendid." + +"What is the subject?" + +"Val sat for it," explained Nannie; "it is only a head." + +"And, of course," put in Val, "if it is rejected, it will be on account +of the subject." + +"No! No!" expostulated Nan. "You were positively delightful with that +yellow drapery." + +"I'm sure you idealized it enough," asserted Val. + +"Not a bit." + +"There! There!" interposed Archie. "You two modest creatures quit your +wrangling. When shall you know, Nan?" + +"Not till the twenty-second." + +"We are all going to the private view," said Theo; "and we are going, +in sections, to stand before the picture and admire it. Then maybe +somebody, hearing our ecstatic expressions of admiration, will buy it." + +"Don't suggest such a possibility," begged Nannie. "You will drive me +wild. Please, please, talk about something else, and let me recover my +equilibrium." + +"I believe you are more nervous than I ever saw you," declared Archie. +"We'll turn the subject." + +"We'll have to; there's some one at the door," notified Val. + +"I was told to come right up," said a voice, and Val's friend, Nettie +Wayne, made her appearance. + +Archie, who was sitting in the hammock, attempted to rise, that he +might be presented to the caller. But hammocks are not to be depended +upon, and, just at the critical moment, it gave a flop, causing Archie +to turn a back somersault, presenting his heels to the young lady in +the most ludicrous manner. He recovered himself almost immediately, +however, saying,— + +"We do not always do those things, Miss Wayne; although you may have +heard of our performances up here. You have been to studios before, no +doubt?" + +"I have been here before," laughingly replied Miss Wayne. "But I am +glad you explained, Mr. Nelson, for Val has told me of her cousin +Archie, and I might have expected some surprise." + +"Val, Val, what have you been saying of me?" demanded Archie. "Did you +tell Miss Wayne that I always greet callers in some unusual way,—that +I turn somersaults, or stand on my head whenever a visitor appears? I +assure you, Miss Wayne, it is not so. I really and truly behave quite +like other men, usually. What are you laughing at, Nan? Don't I?" + +Nannie shook her head in denial. "I never saw one quite like you," she +replied, teasingly. + +"Is that a compliment or not?" returned Archie, regarding her +thoughtfully. + +"I shall not tell you," responded Nannie, a little confused. Then, +turning to Nettie, "Are you going to sit for me?" + +"Not with all these people here," confessed Nettie. + +"Go, people, go!" ordered Nannie. + +"That's mean, Nan, to turn us out. Let me stay, anyhow," entreated Val. +"I'll read aloud while you work," she added, with a sudden inspiration. + +"Well, then, you may stay." + +"She means she objects to us," remarked Archie to Theo. "Come, Theo, +they don't know what they miss. I have something in my pocket that you +and I will discuss together. Let us go to auntie's room," and Archie +picked up his overcoat, drawing something from one of the pockets. + +"What a 'moreish' looking package," cried Val. "Oh, Nan, don't turn +them out! It is a box of Huyler's candy, I know, and they will eat it +all up. They won't leave us a 'vestment' of it, as Mammy says." + +"Aha!" exclaimed Archie. "Revenge is sweet; it is as sweet as the +contents of this box," and he held the package aloft. "Come, Theo!" And +he was out of the door before they could stop him. + +With one accord they fell upon Theo. "We'll keep her as hostage," they +cried. "Arch shall not have her till he divides the candy," maintained +Val. + +"Let me go!" cried Theo, trying to extricate herself. + +But they held her fast, and in a few moments, finding Theo did not +follow him, Archie returned. + +"Help! Help! Your aid, Sir Knight!" implored Theo, struggling to get +free. + +"A maiden in distress!" exclaimed Archie, advancing upon the captors. + +"Don't you dare to touch us," commanded Nan, with great dignity. +"Archibald Nelson, if you step your foot one inch nearer, I'll—I'll—" + +"What? Say your worst." + +"I'll paint a hideous portrait of you. I'll exhibit it. I'll make it a +perfect caricature. I'll sell it. I'll make you wish you had never been +born." + +During this parley, the girls had weakened their grasp upon Theo, who, +watching her opportunity, freed herself, and darted into the arms of +Archie, who was now put upon the defensive, and was obliged to dodge +the shower of missiles thrown in his direction,—paint-brushes, wads of +paper, pencils, and pieces of rubber went flying across the room. + +"Such behavior!" Archie expostulated, dodging a brush. + +"So undignified!" cried Theo, ducking her head under Archie's arm as a +bit of rubber whizzed by. + +"All the ammunition is used up," announced Nan, looking in vain for +something to throw. + +And Val darted forward to catch up the brush lying closest to her. But +Archie was on the alert, and caught her by the wrist as she was in the +act of picking up the brush. + +"We'll compromise; we'll compromise," cried Nan. + +"Done!" replied Archie. "What are your terms?" + +"Pass around the candy once, and let Val go. You may keep Theo; we +promise not to recapture her." + +To this Archie agreed, and the girls, after helping themselves +liberally, settled down to work, left unmolested by Archie and Theo. + + +The morning of the twenty-second, Nannie watched for her mail with +fear and trembling. "I don't count on it at all," she kept repeating. +"Really, I shall be very much surprised if I am hung." + +"If you are hung? Is the picture as bad as that?" inquired Miss Nelson, +with a smile. + +"Oh, Miss Nelson, you know what I mean. I mean if I am accepted." + +"There is the mail!" and Val sprang to her feet. + +Nannie sat very still, the color coming and going in her face. + +"What will you give?" cried Val, holding a large square envelope above +her head. + +"Don't tease, dear," reproved Miss Nelson. "Give Nannie her mail." + +"Oh!" breathed Nannie, as she opened the envelope. "Oh, Miss Nelson!" +and she turned to auntie, extending two cards with trembling hand. + +"Why, my dear, I congratulate you!" was Miss Nelson's pleased response +as she took into her hand not only a card of invitation to the private +view, but an exhibition ticket as well. "Your picture is really hung. +How very glad I am." + +Nannie could scarcely speak, she was so overcome, and for the rest of +the day felt as if she trod on air. + + +Saturday evening, the whole party, with Mr. Smith and Archie as +escorts, proceeded to the Academy, where they found Nannie's picture, +although "skyed," still looking quite well, and very proud did the +young artist feel. + +"I am ashamed to be seen looking at it," she whispered to Theo. + +Theo laughed. "No one will know," she replied. + +"Come, Nan, we want you," interposed Val. "You have a great deal to do +this evening. First, you are to tell us who is who. You are to point +out all the distinguished artists to us. You must know most of them by +sight, anyhow; and then you are to tell us what pictures to admire. +It would never do for us to stand before a bad picture, and say 'How +beautiful!' with perhaps the biggest gun in the art world standing +right behind us." + +"Oh, dear! What responsibility," sighed Nannie. "I am afraid I shall +never be able to meet it. You will have to do your own criticising, +I am afraid; and if you show a hopeless lack of taste, I will try to +point out your error. That is the best I can do. No, I will do better +than that, Val. I see some one I know over there alone. I will bring +him here and present him, and put you under his tutelage; he is one of +the best critics I know." + +And Nannie made her way across the room, returning with a +serious-looking young man, whom she presented to Val as Mr. Egerton. +And the two moved off together, while Nannie, being joined by Archie +and Theo, made a tour of the galleries with much satisfaction. + +"Nan thinks it a very good exhibition," announced Val, as they were +about to take their leave, "and we have heard half a dozen people say +the very opposite." + +They all laughed, and Nannie, seeing their amusement, blushed furiously. + +"I know just what you mean," she declared. "They say an artist is apt +to consider that exhibition a good one in which his own pictures are +hung, and a poor one when his work has been rejected; so I shall not +allow you to consider me such a partial critic. We'll leave it to Mr. +Egerton. Is it, or isn't it, a good exhibition?" + +"It is a very good one," certified he. "You are quite correct, Miss +Talcott. I have only heard one opinion from those really capable of +judging." + +And Nannie looked around triumphantly. + +"Oh, we thought so," Val declared, airily. "We just wanted to guy you, +Nan." + +Mr. Egerton looked amused, and Nan was satisfied at having cleared +herself of having exhibited undue partiality. + + +The next day she came home with a great piece of news. + +"Girls! Girls! Where are you all?" she cried. "Miss Nelson, what do +you think?" And she ran from one room to room till she found the three +in Miss Nelson's room. "Oh, what do you think? I went to the Academy, +to-day, and my picture is sold," she proclaimed. "Sold! Do you hear? +Oh, that dear, nice little ticket did look so delightful. I could +hardly believe my eyes. Sold! The very first night. Isn't it wonderful?" + +"Oh, Nan! Why, Nan!" they exclaimed. "And who has bought it?" + +"I don't know. I didn't charge a very big price; and the secretary told +me the purchaser preferred not to have his name made public." + +"I should like to know," said Val, "for it really looks so much like +me. And it seems so funny for a stranger to be looking at my portrait +day after day,—to be the actual owner of my likeness. I want to know +who has bought it." + +"Perhaps it was Mr. Smith," suggested Theo. + +"Maybe it was. You ought to know, auntie. Did he specially admire it?" +inquired Val. + +"He liked it very well as a painting, but said he would rather have a +portrait of Val without all those fal-lals." + +"That sounds just like him, so probably it was not he, after all. We'll +ask him," decided Val. + +But Mr. Smith disclaimed any knowledge of the purchase, and the name of +the owner remained unknown. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER VII. + +HOW ELDORADO ANN WAS SCARED. + +THE beginning of summer found "the flock" making other plans than their +usual ones; for Mrs. Lewis begged to retain the house in Roseville +another year. And since Archie could not be with them, it was decided +that they should all remain in or near New York till the very warm +weather, and then take two months at the sea-shore. This arrangement +pleased Mr. Smith mightily, and Archie, also; for Lyndehurst was easily +reached, and thither they all repaired very often until July came in +and drove them to a cooler place. + +"We shall have to do something about Eldorado Ann," announced +Miss Nelson, one morning. "Mrs. Lewis writes that the child is so +disappointed at our failure to return that she is miserable, and +cannot be made to take an interest in her work, so that she is utterly +useless. What can we do?" + +"She is your special 'protégée,' Theo," said Val; "lend auntie your +wits." + +"I should not like to bring her here," replied Theo; "it is no place +for her; and we do not need her, living as we do. Help me out, Val." + +Val looked thoughtfully out of the window; then she exclaimed, "I'll +ask the Colonel; perhaps Mrs. Barton can find her of use!" + +"The Colonel" was always Val's refuge when all else failed, and the old +man repaid the confidence placed in him by always being equal to the +emergency, and by professing an interest in matters heretofore entirely +foreign to his taste. So, as often before, he now rose to the occasion +and promised to place Eldorado Ann under Mrs. Barton's wing. Tommy +Reed, Eldorado Ann's brother, was still in Mr. Smith's employ, and, +from being an utterly wild, uncontrolled urchin, was developing energy +and ability under the training of old David, the gardener. + +"We will keep Eldorado Ann here for a few days and show her the city," +said Theo. "We can take her up to Lyndehurst next Saturday when we go." + +"Almost all the winter people have left the house," observed Val, one +morning. "There are some new people in the rooms below. I saw the +trunks going in as I came up-stairs yesterday." + +"Doesn't it seem funny not to know your next-door neighbor?" said Theo. +"In Roseville we know every one,—from the oldest inhabitant down to the +newest baby. I think I like home best, auntie." + +"Can't you see Eldorado Ann's round-eyed astonishment?" remarked Val. +"When will she come?" + +"To-day, probably," replied Miss Nelson. "Mrs. Lewis wrote that an +opportunity would occur this week for sending her in old Mr. Collins's +care, in that case she may come at any time. Mr. Collins will deliver +her safely here. So we need not meet her; in fact, we could not very +well, unless they sent a despatch, for it is a little uncertain when +they will leave." + +"And we are all going out to-day," said Theo. + +"Never mind," returned Miss Nelson. "Mrs. Joy can let her into our +rooms, and she will be quite safe till we return." + + +That afternoon Eldorado Ann did arrive, and was ushered into the studio +to await the return of some of the family. The little girl, who was +about fourteen and quite small for her age, had never before been out +of her native village. The bustle and excitement of a big city had +already filled her with awe and amazement, so she was ready for all +sorts of surprises. + +As the door of the studio closed behind her, she looked around, and, +seeing a figure seated at a little distance, she went timidly towards +it. Dropping a courtesy, she said "Howdy, ma'am?" but the figure did +not stir. + +Eldorado Ann approached nearer. "Maybe she's deef," she said to +herself, and, raising her voice, she again said, "Howdy, ma'am?" + +No response. Eldorado Ann stepped a little to one side to meet the +bland smile and fixed eyes of a lay figure which Nannie had borrowed +from an artist friend. + +The little girl stood still for a moment, and then went off a step or +two. "Ef she ain't deef, she's blind with them starey eyes," she said. +"Lady, ma'am, where is Miss Theo?" + +No answer reaching her, the little girl went up closer and laid a +finger on the cheek turned towards her. Then with a leap, she sprang +away and retreated to the farthest corner of the room, her astonished +eyes gazing at the serenely smiling face still turned immovably in her +direction. + +"That beats me. I believe it's only a figgur," said Eldorado Ann, +and she sat down as far away as possible from the object of her +astonishment, not yet being quite sure whether it was alive or not. + +At that moment, from the room below, came terrifying sounds, short +gasps of "Oh! Oh! Oh!" then long-drawn groans, next a voice rapidly +speaking, rising higher and higher till it reached a wail of agony. A +moment's pause,—then a shriek. + +Eldorado Ann, with dilated eyes, faced the lay figure with its +unalterable regard fixed upon her. + +Again from below came the agonized voice, and then Eldorado Ann could +stand it no longer. Opening the door, she rushed precipitately out into +the hall and down the stairs, crying, "Help! Help! Somebody's being +murdered!" + +Fortunately, Theo, just coming up, met the excited child. + +"Why, Eldorado Ann!" she exclaimed. "What is the matter?" + +With her dear Miss Theo at hand, Eldorado Ann felt safe; but she burst +into tears. + +"Oh, Miss Theo," she cried, "take me away. This is an awful place. +There's crazy people here, or people getting murdered. And that lady +up-stairs. I don't know whether she's dead or not. I've looked at her +so steady, and oncet she looked like she winked." + +[Illustration: Then, with a leap, she sprang away.] + +For a moment, Theo was puzzled. But as she entered the room, she caught +sight of the lay figure, and partly understood the cause of the little +maid's excitement. Then, as she recognized the sounds coming from the +room below, she burst out laughing. + +"I don't wonder you were scared, you poor child," she said. "I was +mystified myself at first. That is only some one practising elocution." + +"What's that?" asked Eldorado Ann, now recovering from her fright. + +"Why, some one learning to 'speak a piece,'" explained Theo. "It is +all right. You thought you had come to a dreadful place, didn't you, +Eldorado Ann? Never mind: it is nothing at all. Come here and see this +lady who has been staring at you." And Theo led the little girl up to +the lay figure, explaining its use, and showing Nannie's study of the +drapery worn by the "staring lady." "We call her ''Liza Jane,'" said +Theo. "She is very amiable; so don't be afraid any more." + +Eldorado Ann was much amused. And when, one day, Theo pointed out +to her the gentle, meek-looking girl who had given such terrifying +shrieks, she was no longer alarmed at anything that went on in that +house, and enjoyed her stay hugely, while her remarks gave the girls +much amusement, they were so naïve and spontaneous. + +"This is a great experience for Eldorado Ann," said Archie. "I wonder +what she will think of Tommy; he has grown so in the past four years." + +Tommy proved himself to be an object of great admiration to Eldorado +Ann, who viewed him with intense pride. + +"He's mos' a gentleman, ain't he, Miss Theo?" she said. "An' he says +some day me an' him'll keep house together." + +That a member of her own family showed any real signs of respectability +gave the little maid more self-respect than she had ever known; and +that Tommy, the scapegrace, should give promise of amounting to +something delighted her beyond measure. + +"Ma wouldn't know him, an' pop 'ud be ashamed of hisself, settin' there +doin' nothin'," she declared to Theo. + +Theo had her own private views on the subject, and doubted if anything +could make "pop" ashamed of himself; since almost everything that could +have appealed to his lazy nature had come his way. As for poor Mrs. +Reed, though her intentions were good, her fulfilment of them failed +miserably, as the down-at-heel appearance of their dwelling indicated. + +"I think we have the pick of the brood," said Archie, looking at Tommy +and Eldorado Ann happily talking together. "There comes a carriage, +Theo. Callers, do you suppose?" + +"It is some of the Parkhursts," said Val, looking over his shoulder. +"Fanny and Jamie, and—no, that is all. I thought I saw Felix." + +"The flock" had arrived at Lyndehurst on Friday evening, and this was +Saturday. The Parkhurst residence was not far away; it having been the +scene of Theo's first independent effort was more or less interesting +to them all, though the family was not a specially attractive one to +"the flock." + +Since Felix had discovered that neither Val nor Theo were disposed to +regard him with distinct favor, he had turned his attention in other +directions, and the girls had seen little of him in the past few months. + +"I shall be very glad to see Jamie," said Theo, as she watched the +carriage come up the drive; "and Fan, too, for that matter: naughty, +elfish little creature though she was. I think no one quite understood +her, and I believe she will yet develop into a fine woman. + +"Why, bless you, Jamie, how you have grown," was her greeting to the +curly-headed little fellow who ran up the steps to meet her; "and Fan, +too," and she held out her hand to the tall, awkward girl. "I am so +glad to see you both." + +"We came near not coming," announced Fan, in her old gruff way. "Felix +wanted the horses; he's a nasty, selfish wretch." + +"Why, Fan!" and Theo felt herself blushing, just why she could not have +told. "Come, suppose we sit here," she suggested; "it is so lovely +out-of-doors these June days," and she drew the children to her side. + +Jamie looked up fondly, and Fan allowed herself a caress. + +"I told Felix I'd pay him back," Fan went on. "I told him, if he didn't +let us come with the horses, that I'd walk over here and tell you all +about him." + +"Don't talk so," remonstrated Theo. "Since you did come with the +horses, it isn't fair; and besides, when he is not here to defend +himself, it is not nice of you." + +"Oh, Miss Nelson," said Fan, "I believe I could be a good girl if I had +you with me. Won't you come back?" + +Theo shook her head. "I'm afraid you mustn't expect it," she replied. +"Now, tell me all about everybody." + +And the children launched forth into an account of their usual +proceedings. Fan's pranks were evidently as pronounced as ever, and her +wilfulness as decided a trait. + +"I'm Miss Parkhurst, now that Leonore is married. You haven't seen +Leonore, have you, Miss Nelson, since she became Mrs. Tucker? I don't +see how she could marry such a sap-head. I don't like men, anyhow," Fan +declared. "Albert Tucker is a fool, and Felix is a conceited, selfish +pig. Eugene is going to be a dunderheaded yard-stick; he doesn't care +for anything but dollars and cents. Jamie is the only one I care for. +Pinkey is a stuck-up little minx, and—" + +"Fan! Fan!" Theo kept interrupting, trying in vain to stop the tirade, +and finally she placed her hand gently over Fan's lips. "I cannot allow +myself to listen to you," she said. + +"Oh, do let me," begged Fan, possessing herself of the hand. "I am kept +so bottled up. I have to let out my feelings sometimes, and 'you' never +thought I was wicked to want to run and romp, and 'you' never called +fairy tales silly stuff." + +Theo laid her hand softly on Fan's thick hair, for Fan had thrown aside +her hat and was sitting on a lower step, leaning her head against +Theo's knee. + +"Shall I tell you a story?" asked Theo. + +"Oh, please, just as you used to do: just a real, little old-fashioned +fairy tale, the kind I used to love." + +And Theo began,— + + "Once there was a little princess who lived in a big castle. She was +half blind and half dumb and half deaf, and had a hump on her back that +made it very hard for her to get along; so she was very unhappy, and +there seemed to be no way for her to be relieved from all this trouble. +But one day there came a poor little fairy to her, not a very wise nor +a powerful fairy, but just a plain little creature whom we will call +Apple-Blossom." + +Why did there come a little catch in Theo's voice as she remembered +a Sabbath-day, years before, when she had stood looking up into the +apple-trees, drifting their blossoms down upon her? + +"Go on," came Jamie's voice, as Theo paused. + + "Well," continued Theo, "the little apple-tree fairy said to the +princess, 'You need not be always half blind and half deaf and half +dumb, and you may one day be rid of that hump you wear, for there will +come a little prince to help you; he is very near you now, only you do +not see him nor hear him.' + + "Then the fairy flew away and whispered to the little prince, who was +not far off, 'Go and stand at the right side of the Princess Fancy, +and show her how beautiful the world is. Teach her to look up instead +of down, show her the sky and the trees and the flowers instead of the +worms and the mud and the thorns, then her right eye will open, and she +will be able to see so much that has been invisible to her. Then take +this little book, and sing these songs into her right ear, and, after +a while, instead of the discords she now imagines she hears, she will +hear sweet sounds. Then kiss her softly on the right side of her mouth, +and she will speak as she ought, not in stammering, broken words, but +clearly, as a free creature. Then, when you have done all this, walk +before her, so courageously, in such a straight, upright way, that she +will gain strength from seeing you. Then put your shoulder under the +hump she wears, and, after a while, it will fall off.'" + +Theo stopped. Jamie was regarding her wistfully, and Fan was knitting +her brows in an earnest endeavor to puzzle out the story. + +"Do you understand, little prince?" whispered Theo, leaning down to the +child at her side. + +Jamie's arms clasped her neck, and he whispered back, "Am I the little +prince? Am I, Miss Theo?" + +"You can be," she returned, very softly; "and I will give you the +little book to read to the princess." + +"Fairy Apple-Blossom? I am beginning to understand," said Fan; "but he +is a very little prince," she continued, whimsically, regarding her +small brother. + +"He has a big heart," answered Theo, "and he has found out many, many +beautiful secrets. I discovered that long ago. I am sure he can help +you to see what a fair world it is, and you can love each other and +live for each other, so you will always be able to find sympathy and +affection. Don't pity yourself too much Fan; you have so much to live +for, and if you will try to do everything you can for Jamie, and if +Jamie will try to do everything he can for you, I am sure you can be +very happy in each other." + +"There is one thing, Miss Fairy Apple-Blossom," said Fan; "one thing +that I wish you would do. I wish you would see mamma, and tell her that +it doesn't hurt me to play boys' plays, and to run and romp. I shall +go raving crazy if I have to sit still the rest of my life. I will try +very hard to be a lady in company; but, Miss Theo, it won't hurt me to +play ball, and to skate, and to go about like the boys, will it?" + +"I think it is just the thing for you. I will try to help you in +that way, if you will try to help your mother by not being rude and +boisterous in the house. I think I can, perhaps, make her understand." + +"I'll promise, I will, indeed, Miss Theo; and if she will only let +Jamie and me be 'pards,' instead of insisting upon Jamie and Eugene +always playing together, I know I could be better. I don't care if +Jamie is so little and I am so big; we can go off by ourselves, and I +don't care who makes fun of it." + +"And Jamie?" said Theo, smiling down at him. + +"When Fan doesn't tease me, I love to be with her," he answered. +"Eugene would rather play with Bobby Cole anyhow, and they never want +me." + +So Theo agreed to drive over and see Mrs. Parkhurst, and the result was +that Fan and Jamie became "pards," and from that time Fan's improvement +dated. + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER VIII. + +AN OLD SONG. + +AT first, Jack wrote very regularly, giving graphic accounts of his +surroundings; he had taken charge of a plantation in Florida, and, +though he made no complaint, his friends could detect his utter +loneliness in the letters he sent. + +In one of his early letters, written while it was yet cold weather, he +said: + + "You cannot imagine, Arch, old fellow, how quiet it seems here of +nights, after the noisy, clattering streets of New York. You will think +me a silly-billy when I tell you that I make a fire and set my kettle +boiling just for company; there is something cosey about the singing of +the kettle and the bubbling of the water. When it boils down, I fill it +up again, and then I sit down and think of you all, wonder what you are +doing, and when I shall see you all again." + +But of late the letters came infrequently, and then they were short and +unsatisfactory. + +"It has been a long time since we heard from Jack," said Miss Janet to +Mr. Smith, one evening, as they sat on the porch at Lyndehurst. "I am +worried about him." + +"I am more worried about Theo," returned Mr. Smith, nodding in the +direction of the girl, who, with Felix Parkhurst, was sitting on a +rustic seat, listening intently to something her companion was reading +to her. The last beams of a setting sun touched her bright hair and +lingered on her white gown. She was leaning slightly forward, her hands +clasped, her lips gently parted. + +Auntie looked fixedly in her direction. "I am not afraid for my girl," +she said. + +Mr. Smith shook himself impatiently. "Facts are facts," he declared. +"You can't get rid of them by ignoring them. It is perfectly natural +for young people to think on subjects which we older ones set aside as +trifling and mawkish. Now, Miss Nelson, you know perfectly well that +half the mothers, and fathers maybe, will say, if a girl begins to talk +of lovers, 'You are too young for such things. I don't want to hear any +such nonsense,' or else, with a wave of the hand, will put aside the +subject with, 'You little goose, you don't know what you are talking +about.' + +"Of course she doesn't know what she is talking about, and, failing the +proper advice and sympathy there, she takes her confidences to some +one quite as inexperienced and romantic as herself, and between them, +they build up some absurd fancy which, in the end, leads to an unhappy +marriage, or to a season of sorrowful days and tearful nights." + +"But Theo is in no such danger, I am sure," responded Miss Nelson, yet +with some alarm. "She is not such a girl as you describe. She would not +talk of such things in the way girls generally do." + +"I am not so sure about there being no danger; and the young lady, if +she doesn't talk about it, thinks about it, and gets her ideas from +some sentimental companion or from some gushing novel." + +"I don't know which of Theo's companions you could call sentimental." + +Mr. Smith's glance fell significantly upon Felix. + +"And," continued Miss Nelson, "she doesn't read 'gushing novels,' as +you call them." + +Mr. Smith smiled; he was in one of his sarcastically disagreeable +moods. "She reads love stories, then," he said; "and, even if they be +good ones, they appeal to her sentiment and her imagination. So, no +doubt by this time she has woven a fine dream for herself about that +young cad." + +"You do not approve of Felix Parkhurst, I notice." + +Mr. Smith compressed his lips. "I do approve of Theo, and I don't +want her thrown away on a self-indulgent, indolent fellow like that. +What sort of a prop would he be in time of trouble, I'd like to know, +granting he has no special vices? He is the kind that would turn his +back on a woman's tears because he 'hated a scene,' and would consider +himself much abused if his wife failed to amuse him. He would tire +of her in a month, and would hunt up some more entertaining company, +neglecting her with a languid indifference which would be intolerable +to a girl like Theo. I know just the sort of a butterfly he is. Girls +don't see those things; how can they, when they have had no experience? +A girl whose only brother is a courteous gentleman expects all men +to be like him; and what does she know of the world of men who are +different? And suppose he were to lose his money, what sort of support +do you suppose he could give her?" + +"You remember Theo lived under the same roof with Felix Parkhurst for +three months," interposed Miss Nelson. + +"And how much did she see him? At meal-time, maybe, and once in a while +very casually; he was away half the time." + +"I think you are a little severe, Colonel," said Miss Nelson; "and I +still feel sure that Theo is in no danger." + +The Colonel gave a gruff "Humph!" and walked away, leaving Miss Nelson +somewhat disquieted. + +"I will talk to Theo," she said to herself; "there is some truth +in what he says. I ought not to set aside any subject which may be +interesting to my girls. But Theo has always given me her entire +confidence, and I may have been too sure that she had none to give." + +A little before this, Felix Parkhurst had called. And, finding it +convenient to drive over, had come every day, sometimes bringing a +book in his pocket, from which he would read aloud to Theo, being +entertained by her enjoyment of some new author, and finding it a +pleasant diversion to bring the soft color to her cheeks when he +emphasized some ardent passage by lifting his eyes and looking at her +with tender reproach. + +But Theo's blushes were not all for his sake; they were partly from a +consciousness that she had been near to loving the man before her, and +partly from a fear that he might imagine she still felt so disposed +towards him. + + +"Theo grows good-looking," said Archie. "I never thought she would be +so pretty. She has grown up to her nose, and her eyes have grown up to +her." + +"She was always pretty," insisted Val. "Her eyes always had that sweet, +earnest look, and her mouth, nothing ever was lovelier than Theo's +mouth and her smile. As for her nose, that was easily passed over." + +"Of course," responded Archie; "it always had a bridge to it." + +"Silly!" retorted Val, throwing a rose-bud at him. "You'll never grow +up, whatever Theo's nose does. I declare, Archie, you ought to be in +knickerbockers." + +Archie suddenly jumped up and rushed into the house, appearing in a few +minutes wearing his bicycle dress. He threw himself down on the grass +by Val. + +"Where are you going?" she asked. + +"Nowhere." + +"I thought you had a bicycle trip on hand, you went off so suddenly." + +"You're dreadfully dense. Here, when I try to please you, you +completely set aside my little efforts." + +"What do you mean? I declare, Archie, you are an exceedingly foolish +youth." + +"Most sapient maiden, didn't you say I ought to be in knickerbockers? I +tried to please you." + +Val replied by whacking him over the head with his cap, while he +laughed at her simulated rage. + +"To return to Theo," said Val. "There, Archie, it's too hot to exercise +so violently. I think it is too bad she is not going to the shore with +us. But it's just like her. Because Fanny Parkhurst has set her heart +on her going there for a visit, and because Jamie wants her, she'll go; +and I 'know' she doesn't want to, but she's just that self-sacrificing. +I wouldn't do it." + +"No, 'you' wouldn't." + +"You mean, horrid boy!" and Val again brought the cap into requisition. +"You wouldn't, either." + +"Of course I wouldn't. A pretty dance I would lead Miss Fan, and I +would scare Jamie stiff before I'd been there twenty-four hours. I +believe I should like to go, after all. I'd scandalize the whole band, +from Papa Parkhurst down." + +"We could make them have a lively time if we both went," said Val, +falling into the spirit of the thing. "I should love to do it, but +we are not invited, as good luck would have it. Some one told Mrs. +Parkhurst the way we behaved at the Aldridges that time." + +"What time?" + +"Don't you know? We drove over from Roseville, you and Jack and Nan and +Theo and I, and we tied the napkins together at table, and when one +jerked, we all wiped our mouths. Before that, though, we started to go +home because Mrs. Aldridge said she had not had time to make any cake, +and Theo was so distressed at our actions. They were disgraceful." + +"Of course they were. That was years ago; we were on a high horse that +day. I remember you and Nan wouldn't let Mr. Aldridge drive his own +horse, but insisted on his getting into the buggy with Jack and me. You +ought to have been ashamed of yourselves." + +"So we ought. You needn't talk, though; you were worse than any of us. +No, I believe I was the worst, and I am ashamed of myself now. I wish +we could see ahead when it occurs to us to do those things, then we +wouldn't have half so much to blush for. School-girls are such silly, +'silly' things. Do you remember how I used to giggle?" + +"Used to?" + +"I don't near as much as I did. Do I?" + +"I trust you will not continue at the present rate until you are fifty." + +"I won't. I'll be as sedate as you please. I have less hope of you, +though. I know, if you were holding court and anything funny should +occur, that you would disgrace your title of judge by going off into a +fit of undignified mirth. I just know it." + +"Goodness knows I'll have time enough in which to improve before that +day comes, Val," and Archie arose and went towards the house. + +Fan's entreaties had gained a promise from Theo to pay a visit to her +former pupils, and Miss Nelson rather encouraged the plan. Theo as a +guest, she reflected, would have a better opportunity of judging of +Felix, since she would see him more unrestrainedly. + +"You will join us, dear, the last of the week," she said. "Mr. Smith +will be coming down on Saturday with Archie, and you can come with +them." + +"I think it's mean of you," said Val. "I wouldn't desert you in that +way." + +"You'll have a good time, I promise," replied Theo. "Nan will be +there," for Nannie had joined her mother's family a month earlier, and +all had gone to the sea-shore together. + +"Nan isn't you," pouted Val. "If you get tired, promise you'll come +sooner." + +Theo promised, and they parted,—Val and Miss Nelson to proceed to the +sea-shore, and Theo to take up her abode for a week where three years +previously she had gone to teach Mrs. Parkhurst's children. + + +The first few days passed very pleasantly. Theo kept with Jamie and Fan +as much as possible, helping them to a better understanding of each +other, and opening to them such out-door pleasures as both could enjoy. + +Mr. Felix rather resented this, and reproached Theo for inconstancy. + +"You used to be such a good friend," he complained, "and now, when I +need you, you go off with those tiresome children; they cannot interest +you." + +"Can you?" asked Theo, quietly. + +For a moment, Felix was disconcerted. "I used to once. I tried to," he +said, recovering himself. + +Theo felt the color come to her face in a most provoking way. "I came +to visit Fan," she said shortly, and turned away. + +Toward the latter part of the week, an arrangement was made for the +young people of the family, with a few others invited, to drive to a +famous spot, from which could be seen an exceptionally fine view, and +which resort was a popular one for picnic parties. As it was Fan's +idea, she and Jamie were to be of the party. + +"We're going to take supper," explained Jamie. "You'll go in the +carriage with us, won't you, Miss Theo?" + +"If I may," Theo promised. + +"We'll have a lovely time," declared Fan. "I love to scramble about +those old rocks and explore. There will be so much to show you, Miss +Theo. We'll have a fine time, for there will be lots of other girls, +and Felix won't want you," she added, naïvely. + + +At the time of setting out, however, the children's plans were set +aside by Felix, who insisted upon driving the buck-board, with Theo as +companion. + +"There is plenty of room for Jamie," said Theo, seeing his +disappointment, and the little fellow's face brightened. + +"We don't want to be bothered with the kid," said Felix, crossly, and +he frowned threateningly at the child. + +"Ah! Miss Nelson," said Mrs. Parkhurst, from the step, "you will spoil +Jamie. He cannot expect a man like Felix to give up to him. Let Felix +take you." + +And Theo, overruled by her hostess, could say nothing, and the drive +was begun. + +But both Theo and her companion felt a little cross, and it was not +long before a new cause of difference arose. + +About a mile from the house was a narrow place in the road with a +little gully at one side. As they approached this place, they saw a +light spring wagon on its way towards them. + +"We shall have to turn out," remarked Theo. + +"We shall do nothing of the kind," replied Felix, whipping up his +horses. "Let the wagon turn out for us," and he kept the middle of the +road. + +"But there isn't room," insisted Theo. "You will make the man overturn +his wagon in that gully." + +"That is his lookout," replied Felix. "I'm not going to get out of the +way of a clodhopper. You're not afraid?" he asked, altering his tone to +one of suavity. "You are perfectly safe with me." + +"I'm not afraid. No," replied Theo, sitting up very straight, and +feeling a rising resentment at his speech, "but I do not believe in +placing a fellow-creature in danger." + +Felix smiled with an air of superiority, and at this moment, the wagon +came up to them. + +"Why, it's Tommy!" exclaimed Theo. + +"Who?" inquired Felix. + +"Why, Tommy Reed, from Lyndehurst." + +"Oh!" And Theo cried out as the wagon gave a lurch. + +Then, looking behind her, she saw it had indeed, happened as she +feared. The wagon had overturned, but the horse had scrambled to his +feet, and was standing perfectly still, though Tommy was not to be seen. + +"Stop!" cried Theo, imperiously. + +At her tone, Felix checked his horses and looked back. "What is the +matter?" he asked. + +By this time, Tommy was seen standing by the horse. + +"He's all right. Why wasn't he more careful? The awkward lubber! I +could have passed easily," said Felix. + +Theo gave him a quick look, and could not refrain from smiling +scornfully. "I am not so sure it is all right," she returned. "I wish +to go and see." + +"Nonsense. Why, Miss Theo, you are too Quixotic. We shall be very late. +Oh, of course, if you insist," and Felix turned his horses with the air +of one giving in to a woman's whim. + +Reaching the spot, Theo was out of the buck-board in a moment. + +"Tommy! Tommy!" she cried. "I am so sorry. Tell me, are you hurt?" + +Tommy was trying to raise the fallen wagon; he turned at the kind +voice. "I was thrown out, but it is only a scratch, Miss," he replied. + +But Theo saw his face was white and drawn with pain, and the sleeve of +his coat badly torn. "He 'is' hurt," she declared, turning to Felix. + +By this time, Tommy, by using all the strength he could muster with his +left arm, had raised the wagon, which, strange to say, was not injured. +But the great drops stood out on the boy's forehead, and he trembled +painfully after the effort. + +Theo turned determinedly to her companion. "I shall go back to +Lyndehurst with Tommy," she announced; "he is not able to go alone." + +"What do you mean? Why, Miss Theo, I could not allow that. The boy is +all right. Aren't you, my good fellow? He doesn't seem to be much hurt; +he couldn't have lifted the wagon if he had been. You can drive back +alone, can't you, boy?" + +"Yes, sir," said Tommy, bravely. + +"And perhaps have him faint on the way," said Theo. "Pray, don't let me +detain you, Mr. Parkhurst," and Theo threw up her head haughtily. "I +intend to see Tommy safely at Lyndehurst, and, further, to see that he +has medical attendance at once." + +"Oh, if your determination is taken, allow me to drive you there." + +"And Tommy?" + +Mr. Felix looked perplexed. "The boy is perfectly able to drive," he +repeated. + +"I do not agree with you. No, do not trouble yourself further. I prefer +to have you leave me," said Theo, now, thoroughly roused. "My intention +is to drive the wagon myself." + +"Miss Theo!" in accents of astonishment from both Tommy and Mr. Felix. + +"You wouldn't be seen driving that wagon, I hope," from Felix. + +But Theo gave a silencing wave of the hand, as if dismissing the +subject, and without further argument clambered into the wagon. By this +time, Tommy was quite faint, and made no further protest, but took his +place in the back of the wagon, and Theo gathered up the lines. + +"I am very sorry to disappoint the children," she said to Felix, "but +Tommy is suffering." + +"His suffering is not to be compared to my disappointment," was the +response; "but you are not going to give up the trip altogether?" added +Mr. Felix, with some chagrin. "We can stop at the first house and send +assistance. Come, Miss Theo, consider how unnecessary this is. Do get +out and come with me." + +Theo looked at him coldly. "I have announced my intention," she said. + +"Very well, then," returned Felix, now thoroughly out of patience. "If +you prefer that lout's company to mine, I have nothing further to say." + +Theo made no reply, but simply bowed and turned the horse towards +Lyndehurst, which place was soon reached. + +Great was Mrs. Barton's surprise at seeing Miss Theo drive up with +Tommy. + +"Why, bless my soul, Miss!" she cried, running out. "What's this? What +would Mr. Smith say to your driving up here in his wagon?" + +"Tommy is hurt," said Theo, cutting short Mrs. Barton's protests. +"Please send one of the men for the doctor at once." + +And Mrs. Barton bustled off, returning soon with Parsons, the butler, +and old David, who took Tommy in charge. + + +In a short time, the doctor arrived, and pronounced Tommy's accident a +dislocation of the shoulder, and a bad one. So the poor boy was put to +bed, and Theo was satisfied that she had taken the right course. + +"I feel anxious about Tommy, Mrs. Barton," she said. "The doctor said +there might possibly be some internal injury, and I do not want to go +back to Mrs. Parkhurst's." + +"I don't think he's so bad, Miss. I'm sure he'll come all right; he's +pretty badly bruised where he was thrown against a pile of stones, +but I don't believe there is anything worse. But you stay right here, +Miss, if you feel better satisfied; it is good to have you back again, +the house seems so empty. Mr. Smith won't be home to-night, but we'll +try to make you comfortable; and if you want to send any message to +Mrs. Parkhurst, one of the men will be glad to take it. Maybe," she +suggested further, "you'd like to have Miss Fanny and Mr. Jamie come +over and stay with you." + +"What would Mr. Smith say to that?" + +"Oh, Miss, he'd be most pleased. I am sure he would; he always says to +me that you and Miss Val are to have just what you want. I'm sure he'll +be most pleased, Miss. It was so beautiful of you to do all you did for +poor Tommy. I don't know another young lady would have done it, and you +so proud, too. Oh, Miss, Tommy is so grateful, and Eldorado Ann just +worships the ground you walk on. Yes, indeed, Miss, anything you want +shall be done." + +So Theo despatched the note to Mrs. Parkhurst, asking if Jamie and Fan +might come the next day, to remain through the time set for her own +visit to them. And then, having satisfied the old housekeeper that she +wanted no further errands done, she sat down with her little dog in her +arms. + +The house did indeed seem lonely and deserted without Val's merry laugh +or Archie's quick, springing tread. And Theo finally found vent for +her feelings in talking to Posie-Cossie, whom she rocked as if he were +a little baby, while he, once in a while, touched her hand with his +little red tongue. + +"Would I leave poor Tommy, dear?" said Theo. "No, indeed. You wouldn't +have done it either, you dear, faithful, little bit. Did the naughty, +selfish man want to leave poor Tommy all alone? Jack wouldn't have done +it, would he? Why, he wouldn't even leave you all alone in the streets. +Jack would have picked Tommy up, and have held him as gently and as +tenderly as his own brother. He was so good to him when he came to New +York, a little ragged boy. It was all Jack's doing his coming here. How +well I remember. And he wouldn't have left us here alone for the world; +he would have stayed and helped, wouldn't he, Posie-Cossie? We miss +Jack. Oh, Posie-Cossie, we do miss him, and we are too hateful to let +him think so; at least I am. Poor Jack! He was so lonely, too, and he +hadn't any dear little doggie; he only had a tea-kettle—just think, how +pathetic! Nothing but an old tin tea-kettle—to keep him company, and it +has been so long since we heard from him." + +Theo leaned her head against the back of the rocking-chair. The long +summer twilight had begun; through the open window drifted the odor +of such summer flowers as could open to a scorching sun and lose +none of their sweetness thereby,—petunias and verbenas, clematis and +mignonette. Across fields came the scent of new-mown hay, and the +pine-trees in the garden lent a spicy quality to the perfume of the +indrifting evening breeze. + +Theo sat thinking, thinking. The room in which she was opened on the +porch, and presently she heard a foot upon the step leading from the +walk. Posie-Cossie pricked up his ears and gave a little sharp bark. +Theo's hand stilled him, and he lay quiet again. + +The door-bell rang, and Theo, listening, heard some one softly whistle +an air that came back to her memory almost startlingly,—the air of a +German song Jack used to sing, Greig's "Ich liebe dich." + +"Jack! Could it be Jack?" she thought, with mixed emotions. + +The door was opened, and, after a short parley, Parsons appeared, +saying, "I beg your pardon, Miss Theo, but there is a man here would +like to see you." + +Theo put down Posie-Cossie and went out into the hall, where stood a +rather rough-looking individual, who greeted her with,— + +"Excuse me, Miss, but I thought you'd do to leave a message with. I'm +just up from Texas, and I promised a pal of mine I'd hunt up his folks +an' tell 'em why he's been so mum." + +"Texas! A pal of yours!" + +"Yes'm; Jack Allen, ye know." + +A friend of Jack Allen's,—this rough, unshorn, uncouth person. + +"Jack Allen!" exclaimed Theo. "Yes, he is our friend; but how—" Then +she paused. + +"Jack's been down on his luck; he got sickened out o' Floridy—didn't +pay—an' he come over to Texas. Me an' him's had a ranch there, +leastways he's been a helpin' me; but he took sick of a low kind of +fever some months back, an' he ain't been able to write, Jack ain't, +an' when I says,— + +"'Jack,' I says, 'I'm a goin' up to Albany fur a spell on biz, my +granddaddy's lef' me a little cash, an' I've got to go an' see about +it.' + +"Jack he says, 'I wisht ye'd stop in New York an' tell 'em I ain't been +up to the notch, er else I'd writ 'em.' + +"An' he give me yer brother's direction. I reckon it's yer brother, A. +Nelson." + +Theo nodded. + +"But yer brother wasn't there, an' I ast 'em where the res' of the +fambly was, an' they gimme this here place, right on my way, too, so I +stopped to tell ye." + +"Oh, do come in and tell me more," said Theo, eagerly. + +"Sorry, Miss, I can't stop long. I've got a train to make. Jack's +gittin' on right good; he'll be about soon. Says he, 'Tell 'em not to +bother.' Strange, as I was a standin' there on them steps, how that +tune of his'n kep' a runnin' through my head, and I ketched myself +whistlin' it,—that there Dutch song of his'n that he sings so much. +He kep' on a singin' it right along all the time he was down, flighty +like." + +"I heard you," answered Theo. + +"And it 'minded ye of Jack, didn't it? Fust-rate fellow, he is. We're +good pals, we are. I must be going." + +"Wait, give me his address." + +The man fumbled in his pocket. "He ain't very near to no pos'-office, +but this'll find him when he does go," and he handed Theo an envelope, +on which an address was written. + +"And your address? Oh, thank you very much for coming to tell us. You +were very kind to come out of your way." + +"That ain't nothin' to do for a pal. Don't mention it; Jack 'ud do +it. I'm a goin' back as soon as I kin, an' I'll stop an' take any +word. This'll find me if ye want to let me know anythin'." And the man +scratched another address on the envelope, then after a clumsy bow, +departed. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER IX. + +WHAT JACK DID. + +THEO returned to the library, where she had left Posie-Cossie, +and again taking him in her lap, she resigned herself to a long, +dreamy evening. Once or twice she sighed, "Poor Jack! Poor Jack! Oh, +Posie-Cossie! Poor, dear old Jack!" + +And Posie-Cossie would respond by thrusting his nose in her hand, or by +giving a little half-whine, as if he understood. + +"Oh, if Mr. Smith were only here!" thought Theo, as she went to her +room for the night. + +But Mr. Smith was not to be at home until the next evening, and +meanwhile, Theo contented herself as best she could. + + +In the morning Fan and Jamie made their appearance, full of excitement +over an account they had received of Theo's action of the day before. + +"Oh, Miss Theo, a man saw you driving the wagon; it was just splendid!" +exclaimed Fan. "How I should love to have done it! We heard all about +it; one of the men from here told us. We asked him, and made him tell +us all about it; and mamma said it was a little extreme, but a very +generous deed. She had to say that, though I don't believe she wanted +to; but I just looked at her and asked her if she were a Christian. I +have to do that with mamma once in a while, especially after she has +just been to see Leonore. We think it was magnificent, Jamie and I," +and Fan tossed back her hair in her old way, and looked with admiring +eyes at Theo. + +"We missed you awfully," said Jamie. "We were so disappointed." + +"And we didn't have a bit good time," continued Fan. + +"Oh, yes, we had a bit," interrupted Jamie. + +"Well, so we did. We found a fairy place, all so cunning, and mossy, +and toadstoolly, and mysterious, we did so want to show it to you. And +the supper was good. We were sorry you were not there then." + +"I was very sorry, too," said Theo; "but I knew there would be quite a +company, so I felt I should not be missed so very much." + +"Felix didn't miss you," Fan informed her, bluntly, and a little +triumphantly, since she resented her elder brother's efforts at +appropriating Theo's society. "He sat and looked at Miss Wallace, so," +giving a languishing and sidelong look in imitation of her brother's. +"And she looked, so, at him," opening her eyes very wide, and then +shutting them slowly as she turned her head. "Then they went off +walking, and she screamed every time she saw a dead branch, and went +teetering over the rocks, so Felix would have to help her. Oh, she is +silly; and she kept saying, 'Oh, Mr. Parkhurst, isn't it perfect!' +while she teetered, and then she'd slip a little bit, and he'd catch +her hand, and then she'd scream a little. And that is the way they kept +it up, till it made me fairly ill." + +And Fan, with her usual vehemence, fanned herself with her hat till she +seemed in danger of breaking it to pieces. "I hope I shall never be so +utterly foolish. Do you believe I shall?" she asked. + +Fan was irrepressible, and Theo had to laugh as she responded, "No, I +do not; not that kind of foolish." + +"Now, Miss Fairy Apple-Blossom, that's not kind of you. How do you +think I will be foolish?" + +"You will be much more apt to sulk and flout and flounce, if matters do +not go to suit you, princess," replied Theo. + +Fan scowled. + +"Now, now," warned Theo, "you mustn't be half blind and half deaf, you +know." + +So Fan laughed and shook off her frown, and the day went peacefully +by till evening brought the carriage for the return of Theo's little +visitors, and also brought Mr. Smith. + +"Well!" was his exclamation. "I didn't expect to see you till +to-morrow. What brought you over? Did you get tired of Parkhurst +Castle?" + +Theo explained as well as she could that Tommy had been hurt, and +that she felt it would be better for her to remain at Lyndehurst than +to return to Mrs. Parkhurst's while there seemed any danger of a +complication in Tommy's case. She made no mention of the active part +she had taken in bringing Tommy home, nor did she speak of Mr. Felix, +though later Mr. Smith heard the account from Mrs. Barton with much +satisfaction. + +"And, oh, Mr. Smith," exclaimed Theo, "I have had news of Jack. Did +you know he was in Texas? Think of it,—a cowboy! I wish you could have +seen the man who came here. And, oh, poor Jack is ill! And—isn't it +dreadful? Did you know?" + +"I heard something," Mr. Smith acknowledged. "I knew he had left +Florida. A bad season finished his engagement there, and he started out +to another place." + +"And," said Theo, in distress, "that dreadful-looking man, smelling of +whiskey, and wearing a bright green neck-tie and a glass pin with a +chain to it, that dreadful man is Jack's partner,—his 'pal,' he said. +Do you suppose Jack has become like that? Do you suppose he says, 'I +done it,' and 'I seen it,' and 'I wouldn't have went,' and 'I would +have came,' and those dreadful things? Do you suppose association could +ever make him careless? And think of our Jack wearing such clothes. It +makes me utterly disgusted." + +Just then, Mr. Smith caught sight of Felix Parkhurst coming up the +walk, limitlessly attired in clothes of the latest make, and the old +man turned and went into the house, leaving Theo to meet her guest. + +Mr. Felix had thought better of it, and had come over, since there was +nothing better to do. He offered a perfunctory sympathy, and entreated +Theo to return and finish her visit. But Theo could not be persuaded, +and at the end of half an hour, her visitor took his leave, when Theo +flew back to the Colonel. + +"So you're utterly disgusted, are you?" he said, looking her over. "I +grant you John Allen and Felix Parkhurst don't resemble each other +much," he continued, with a sarcastic smile. + +Theo threw up her head haughtily. "We will not discuss Mr. Parkhurst, +if you please," she returned. + +"We'll discuss John Allen, then," replied Mr. Smith, looking very +fierce. "How old is Jack?" + +"He is—let me see—he is about a year older than Archie. He must be +about twenty-four." + +"And you are—nineteen?" + +"Twenty, last month. Please don't be disagreeable, Colonel." + +"Because I ask how old you are? Like a woman." + +"Now, now, that is the way you used to talk when I first knew you. +Don't be cross and snappish, Colonel. I do want to discuss Jack." + +"Well, miss, I am going to tell you something. Jack is not quite a +pauper. Before his father died, he placed in my hands twenty thousand +dollars, with the understanding that it was to go to Jack when he was +twenty-five, provided every summer during his college life he entered +his uncle's counting-room and gave his attention to business." + +Theo was listening attentively. + +"For every summer that he refused to work there," continued Mr. Smith, +"he forfeited five thousand dollars." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Theo. + +"Yes," nodded Mr. Smith. Then he went on: "Jack only knew of the terms +upon which he inherited the amount I mentioned, which, compared to the +rest of his fortune, seemed small, but he did not know I held it in +trust for him. He thought his uncle had control of that as well as of +his other affairs. I think his father wanted to provide against any +contingency, and felt that a little attention given to business would +be good for Jack, and that in case of events turning out as they have +done, the boy would have something—" + +"And—oh, Colonel," interrupted Theo, "wait a minute. It was for Archie +he gave up that summer. Did you know? Oh, how wicked of me never to +have seen it!" + +"How could you see it?" + +"I ought to have known there was something. Indeed, I did suspect, so +did Archie, but we could never get a word from Jack that would explain +it. Archie wanted so much to finish his college course, and so Jack +gave up his own position to him and never hinted at it. Oh, how noble +he is!" + +The Colonel smiled a grim smile. + +"And we have robbed him of five thousand dollars, and he is sick and +needy. Oh, Colonel!" + +"You forget he does not get the money till he is twenty-five." + +"I know; but it is just the same, and part of it went to pay Archie's +salary that summer, no doubt. Oh, Colonel!" + +"There! Don't get so excited, child. Not a word to Archie, do you hear? +Respect Jack's secret for his sake. It gave him the greatest pleasure +in the world, and his money has been turned over so it will amount to +nearly twenty thousand dollars when he gets it. That is our secret, +Theo. I trust you, girl, but I wanted you to know." + +"I will keep it faithfully, Colonel. Thank you for trusting me. But +what are you going to do about Jack now?" she added, wistfully, her +lips trembling. + +"A little knocking about will not hurt him; he has always had too much +money. He'll never go wrong." + +"But," said Theo, in distress, returning to a picture presented to her +mental vision of Jack, the cowboy, "suppose he should come back and eat +with his knife, and do horrid things of that kind?" + +"He'll soon get over that, if he does. Archie will cure him of any bad +habits. But that is all sheer nonsense; a gentleman is not going to +forget his gentlemanly instincts in a year, and I am not afraid of any +lack of principle in John Allen. His faults are only skin deep." + +"Then you will let him stay where he is?" + +"For the present. I shall write to him immediately; so don't worry. +He'd better stay awhile." + +And Mr. Smith shot a swift look at Theo's troubled face. + +"But he is ill and miserable." + +"He is better, and the out-door life is good for him; he'd better be +there. I am not heartless, Theo," he added, more gently. "I am thinking +of Jack's best good." + +"Couldn't you—couldn't you find something for him here?" questioned +Theo. + +"Perhaps I could. But I have a plan in view, when it is developed, I +shall send for Jack. Meanwhile, there is no use in his spending his +time in some small position. He'll do better, eventually, for having to +fight his way a little longer." + +And Theo could say no more on that subject. But before she left the +room, she paused a moment, and then she went up to the Colonel. + +"I will tell you something, too," she whispered: "I despise Felix +Parkhurst." + +And then she fled, without looking to see how the Colonel took this +communication. + +"Oh, Jack! Oh, Jack!" said the girl, as she sat by her window that +night. "I have been so horrid to you, so stubborn and perverse, and you +have been so good to me! I knew it all the time, but I wouldn't give +in, just because I knew I ought to. Oh, I didn't half appreciate you, +Jack, and now I can't forgive myself." + +The sense of having wronged any one was bitter indeed to Theo, whose +inclinations were all towards kindliness and gentleness, and who shrank +from inflicting the smallest injury upon any one, even an enemy. And +now her self-reproach was very keen. + +"Dear, good, thoughtful Jack!" she repeated. "And Jack's song, 'Ich +liebe dich,' he sang it all the time, that man said, and I never gave +him a thought while he was suffering. Oh, poor Jack! Dear, constant +Jack! Oh, Jack, I want to see you, I do, I do." So her thoughts ran. + +And then she arose from her place by the window, turned up the light, +and deliberately looking in the glass, made a most contemptuous and +scornful face at herself. + + +"The idea of Jack being in Texas," said Archie, when he was told of +Jack's whereabouts. "The dear old proud chap! I wish I could be there +to nurse him. No wonder we didn't hear from him. Bless his dear old +heart! Isn't that just like him? He was afraid we would worry if we +knew he was ill, so he wouldn't send any word till he could say he was +better. How I should like to have been able to see him through that +illness. I knew he hadn't given us up. He is the last one to forget a +friend, and we'll have him back with us yet. Mr. Smith promises that." + +"Do you suppose he will have changed much?" asked Theo. + +"Changed! No; what makes you think so? Jack could never be anything but +Jack." + +"I don't mean his character. I mean his looks, his appearance. Oh, +you know what I mean. Do you suppose he will look trampy, like that +dreadful man who brought us word of Jack?" + +"Look here, Theo," responded Archie. "If that isn't just like you. You +always were the most top-lofty person. Suppose he should look a trifle +rough; it will only be 'clothes,' not the man. What's that Burns says? + + "'What tho' on homely fare we dine, + Wear hodden gray and a' that, + Gie fools their silks and knaves their wine, + A man's a man for a' that.' + +"I've no doubt—what's his name? Jim Downs? Isn't that the name of +Jack's partner?—I've no doubt he's a good, honest soul, who would do +more for a friend than many a 'fool in silk.'" + +"Oh, I know," replied Theo; "but one doesn't like to notice a lack of +polish in one's intimate friends." + +"Just like you girls. Some diked out dudish insipidity takes for more +than real solid worth." + +"Now, Archie, that is not so. You know perfectly well no one is more +particular than yourself about behavior, and if a man or a girl is even +a little ill-bred, you are the first to notice it." + +"Do you mean to insinuate that Jack is ill-bred? There never was a +truer gentleman in the world, but you'd rather have some dancing dandy, +some society jay, all show and no wit." + +"You know better. No one despises a brainless fop more than I do, but I +do like a man to know how to conduct himself in the drawing-room." + +"And doesn't Jack?" + +"I never said he didn't." + +"Well, what are you pitching into dear old Jack for? You never would +do him justice, and now he's ill and away off there among strangers. I +think you ought to be ashamed of yourself." Archie was getting himself +worked up into a fine rage. + +"I suppose it would suit you exactly to go down there and live among +bowie knives and lynch laws," retorted Theo. "You'd better go." And she +left the room in a high dudgeon. + +And it is quite likely her late gentle feelings towards Jack would have +taken a backward turn, in consequence of Archie's berating, had she not +come across Mrs. Tucker one day on the pier. + +"Why," exclaimed this lady, catching sight of Theo, "are you down here? +I haven't seen you for years, not since I was married. You knew I +married Albert Tucker, didn't you? Oh, of course. Mamma wrote me that +you were all at Lyndehurst. What you all can see in that disagreeable +Mr. Smith I never could imagine; but, of course, we haven't all the +same tastes." + +Theo inwardly thought not, as she remembered Mr. Tucker. + +"And what has become of your friend Jack Allen?" asked Mrs. Tucker. + +"We have not seen him for some time," replied Theo. + +"Oh, no, I suppose not. I remember now, he lost all his money." + +"I cannot imagine why that should make any difference in our +friendship," returned Theo, exasperated. "Jack—Mr. Allen has not been +in this part of the country for some months." + +"Is that so? Well, of course it would be very foolish for you to throw +yourself away on a poor man. He was rather good-looking, as I remember. +But as that is all he has now to recommend him, I think you were quite +wise to send him off." + +Theo could have shaken her. As Leonore Parkhurst, Mrs. Tucker had +always aroused Theo's antagonism, and had ascribed motives to the +girl's actions of which she had never dreamed, always assuming that +Theo's standards were quite worldly, and her defence of high principles +all for effect. So, although she was Jamie's sister, Theo did not care +for a longer interview, but after a few commonplaces, left the spot +where Mrs. Tucker was standing. + +"Dear old Jack!" thought Theo, indignantly, as she took her way to the +place where she had left Nannie standing. "Only your good looks to +recommend you, indeed! As if there were ever a nobler, sweeter, truer +nature in all the world!" + +And Theo set her teeth together then and there, coming to a +determination which neither time nor circumstance could alter. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER X. + +A CHRISTMAS STOCKING. + +THE summer sped away without further excitement, and October found "the +flock" again established under Mrs. Joy's roof. Val had concluded to +take up special studies, and was talking of a possible trip to Europe +the next year. Nannie, too, was looking forward eagerly to going to +Paris for study; but Theo clung to auntie, and declared that nothing +should separate them. + +"We'll go back to Roseville, to the old quiet life, auntie dear," she +said. "Won't it be nice to have Mammy at hand, with her queer old +homely ways, and to look out and always see trees and sky? I am getting +tired,—tired of brick walls and pavements," and Theo gave a quick +little sigh. + +"And you wanted so much to come," returned her aunt. + +"I know," and Theo took Miss Nelson's hand, softly laying her cheek +against it, "but I don't like the world, auntie. I want to be a little +girl again," and two bright drops fell on auntie's hand. + +"Why, my blessed child, aren't you happy?" + +"I shall be twenty-one next summer," replied Theo, regretfully. +"Then I shall have to think about Preston, and I shall have +responsibilities,—responsibilities are such wearing things." + +"I know they are, dear, but we must not be cowards and shirk them. Duty +is a wonderful strengthener. My girl would not choose to live a life of +absolute ease, of mere animal enjoyment." + +"Oh, no, no. I don't mean that. I love to work, but somehow here I have +come face to face with forces of whose existence I never knew. We lived +an ideal life in Roseville, I think, auntie." + +"But you were the first to fly, my birdie." + +"I know it, and that is why I am the first to tire, maybe." + +"You are disappointed, then." + +"Not exactly. I am only tired of jar and fret. I love my music. I enjoy +ever so many things that I should not have elsewhere. And if I had to +live here always, I should try to find a way to put my powers to the +best passible use. I should try to fit my life to its surroundings. But +now home seems dearer than anything. And sometimes, when I think of the +apple-trees and the robins, the garden whose every bush and shrub I +know by heart, our little town, in which every face is a familiar one, +my dear little room haunted by my girlhood's dreams, dear old Mammy so +devoted to us, and,—oh, everything,—I long for it all, and I feel as +if I should rather stand up in our little church and sing than to be +applauded in any concert-room here or anywhere else." + +"I do not know that I am sorry, dear heart, that you feel so, and I +think this is likely to be our last winter here. I think Val would best +go to Europe with Mrs. Westerly, and Nannie's heart is bound up in her +work. Archie will have to decide soon about his own career, and then—we +can go home." + +There was silence for a moment between the two. Then auntie bent over +the bright head leaning against her. + +"Dear girlie," she said, "it is hard to give up our illusions, isn't +it?" + +Theo nodded. Then she replied, softly,— + +"That was one of the things I meant, you know, auntie, dear." And she +added, smiling, "Do you remember, auntie? + + "'There was a young lady of Baddow, + Who, becoming enraged with a shadow, + In both hands she took it, + And to fragments she shook it.' + +"That was what I did. It was only a shadow, nothing else. I found that +out very soon." + +"I knew you would," replied Miss Janet. "I trusted you, sweetheart. +I knew that every good and true woman, with her feminine share of +ideality, must dream that the man she fancies approaches at least +nearly to her ideal." + +"But," interrupted Theo, suddenly raising her head, "if life means +one thing to him and another to her—if love in its highest, noblest, +purest sense has never been revealed to him; if he cannot comprehend a +love from which self is eliminated; if he does not understand that a +human being is a human individual, and that she who is 'her'self to-day +cannot be 'him'self to-morrow, and that a life is not an apology, but a +life—what then?" + +"Then fortunate is she who discovers it before it is too late. Large +natures allow to others large liberties. A weak, self-indulgent man is +apt to exercise a petty tyranny which must, in the end, win a noble +woman's contempt." + +"I know that, and the same rule must apply where noble men are +concerned, and where the woman is narrow and petty." + +"Yes, quite as well. If men, and women too, could only be true to their +highest natures, only willing to marry such as would respond to the +best within them, who would draw forth all their nobility and truth, +then there would be perfect faith, perfect confidence; there could be +no question of freedom, for there would be no question of bondage; it +would take the life of one to complete the life of the other, each +retaining his or her individuality, not the destroying of one that it +might be lost in the other, but the joining of two symmetrical parts, +the notes that make the music of one life finding the answering ones in +the other to complete the chord." + +"I understand," replied Theo. "Better the simplest melody carried by +a single voice perfectly than an attempted concerto jarred and out of +tune." + +"Hand me that green book, Theo," directed auntie. "I want to read you +what our friend Thoreau says." And Miss Janet turned over a few pages, +then read: + + "'Is your friend such a one that an increase of worth on your part +will rarely make her more your friend? Is she retained, is she attracted +by more nobleness in you, by more of that virtue which is peculiarly +yours, or is she indifferent and blind to that? Is she to be flattered +and won by your meeting her on any other than the ascending path? Then +duty requires that you separate from her.'" + +Theo held out her hand for the book, and for some time sat absorbed in +it. Then she lifted up her head, saying,— + +"Auntie, dear, you have done me so much good. I have felt too far +away from you since we came to New York. Somehow, I don't know how it +happened, but I have had to lock myself up. It is very nice to get out +again and back to you, safe and sound. Oh, auntie, keep me very close: +I am so much happier so." And then, with arms close about auntie, she +whispered something in her ear, hiding her face on auntie's shoulder. + +"My dear, my darling!" Miss Janet whispered back. + +"Are you sorry?" asked Theo, again in a whisper. + +"No, darling, no; very, very glad." + +"Don't tell," again whispered Theo. + +Auntie satisfied her on that point. + +Then as the girl drew a long, quivering breath, she gathered her more +closely to her, and the two sat for a long time in silence, till Val's +energetic little rap gave notice of her approach. + +"What are you doing here in the dark?" asked Val, feeling her way into +the room. + +"It gets dark so early," explained Theo, lifting her head. "Where have +you been, Val? Archie would be highly indignant if he knew you were out +alone after dark." + +"Oh, Archie is too particular," replied Val. "Anyhow, I have just left +him, 'a martyr going to the stake,' he said." + +"Why, what did he mean?" + +"His nonsense, of course. He was hard up, and was going to a cheap +restaurant for dinner. I begged him to take me, and offered to foot the +bill, but he said,— + +"'No, that would be putting a premium on extravagance, that he needed +the discipline; maybe it would make him more saving in the future.'" + +"I am afraid Archie is extravagant," was Theo's comment. "I wish he +could be more economical, for his own sake." + +"He is so generous," explained auntie, "and has such a horror of +penuriousness, that he errs in the other direction. But I think he is +improving somewhat." + +"Yes," replied Val; "he told me he could get through this month by +eating twenty-five-cent dinners for a week. Dear old Arch!" she said, +reflectively. + +"Oh, by the way, Theo, what do you think we have been talking about?" + +"I cannot imagine. It is difficult to guess the theme of conversation +when you two are together." + +"So it is; but this has a flavor of sense in it, this plan. We think +it would be sort of cheery and nice to send Jack a Christmas stocking. +Maybe you think it is too soon to be talking of Christmas, but really +it isn't. We'll have to send it early, so as it will get to him in +time; and then we want to think up a lot of absurdities to put in it. +Don't you think it is a nice plan, auntie?" + +"I do, indeed, and I'll venture to say Jack will enjoy it immeasurably." + + +As the time approached for the stocking to be sent, the ideas came +thick and fast, and finally, Nannie, Val, Theo, and Archie spent one +entire evening in preparation. + +"Oh, Archie, do see!" "Oh, Archie, do look!" greeted his appearance as +the girls held up their various contributions. + +"Come over here, Archie. There, now you can take them in properly." +And Val made room at the table, where a lighted lamp stood. "These are +Nan's," and she displayed three supposed handkerchiefs, made from an +old pillow-case. They were notched out with scissors, and decorated +by the use of colored crayons. Each bore such legends as "Merry +Christmas," "Happy New Year," "Good luck," "The rose is red," "The +violet blue," with appropriate designs. + +"I think they are magnificent. What next?" Archie asked, as he put them +aside. "What in the world is this?" And he turned over a remarkably +constructed something, looking at it with a puzzled countenance. "What +on earth do you call it?" he inquired. + +A broken wine-glass had been inverted, and surmounted with a rag +doll-head and body without arms. The glass served as a skirt; the +expression of the doll's face, rudely drawn in ink, was ludicrous +indeed, and gave Val a fit of mirth every time she looked at it. The +inscription read, "The Venus of Milo, as discovered by Miss Talcott." + +"That is the most ridiculous thing I ever saw," said Archie. "Jack will +enjoy it. Anything more original is not likely to come his way." + +"It certainly will bring to his mind our own special kind of nonsense," +said Val. + +"It is in his mind pretty often, anyhow, I imagine," returned Archie. + +Then Theo displayed a neck-tie made from an old silk handkerchief; into +it was stuck a common pin of large size, with a knob of red sealing-wax +on the end, for ornament. + +Val next handed out a trumpery medal fastened to a bit of ribbon, which +she had marked "Fool dres fob." Another medal was described as having +been presented to a great-great-uncle in the War of the Roses by Billy +the Kangaroo, "alias" William the Conqueror, such decidedly mixed +historical data being considered very witty. + +"We are silly," remarked Theo, as she read this last label. "That is +worthy of a ten-year-old country school-boy's wit." + +"Never mind," returned Val. "We want to be as silly as we know how to +be on this occasion. Nothing is too insignificant. Jack will appreciate +the effort." + +"Effort?" repeated Theo, raising her eyebrows. + +"Well, spontaneous jocosity, if you prefer a longer term. Don't throw +cold water on our innocent pleasantry. Theo, come, hand over the next +thing." + +A small brass curtain-ring, carefully packed in jewellers' cotton, was +next shown, and then Theo produced a five-cent watch lying in a fine +velvet case. + +"How elegant it looks!" commented Nannie. "The velvet case looks so +important. Where are your donations, Archie?" + +And a very much bent and battered stick-pin, an eye-glass with glass +missing were added, and then an eye-glass hook was invented from a +curtain-hook and a safety-pin. + +"The stocking isn't near full," announced Val, who had been doing the +packing, "and I thought we had so much. We'll have to rack our brains +for more." + +Archie searched around and found two small bits of soap, which were +wrapped in a paper on which was written, "Good-morning, sir. Do you use +Bear's soap?" A horn collar-button and set of studs constituted the +next gift, and still there was room. + +"I can't think of anything but relics," declared Archie. "Here is a +little corkscrew that I found over there in an ink-bottle." + +"Just think of a good inscription," returned Nannie, "and that will +make it all right." + +So Archie scribbled on the paper, "The corkscrew with which Columbus +screwed up his courage when he set forth to discover America." + +That gave a new impetus, and each one produced something similar. + +Nannie handed over an old pen, labelled "The pen that settled +Philadelphia." + +Val added a small key, described as "The key to the broken heart of +an old Colonial dame from Virginia;" and Theo, seeking among odds and +ends, found one of the five-cent pewter spoons which she and Nannie had +bought during their first days in New York. This she marked as having +"seen stirring times during the Revolution." + +And then for a short space of time, ideas failed. + +But Val's wits were ready with the suggestion that they should in +someway illustrate the familiar French fables, and a small wooden +whistle went as "Le cor des Alpes," small photographs of Val and Archie +as "Le singe et la guenon," Nannie with a bit of wax, modelled "Une +tortne," and then the stocking was pronounced full. + +"I had no idea it would hold so much," remarked Val. "Isn't it nice and +fat? We must tie it securely at the top and pack it in a box." + +"Suppose you paint 'Merry Christmas from the flock' on the outside," +suggested Archie to Nannie. + +So she brought her colors and marked it in red letters according to the +suggestion. + +"We ought to have sent him something really nice," said Nannie, as she +made a final flourish with her brush. + +"No, no," interposed Theo, earnestly; "that would have spoiled it all. +Jack has always been so generous, and it would hurt him very much if he +could not return our gifts. These will show him that we forget nothing +in which he took part, and they will be more to him than anything we +could buy." + +"That is so," responded Archie, heartily, seeming much pleased that +Theo had read Jack so well. + +And truly, no Christmas stocking ever found its way to a lonelier +hearth. Long and lovingly Jack dwelt on its contents, and blessed +them all for the nonsense that gave him more cheer than any costly +gifts could have bestowed. And when a letter from Mr. Smith told him +of the legacy awaiting his twenty-fifth birthday, Jack felt as if the +world were not such a dreary place after all, and he went about softly +whistling, with the great hope in his heart of rejoining his friends in +a near future. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XI. + +ARCHIE DECIDES. + +"ANOTHER disturbing time," said Val, curling her feet under her as she +tucked her small self away in a big chair. "I hate these making up your +mind spots to come. Don't you, Theo?" + +"Yes," replied Theo; "although I must say, my own decisions were +reached some time ago." + +"Oh, you old Mother Bunch. Of course you want to go home. So do I, for +that matter. But I do love New York, and I wish we could just keep on +this way for years and years. It's all very well for people to say, +'Be sure you're right, then go ahead.' It isn't the going ahead that's +hard, it's the being sure you're right. Now, if you and auntie could +go to Europe with me, I should like it of all things. But when auntie +leaves it all to me, I don't want quite so much to go." + +"Auntie thinks we are old enough to exercise some judgment in such +matters." + +"Well, so we are." + +"You will like the excitement of travelling and meeting people. You +know you will, Val. I don't believe you would care to settle down +quietly anywhere." + +"Now, Theo." + +"Oh, I don't mean that you would be unhappy with us, but that you are +just the one to go about and be in a stir." + +"I must confess I do like excitement," admitted Val, "but I wish you +would go. You could, Theo. Don't you believe you could?" + +"I wouldn't leave auntie alone; and if Archie decided to stay here, +auntie would be alone. And if he decides to go back to Roseville, it +would be deserting him, in a measure. So you see, that is the way of +it. I should enjoy immensely a trip to Europe. Of course I should; but +just now it seems better for me to stay here." + +"And Nannie is going, too," observed Val. + +"I shall miss you both," said Theo, a little sadly. + +"And if Archie should not stay here, Mr. Smith will be disappointed, +though he will not advise him to stay. How hard it is to suit everybody +in this world, and how queer that we should all be in this uncertain +state of mind just at the same time. What do you suppose Archie will +conclude to do?" + +"That will depend upon several things," replied Theo, thoughtfully. + +"If it depends upon one thing, I should be willing to prophesy that he +will not stay here," remarked Val. + +"Don't prophesy," Theo warned. "Archie will do what he believes to be +right, I am sure, no matter what may influence him." + +"I know that. I wonder if I shall like travelling with Mrs. Westerly. +She is a dear woman. But when one has to be day in and day out with a +person, it is a pretty severe strain. I'd better say, no doubt, how +will she like travelling with me. I think it is very good of her to be +willing to do it." + +"Why don't you try to persuade the Colonel to go, too?" asked Theo. +"That would make it so pleasant for Mrs. Westerly: She is about as fond +of her brother as I am of mine." + +"That would be a scheme," agreed Val. "I'll begin to coax the Colonel +to-night. I don't believe he will consent to stay two years, though he +might as well as not. Think of it, Theo. Two whole years to stay away! +Don't it seem an age?" + +"It does, certainly; and yet we have been in New York nearly that long." + +"I wonder what will happen before I get back," said Val, thoughtfully. +"So much might, you know; it makes me dread going so far away." + +"I wouldn't take a gloomy view of it. We shall all probably live along +in a jog-trot sort of a way while you are flying about acquiring +information. I believe I do envy you a little bit, Val." + +"But not enough to make up your mind to go with us; and it would be +such an advantage to you, Theo." + +"No more tempting, if you please," returned Theo, shaking her head +determinedly. "'I'se 'bleedged to stay,' as Mammy would say." + +"I know one thing that I think will happen before I get back," said +Val, suddenly. "Jack will come back. I was talking to the Colonel +yesterday, and he said he did not think Jack would stay away much +longer. Why, Theo, do you know anything? You look so—so funny." + +"Do I look funny?" And Theo turned her head so Val could see only the +tips of two very pink little ears. + +But that did not satisfy Val, who got up and went around directly in +front of Theo, looking at her searchingly. But Theo would not give her +so much as a glance. + +"Look at me," ordered Val, peremptorily. + +And Theo raised her eyes with a look in them half proud, half +deprecating. + +"Theo, you're a fraud," was Val's only comment. Then she walked away, +and for some time stood looking out of the window in silence. + +Theo did not follow her, nor did she in any way contradict Val's +assertion. + +And presently Nannie came in, full of her own plans for the next year. + +"Just think, girls," she said. "I have been to see Miss Van Arsdale, +and she has given me a lot of points about Paris. She was there for +three years, you know, and knows all about it,—all the cheap places +and everything,—and if I can get another girl to go with me, we can +live so economically. Oh, if you all could go, it would be so nice; +but I suppose there is no use hoping for it. I have exhausted all my +eloquence on you, Theo, so I shall have to give up that idea. Miss Van +Arsdale told me of a cunning apartment that she thinks I can get. Some +friends of hers are occupying it now, but they are going to leave very +soon; and I'm going to write about it right away. I'll have to furnish +it with trunk-trays and things; but I can manage, I know." + +"Trunk-trays!" exclaimed Val. + +"Yes; don't you know? I can make tops of tables and all sorts of things +that way. I know how. To-morrow I am going to see Katherine Armistead. +She half thought she would go over; and if she finds how much we can +save by going together, I believe she will join me. She is such a nice +girl; I am sure we could get along together. Oh, girls! Just think—my +dream is to be fulfilled, my dream of going to Paris! It is so good +of mamma not to object. She said if I could live there as cheaply as +here, and if I could find some nice somebody to go with me, she would +give her consent. I have saved enough for my passage; so, of course, +if I can induce Katherine to go, there will be nothing at all in the +way. And, oh, Val! I shall see you over there. You have decided to go, +haven't you?" + +"I am deciding," replied Val. "If the Colonel will go, I will; it would +be so nice to have him to squabble with. I should never feel like +squabbling with Mrs. Westerly. I couldn't 'get a rise out of her,' +as Archie says. She would smile me down in that gently tolerant way +she has, and there would be no fun in trying to tease her. But the +Colonel,—I love to 'sass' the Colonel. He never gets used to it, and it +would be so exciting, especially when he didn't know the language and I +did. We could have such spats, and I could put him down so nicely with +my superior knowledge. Oh, I do hope he will go. When shall you sail, +Nan?" + +"Oh, I don't know; as soon as I can. I am poring over sailing lists and +getting cheap rates and comparing different routes now; so I shall come +to a conclusion before long. I wish we could go over together, but you +will probably be taking some steamer whose rates would ruin me. And +then I shall probably be sailing before you are ready to go." + +"What a breaking up it will be," said Theo. "Auntie and I will have to +console each other and Archie." + +"Oh, Archie would be happy anywhere," remarked Nannie, lightly. "I +don't believe he would care much where he went; he would always manage +to have a good time." + + +But Archie did care, for when that evening Nannie told him of her +plans, he listened a little impatiently. "How long shall you be away?" +he asked. + +"How can I tell?" answered Nannie, smiling. "As long as I can get +needful study, but not too long to stamp me as a foreigner. I believe +too much in the future of American art to content myself with a whole +life spent in exile." + +"Then you don't want to go?" he said, brightening up. + +"Oh, yes, I do, above all things; it has been my dream for years. I +shall not even be content if I am fortunate enough to exhibit once +in the Salon. I shall work and work till I can stand entirely alone +wherever I may be." + +"But maybe you will not always want to stand alone," suggested Archie. + +"Why? What do you mean?" + +"You might marry; women do sometimes." + +"I shall not." + +"I wouldn't be too sure." + +"But I don't want to. I think there are some women who are happier +single. I love my work better than I could any man; or, at least, I +should never be willing to give it up for any other life." + +"Perhaps you would not be called upon to do that." + +"Oh, well, maybe, if I could meet some great artist who could be +generous enough to allow me to work side by side with him, I might +think of it. But there is hardly the remotest possibility of that." + +"And no one else could ever persuade you?" + +"No, indeed," laughed Nannie, looking at him with clear eyes. "I am +quite sure. How you men do love to argue a woman into giving up a +career. You cannot convince me that I do not know myself. I do, and +am delighted at my prospect of a free, unhampered life. I want to +paint, and I don't want to keep house, and go to market, and bother +about servants and shirt-buttons and gas-bills. I don't want to be +held responsible for my misdemeanors or mistakes to any one but Nannie +Talcott, spinster." + +"A woman need not be hampered because she is married." + +"She needn't be always, but she generally is, anyhow. Oh, Archie, what +is the use of keeping up the argument? This is not a case at law. Go +to, good barrister, tell me your plans. This has been a great week for +decisions. We each seem to have come to some Rubicon." + +"I am going back to Virginia," said Archie, slowly. + +"Oh, are you? I felt sure you would stay here." + +"Why?" + +"I don't know. A big city seems to offer more opportunities. Mr. Smith +is so fond of you, and would, no doubt, be able to send you many a +client." + +"No doubt." + +"How laconic you are. And then, oh, I don't know, but I should think +you would like it here. You will find it stupid to go back to a little +place after being here, I'm afraid." + +Archie did not reply. + +"Don't you think you will find it stupid?" asked Nannie, finding her +remarks met no response. + +"I don't know whether I shall or not." + +"What is the matter, Archie?" inquired Nannie, looking at him +curiously. "You don't seem like yourself." + +"Oh, nothing," and Archie roused himself. "I was just lost in thought. +To tell you the truth, Nannie, I was meditating most seriously upon +your remarks. Yes, I shall be stupid. I am stupid. I was stupid." + +"Goose! I didn't say you were stupid. I said you would find a small +place stupid after New York. You were not listening at all." + +"Yes, I was; but nevertheless I am. I was stupid. I reckon I'd best go +back and stay with auntie and Theo. I'd spend too much money here, and +I'd be on my uppers before long." + +"Oh, nonsense!" + +"It's a fact. I seem to be given over to wastefulness." + +"I thought you were improving. Theo said you were. That's all talk, +Archie. You have more strength of mind than to be utterly spendthrifty." + +"No, I haven't. You don't know me. Why, I can't pass a shop-window +without being seized with an inordinate desire to go in and buy +everything displayed. The other day I was on the point of purchasing +eight different kinds of pie, they presented such a tempting array in +quarter-sections all along in a row in a window. But, fortunately, as I +was trying to decide which I would eat first, I realized that I could +not possibly consume them all, and the fact confronted me that some +would have to be left, and that alone saved me from buying the whole +lot. No, I shall go back to Roseville, where they do not exhibit pie in +the windows, and then I shall be able to save up all my pennies, hiding +them away in a stocking, between rafters or mattresses or some such +place. So when your Salon picture is offered for sale, I shall be able +to buy it." + +Archie had recovered himself, and was running on in his usual style. + +"How nice!" declared Nannie. "It will be such an incentive to me. I +suppose you will not mind what subject I choose?" + +"No; as long as it isn't the heathen mothers throwing their infants to +the crocodiles, or the car of Juggernaut, or any of those unpleasant +things." + +Nannie laughed. "I can safely promise it will be none of those. I don't +see why you chose law as a profession, if you are so tender-hearted. I +suppose you'll always let the villains go scot free." + +"Not a bit of it. In my judicial capacity, I am inflexible; it is only +gory subjects in pictures to which I object." + +"Seriously, though," continued Nannie, "shall you really go back to +Virginia?" + +"Seriously—very seriously." + +"Oh, you know what I mean, silly." + +"I know what you mean; yes." + +"Well, then, talk about it like a rational being. Speaking of your +being admitted to the bar, how do you do?" + +"I am quite well, I thank you. How are you?" + +Nannie laughed. "Archie, you are the most utterly incorrigible person I +ever saw. Now, I forget what I was going to ask you. Oh, yes; now do be +sensible and tell me. After you have been admitted somewhere, you can +practise anywhere, can't you?" + +"Is that a riddle? It sounds like it. After I have—no—after you have +been admitted anywhere, you can practise somewhere. Was that it? Ask it +over again, Nannie?" + +"Archie Nelson, you can be the most absurd person I ever saw. I shall +not ask you anything." + +"All right," said Archie, briskly. "I didn't know the answer to that, +anyhow." + +Then, as Nannie kept silence, he went on, "I'll be good, Nan. Yes, I +have decided to go back to Virginia. I think my chances there are as +good as anywhere. An old friend of my father's, Squire Meredith, made +me an offer before I came here, and the offer still holds good." + +"That is Jessie Meredith's father?" + +"Yes; the Squire has no sons, and will, in time, give up his practice +to me. I shall go in with him, win my laurels, take my native State +by storm, conduct some famous suit, be called Squire, run for Judge, +be elected, grow wise and old on the bench, and die full of years and +honors. There you have it. You could not ask a fuller account." + +"I am so glad to know," laughed Nannie. "What a comfort it must be to +have one's future so positively arranged." + +"It is," acquiesced Archie. "You see if it doesn't turn out just as I +say." + +"And you'll buy my first Salon picture?" + +"Provisionally." + +"That is, if the subject is not gory?" + +"Exactly." + +"Very well; I depend upon you." + +And then, an interruption came in their talk,—Val and Theo entered +excitedly. + +"Where have you two been?" asked Nannie. "Archie has been here ever so +long waiting for you." + +"I wasn't waiting, especially," remarked he. + +"Well, you've been here a long time; ever since Miss Nelson and I came +in from dinner. Where were you, girls?" + +"Why, we went to dinner with the Colonel," explained Theo, "and Val has +actually persuaded him to go to Europe with her and Mrs. Westerly." + +"Really?" + +"Yes; so that is one thing settled." + +"From what Archie says, there is another thing settled; he says he has +decided to return to his native heath," Nan informed them. + +"Oh, Archie!" from both the girls. + +Archie nodded, confirming Nannie's statement. + +"Have you really made up your mind?" said Theo, going over and sitting +down by him, resting a hand on his shoulder. + +Archie turned, and gave her a little faint, reassuring smile. "That is +about it," he answered. + +Theo made no comment, but slipped her hand in his arm, giving it a +little squeeze. + +"I thought you would be delighted, and you look half disappointed," +averred Nannie. + +Theo looked at her steadily, but there was not a shadow of +consciousness in the honest eyes which met hers. "I am very, very glad +Archie is not going to desert us," replied Theo, "if it is best for +him." + +"It is best for me," said Archie, quietly. + +"And auntie will be overjoyed," declared Val. "I can imagine just how +delighted she will be. I think it has given her a great pang every time +she considered the possibility of losing you, Archie. Have you told +her?" + +"Not yet. I will go now and tell her." + +Later Archie took his leave, but it was not to go directly to his rooms. + +Long past midnight he was walking the streets, but whatever conflict +went on, he never told of it, and was as sweet and sunny as ever the +next time the girls saw him; so that even Theo did not suspect what +hope her brother had buried that spring midnight. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XII. + +"UNDER GREEN APPLE-BOUGHS." + +A LIGHT breeze blew softly through the open doorway of the old home at +Roseville. Busy brown bees were making a drowsy hum among the blossoms +overhanging the porch; upon the garden slope, apple-trees sent with +every little gust of perfume-laden air a shower of rose-touched petals +to the ground; birds sang blithely in the as yet delicately clad +trees near the house, a flash of blue across the gray-green foliage +denoting the presence of a blue-bird, or a burnished orange redbreast +showing vividly against the grass of the lawn, telling that a robin had +returned to his May-time haunts. + +Instead of Eldorado Ann, a little colored girl was cleaning knives by +the kitchen-door, once in a while joining in soft accord with Mammy, +whose singing came in snatches through the window as she worked away. + + "When Eve eat de apple, + When Eve eat de apple, + When Eve eat de apple, + Oh, what a tryin' time!" + +sang Mammy. + + "When she gib de co' to Adam, + When she gib de co' to Adam, + When she gib de co' to Adam, + Oh, what a tryin' time!" + +came in response from Tatty, energetically applying her piece of raw +potato to a knife-blade. + +"Hyar, you Tatty! What you 'bout?" inquired Mammy, coming to the door. +"Don' yuh know Miss Theo done tell yuh ter come ter her ez soon as dem +knives is done? How long yuh reckon she gwine ter wait?" + +"'Deed, Aunt Jane, I mos' done," Tatty replied, viewing a blade +critically. "Dese yer little spotty places ter'ble hard to git off'n de +knives. I hu'yin' all I kin." + +"Den don' was'e yo' bref on Adam, er dey'll be tryin' times fer yuh +sho' 'nough," replied Mammy, returning to her work, her own voice in a +few moments rising shrilly to,— + + "Air dey writin', air dey writin', air dey writin' on de wall?" + +"How good it does sound to hear Mammy!" said Theo, coming into her +aunt's room. "And oh, auntie, how good it is altogether! Aren't you +glad we came home first? Much as I love Archie and Val, somehow or +other I can get hold of everything better when just you and I are here +alone. I mean just at first. I feel as if I could put my arms around +everything, and hug the whole place with everything on it, up close to +me, I love it so. Did you ever see any one so happy as Mammy is to have +us back again? And Tatty is as pleased as Punch to be here. She grins +all the time. Why, the blessed boy! Did he come to find Mitty?" + +And Theo stooped to pick up her cat, Ishmael, who had followed her +up-stairs. + +Posie-Cossie, who was lying at Miss Nelson's feet, raised his head +and regarded Ishmael fixedly. The two pets had not come to strictly +amicable terms as yet, though they behaved with great propriety. +Ishmael assumed an air of supreme indifference, while Posie-Cossie once +in a while made playful overtures, by leaping forward with a short +bark, and then hastily retreating if Ishmael turned his eyes upon him. + +"Mrs. Lewis says that Ishmael would never go near my room all the time +we were away," said Theo, "and the very first evening I was at home, +he came up and established himself on the window-seat. The idea of +saying cats have no love for persons, only for places! I think I shall +find it very interesting to study the two, and note the difference +between feline and canine qualities. There, I must go. I hear Tatty. I +told her to come up and help me with Val's room when Mammy could spare +her. Isn't it a satisfaction to know Eldorado Ann is so contented at +Lyndehurst? I had no idea she would be." + +"It is the very place for her," returned Miss Nelson. "Mammy could +never quite conceal her contempt for 'po' white trash,' and Eldorado +Ann could not be expected to brook Mammy's control. But with Mrs. +Barton it will be different, and Eldorado Ann will doubtless develop +into a good, honest woman, with wholesome ideas." + +"Then, too, it is a good thing for Tommy," said Theo; "so Eldorado +Ann's discontent turned out to very good advantage after all, and Mammy +is having a fine time training Tatty." + +"Mammy is nothing if not dictatorial," rejoined auntie. "She quite +resented my modernizing my dress. That I should go on the street +without a wrap quite scandalized her. I wish you could have heard the +severe tone in which she said, 'Law, Miss Janet, yuh ain't gwine out in +yo' figgur, is yuh?'" + +Theo laughed. "That is so like Mammy," she said. Then she turned to +the window, saying, "What a beautiful May-day it is! I can hardly keep +in-doors. I am so glad they are all coming home to such loveliness. And +to think this afternoon, we will all be together, just as we used to +be. You don't know how much has rolled off since I came home. I believe +I felt all the burdens of humanity pressing upon me three months +ago, and here I forget so many disagreeable things. I can't forget +everything," she added, after a pause. + +"That would be unwise," laughed Miss Nelson. "We are no lotus-eaters, +dear; we have work to do in this world which we must take up with +stout, brave hearts. I should be sorry to have you lapse into a life of +dreamy idleness." + +"No danger," replied Theo, smiling. "There are too many things to +interest me. I have a dozen schemes on foot already, and am puzzling +over the best way of carrying them out. Now I really must go. I cannot +spend any more time here, pleasant as it is to chatter. I want to find +more violets for Val's room, and I must put some apple-blossoms in the +blue pitcher for Archie." + +"Mr. Smith thought he might come, you know. What can you find for the +guest-room?" + +"I'll find something," responded Theo. "There is no lack of blossoms, +and the wild-flowers are crowding the hill-sides. Can't you come with +me, auntie?" + +"No, I am afraid not. I have a number of things on hand. You'll have to +do the decorative part, and I'll attend to the substantials." + +Theo went into Val's room, where Tatty was wiping up the hearth. "Get +some fresh water for all the rooms, Tatty," she directed, "and ask Miss +Nelson for towels. Don't shut the window; we want all the out-doors we +can get. Did you shake the table-cover well? Now I think Miss Janet has +something for you to do. I am going to the woods. Oh, yes, Tatty, find +the old blue pitcher and put it in Mr. Archie's room." + +And then, picking up her hat, Theo went out into the spring sunshine, +through the garden and down the little path that led to the nearest +piece of woods. + +The whole world seemed to be pulsating with expectancy. Slender twigs +bore bursting buds; the curling fronds of tall ferns were gradually +unrolling to the genial warmth; tufts of green at first attracted the +eye to sunny spots which showed upon closer observation young buds +pushing soft pink tips through downy sheaths; an advance guard of +little buff butterflies hovered over a muddy place in the path where a +small stream crossed, which, tinkling on, lost itself under boughs of +low willows swinging pendulous streamers across the little flecks of +foam which every now and then leaped over the pebbles. + +[Illustration: Then she turned towards home.] + +But Theo did not stop for anemone or iris, nor even for a saucy +Jack-in-the-pulpit. She was looking for violets, and she knew her +ground; for, turning towards a sunny slope rising from the little +stream, "Blue ran the flash across," and in a few moments, she had her +hands full. + +Then she turned towards home, stopping on the way for a branch of +dogwood, and gathering from a favorite tree apple-blossoms which showed +a livelier pink than any others in the garden. + +"What a happy-looking girlie!" was Miss Janet's greeting as she +entered. "You look the very embodiment of spring with your blossoms." + +"Aren't they lovely!" said Theo. "I thought this was such a pretty +branch of dogwood. Shall I put it in the guest-room?" + +"Wouldn't it look better in the hall? You can find something sweeter +for Mr. Smith, I am sure." + +"Bless his dear old heart! Of course I can. There, those go nicely in +this big vase. Now I'll arrange the others, and it will be nearly time +for the train. Would you go to meet them, auntie?" + +"I hardly think it worth while. Take a little rest. You have been so +energetic to-day, I should think you would be tired out." + +"I hadn't thought of it before, but I believe I am. I'll take this +magazine up-stairs and look it over between whiles. Lie down yourself, +auntie. There's a lot of time, for the train is always late." + +But this time, for a wonder, the train arrived on time. + +And Theo, deep in her magazine, was surprised by Tatty's voice +announcing, "Hyar dey come, Miss Theo; hyar dey come, bag an' baggage." + +"Oh, Val, where are you?" cried Theo, as she sped down-stairs. + +But it was not upon Val that her eyes rested as she entered the room; +it was upon a tall, manly figure which at that moment seemed to shut +out everything else from her vision. And she sprang past the others, +all her soul in her eyes, and her pulses flying fast, as she exclaimed, +"Oh, Jack!" + +And poor, dear, obtuse Jack would never have seen at all, would never +have fathomed the gladness, the tenderness in Theo's tone, if sly +little Val had not said, teasingly, "When you have done feasting your +eyes upon Jack, Theo, perhaps you will have a word to say to me." + +And then Theo, too, realized what it meant, and she flushed and was so +confused that, after all, she did not even shake hands with the dear +boy, but hid her confusion in the effusive greeting she bestowed upon +Val, while Jack's face wore such a look of gladness as it had not shown +for many a long day. + +And after a little while, Val slipped out. Then her guardian, with a +twinkle in his eye, responded to Val's mute little gesture, and the two +were left together; for when Theo attempted to follow the others, Jack +stopped her, and, looking down at the drooping head, said, "Theo, Theo, +is it true?" + +"Is what true?" was Theo's response, almost in a whisper. + +"That you are glad to see me," was Jack's rather lame reply. + +But to Theo, the sentence was full of meaning, and she did not realize +that this was their first word together for many months. She only felt +that it was enough to have Jack back again, and that to lose him would +be more than she could bear. So she looked up, with her sweet eyes +revealing all that was in her heart, though she said again only "Oh, +Jack!" + +But that was quite sufficient. They both knew the rest; and Jack felt +that all the blessings of heaven and earth had been promised him in +that one little exclamation. + +And then auntie, who had been detained by Val, came in, and was so glad +to see the boy that she gave him as loving a greeting as she could have +bestowed upon Archie. + +"Where is Archie?" asked Theo, just realizing that some one was missing. + +And Val, who had followed auntie, with a little mirthful laugh at +Theo's expense, explained that Archie had discovered that some mistake +had been made about the baggage, and had stopped to have the matter +inquired into. + +"Do tell us all about yourself, Jack. What a surprise you have given +us, to be sure," said Miss Nelson. + +"Well," replied Jack, "there isn't much to tell. Things didn't turn out +very well in Florida. The man of whose plantation I had charge had not +had much experience, and insisted upon trying all sorts of experiments. +We had a snapping frost just at the wrong time, and that finished him +up; so I wandered over to Texas, and there I fell in with Jim Downs. I +was pretty blue and miserable, and Jim offered me a living, so I took +his offer; but that wretched fever got hold of me and nearly finished +me. It didn't seem wise for me to stay down there another season and +risk my health." + +"I should think not," interposed Miss Nelson. + +"So," continued Jack, "when Mr. Smith wrote, telling me I was not quite +a pauper, I was ready enough to pull up stakes, I can tell you." + +"You can imagine how I felt when the old fellow walked into the office +one day," said Archie, who had come in. "I don't think I was ever so +glad to see anybody in my life. But he hasn't told you half. Such +tales and such adventures! You ought to hear them. I have managed to +extract a few facts from him, but I'll venture to say he has a lot more +to tell. You would suppose from what he has told you that he had been +sitting around in an aimless sort of a way, or else driving up a few +sheep; but, my goodness! If you can get him in the mood—I always knew +Jack wouldn't stay in the background. If you can only get him warmed up +to tell how he saved Jim Downs's life, and how he got on the track of +a mail-robber, and how he saved a man from being lynched—my goodness! +People, you don't know what a hero you are entertaining." + +"Now, Arch! Now, Arch!" Jack kept expostulating. "What do you bring +up those things for?" he said, as Archie concluded. "I just told you +because you were so persistent, and I thought you would be amused by my +cowboy exploits. Don't go and blow about them." + + +That evening, Jack disclosed to Theo his plans. "I have been talking to +Mr. Smith," he said. "You don't know what a brick he is. We are going +to look at a piece of property down this way that Mr. Smith thinks will +make a good manufacturing site. He proposes to start the concern, and I +am to manage it, if the matter is consummated." + +"Then you will not have to go away again." + +"Are you sorry?" asked Jack, smiling. But before she could answer, he +said, repentantly, "That wasn't a fair question. I know you are glad. +You are too true, too sincere, dear, for any pretence." + +"I shall not pretend, and, after the abominable way I have treated you, +you deserve to know that I am more than glad." + +"I have so little to offer you now," said Jack. "My little fortune is +very small, Theo, but I shall work faithfully, and perhaps it need not +be hard for you." + +"We will work together," replied Theo, "and we shall be ever so much +happier for having to make a few sacrifices for each other. I am very +glad you haven't all that money. You are twice as valuable to me +without it. Come, Jack, let us go down to the apple-trees. I want you +to see how full they are of blossoms this year." + +"And we will stay here together, Theo, always," said Jack, looking +around at the fair scene. + +"Always, together," repeated Theo. + +And then they both looked up at the wreaths of bloom, and smiled. + + +"Dear, good Mr. Smith!" said Theo to Archie, a few days later, as they +talked over Jack's prospects. "Imagine his ever being called 'that +disagreeable Mr. Smith.'" + +Archie laughed. "He isn't always honey," he replied. "At times, he is +the most irritable man I ever saw. I've had the opportunity of becoming +pretty well acquainted with his moods. But he has a heart of gold, +though he doesn't show it to everybody." + +"No. I realize that his 'seamy side' appears to be the best known, but +we know what he is, no matter what the rest of the world think." + +"I am glad he is going to give himself a rest; it will do him a world +of good to take a long trip, and Val has a way of mellowing him up that +no one else has." + +"I'm sure you have," said Theo. + +"Sometimes; but he never can withstand Val. Where is Jack?" Archie +asked, suddenly. + +"He is talking to auntie," said Theo, a little confusedly. "There is +the Colonel now, Arch. I want to speak to him," and running down the +steps, Theo met Mr. Smith, who was coming up the walk. + +"I want to thank you, Colonel," she said, "for all your kindness to +Archie, and to—to Jack," she added. + +Mr. Smith looked at her quizzically, as he answered, "I have done very +little, not enough to merit any very great depth of gratitude." + +Then he continued, very seriously, "Nothing could gratify me more than +what you have done for Jack." + +Theo looked up shyly, but with a happy smile. "You helped me there more +than any one. You showed me Jack's goodness better than any one else +did. I wonder at my blindness now." + +Just then, Jack came out of the house, and seeing Archie on the +porch alone, sat down on the step by him. Archie regarded him with +satisfaction. "You're the happiest-looking fellow I ever saw," he said. + +"I have reason to be," replied Jack, his eyes seeking Theo, who was +walking slowly towards the house with Mr. Smith. + +"Well, you do seem mighty glad to get back to us," remarked Archie. + +Then, following Jack's glance towards Theo, he caught the gentle smile +with which she answered his look, and he turned to Jack suddenly. + +"I believe I am as blind as a mole," he said. "You old duplicitous +rascal! I've a mind to pound you." + +Jack laughed. Jack's laugh was always good to hear, but this time it +was the embodiment of happiness. "Pound away," he said. + +But, instead, Archie held out his hand and gave Jack's such a grip as +left no doubt of his feelings. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XIII. + +SEPARATIONS. + +"THIS is the day Nan sails," announced Val at the breakfast-table a few +days later. + +"And to think we are none of us there to see her off," said Theo, +regretfully. + +"Oh, she'll not want for friends," responded Val. "Her own family will +be there, the Parkhursts and all, and a lot of the League students. +Katherine Armistead is going too, you know, and there will be any +number of people to wish her 'bon voyage.'" + +"Yes, I know; but I'll venture to say she will miss us." + +"Just to think of it! I'll be the next one to go," said Val. "It makes +me feel creepy whenever the thought comes to me. Now, Colonel, don't +look at me with that judicial expression of yours. I don't doubt there +are cold crims going down your own back this blessed minute." + +"What are crims?" asked Jack. + +"Oh," replied Val, nothing abashed, "they are something between chills +and creeps." + +"And creeps?" + +"Find out for yourself," retorted Val. "If your imagination cannot +supply a meaning, you aren't very inventive. We know, don't we, +Archie?" nodding in the direction of her cousin. + +"H'm. What? I wasn't listening," responded Archie. And rising with some +muttered excuse, he left the table abruptly. + +For the rest of the day, no one of them saw him, though in the evening +he appeared, calm and unruffled, but nobody asked him to account for +his absence. + + +"Is Jack anywhere about?" asked Mr. Smith, coming into the sitting-room +where Miss Nelson was. + +"He and Theo have gone to Preston," Miss Nelson informed him. "Come in, +Colonel; I want to talk to you. I feel very happy about those two, but +they must not think of marrying yet. Shouldn't you say so?" + +Mr. Smith was thoughtful. + +"Theo is too young," continued Miss Nelson. "At least, in my opinion, +a girl should be fully developed, mentally, morally, and physically, +before she takes the responsibilities of married life upon her." + +"And a man should be equally so, and furthermore, should be fully +established in business," asserted Mr. Smith. "It won't hurt them to +wait a couple of years. You have heard Jack's plans?" + +"Yes. I suppose any more thanks would burden you, Mr. Smith, but you +know what I think." + +Mr. Smith waived aside any continuance of that special subject, and +went on, saying, "The site I have selected for our enterprise is +between here and Preston, you know." + +"And you think they could live at Preston?" + +"Could they not?" + +"I should think very easily. I should be glad to have it so, for Cousin +Betty's sake. In leaving the place to Theo, I think she hoped it might +eventually be Theo's home." + +"Jack is not rich, you know." + +"No, but the present manager of Preston is quite capable of making the +most out of the place, and it need not be kept up expensively. We are +not worldly-minded, as you know, Colonel, yet I must confess to having +had a small regret for the vanished wealth, though I have tried to +repress it. I should like to feel that Theo had an abundance." + +"She is not the girl to care," returned Mr. Smith; "and they will +always have enough; there is little doubt of that. Jack has the +elements of a successful man in him,—force, perseverance, and energy; +otherwise I should not, from purely selfish motives, care to consider +this scheme." + +"Tell me just when you expect to consummate your plans." + +"I shall probably complete the sale in a few days, and the ground will +be broken at once for the building, which I shall hope may be carried +on as speedily as possible. Jack will remain here to see that it is. +I do not say to Val how long I shall remain with her and my sister, +but certainly not more than six months. One of my objects in going +to England is to attend to business there connected with this very +enterprise. I should like to interest some foreign capitalists in my +project, and then I can believe our success is assured." + +"How glad I am we are not to lose Jack from our midst. He can find a +pleasant boarding-place, I am sure, and everybody will be happy." + +"And—yes, it is better for those two to wait. I quite agree with you, +Miss Nelson, for many reasons. Too many young people plunge into +matrimony with nothing ahead for a rainy day. Then comes illness and +trouble, and with trouble often discontent, recrimination on one side, +bitterness on the other, and finally a breach which can never be +healed. A little foresight and patience might have saved the victim of +many an unhappy marriage from much misery. The trouble is, it all seems +smooth sailing, and youth forgets to look out for breakers ahead." + +"It would be too much to expect a perfectly peaceful voyage for our +young people. Theo is a little obstinate, and Jack is determined and +has something of a temper; so I have no doubt those qualities will give +rise to some disquieting moments. But they are only flaws in otherwise +admirable characters, or rather they are faults of disposition rather +than of character." + +"We cannot expect to meet angels walking the earth," remarked Mr. Smith. + +"No. Jack and Theo are quite human, but their future happiness lies in +the entire respect they have for each other. Neither has anything to +withhold from the other. They are both very truthful, honorable, and +sincere, so what may disturb them will likely be a very small tempest. +I do not believe my children are phenomenal, though I have been +criticised for thinking them incapable of many little defects too often +very palpable in young people." + +"They are not, perhaps, phenomenal, but they represent examples of a +fine order. I should be sorry if there were not more such," responded +Mr. Smith. + +"I should be sorry, indeed. What would become of our standards, if no +one nearly approached them?" + +"The trouble is that the majority of young people are very 'heady' +nowadays. We are old-fashioned, Miss Janet, and we believe that the +majority of young people are not as fine as 'the flock.' I am quite +sure, too, that there are many persons who have never come across such +really fine types; so they are very incredulous when told that such +boys and girls can and do exist." + +"And what of Archie? I sometimes feel very anxious for my boy." + +"Don't worry about Archie; there is good stuff in him. He is sure to +make his way. I don't say he will ever win great distinction, but he +will win friends. And I believe he is better suited to this locality +than to New York, where a certain keenness and wiliness are needful. +Yes, I think Archie has decided wisely: his people know him and he +knows his people. There is a great deal in that. Then, too, Archie's +temptations will be fewer here." + +"I think he recognizes that," replied Miss Nelson, "and believes his +only chance of saving is to be where there is little temptation to +spend. That is the lion in Archie's path; but you relieve me immensely, +Colonel. These have been anxious days for most of us, and to feel that +the way is made straight is a great comfort." + +Miss Nelson was silent for a few moments, and then she turned again to +her friend. + +"And Val," she said, "our little Val, she is such a bright, merry +little soul, we shall miss her sadly. I hope her travels may not spoil +her. My last little child leaves me with Val." And auntie sighed. + +Then she continued: "Since we seem to be criticising them all, I must +say how gratified I am at Val's improvement. She has overcome much that +I once feared would mar her. She has not as deep, as intense a nature +as Theo, but she is, perhaps, better balanced in consequence. Impulsive +and demonstrative as she seems, she really has good judgment; she is +losing her love of admiration in some degree, or rather she desires +now to be admired more for any real merit she may possess than for her +looks or her coquetries. And yet I dread her going from me, even into +as good hands as your sister's." + +"Val will be immensely improved by travel," Mr. Smith assured her, +"and though she may come back a full-fledged young lady, she will be +a very charming one, I'll guarantee. I have promised the child to go +with her to some impossible place," he said, rising. "She has no regard +for my old bones, and I am to climb rocks and slide down banks for her +amusement this afternoon." + +Which meant that Val had insisted upon her guardian going to the woods +with her, saying, pathetically, that Theo had Jack, and Archie had gone +off by his "loney." So she had no one, for auntie was busy, and there +was no one left, and she was lonesome; so wouldn't the Colonel take her +to the woods? She was afraid to go alone, and she was blue, so nothing +but the woods would cure her. And there was such an irresistible +expression in her big blue eyes that the Colonel consented, though he +knew she would lead him a dance. + +The place was very quiet after they had all gone out. Auntie was +taking her nap. Mammy had finished her work and was sitting, clumsily +mending an apron. Tatty, down in the garden, was amusing herself with +Posie-Cossie, who had been sent home by each outgoing party, and was +inconsolable till Tatty came to his rescue. + +Presently Mammy felt two soft hands over her eyes. Theo had returned +from her drive, and had come to consult Mammy on some domestic question. + +"I knows dem han's," said Mammy. "I'se knowed 'em uvver sence dey was +little teenchy bits o' baby han's. Yuh cyarnt fool yo' old Mammy." + +Theo laughed and came around in front of the old woman. + +"What are you doing, Mammy?" she asked. + +"I'se tryin' ter patch up dis yer ole ap'on, honey; hit's good 'nuff +fur was'in' water on, an' meal, an' dat kin' er truck. Somehow er, +'nuther, my ole eyes isn't es good es dey was, an' hit tek me a pow'ful +time," and Mammy wiped her glasses and laid them aside. + +Theo took them up and examined them. + +"Why, Mammy, what glasses are these?" + +"Dey de ones my ole mammy wo', honey. Dey's jis' es good es dey uvver +was." + +Theo turned over the big spectacles with their broad steel rims. "Why, +Mammy, you can't see with them, don't you know? Why, ever so long ago +you were using them. I got you another pair, didn't I?" + +"Yuh sutt'nly did, chile. I rickleck jes' es easy how yuh come an' say,— + +"'Mammy, what yuh tryin' 'er do?' + +"An' I say, 'I th'eadin' a needle, but hit mus' hev a cu'ious little +eye.' + +"An' yuh takin' hit outen my han' an' th'ead it jes es easy; an' I say, +'My, my!'" + +"Yes; and I found that these glasses did not suit you at all." + +"Den," continued Mammy, "yuh goes down street, an' comes home with a +whole mess o' specs, an' I tries 'em on, fust one, then t'other, till +I sees mos' like I hed new eyes." Mammy dwelt upon this with much +satisfaction. + +"But what has become of those glasses? Are they broken?" + +"Naw, indeedy, dey isn't. Dey is brandy-spandy, jes' es bright es dey +wus dat day." + +"Then what is the matter with them? Why don't you wear them?" + +"Law, honey," exclaimed Mammy, "yuh reckon I gwine ter 'hack' 'em? Uh, +uh! I w'ars 'em to church an' Sundays, but dese yer is whole es dey +uvver was, an' I 'bleedged to w'ar 'em out. What good 'nough fur my ole +mammy, good 'nough fur me." + +Theo laughed till Mammy was really offended and cast injured looks at +her "baby," as she still continued to call Theo. + +But no amount of persuasion on Theo's part could convince the old +woman that it would not be a wilful extravagance to put aside her old +spectacles, and she continued to wear them "week-days." + +Mammy's delight in Theo's plans was very great. She greatly approved of +"Mars' Jack," and she talked of the "weddin'" whenever Theo would allow +her an opportunity, expatiating upon the glories of the cake she would +bake, and feeling quite indignant that Theo would not promise to invite +half the county. + +"Dat ain't no way ter hev' a weddin'," she would say when Theo +explained her modest plans. "Why, honey, when my ole mistis' got ma'ied +dey wasn't scasely room to step roun' de house, an' de ca'ages blocked +up de whole place outside. What yuh reckon yo' grandma say ter dat +sorter little no-'count weddin' yuh 'scribe? I say, Miss Val do better +'n dat. She mek mo' show. Yuh better look out, Miss Theo; Miss Val be +finer 'n yuh." + +"I don't care; I hope she will," was Theo's reply. "I should love to +have her be as fine as she likes." + +And Mammy had no further argument to bring, though again and again she +recurred to the subject. + +Mr. Smith returned to New York a few days after this, having completed +the arrangements for his business projects. And Jack forthwith was +plunged into the preliminary management. + +Val was all excitement over her proposed trip, and the preparations +for this occupied the minds of Miss Nelson and Theo as much as of Val +herself. Finally, she started off in company with Mr. Smith, who had +come down for a final consultation with Jack. + +And now it was Val who was to see the world, while Theo remained +quietly at home, to watch the twittering birds coming and going under +the eaves of the old house, to see the seasons change the familiar +trees from green to russet, and to dream away the hours contentedly in +her little corner of the universe for the three years that lay ahead of +this parting. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XIV. + +ARCHIE'S CLIENT. + +AS time went on, the lives of those of "the flock" remaining at +Roseville settled into a quiet routine, the main excitement coming from +the letters received from Val and Nannie. + +Val was enjoying herself hugely, and wrote spirited, graphic +descriptions of her travels, of the people she met, and of her own +little experiences. Once in a while, there crept in a small word of +longing for home and auntie, for Theo and the old quiet days, but that +was when the little traveller was tired or not feeling well. As a +rule, she wrote in a rollicking strain, and they all felt that she was +enjoying herself greatly. + +Nannie, too, gave entertaining accounts of her life, adorning her +letters with funny little illustrations of places and people. + + "I cannot make up my mind," she wrote, "whether this is Bohemia or +not. I have such respect for certain traditions, that some of my +fellow-students count me a very Philistine; but again, when I emerge +from Boulevard Mont Parnasse, and leave the Luxembourg gardens behind +me, I sometimes encounter an acquaintance in whose face lurks a certain +disapproval when I give my address, and there is an implied reproach +in the exclamation, 'Oh, you Bohemian!' I think, however, that I +shall come to the conclusion that Bohemia can be respectable, just +as much as New York or Paris can be, though they may also be quite +the opposite. I remember my old grandmother used to have a horror of +New York, imagining that those who entered its streets at night went +forth 'carousing and ransacking the town,' as she used to express it. +So, Miss Theo, if you please, don't imagine me quite demoralized by +the Latin quarter, nor consider me under a ban because my next-door +neighbor is 'une petite bourgeoise.'" + +Nannie added that her work was improving, but that it had taken some +time for her to adjust herself to her surroundings, and to get used +to being "such a tiny frog in such a very big puddle," but that now +she rather enjoyed the absolute immunity from regard, that she felt +freer than air, and whether she carried her own wash home, or sat on +the top of an omnibus, side by side with a blouse or a bare-headed +blanchisseuse, no one noticed or cared, and she was quite happy. + +"That is Nan, all over," commented Theo, refolding the letter she had +been reading aloud. "The one thing above another that irks her is being +in any way fettered. She has often longed to be an 'untutored savage.'" + +Theo herself, shut away from all these novel experiences, wondered at +her own utter content. She was, however, far from leading an idle life. +Every day brought its duty, its interest in some affair concerning +the small community in which she lived. Perhaps there was to be an +entertainment for the church fund. Theo must sing, and Jack must be +persuaded to add his name to the programme. Or it might be some case +of distress, requiring gentle ministry; again, a meeting of the little +literary club, formed since Theo's school days, demanded an afternoon; +or it was to respond hurriedly to a call from a neighboring cousin for +help in a case of illness; or perhaps the more pleasurable duty of a +drive to Preston to look after some needed repairs or arrangement, and +so the days each brought enough to fill the hours busily and profitably. + +Archie's first case was an absorbing theme; all the ins and outs were +discussed, and followed closely by the whole family, and when he won +the suit, there was as much rejoicing as if he had been made governor +of the State. + + +Jack's affairs progressed satisfactorily. There were the usual delays +and difficulties to be met, but Jack was the man to meet them. He had +at first obtained board in the small town adjoining the property on +which the new buildings were in course of erection. But later, he found +it more convenient to go back and forth by train, and took up his abode +at the little hotel in Roseville. + +It was a very happy time for them all. Their mutual love of music gave +Theo and Jack a never-failing source of interest, and each worked +for the other's enjoyment. Theo was very proud of Jack's beautiful +baritone, and Jack was equally happy when Theo's singing won her +praise. So they practised faithfully together, sang in the choir of the +little church, discussed new music, criticised each other's tones and +methods, all the time learning a deeper, truer harmony. + +At the end of two years, the manufactory was in full operation, and +Jack was busier than ever. Val was talking of her return; Nannie was +writing of her hopes and fears regarding the picture she had sent +to the Salon,—would it or would it not be accepted? Archie was fast +becoming the prosperous successor of his father's old friend, "Squire" +Meredith, who was gradually giving up his practice to the younger man. + +Mr. Smith, after his return from abroad, was so pleased with his +holiday that he retired from his profession, and after seeing his +project in Virginia fairly established, and satisfying himself that +Jack's management of it was all that could be desired, rejoined Val and +Mrs. Westerly, remaining with them till they should complete their trip. + + +Later, Nannie wrote that her picture had been accepted and hung as well +as could be expected. Later still, she gave the information that at the +close of the Salon Exhibition it had been sent to New York, and had +actually been sold. Then followed a merry little tirade against Archie +for not having fulfilled his promise of being the purchaser, when she +had so scrupulously avoided a gory subject. + +But the end of Nannie's picture was not yet, as a curious combination +of circumstances proved. + +"Who is that with Archie?" asked Theo, one day, turning to her aunt, as +the two stood by the sitting-room window. + +Auntie looked out. "I do not know," she replied; "it is no one I ever +saw before, probably some stranger in town." + +"I wonder if he is bringing him to dinner," said Theo, with housewifely +interest. + +"No doubt," replied Miss Nelson. "Run down, Theo, and tell Tatty to lay +another place at table, and here are the keys; get out anything you may +find necessary." + +And Theo left the room to be met halfway down-stairs by her brother. + +"Who is your friend?" she asked. + +"A new client. I asked him to dine with us because I wanted to talk to +him, and my time is very full to-day." + +This was not an unusual occurrence, and as guests were always welcomed +with ready hospitality. Then made no further comment than to say, "Oh, +very well. Auntie is in the sitting-room, Archie." + +Archie's acquaintance, Mr. Veers, was an odd-looking individual, with +strange, round, staring eyes, and a mass of light hair brushed straight +up. He had, it seemed, come to the neighborhood for the purpose of +looking after some property about which there was a question of +possession. His stay lasted several days, during which time he and +Archie drove down to the place in dispute, and when he finally took his +leave, Archie had agreed to take the case. + +"What an exceedingly odd person Mr. Veers is," observed Miss Nelson, +when their guest had departed; "he is such a mixture of acuteness and +unworldliness one hardly knows what to make of him." + +"He is the oddest fish I have encountered for many a long day," +answered Archie; "he interests me in spite of myself: He has travelled +nearly all over the world, and must, from all accounts, have a +collection of rare and beautiful things; he tells me of bric-à-brac he +has picked up, of pictures he has bought, and yet he does not seem ever +to have any money." + +"He must have had," remarked Theo. "Why, how could he get along +without? What is his business?" + +"I don't know; he lives by his wits, I reckon." + +"It is a pretty poor outlook for you then," laughed Theo. + +"Oh, I shall come out all right," returned Archie. "I can come down +on him for all his articles of 'bigotry and virtue.' Think what an +addition to our small stock," and Archie looked around the room with +the air of one who already saw important accessions in the way of +ornament. + +"Oh, you wouldn't do that, would you?" + +Archie laughed. "I don't know what I would do. At any rate, I shall do +my best to win him his suit, for his is the rightful claim." + +"I am sorry for the other people," said Theo, sympathetically. + +"One has always to be sorry for somebody," replied Archie. "That is +the trouble in this confounded profession of mine; my sympathies are +continually on the rack." + +"But you do try for justice," returned Theo, "and that is the main +thing." + +"I try for it; whether I always succeed is something else. Anyhow, I +think our friend Veers is pretty sure of winning his case." + +And as events proved, it so happened, although for some months nothing +was heard of Mr. Veers, and Archie found it necessary to make a trip to +Washington, from which place his client had last written. + +In a funny, old tumble-down house, perched high above the grade of the +street, he at last found him. Archie climbed the two flights of steps +leading to the front door. There was no bell, so he knocked simply with +his knuckles, and, after waiting for some time, the door was opened by +a slatternly woman, who said Mr. Veers was out, but would probably be +in shortly. So Archie concluded to wait for him, and was shown in to a +room which presented quite a remarkable appearance. + +"Had the man been an artist," Archie afterwards said, in describing the +place, "it would not have seemed unusual, but that any one else should +care for such a jumble appeared very peculiar." + +Suits of armor lay in heaps in one corner; rich Oriental stuffs were +collecting dust where they were thrown in careless profusion over +inlaid tables or Chippendale chairs; bits of antique pottery crowded +the mantel; rare brazen vessels, some most delicately wrought, stood +side by side with Venetian glass vases or Belleek bowls. + +The walls were covered with pictures, old and new, and these Archie +proceeded to scrutinize, the more inclined to do so that every seat +in the room was already occupied by piles of books, vellum bound and +silver clasped, portfolios of engravings, heaps of jingling ornaments +or fragile casts. + +Since Mr. Veers's return was evidently a question of uncertainty, and +the time was lengthened from half an hour to an hour, Archie had an +opportunity of carefully observing all the pictures. He passed from one +to another, and, while standing at one end of the room, he suddenly +made an exclamation, then bending closer, read upon the canvas before +him Nannie's name. + +A long time he stood before it, so long, in fact, that he did not +notice when the door opened and Mr. Veers came in. + +"You like that, do you?" was his greeting. "So do I. It was in New +York, and I took a fancy to it, and bought it." + +"Yes, I like it," replied Archie; "the more so, that a friend of mine +painted it." + +Mr. Veers's interest was at once aroused, and he asked question after +question: Who was the artist? Where did she live? How long had she +studied? And so on. + +In the meantime, Archie had leisure to observe the man's appearance, +which was that of one not possessed of riches; for his clothes were +shabby and worn, his boots the worse for wear, his linen frayed and +creased. + +While they were standing discussing the picture, the slovenly-looking +woman again appeared. + +"Are ye coming to dinner?" she asked, putting her head in the door. + +Mr. Veers turned to Archie as if it were a matter of course that he +should dine with him, and Archie could but follow him to the next room. +Here, again, everything betokened poverty; the woman, who was evidently +the only retainer, served a frugal, ill-cooked meal upon heavy stone +ware, while in the next room Sèvres china and Cloisonné gathered the +dust. Such incongruities existed that Archie was fairly bewildered, and +found himself wondering more and more where the man had found the means +to invest in the beautiful things he hoarded. + +When the repast was over, and they were still discussing the law-suit, +Mr. Veers suddenly said, "But I don't know how I can pay you; I haven't +a penny." + +"You will have the property, if we win our case," replied Archie. + +"Oh, but I shall make that over to my wife and child," returned Mr. +Veers. + +Archie looked up surprised, for this was the first reference Mr. Veers +had ever made to his family. + +"Your wife and child, did I understand you to say?" he queried. + +Mr. Veers nodded. "I am such a rambler," he returned, half +apologetically, "and they have been living with my father-in-law for +some years." + +"But," broke out Archie, rapidly following out a train of thought, +"your collection in the other room is very valuable, surely." + +"Yes; but the truth is, I can't bring myself to part with any piece +of it. I—" and he paused; "however—my wife—my child—" Then, as if the +remembrance of them helped him, he continued, "If—if there is anything +there you fancy, anything that will pay you, take it; but," he added, +with a quaint smile, "you'd better tuck it under your arm and take it +along to-night, for I promise you, I'll repent it before morning." + +Here was an odd situation, but Archie took the man at his word, and +said, "There is one thing I should like above all others. I will give +you a receipted bill for my services in exchange for the picture +painted by my friend, Miss Talcott." + +Mr. Veers meditated upon the proposal, and then, placing upon the table +pen, ink, and paper, he said, "Hurry up, then; now's your chance." + +And before he could change his mind, Archie went away with Nannie's +Salon picture—divested of its frame, however—in his possession, and +in his hotel that evening, he viewed his new acquisition with amused +satisfaction. + +"I have it, after all, Miss Nan," he soliloquized; "and it's your turn +to be gibed at. What a piece of luck! How Val would enjoy hearing about +it. Well, Mr. Veers, this will never get back to you; I promise you I +shall guard against that." + +True to his word, Mr. Veers did call to protest against the removal +of the picture. But Archie was on his way to Virginia. And when the +picture was fairly out of reach, Mr. Veers wrote congratulating Archie +on his possession, and endorsing the ownership. + +Shortly after this, the law-suit was settled, and the property made +over to Mrs. Veers and her daughter. Mr. Veers appeared once more in +Roseville, but refused absolutely to enter Archie's home again, giving +as his reason that if he once saw that picture again, he should be +tempted to carry it away bodily. + +And though Archie offered to hide it, Mr. Veers said, laughingly, "No, +that would only make his desire for it keener, and he might hunt for +it." And then he seriously assured Archie of his perfect willingness to +give it up, adding, it would be well if he could settle all his debts +so easily. + +A few months later, the family read of the death of the whimsical +collector, the facts given being that he had been killed in a railroad +accident somewhere in Europe, that he had run through two or three +fortunes, and that his valuable collection was to be sold to pay his +debts. + +Then Archie congratulated himself upon having become possessed of +Nannie's picture, which straightway adorned the wall of his office, and +was a source of immense pleasure to its owner. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XV. + +BEFORE THE FEAST. + +THEO'S garden was brave with chrysanthemums, great yellow blooms swung +from their stalks, or shot out rays from glowing centres like golden +suns. Atop the branches, little buttons showed what might be expected +later on; here a mass of snowy white fringes, springing from a whorl +of incurled petals, invited the eye; there, red and yellow splendor +flaunted, or in ragged pink disorder some splendid beauty held its own +as biggest of them all. + +Theo, walking among this late blossoming, fingered the buds lovingly, +while Posie-Cossie, close at her heels, watched her with bright eyes. + +"I declare, Posie-Cossie, this chrysanthemum looks just like you," and +Theo shook a big, wild-looking blossom at the little dog. + +And truly, there was a resemblance to the fly-away hair of the +little fellow, which now made a dart forward, to snap in play at the +temptation offered. + +"No! No!" reproved Theo. "You can't have it. Every one will be needed. +Every one, do you hear, Posie-Cossie? It does seem rather mean, too," +she continued, "to strip the garden just for me. No, for Jack and me. +But after all, they wouldn't last always, and auntie wants me to have +them." + +Then, kneeling down, she took the little dog's head between her +hands. "Who do you think is coming home to-day?" she said. "Who? +Why, Posie-Cossie, Val,—dear little, funny little, cunning little +Val. Shall you know her in all her young lady-hood? She is grown up, +you know, as much as she will ever be. She is a real righty woman, +twenty-three years old. Think of that. Oh, how old we are all getting +to be. Even you, Posie-Cossie, have outgrown your puppyish, babyish +ways; and Ishmael,—think of Ishmael,—here he comes now. Why, he is +quite a middle-aged gentleman. No, no, you are entirely too frisky this +morning, but you cannot impose upon me, who have known you since you +were a baby: that is not dignified behavior. Ishmael doesn't want to +play," for Posie-Cossie had made a sudden spring forward towards Theo's +cat, which was approaching them with deliberate tread. + +Theo took Ishmael up in her arms and began to stroke the sleek, furry +coat. "Dear little fellow," she said, caressingly. "How will Mitty's +boy like his new home? I say you will be just as contented as you are +here, and Jack says you will turn about and trot home. I don't believe +that. But we didn't quarrel about it, for that would have been very +foolish until one of us was proved wrong; in a very little while we +will know. Oh, how strange it seems!" And Theo gave a little quick +sigh, half from regret, half from emotion, and turned to go into the +house. + +"Jes' slip in hyar, honey," said Mammy, coming to the kitchen-door with +anxious countenance. "I boun' ter hav' dis yer cake fus' class, an' hit +'pears like hit want jes' a drap mo' sugar; but, law, honey, I done +tas' an' tas' so much, I cyarnt tell ef hit do er no; jes' yuh gimme yo +druthers on de subjick." + +A spicy odor pervaded the kitchen, with it mixed the scent of burning +wood and hot pans. Mammy was in her element. She had officiated at no +such important event since the days of Miss Nelson's girlhood. "Miss +Theo's weddin' cake" was the all-absorbing theme; that it should +fail of absolute perfection would be a catastrophe too dreadful to +contemplate. And so Mammy mixed and stirred, offering Theo tastes from +the end of a spoon, while Tatty stood by with some of Mammy's anxiety +reflected upon her own countenance. + +Theo, with critical air, expressed her "druthers," and Mammy, having +her own decisions thus reinforced, was quite content to proceed with +the baking. + +"Yuh know dis yer kin' o' black cake 'bleedged to stan' a couple o' +weeks 'fore it tas'es jes' 'zac'ly right," she explained. "But de rale +white bride-cake dat diff'unt; de whites of de aigs dey dries up fas', +an' dat bride-cake 'bleedged to be fresher." + +"What do you think of my taking Tatty away from you?" asked Theo, +sitting down by the table to watch Mammy put the cake in the pans. + +Mammy cast a sidelong glance at Tatty, being divided between her real +appreciation of Tatty's usefulness and her fear of adding to that young +person's self-esteem; so she parried the question by saying: "Tatty +done been promuss ter yuh long ago, Miss Theo. Aun' Pris she tell me +dat huse'f, dem days fo' Miss Betty 'ceasted." When referring to any +of the family connection, Mammy always rose to a certain elegance of +speech. + +"Dat so," spoke up Tatty. "My Mammy tell me so when I ain't no bigger'n +a grasshopper, an' I allus say I gwine ter live with Miss Theo; ain't +I, Miss Theo?" + +"Yes," responded Theo; "and you will go back to Preston. We didn't +expect that." + +"'Deed den I respected it," declared Mammy. "I allus mek dis demark to +Aun' Pris, Miss Theo; she gwine ter be mist'es' hyar yet, sho's yuh +bo'n. An' Aun' Pris she tell me huccome I think so, an' I tell her, +'bleeged to think so long o' Miss Betty, she set such sto' by Miss +Theo. I say, Aun' Pris, yuh see, hit'll be acco'din' to de kes." And +Mammy gave a final swing of the spoon around the bowl to emphasize her +concluding sentence. + +"Acco'din' to de kes" was one of Mammy's favorite phrases, borrowed +from a letter she had once received, beginning, "According to request, +I take my pen in hand." And this form of expression impressed Mammy so +forcibly, that she insisted upon Theo's using it invariably whenever +Mammy herself wanted a letter written; and it was also used by the old +woman very variously and uniquely upon other occasions. + +"Never mind," resumed Theo; "if I do rob you of Tatty, you are going to +have Ary in her place. How old is Ary, Tatty?" + +"'Deed, Miss, I 'clar I forgits; she come nex ter me, dat all I kin +tell." + +"Then she is fifteen or sixteen, and will be ever so much help to you, +Mammy. How nice that looks. I am almost tempted to scrape the pan, just +as I used to do when I was a little bit of a girl." + +But after seeing the cake safely in the oven, Theo left the kitchen and +proceeded to hunt up auntie. + +She found her among the old chests and trunks in the packing-room. +"What are you doing here, auntie?" she asked. + +Miss Nelson looked up at the tall, slender figure of the girl before +her, and her lips trembled slightly. Theo saw the emotion, and was +beside her in a moment. + +"My dear blessed!" she exclaimed. "Don't: please leave these musty +old boxes and come down-stairs into the sunshine with me. I have been +watching Mammy make my wedding-cake,—my wedding-cake! Doesn't that +sound funny? There, I shouldn't have said that, either. Oh, auntie, +dear, it isn't going away altogether. You'll come to me some day when +Archie marries. Oh, dear, there I go again. I am very obtuse this +morning, I know. Oh, yes, I know that this has always been home to you; +it is hard. Oh, dear! Nothing can make it easy for my darling auntie; +and yet you have done more than the whole world for me." And Theo put +her head against auntie's shoulder, while two little tears trickled +down and dropped on her dress. + +And this turned the tide of auntie's thoughts. "There, dear child," +she said; "you mustn't grieve, for you know I am so very happy and +content when I think how it has all turned out. I feel as if I had been +considered and comforted more than I could ever have expected. If Jack +had remained a wealthy man, for example, and you had married and gone +to New York to live, how forlorn I should have been; or if you had +married some one else and have gone far away, to Europe, perhaps—" + +"Don't suggest nay marrying that 'somebody else;' it makes me jealous +for Jack," said Theo, putting her hand softly on her aunt's lips. "But +it is Jack, my Jack. I'm afraid I'm a little wicked in being glad that +Jack has no family to claim him; he belongs so much the more to me—to +us. As I was saying, it is Jack, and we are going to live at Preston; +and any time you can see us, and we can see you and Archie, too. And +Archie, he has chosen the old home. And Val, oh, yes, Val is coming! +Aren't you crazy to see her? I can scarcely wait. Come, come, auntie, +leave these cobwebs. You will take cold up here." + +"I wanted to look over these boxes belonging to your father and +mother," returned auntie. + +"Oh, never mind, now. Why, auntie, dear, we can do that any time. Don't +make such a business of this. It is just that Jack and I are going to +Preston to live, and you'll have us always, just the same; and you'll +have Val back again; and Jack will be another nephew to love you, and +think for you; so come, come, it isn't so dreadful. You'll be richer +than ever." + +So auntie put back the boxes, and suffered herself to be led +down-stairs and out into the October sunshine to see the +chrysanthemums, while nearer and nearer them the train was bringing +the little figure, who sat eagerly looking out at the landscape whose +landmarks grew more and more familiar to her. + + +Val was very quiet after the train left Washington; so much so, that +her companion, Colonel Smith, to whom she had been chattering, watched +her interestedly as they sped along. + +Val's thoughts were travelling at as fast a rate as the train. She was +thinking of her first going to Roseville a little foolish school-girl, +with false ideas of life and its duties; of her first meeting with +Theo, whose loving loyalty had shielded her from her first careless, +imprudent follies; of dear auntie, who had always dealt so fairly and +tenderly with her faults. Then her thoughts wandered from city to +city,—to New York, to Paris, to London, to Florence; how much she had +seen, how many places she had visited: it would really be a relief to +rest at home, she thought, to settle down quietly under auntie's wing. + +"But, oh, I shall miss Theo," she said, half aloud. + +"Eh? Did you speak to me, Val?" came from Mr. Smith, nearly asleep in +his place by her side. + +"No," replied Val; "but I think I would better speak or you will be +sound asleep, and I could never reach up to the rack for our luggage, +and we are nearly there, Colonel. Oh, do you see? Why, there,—yes, +those must be the buildings of the factory; and there is Jack—he sees +us—he is coming aboard the train. Oh, Colonel, we are at home!" + +"Next station, Roseville." + +"Oh, I know it, I know it," Val half protested, as the brakeman's voice +made the announcement. + +"Oh, Jack, it is really you!"—as Jack reached them, and Val put out her +little gloved hand eagerly. "You were watching for us, weren't you? +It was so nice of you. Do I look much older, Jack?" she asked, with +concern. "It has been three years, remember." + +"You have aged fearfully," replied Jack, with good-humored irony. +"We'll have to call you old Miss Le Moyne, sure enough." + +"Now, Jack. However, I don't care. That makes me feel at home at +once, it does sound so natural. How is dear old Archie? And they are +all well, aren't they? Wasn't it funny that Archie should get Nan's +picture, after all? Theo wrote me about it. And, Jack,—oh, Jack, are +you really going to be married this month?" + +Jack smiled exultantly. "Really and truly," he replied; "the +wedding-cake is made." + +"Oh, bless your heart!" said Val, fervently. "I am just as glad as I +can be, though you are going to rob me of Theo." + +"Not rob you; just share, you know." + +"That is very nice for you to say. I believe you're a pretty good +fellow, Jack." + +"And this after your travels. How flattered I feel. Come, here we are. +I'll look after the luggage. Colonel, just see that Miss Le Moyne is +able to make that step." + +"Now you aren't nice," objected Val. "I wouldn't be as tall as you for +anything." + +"I should think not," laughed Jack. "There is Archie, looking +everywhere but in the right place. Here, Arch." + +And Archie sprang forward to help his cousin, while Mr. Smith and Jack +followed. Such a daintily small woman met Archie's eye, with a pretty +little dignity of her own, and a charming ease of manner. Archie stood +off and regarded her with pleased surprise. + +"Why, Val, you actually look tall," he exclaimed,—"that is, for you." + +"Now, don't spoil it," laughed Val. "Leave off the last clause. Do I +really, Archie? Should you have known me?" + +"Known you! In Africa. You haven't changed a bit. Yes, you have, too. +There is something, I don't know what. There little Val comes back +again. You're just grown up, I suppose, but your little tricks of +manner and speech prove you are Val." + +"Well, you were grown up before I went away," said Val. "You're a +trifle stouter, though," viewing him critically, "but you haven't +changed otherwise. Oh; there is Theo!" as a figure came flying towards +the gate. And the two girls were in each other's arms in an instant. + +"Now we'll not be able to get in a word edgewise," remarked Archie, +filling behind with Jack and Mr. Smith. "How those girls will talk! +I'll venture to say they'll keep it up half the night." + +"You'd do the same thing," sharply broke in Mr. Smith. "I'd like to +know how long you and Jack talked when he came back from the South. +'All' night, I'll warrant." + +"I believe we did, come to think of it," admitted Archie. + +It is entirely true that the girls did talk half the night, and then +"didn't begin to get through," Val declared. + +"You're such a dear, stylish-looking thing," complimented Theo. "Oh, +Val, you don't know how nice you look. You always did, of course; but I +mean, somehow there is an air about you that is entirely new." + +"Travel, my dear; travel has done it," replied Val, settling back in +her chair. + +They were in Theo's room, and were discussing the wedding-garments. + +"I did want to bring you everything from Paris," said Val, "but I +couldn't, of course, though I did get some little things. But it would +be so nice if you could have had all your gowns from there, and your +hats." + +Theo laughed. "Imagine me in a Paris gown feeding my chickens, or in a +French hat weeding my flower-beds." + +"That is true. I suppose they wouldn't be very appropriate." + +"I'll show you my things to-morrow," said Theo. "Things" being a +pleasantly general term usually employed upon such occasions. "I +haven't made elaborate preparations, for I think it is silly to get +dozens and dozens, and to have to wear out-of-date costumes for years +after one is married, just because they are too good to cast aside. +I've learned that from seeing so many trying to eke out a style dating +five years earlier with something that didn't match, and producing only +a failure; so I shall not do it." + +"And your wedding-gown, tell me of that, Theo." + +"I'm going to wear my great-grandmother's wedding-gown. Do you remember +the time I put it on at Preston? Jack wants me to wear it." + +"And of course that is quite reason enough." + +"Quite enough; and I have some beautiful lace Cousin Betty gave me, +and mamma's veil, so I shall be very fine. And I like the feeling of +wearing those dear old familiar things instead of something new." + +"And oh, tell me, is it all arranged,—everything?" + +"Not quite. We are now in a great state of uncertainty as to who shall +give me away: Jack is so anxious that Archie shall be best man. He is +nearer to him than any one else in the world,—except me," she added; +"and if Archie is best man, he cannot give me away. And then comes the +question whom to ask, Uncle Tom Nelson or Cousin Ned Preston. Cousin +Ned is the nearest neighbor and was a dear friend of papa's, but Uncle +Tom is a great-uncle and his years should give him precedence, so we +are in a quandary. Each will be offended if the other is asked. That is +the only point to be settled." + +Val was thoughtful for a few moments. Then she said, "Why don't you ask +the Colonel? He will be your guest; he stands in very close relation to +us all. Then that will settle the whole matter." + +"So it will. I never thought of it. I will speak to auntie. I should +like it of all things, and so would Jack." + +"You know you might never have married Jack if it hadn't been for the +Colonel," continued Val. + +"Don't say that; you don't know anything about it," was Theo's reply. + +And Val laughed at having so easily teased her cousin. + +Then she contritely put her arms around Theo. "You darling!" she said. +"How glad I am to have you again! You don't half know how I love you, +Theo." + +Theo returned the little loving caress, and Val continued: "The thought +of you has kept me up many a time. I am a little sinner, Theo, and it +has been awfully hard sometimes to do just what I knew was right. But +somehow, when I felt inclined to be very naughty, I could see that +steadfast, searching look of yours. A hurt, disappointed expression you +always had, as if you wondered how I could do so, and how sorry you +were that I should want to; and I'd brace up and turn my back on—on—oh, +things—and people, you know—just people." + +"What kind of things? What kind of people?" + +"Why—oh, I don't know," returned Val, then, a little irrelevantly. "I +tell you, Theo, there is one thing I have discovered: you cannot always +judge the individual by the type. It is ridiculous to say a man must be +so or so because he is a Frenchman, or an Englishman, or an Italian. +Of course, I don't mean there are not national traits; but to make a +cast-iron character and pour all of a certain nationality into the +mould is ridiculous. You can only judge the individual by himself. This +wholesale way of criticising a person according to the country in which +he happens to be born is all nonsense. I made a number of mistakes +before I found that out." + +"And you turned your back on—what then?" + +"Why, men, some men. I couldn't help having a little attention, you +know." + +Theo knew there had been a great deal of attention from a great many +men. + +"But," continued Val, sitting up very straight and looking +unflinchingly at Theo, "I can solemnly assure you, Theo, I have never +been so dishonorable as to try to attract from another girl a man of +whom I thought she was fond, nor have I ever allowed, if I could help +it, a man to offer himself to me if I foresaw I must refuse him. You +made me do so, and you do love me as much as ever, don't you, Theo?" + +"Of course I do. I love you very dearly," answered Theo, putting out +her hand. "But oh, Val, you mustn't pretend that I am so good. I am +not; I am not." + +"But you have never done the horrid things other girls so often +do,—real vulgar things, I call them. Why, I met a girl somewhere, who +had a belt from which quantities of little silver hearts were hanging. +And what do you suppose they were supposed to mean? Each was engraved +with the initials of some probable victim of the young woman's charms." + +"Val! I can scarcely believe it. How unrefined! How unwomanly!" + +"Yes, really. She quite gloated over it, and counted them as an Indian +does his scalps." + +"With just as little real glory in it," returned Theo. "Such things +make me sorry I am a woman. Don't let's talk of them." + +"I just want to say this," said Val: "that a girl never knows how far +her influence may extend, nor how many her behavior may affect; for +that girl had her followers. Of course, there are girls to be found, +always, who are silly enough to follow anything original, no matter how +reprehensible it may be. And so you see, you dear, that if you helped +me, I might have helped some one else, and so your influence widens +and widens. There! It is striking one o'clock. Let us go to bed, and +to-morrow we will talk to our hearts' content." + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XVI. + +THE WEDDING. + +VAL threw herself heart and soul into the preparations for Theo's +wedding, bringing forward so many ideas and innovations that Theo's +original plan of having a quiet affair seemed in danger of being +overruled. But Val insisted that, though it might be quiet, it need not +be plain, and so Theo consented to some elaborations. + +"I don't care how few people you choose to have present," said Val, "if +you will only let me arrange the effect. A chrysanthemum wedding it +must be, and I can have it such a lovely one. I do wish you'd consent +to having six bridesmaids." + +But Theo stoutly refused to have more than two. + +"And a maid of honor," persisted Val. + +"Well," agreed Theo, reluctantly; "but you must be the maid of honor." + +"Oh, yes. I shall not allow any one to usurp my place, and you'll let +me manage the rest, decorations and all. Do, please." + +"But I will not have more than two bridesmaids." + +"No; I promise you. But you give me leave to do as I choose about the +rest." + +And Theo consented. + + +So for the next few days, Val's small figure was seen darting in and +out of the gate, on business intent. And when her arrangements were all +complete, she made them known to Theo. + +"It is going to be perfectly lovely," she said. "The chancel will be a +mass of yellow chrysanthemums. I have scoured the town and country for +them, and every one is saving them for us." + +"Oh, Val!" + +"Well, there wasn't any other way; and if you could see how delighted +they all are to do you honor, you blessed darling!"—giving her a +rapturous hug. "You are so good and sweet to every one, of course they +are glad. Even Mrs. Reed had a little measly plant, and she was tickled +to death when I asked her to loan it. Do you want to hear the rest, +sweetness?" + +"Oh, Val, how you do run on! You are the most outrageous flatterer I +ever knew." + +"Oh, do let me get excited and forget my elegant diction once in a +while, I haven't had a chance for so long. I couldn't bubble over to +Mrs. Westerly. She is a dear woman, but not the kind to excite ardent +expressions. I can even do better with the Colonel. Oh, Theo, you will +be like a tall white lily among—but let me tell the rest, or I'll spoil +the effect. Well, as I said, yellow entirely about the chancel, and the +church will be dressed with garlands of autumn leaves. First of the +bridal party will come two little pages in yellow breeches, dark red +velvet coats, and white waistcoats—" + +"Oh, Val, I said only two bridesmaids, and you promised me faithfully." + +Val threw back her head and laughed merrily. "Of course, but the pages +aren't bridesmaids; they are your little cousins, Tom Preston and +Nelson Carter. I think it was the greatest stroke of diplomacy on my +part, asking them; for we had left out nearly the whole faction on both +sides of the house. But now the Nelsons, the Prestons, and the Carters +are all delighted. I have been wearing out my very soul getting up +those costumes, Miss Ingratitude; and if I say it, as shouldn't, the +youngsters look like pictures. Now, Theo, don't look so serious. Do you +really care? It won't make a bit of difference. The church is so small, +anyhow, that it will not more than hold a gathering of the clans and +those you must ask—so—do you care? It will be so pretty." + +Theo relaxed somewhat, only saying, "Jack and I always said we did want +a quiet wedding; it will be such a solemn time, anyhow, and we didn't +want to make just a show of it." + +"Well-beloved bride-elect, it will be so quiet, you can hear a dew +drop." + +Theo frowned down the absurdity, and Val went on: + +"Well, the pages come in first, carrying each an end of a garland of +chrysanthemums, red, yellow, and white; then come the two bridesmaids +in pink, carrying pink chrysanthemums; then come I in pale yellow, with +a basket of the same flowers; and then the lovely white bride, with +her white chrysanthemums, the only white spot in the mass of color. I +consider that arrangement the crowning success of my life. Every one +says it is the most artistic thing ever conceived by mortal brain. I +have lain awake nights thinking it out. + +"And oh, Theo, the Colonel is perfectly lovely; he has been so +interested, and has let me drag him 'hether and yen,' as Mrs. Barton +says. I think he was pleased as Punch to be asked to give you away. +And Archie, the dear soul, has, I am sure, lost a year's practice by +rushing around the country hunting up yellow chrysanthemums with me. +Now do say it will be lovely." + +And Theo was forced to confess that it would be, and that she would be +entirely satisfied if Jack would. + +"Oh, Jack's all right," Val assured her. "You are such a sentimental +pair, you two." + +Theo blushed as she protested, "Oh, no, we are not." + +"I don't mean that you are silly and romantic, but you have such ideas +about solemnity, and seriousness, and responsibilities, and all that." + +"I think we should have," returned Theo. "I believe ever so many +girls when they marry think no further than their trousseau and their +elaborate wedding, and of course it is fascinating in a certain way; +that is why I didn't want to have anything showy. I knew it might +absorb me too much. But you, dear monkey, have taken all that off +my shoulders, so my responsibilities and seriousness can have full +play. Oh, I forgot to say," Theo continued, "I had a letter from Fan +Parkhurst this morning; and she will be here, and Jamie, too. Fan +is perfectly delighted at the idea of being my bridesmaid. I really +believe Fan is going to turn out well, hers is such a strong character. +I should like to have Jamie for one of the ushers. Would you believe he +could ever grow to be such a great tall boy?" + +"If Gilbert Rogers cannot come, Jamie could take his place." + +"So he could. I wonder if Gilbert will come. Just think: we shall all +be together again, all but dear old Nan. You saw her letter, didn't +you? Oh, no; there it is on the table. Read it, if you like." + +Val interested herself in the letter, smiling once in a while. + +"That is a very Nan-like epistle," she remarked at the close. "Did you +notice this?" and Val read: + + "'At first, I rather resented your marriage. It seemed something away +off in the dim future, but that it is really at hand overcomes me and +yet, after all, Theo, you are one who should marry. You will be happier +so, and I altogether approve of Jack; but at the same time, incredible +as it no doubt appears to you, I look around my little studio and say, +'I am very thankful it is Theo, and not I;' and then I laugh and say, +'It is well to be satisfied with what one cannot help;' and I was very +wise, or, rather, very fortunate, to find such an interest in life as +my work, which keeps me content.'" + +"Dear old Nan!" responded Theo. "Yes, that sounds very much like her. +She would be one of my bridesmaids if she were here; but no doubt she +is glad to be out of it all." + +"What a contrast Fan will be to your cousin Dolly," said Val; "Fan is +so dark and Dolly so fair. I think it is rather nice it should be that +way." + +"So do I," agreed Theo. "There is Jack's whistle. I must see what he +wants," and she flew down to meet him. + +"I have a letter from Gilbert, and he is coming," announced Jack. +"Isn't that great?" + +"And I have one from Fan, promising to be with us. So that is all +settled. What do you think of Val's arrangements, Jack?" + +"I think they are quite artistic." + +"But just a little pretentious, don't you think?" + +"They might be if they were carried out by hired service, but it will +all be done for love's sake." + +"Yes, I know. Every flower there will represent some one's good will; +and dear little Val never worked so hard in her life. It makes me very +humble to receive so much tender consideration." + +"You never were troubled with egotism," said Jack, smiling at her, +"haughty as my lady sometimes is." + +"Don't remind me, please. I want to be all humility. Where every one is +thinking first of me, I should be the last to think of myself. I can't +do anything for anybody these days. Isn't there something I can do for +you, Jack?" + +"You have done more for me than any one in the world," was Jack's +reply, made just as Archie burst into the room with,— + +"I might have known I should find you here, old man. Why didn't I come +here first, instead of racing to the hotel? You can't dawdle away your +time here. Don't you know there are a thousand things to be done? We +don't want to leave everything till to-morrow. Come along, Theo. Go try +on your wedding-gown, or your gloves, or something. You'll have enough +of Jack after a while," and Archie dragged him off. + +"To tell you the truth," Archie confessed, linking his arm in his +friend's, "I have to keep moving. I'm such a confounded idiotic beggar +that I get all used up when I sit down and take time to think. If +it were any one but you, old man, I couldn't stand it. I get into a +perfect rage whenever the idea merely suggests itself to me. Indeed, +once in a while I am strongly inclined to pitch into you. I'd like to +know what business you have coming here and carrying off my sister, +anyhow. Confound you!" + +Jack laughed. "You're pretty late in the day, old chap. Why didn't you +raise this serious obstacle sooner?" + +"Much good it would have done, hastened the disaster, most likely. +Confound it, Jack, I don't want to see you, after all. Go where you +please." And Archie, having reached his office door, rushed in and +slammed it after him, leaving Jack standing outside, half angry. + +He waited a few minutes, however, and then knocked, when Archie +admitted him, with his agitation somewhat calmed down. + +"I'm all right now; you're safe," he exclaimed. "Come in, and I'll +guarantee you shall not be assassinated. Seriously, Jack, I'm all +broken up; but don't mind it." + +Jack respected his chum's condition of mind, and they proceeded to +discuss the business for which Archie had sought him. + + +Though no one suffered more than auntie at this time, no one was more +cheerful. Only once did she really break-down, and that was when Theo, +in her bridal array, came for a last kiss. + +There had been much flutter and excitement going on, and no one had +taken time for anything but the business just at hand. + +First, Fan's arrival with Jamie caused some flurry, and seemed to be +the signal for much whisking about from room to room of pink skirts or +yellow skirts, and much racing up and down-stairs, with inquiries for +this one's bouquet or that one's gloves. Then came Dolly Preston with +an army of relations to be settled; next the little pages appeared, +to be put through their paces and instructed to act just so; then the +music had to be thought of; and in the midst of a conference with +Professor Rheinstein as to what would be most desirable, in walked +Gilbert, so glad to see them all, and so delighted to talk of what he +called Jack's luck, that when Archie at last bore him away, he was +still talking to Val about it over his shoulder. + +Then the arrival of presents by express, by mail, by hand, was a source +of excitement, so that Miss Nelson had little time for a contemplation +of her loss. But it was very real when Theo at last stood before her, +just as Val had said, "like a tall white lily." And when auntie turned +from her mirror, before which she had been completing her own toilet, +it was to hear the dear girl say,— + +"Kiss me, auntie." + +And then auntie dropped into the nearest chair, her hands trembling and +her face quivering. But Theo was beside her in a moment, gathering the +dear head close to her own, the bridal veil falling over both. + +"I am not going to leave you, auntie; don't make it hard for me," she +implored. "I am your own little girl just the same. Oh, auntie, please +don't cry, for then I shall cry too, and I have been trying not to all +day." + +So auntie forced back the tears, and the hard moment was over for them +both. + + +At the last hour, one of the ushers failed them, so Jamie proudly took +his place, and Theo was married, with those she loved best about her, +with those who best loved her guiding her first steps into her new life. + +"Hit sutt'nly was a pretty weddin'," commented Mammy, whom nothing +could detain from the church. "Miss Theo sholy look gran'. I keep a +sayin' to mahse'f all de time, 'Yuh a angel, honey; yuh a angel. B'ar +me away on yo' snowy white wings.' I sings dat to mahse'f when dat +music start up so sof' an' low, 'Oh, come, angel ban'.' I sholy dues, +Miss Val. I know yuh git hol' o' things yuh make 'em hum. 'Deed, miss, +hit hu't mah pride to hear talk 'bout dat little no-'count weddin'." + + +"How well Fan looks!" whispered Val to Archie, amid a buzz of +conversation, when, after the ceremony, the bridal party had returned +to the house. + +"Yes," responded Archie; "and doesn't Gilbert think so?" + +Then, after looking in that direction, they turned to each other and +smiled. + +"That's an idea, isn't it?" said Val. + +"Yes. I rather like it," returned Archie. + +"So do I," replied Val. "Weddings always encourage such things. Come, +let us be a pair of old match-makers. Help me dispose of Jamie; he +looks at Fan as if he wanted to grab her, and I never saw Fan look so +happy as she does." + +And the two made their way across the room, and soon had Jamie +occupied, so that he forgot Fan and her companion. + + +"What a change in Theo's little friend, Fan Parkhurst!" remarked Mr. +Smith. "She was the most untamed youngster I ever saw, a few years +ago,—as wild as a deer." + +"She has certainly improved. I fancy her wildness consisted in her not +being trained; it wasn't skittishness," replied Miss Nelson. + +"Exactly. She could romp, and run, and climb trees, and all that, in +sheer exuberance and childishness, but there wasn't a bit of harm +in it. And I think her worst pranks at home came from a desperate +feeling that no one understood her, and the hedging about her of +conventionalities resulted in a frantic effort to break through the +barriers." + +"She has a straightforward, brusque way yet, but she is less rude +than many who profess more polish. How pretty our little cousin Dolly +Preston looks, and did you ever see a more exalted countenance than +Jack's? The contemplation of his complete happiness has done more to +bear me up than anything else these trying times. Bless the dear, good +boy! I do believe he does deserve my lovely child. You are laughing at +me, Colonel. Just why?" + +"At your enthusiasm over your crows." + +"Do you think they are not whiter than most?" + +"Honestly, I think they are. Perhaps, though, there are others who +doubt it, who believe you overrate them." + +Miss Nelson shook her head, smiling. "I know their frailties; but I +know, also, that they aim very high. Look at Val, Colonel; isn't she a +picture in that yellow gown? You were right. Travel has been an immense +advantage to Val. But there goes our bride. I must leave you." + +And Miss Nelson followed Theo, who had left the room to change her +bridal robe for her travelling-dress. + + +Really going away from home forever! Theo had asked to have just a few +last moments all alone in her own little room; and she stood there, +her hands clasped over her heart, looking around her. Going away to +Preston! Going away from auntie, from Archie! For a moment, she bit her +lip almost in hopeless rebellion. Then the thought of Jack came over +her, and she sank on her knees. + +Half an hour later, she appeared, ready for her journey. + +"Am I really Mrs. Allen?" she said, as the good-byes crowded upon her. + +Her foot was on the step of the carriage, when she turned to Val and +whispered, "Oh, Val, think of auntie every minute; don't forget that +she needs you." + +And Val did not forget. But running back to the house, put her arms +around the shaking figure; for when the rest trooped forth with showers +of rice and old shoes, auntie alone remained behind. Val remembered. + +"Oh, auntie, I need you. Don't forget me," she said. "I have been away +from you so long, and I love you, I love you." + +And this was comfort for auntie and Val. + + +But Archie! No one followed him when he went up to Theo's room and +shut the door; for Gilbert was absorbed in Fan; Mr. Smith, Val, and +Miss Nelson were busy with the last departing guests. No one followed +Archie? Oh, yes. Posie-Cossie pattered up behind him, whined, and +scratched at the door, and upon being let in, looked inquiringly +around, then went up, putting beseeching paws on Archie's knee, and +gave a little pitiful bark, then jumped up in Archie's lap. For a +long time, they stayed there, finding help in each other,—the man's +hand resting on the small creature's scraggy head, and the little dog +looking up once in a while for assurance that one friend at least was +left. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XVII. + +AT PRESTON. + +"HERE, Tatty, are you sure there is a good fire in the south room? And, +Tatty, tell Uncle Cephas to have plenty of wood on hand, it is going +to be a cold night; we shall have to look to the plants. And, Tatty, +see if Ishmael is all right; he doesn't seem homesick, does he? There, +Posie-Cossie, you mustn't try to get off that pretty ribbon—you are +dressed up for your mistress, do you hear, naughty doggie; stop pawing +at your collar. Oh, yes, just run down-stairs, Tatty, and tell Manchild +to come up here for his white apron." And Val ran into the next room, +opening a closet energetically, and the next moment was darting across +the hall, her red dress making a flash of color in the shadowy place, +like the plumage of a scarlet tanager against a sombre wood. + +Manchild, a speck of a boy for ten years of age, looked so funny, and +assumed such an air of importance in his clean white apron that Val, +sitting on the floor to regard him, burst into a fit of mirth. "Go +along now, Manchild," she said; "you'll do. Now, don't forget; always +go to the left side of the people. Which is your left hand?" + +Manchild looked dubiously at his two hands, and finally selected the +one which appeared to him the most important and stretched it out. "Dis +yer, Miss?" + +"No," was the emphatic response. "Still, I shall never teach you that +way," and Val arose from her sitting posture. "I'll have to train you +in the dining-room; come along." And she ran down to seat herself at +the table. + +After repeated practice in passing a plate, Manchild was pronounced as +sufficiently drilled, and Val arose to turn her attention to something +else. + +But just then, Aunt Pris appeared to put an amused interrogation: +"Miss Val, is I 'bleedged to w'ar one o' dem things?" ducking her head +sideways towards Tatty, who stood in all the glory of a housemaid's cap +and apron. + +"What things?" asked Val. + +"Why, dem kin' er night-caps. I ain't nuver been used to nothen' but my +ole haid hankcher; an' Cephas he 'clar I look lak a ole cluckin' hen +dress up in goose feathers in one o' dem." + +There had evidently been a trial of Tatty's cap upon her mother, and a +family discussion as to its appropriateness upon so settled a person as +Aunt Pris. + +"No," replied Val, laughing, "your bandanna suits you much better. You +don't need to give Miss Theo such a shock. Miss Janet and Mr. Archie +will be here very soon, Aunt Pris; tell Uncle Cephas to look out for +them, and let Manchild run down to open the gates. He'd better take off +his apron first, but be sure he has it on when he waits on the table." + +Aunt Pris gave her head another duck, shutting her eyes as she did so, +then went out, chuckling over Manchild's appearance. + +"How nice and comfortable it looks," said Val, looking around. "Oh, +I forgot the ferns for the middle of the table; I must get them. Oh, +there they come; go open the door, Tatty," and Val, following, was upon +the porch in a moment to receive Miss Nelson and Archie. + +"What a snapping good fire," said Archie, pulling off his gloves, and +stretching out his hands over the cheerful blaze; "what a brisk body +you are, Val. I declare the place looks fine." + +"Oh, I do hope so," responded Val, sitting down and stretching out +her red slippers to the fire. "I have tried for an even balance of +familiarness and cheerfulness,—just familiar enough not to seem +strange, and cheerful enough to take away the sad old memories, that is +at what I aimed." + +"Well, you have struck it just about right. Hasn't she, auntie? It was +a little gloomy in Cousin Betty's day, and although the old furniture +and pictures are here, these warm-looking curtains, and pretty +draperies add so much; then all these little odds and ends give an air +of lightness to it that this room never had before." + +"I am so glad," replied Val, well pleased. "Now, if you are thoroughly +warmed, I want you to see the other rooms before the master and +mistress arrive." + +"I nearly fell out of the carriage when I saw Manchild's brass +buttons," said Archie. + +"And Tatty's cap gives her quite a style," added Miss Janet. "What +innovations, to be sure." + +"My innovations stop there," said Val; "I could not impose any upon +Aunt Prissy and Uncle Cephas. Oh, auntie, Dolly and I have had such fun +getting everything ready. I'm so glad you let us do it all our selves, +for it has given you a chance to have a good rest, and we have enjoyed +the fussing and fixing so much. Dolly only went home this morning." + +"Why didn't she stay?" asked auntie. + +"Oh, she couldn't; she had some sort of a dining out or something on +hand. Will Theo like her room, do you think?" And Val threw open the +door of a large room in which the heavy mahogany furniture had been +polished up to the last degree, and now caught the reflection of the +dancing flames upon the hearth. + +"She couldn't help it," said Archie, looking over his aunt's shoulder. + +"It is charming," pronounced Miss Janet, and then the other rooms were +viewed and pronounced each as attractive in its way. + +After the tour of inspection was over, they went down-stairs again to +sit around the fire and wait till the crunching of the wheels on the +gravel should announce the approach of Theo and Jack. + +"It will be a real Thanksgiving Day for Jack," remarked Archie. "We who +have always known a home cannot realize what this will mean to the dear +old chap. I'll tell you what let's do, Val," he exclaimed, impatient +from waiting, "let's go up and light all the rooms facing the road. It +will look fine when they turn in from the first gate." + +And the two sped up-stairs to follow out this plan. + +The last candle was hardly lighted before Manchild arrived, breathless +with the news that they were coming. Uncle Cephas had gone to meet them +with the carriage, and Manchild having opened the gates, had fairly +outrun the horses, in his excitement, though to tell the truth, Uncle +Cephas had driven leisurely up the hill. But how the youngster's little +short legs accomplished the feat always remained a mystery to the +family, for he certainly was the first to gain the house. + +Aunt Pris came running from the kitchen, Tatty following. Manchild's +brass buttons continued to rise and fall rapidly from his out-of-breath +condition, but he stoutly held his place in line, and kept up a series +of remarkable bows in time with the bobbing curtseys of Aunt Prissy and +Tatty, begun before Theo had stepped from the carriage. + +"Welcome home, Mrs. Allen," cried Val, with Ishmael in her arms and +Posie-Cossie at her heels. "Come right in, Theo; it is really you, +isn't it? What kind of a trip did you have? How did you find New York? +How do you like the looks of your home? Could you see the light? There, +I am not giving auntie a chance at all, and Jack, oh, Jack, how cold +your hands are. Come into this corner; it is lovely and warm. I've been +saving it for some one. Now, Archie, I'm not going to say another word; +I'll subside." + +And Val, drawing up a low seat, cuddled close to Theo, while +Posie-Cossie danced about in a perfect frenzy of delight, and Ishmael, +after sniffing around, jumped up into Theo's lap, contentedly settling +himself. + +"Oh, Val, what a dear cosey place you have made of it," said Theo, +looking around the room. "Isn't it perfectly charming and homelike, +Jack, with my beautiful new piano open, and the lamp, and all the +pretty things? I am wild to try the piano. It was just like the dear +old Colonel to think of giving us that, instead of anything else. I +told him I should think of him every day, for I should have to have +music that often. Isn't everything lovely, Jack?" + +And Jack agreed that nothing could be more so. + +Supper was a very merry meal. Theo absently took her place where she +had always been accustomed to sit, and was immediately cried out upon +by Archie and Val, who demanded that she should take her proper seat as +mistress of the mansion. + +"And Jack will have to carve," laughed Theo. "Fancy him to-morrow +with the turkey. You'll have to do it, Jack. Our butler," glancing +at Manchild, "will hardly be able to manage it yet. Oh, Val, you +are a most executive young person. I was completely overcome by the +appearance of my household. Tatty's cap and Manchild's buttons," she +said, as Manchild left the room for hot biscuits. + +The small waiter kept them in a constant state of amusement during the +meal, his air of solemn importance, combined with his confused efforts +to tell right side from left, convulsed them all. + +Being warmed and fed, the party proceeded to make a tour of the house, +and each room was duly admired and praised. But nowhere did her +family's loving thought display itself so well to Theo as in a little +room high up under the eaves. + +"See how you like this," said Val, throwing open the door. + +Theo stepped forward. "Oh!" she cried. "It is my very own room. Who did +it?" + +"Archie thought of it," Val informed her. + +"You can see Roseville very plainly from the window," said Miss Janet; +"and we thought, since you loved your room so much, we would just +transfer it here bodily." + +Theo looked around. "Surely, it must be the same," she said; "why, even +the window is in the same place, and there is the window-seat, and oh, +Archie, the same paper; how did you manage it?" + +"Mr. Little's stock does not go very fast," he replied, "and a century +hence you will probably be able to match it." + +"And my books, and everything. Oh, you dear, darling people, how good +you are to me. Oh, Jack, aren't they the dearest in the world?" + +"What a thanksgiving for us," replied Jack; "nowhere can there be such +a thankful heart as mine to-night. Sister, brother, mother, wife, home, +all mine," and he gathered them every one into his arms. + + +As the days went on, Theo could hardly believe that Preston had not +long been her home. It was much easier for her to adjust herself to her +surroundings there than it would have been in any other place. + +She had spent many days there as a child, and every nook and corner was +familiar to her. Uncle Cephas and Aunt Pris had occupied their little +cabin ever since she could remember. She had watched their children +from Tatty to Manchild tumble about the door-sill; she had a child's +acquaintance with the trees and growing things about the place, and +knew what she could expect to find in each fence corner, so that she +at the very outset felt a keen interest in all that met her eye. To +be sure, Aunt Prissy was a little difficult at times, and there were +greater responsibilities presented than she had yet been called upon +to take, but she was very happy and content, with auntie so near +always ready to help her over hard places, with Jack, thoughtful and +considerate, to depend upon. And even if once in a while he allowed his +little rages to get the upper hand, he was so penitent afterwards and +was so severe in his own self-condemnation that he was easily forgiven. + +That first difficult strain which comes in all close relations was +not wanting; it is never easy to feel equal to it, even in a simple +friendship. It is that delicate subtle point at which one first +discovers that reserve has fled, and that there is no longer a mystery +surrounding the person with whom one is thrown in every-day contact; +it is just where two persons must either drift apart or must come +closer together, and must realize that little frailties, oddities, +idiosyncrasies exist, which will either annoy greatly or will provoke +nothing more than an easy tolerance. Where there is no forced effort at +responsiveness, and where the two fall into true and natural accord, +the critical moment passes safely, and the readjustment is founded upon +a new respect, which is closer and more lasting. + +Fortunately, it was so with Theo and Jack. Auntie, watching them with +a wistful eagerness, felt that when this first agitation had passed, +they were left more closely united than ever before. Auntie's wise +philosophies had doubtless much to do with creating this harmony +between the two, for Theo, feeling everything vividly, seeing +everything with young, intense eyes, was inclined to overestimate, and +was hurt beyond expression at the first sign of what, at the time, +she called Jack's indifference, but which was really only a natural +preoccupation, due to some absorbing business complication. + +Theo dwelt upon the matter one entire day, working herself up into +a very unhappy frame of mind. But while she was watching for Jack's +homecoming that evening, the recollection of a talk with auntie some +years before upon that very subject stopped the recriminations which +rose to her lips before they were uttered. + +And she met Jack's cheery, "Where are you, girl of mine? All alone in +the dark?" with a glad welcome. + +And then a little tact brought to light the real cause of Jack's +abstractions. + +So the result was that to Theo's sweet sympathy, Jack brought his +difficulties, seeking hers in return, and together they talked +them over, both gaining strength and succor thereby, with a new +determination to spare each, the other any added worry or care. + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +"AS LIKE AS A HAND TO ANOTHER HAND." + +IT was a few weeks after Theo's marriage that Val came to Miss Nelson's +door, saying, "Oh, auntie, my boxes are here; don't you want to see me +unpack them? I know you will be wild over some of my pretty things. +Come, there is a dear." + +"Where are they?" asked Miss Nelson. + +"I had them taken to my room. They will clutter up the place +dreadfully, I suppose,—all that straw and stuff,—but Ary and I will +clear it all away. I declare," she said, after auntie was comfortably +established, "it is almost as good as buying them all over again. Isn't +that a dear of a plate? That came from a funny little shop in Paris. +And oh, my precious Belleek! Isn't it exquisite? I was so afraid some +of it would be broken, but it is all quite safe. There! I perfectly +love these funny little Holland dishes; they are so cheap there, too; +but aren't they cunning? I want you to have some of them, auntie, so +take your choice. I have some other things for all of you in that other +box." And chattering away, Val turned over bit after bit for auntie's +examination,—queer, quaint pieces of pottery, choice porcelains, or +delicately-hewn marbles. + +Finally, she drew forth an exquisite marble hand. Taking it in her lap, +she looked at it very thoughtfully, softly stroking the delicate lines +with her finger-tips. She sat still so long that Miss Janet recalled +her to herself by leaning over and touching her shoulder gently. + +"How far away is that hand leading you?" she asked. + +"It is leading me," said Val, dreamily, "to a little, musty, dusty +shop in Florence. We were coming from the Uffizzi Gallery one day. I +remember it so well: just how the streets looked, and especially the +ones through which we went; such old, old houses, with all sorts of +things hanging in the windows; such pretty things that made one wish +to be a savage to deck one's self with rings and chains, and all sorts +of gold and silver filigree. It was a perfect day, the air palpitating +with Italian sunshine and softness. Ah, I do love Florence! We thought +we would buy some mosaics, and we went into one and another of the +funny little shops. While Mrs. Westerly was looking over some other +things, I caught sight of a pair of marble hands." + +Val continued to stroke softly the still marble in her lap, and, for a +moment, stopped speaking. + +"They were such beautiful, beautiful hands," she went on. "I poked +them out from behind a pile of stuff, and was admiring them, when Mrs. +Westerly said we must go. We had to be at some special place at some +special time to meet the Colonel. But I went back the next day, and the +little dried-up man of the shop—such a strange, leathery, dark eyed +creature—told me that some one else had been admiring the beautiful +hands; so I was seized with fear lest they should be grabbed up, and +I bought this one. I meant to buy both, but I was so tempted to spend +money, and had been so reckless in mosaics that day, that I only had +enough with me to buy one. I thought I would go back and get the other +some day, for I could not bear to part them. But something happened +to keep me from going, and we left Florence a day or two after. It +was getting too warm, and Mr. Smith was afraid we should all be ill. +I remember that is what hurried us off." Val paused, the dreamy look +still on her face. "It was so lovely," she presently sighed. + +"You have a stock of incidents to tell me which will keep you busy all +winter. What pleasant evenings we shall have." + +Val looked with a little appealing expression. "That isn't all," she +said. + +"About the hands? Well, do tell the rest. It is very interesting, dear. +I should like to hear all about it." + +Val looked down again. "After we left Florence,—after that we went back +to Geneva. We—we—auntie, do you remember Mr. Egerton?" + +"Oh, yes; you spoke of him several times in your letters." + +"Yes, I know; and we met him first, you know, that night when Nan's +first picture was hung." + +"Yes; I remember you said so. I cannot quite recall him, but you were +going to tell me some more about the marble hands." + +"Yes, I know it. Well, we met Mr. Egerton in Geneva; he had been to +all the places which we had been visiting; he said he heard of us many +times. We had always just left, or we should have met before. So after +that, we were continually meeting, and finally we travelled in the same +party. Mr. Smith liked him very much, and it made it very convenient to +have four instead of three; and Mr. Egerton knew so much about all the +beautiful things we wanted to see; he was a perfect treasure trove. Oh, +it was such a happy time! Auntie, you cannot think. + +"In Paris, we all went to see Nan, and Nan was so glad to see us; and +she told us all about Mr. Egerton, whom she has known a long time. He +seems a very serious person, and so he is; but he has an amount of +appreciation you would never suspect, and we always saw the same funny +things, and would get into such fits of laughter over things that Mr. +Smith and Mrs. Westerly never saw at all. So we grew to know each other +very well, and in Paris, Nan used to go about with us, and—and—but, +never mind, I won't tell that yet. I will after a while. Nan and Mr. +Egerton knew so much about art and all that, they made everything very +interesting. And Nan says Mr. Egerton is a very fine man, and Mr. Smith +says so, too. But, oh, I shall never get to the end. Aren't you tired, +auntie?" + +"No, indeed. I am acutely anxious to hear the rest." + +"Well, after a while we went back to Florence, and I remembered about +the hand which I had hardly thought of during this time. So I rushed +off to the shop the very first thing, and the man said,— + +"'Signorina, it has been gone a long time. An American Signor came in +and bought it the day after you were here. I told you, did I not, of +his admiration? He, too, was disappointed, but what could I do? You +will not like to dispose of the one you have, perhaps? For the Signor +was very anxious for it.' + +"'The idea!' I said, and I was furious. 'No,' I said; 'let him give up +his to me. But are there no more?' + +"'Not any,' he said. 'A young sculptor modelled them from the hands of +the woman he loved; he was a neighbor of mine. I knew him well; the +lady was high-born and wealthy, and he was poor, and he loved her; and +these beautiful hands were all in all to him. So he would never sell +them, and it was after his death that they had to be taken. He died in +this house,—the poor young man,—and for a long time, I, who knew his +troubles—his love—could not offer for sale those hands which were so +dear to him. But I am a poor man, Signorina, and must make a living, +and the hands were left me by the sculptor, who wished his debts paid.'" + +"I suspect," said Miss Janet, "the old man had taken care of the +sculptor, and had no other pay than the latter's effects." + +"I am sure of it," replied Val; "for the man said, 'There was very +little left. All had gone, bit by bit, to keep the young sculptor +alive, and the hands were all that were left when he died.' + +"And then," Val continued, "I felt very sorry that they were parted. I +felt as if those hands, which had been so much to the artist, should +have been kept lovingly together by some one who knew, and I was more +than ever angry that I did not have them both. So I gave the man my +address, and told him if ever the purchaser of the other hand appeared, +I should like to see him. I thought, perhaps, he would be willing to +sell me the hand he had, after he knew the story." Val paused again. + +"Go on," begged Miss Janet. "I am very anxious to hear the outcome." + +"It was so beautiful there," Val went on, somewhat irrelevantly. "Oh, +auntie, you can never know till you go there, the dream-like beauty of +an Italian night. I shall never forget how it looked as I stood with +the Val d'Arno stretched out before me; for while I was standing there, +looking, and full of a half sadness for the poor young sculptor, Mr. +Egerton came in, and—Oh, auntie! It was he who had bought the other +hand," and Val turned suddenly and clasped Miss Janet's arm with a +little convulsive pressure. + +"And then—and then," she said. "Oh, auntie!" + +"And then," repeated auntie. + +"There was only one way," confessed Val, "to reunite those hands, +and—and I just had to promise to marry him." + +There was silence for a few moments, and then Val looked up wistfully, +saying, "Oh, auntie, I should have told you long ago—and Theo. But +I thought it would make Theo unhappy to think of our both leaving +you, and I couldn't bear to make it harder for you. It is dreadfully +selfish, isn't it?" + +"My dear little child," responded auntie, "I am so taken by surprise. +No, it isn't selfish at all; but I cannot grasp it all at once. I +shall become accustomed to the thought in a little while. I might have +foreseen, and, indeed, I have always known you would leave me some day. +If you have chosen as wisely as Theo, I have no fears for you. Where is +Mr. Egerton now?" + +"He is still abroad, but he is coming back very soon; he had promised +to join some friends and go up the Nile, and so he left us. The Colonel +knows: we told him right away, and he is perfectly satisfied; and you +will be, too, auntie. I am sure you will, for, oh, auntie dear! All +your counsel and Theo's and Archie's' have been such a help to me. +I know, when I was very young, I was dazzled by certain qualities +that are so worthless. But later on—since I have been old enough to +concentrate my friendships and affections—I hope I have been wiser in +my selection of friends. In those very first days,—when I first came to +you,—what froth I thought wit, what imitation sparkle I thought real +brilliancy, but since then I have learned so much." + +"Such a wise little old woman," returned auntie, smiling. "But yours +is a common experience, dear; and if, as one matures, one is drawn +towards worthier and purer friends, it indicates that they are the +most congenial,—the one which answers most truly to something within +one's self. So, my darling, you have been stepping up all the time, and +for that reason, I am very glad that you have waited till now before +choosing your nearest companion through life. I hope—I so truly hope—he +may be worthy of my precious little girl." + +"He is," returned Val, earnestly, and with all humility; "he is far +better and wiser than I. Very soon you will see for yourself. The +Colonel says he has very high principles, and so does Nan. Oh, auntie, +I was so jealous of Nan." + +"Of Nannie?" + +"Yes; I tried to be good about it, but as I look back, I suspect I +behaved in a very silly manner sometimes, and I wonder Nan stood it so +sweetly. You see Nan and Fred had known each other so long, and were +interested so often in the same things, and they used to hobnob till it +made me wild." + +Auntie had to smile; and Val proceeded to finish her unpacking. Then +she said,— + +"Now, auntie, I cannot rest till I have told Theo. I think I will take +the train to Parktown, and drive up to Preston this evening with Jack." + +But an opportunity occurred earlier, when Mr. Johnson, the man who +occupied the tenant house at Preston, stopped with a message from Theo, +and Val returned with him. + +She found Theo in the kitchen coddling half a dozen newly-hatched +little chickens which she was trying to keep warmly covered in a basket +near the stove. + +"Why, Val!" she exclaimed. "What a nice surprise. I was hoping some of +you would come over. I have such a lot to talk about and to ask about. +These ridiculous little chickens won't stay where I put them; they get +so lively in this warm corner that they hop right out, and the first +thing I know they are all over the kitchen." + +"The idea of chickens at this time of year," said Val, stooping down +to look at the little fluffy yellow balls. "Aren't they dear little +things, though?" + +"They are; but their old absurd mother has no idea of the fitness of +things. She stole a nest in the lean-to of Aunt Prissy's house, in a +barrel near the chimney, and Jack discovered her; so we have to do +the best we can with them. There, now; they can't get out," And Theo +tied a thin cloth over the top of the basket. "Posie-Cossie thinks +they are playthings,—Christmas gifts, coming a little ahead of time, +very likely,—and he races them all over the place; so they have to be +protected. + +"What is the news, Val? Come in, and let me get you a cup of tea, after +your cold drive. Jack will not be home till late; it is a busy time +with him, so you will starve before supper-time. We'll have tea in my +room, and it will be much cosier than down here in the dining-room," +and Theo led the way up-stairs. + +[Illustration: "The idea of chickens at this time of year," said Val.] + +"I declare," she said, as they settled themselves in two big chairs +before the fire, "we haven't had a good talk for ages. I have hardly +seen you since we came to Preston." + +"I have been over lots of times." + +"Yes, I know; but there have been so many people around always,—the +relations and all,—and we couldn't be confidential. Now, we'll have a +nice long chat. Aunt Pris is inclined to treat me as if I were yet in +leading-strings, so I have scarcely anything to look after. And the +house was in such beautiful order,—you saw to that, my dear,—so it is +very easy to keep it so, and I have a lot of time on my hands." + +"But you're always busy at something." + +"Oh, yes; one need not be idle. What have you been doing?" + +"I have been unpacking my boxes this morning; they came up quite early." + +"Oh, I wish I had been there. I do so enjoy seeing any one unpack." + +"Auntie watched me, and we had a long talk. I'll tell you all about +it," and Val proceeded with her story. + +Theo listened with eager interest till Val made her final announcement. + +"And you have never said a word about it all this time," she said, +reproachfully, at the conclusion. + +"No," and Val gave her reasons. + +"It was very thoughtful, I admit. But all the same, I think it was as +mean as could be. I wouldn't have thought you could keep it from me. I +wouldn't have done you so," declared Theo. + +"It was as much as I could do to keep it to myself," declared Val. +"Oh, Theo, so many times I wanted to, but I was kept so busy over your +affairs that my own were able to hide themselves away." + +"And is he very nice? Of course he must be. Nobody could be as lovely +as Jack, but I have no doubt he is quite nice." + +"He is nicer than any one," protested Val. + +Theo laughed. "Well, we won't fight over it. Aren't we like two babies? +How did you come to like him, Val?" + +"Oh, I don't know; he was different from any of the other men who are +always tagging after one. I'll own several times I quite fancied one or +another, but such little things turned the current of my affections, +little trivial things would entirely disenchant me. There was one +man, however, who for a time seemed quite to answer to my ideal; he +was very companionable, and some friends of his were always telling +me how honorable he was. 'A man to be trusted,' they said. And, yes, +I quite fancied him for perhaps six weeks, and then I discovered that +men who are honorable enough with men are not always so where women +are concerned. I found out quite accidentally about an affair in which +I think he acted abominably. He knew a girl was in love with him, and +he kept on encouraging her interest in all sorts of ways when he did +not care for her at all, and, as soon as I knew of it, I decided that +he could not be sincere and noble all through and through, and after I +made up my mind to that, his insincerity displayed itself in a dozen +different ways. I could see by the way he regarded other transactions +that he was not as honorable as his friends would have me suppose, and +that was the end of my fancy." + +"And the other girl?" said Theo. + +"Oh, she will get over it in time, but I felt very sorry for her. I +despise that kind of a man, and there are so many such. Oh, Theo, I +think we are very fortunate,—you with your Jack, and I with my Fred, +but don't tell Fred so. I don't want to spoil him." + +Theo laughed. "I'll not tell him. I see you are the same old Val, and +are bound to have your little imperious ways. Oh, Val, all you tell me +of your travels makes me remember how I used to long to go over the +face of the earth, and now it does not look as if I ever should go, and +I am quite content. Isn't it strange? I wonder if you will feel so? +When will Mr. Egerton be here?" + +"He is coming in time for Christmas." + +"Oh, that is something I want to talk to you about. I should so like +to have you all over here, and yet I'm afraid auntie would rather we +should all be with her at Roseville." + +"We spent Thanksgiving with you." + +"Yes, I know; but this is such a great big old place, and we could have +such a nice old-fashioned time. Just sound auntie on the subject, won't +you, Val? Now, tell me about Archie. I haven't seen him for a week." + +"Archie is well, and seems to be a real settled down individual; he is +so interested in his profession. We have good times together. We always +did act like two idiots, you know. I am afraid it will be lonely for +him when I leave. I wish Nan could take my place." + +Theo shook her head. "Nan never will, and I think Archie sees now that +it is better as it is. There are other happy lives for women beside +a married one. Auntie proved that to me long ago. She has shown by +example how sweet and full a life may be for a single woman, and even +if I had not married, I hope I should not have been either useless or +unhappy. If a woman cannot marry the man who will help her to the best +use of her best powers, she would much better remain single, in my +opinion." + +"But we have found just such men," interposed Val. "We wear true +heart's-ease, Theo." + +"I hope so. I think so. I should never have been a shining light in +the artistic, literary, or musical world, and I do not care for social +success; so I think I have found my true place just here with Jack. +Of course, I am fond of my friends, and think we all need outside +influences to broaden us, but I shall see my friends quite often. I do +not care for a great many, and so I am altogether satisfied. I wish my +dear old Archie could be as happy; it is very mean of us all to desert +him." + +"Oh, but you haven't," returned Val. "You are so near, and he does take +such comfort in having Jack that it takes away the sting; but with me—" + +"When shall you leave us?" asked Theo, a little sadly. + +"Not before next summer, and perhaps not then. I think we shall live in +Washington, it will suit us both; and it is not so far away but what we +can reach you often. You can spend winters with me, Theo." + +"And leave Jack?" + +"Oh, no; after a while, Jack will be able to take a little time, I am +sure, and then you can all come,—auntie and all. I should like auntie +to spend every winter with me, but I can hardly hope for that, though I +really believe I can persuade the Colonel to do so." + +"How you will like that? Dear old Colonel! I am always so glad to see +him. It will just suit you in Washington, Val; it seems like you, +somehow, and your living there suggests a decided appropriateness. But, +oh, Val, though I know you love excitement and flutter and all that, I +do not believe you will give yourself up to it entirely. One can do so +much good in a large city." + +"I hope I shall not forget," returned Val. "Fred would not be likely to +let me; he has a 'heart for human woes,' and I think we can help some +one to be happier and better. Oh, yes, Theo, I am sure you will like my +Fred. We have talked over so many schemes together, and I do not think +we shall make life nothing but a holiday." + +"And you are happy?" said Theo, leaning forward and looking into the +other's face, in which, of late, a new sweetness had come. + +"I am very happy. Ah, Theo! It is only the separation that is hard." +And then the two girls clasped each other's hands, and silently sat +watching the glowing embers while the daylight slowly faded. + +And not till Jack's voice broke in upon their reveries did they realize +that he had come in, and that it was time for supper. + +Of course, Jack had to be apprised of Val's news, and after teasing the +girls by pretending that he had heard it long before from Mr. Smith, he +acknowledged that it really was a surprise to him, and offered his good +wishes in the heartiest way. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XIX. + +WHAT BECAME OF VAL'S PORTRAIT. + +THE result of a conference with Miss Nelson decided in favor of a +Christmas at Preston rather than at Roseville. "It will give Theo and +Jack so much pleasure to entertain us," said auntie. "Ary and Mammy +will like to spend Christmas there, while, for my own part, I am +getting very lazy in my old age, and it will relieve me of some care, +besides to have you all here this year will make me miss, all the more, +any who may be absent next year. Is Mr. Smith to be here, Val?" + +"Yes, he promised to come with Fred; they hope to be here on the +twentieth, at least if the steamer gets in promptly, they will, so Mr. +Smith writes. Oh, auntie, we'll have such a good time. I hope there +will be sleighing; I love a real good snowy Christmas. I shall go over +with Fred to help Theo. Jack is going to try to give up Christmas +Eve to us, and Archie has promised too, so we all can go off after +Christmas greens. You and the Colonel can hobnob, and congratulate each +other upon your immunity from responsibilities, while we are gone. The +twentieth! Think, auntie, how soon it will be here. I must go at once +and get my Christmas gifts settled, so as to have plenty of time then," +and Val flew off with a gay little nod over her shoulder. + +"How happy my children are," thought auntie, looking after her as she +whisked out of the room; "my sunset is surely very bright, and my +down-hill path made very easy for me." But auntie gave a little sigh as +she looked out of the window at the December landscape. + + +A few days later, Archie came in with a grave look on his face. He held +a paper in his hand, and by the serious countenance he wore, Miss Janet +knew that something of unusual gravity had occurred. + +"Where is Val?" he asked as he entered the sitting-room. + +"Up-stairs, counting the days on her calendar, I have no doubt," +replied auntie. "I never saw such a happy child; she is like a streak +of sunshine in the house. Dear little girl." + +Archie walked to the fire, and stood looking fixedly before him, in an +abstracted way. + +"What is wrong, my boy?" asked auntie. "Surely something more than +usual disturbs you." + +"Oh, Fate is hard! Cruel! Cruel!" exclaimed Archie. "Poor little Val! +What can we do for her?" + +"Why! What is it?" asked Miss Janet, in alarm. "Don't keep me in +suspense. What has happened?" + +Archie silently handed her the newspaper he held in his hand, pointing +out one of its headings. + + "The 'North Star' Lost! Terrible Disaster at Sea!" + +"Why, Archie, what is the date? Why! Oh!" And Miss Janet cried out, +dropping the paper and covering her face with her hands. + +"Oh, auntie, I should have prepared you," said Archie; "it is too much +for you." + +"Oh, Archie, can it be true? Are you sure?" + +"Let me look again. Yes, it is the vessel in which Mr. Egerton expected +to sail. I am afraid it is too true. He wrote to Val saying he had +taken passage on the 'North Star,' didn't he?" + +Archie confirmed her fears. + +"What shall we do? It may be only a rumor. We would best say nothing +until we get further accounts. There is Val now." + +"Oh, Archie, you are just the fellow," began Val. "Why, what is the +matter? You look as if you had seen a ghost, and auntie, too. What is +it? Tell me—quick—quick." And Val darted forward before any one could +interfere and picked up the paper lying in Miss Nelson's lap, her quick +eye detecting it as the cause of the agitation she saw upon their faces. + +"Stop!" she cried, imperiously, as Archie tried to detain her, "I +'will' see!" + +But as she read, the blue eyes grew wide with fear and dread, and she +dropped the paper, shivering from head to foot. Then she stretched out +imploring hands, as one suddenly stricken blind. + +"Oh, where shall I go? What shall I do?" she cried, piteously. + +Archie caught the little trembling hands in both his and held them +close in a strong clasp. "Dear little Val—dear little cousin," he said, +"what can I say to comfort you? Perhaps—perhaps it is an exaggerated +report." + +But Val looked at him with staring eyes, as if she but half understood. + +"Don't, don't look so wild!" implored Archie. "Oh, auntie, speak to +her," he said, beseechingly. "I don't know what to say." + +Val was still shaking pitifully, but no sound came from her lips; there +was only that imploring, hopeless look in her eyes, as if she could not +understand how those who had always been able to shield her could not +now spare her this blow. + +By degrees, and under auntie's gentle caresses, the trembling ceased, +and then Val moaned, "I want Theo—I want Theo." + +"I will bring her as fast as I can," promised Archie. And then, glad to +be of some active use, he rushed out. + +"Dear little one," whispered auntie, as she held the girl closely, "no +one in all the world knows better than I what you are suffering." + +Val's hand sought auntie's and gave it a little squeeze. + +"I was a little younger than you when the news of a battle was brought +me, the news that my beloved—" and then auntie's voice broke. + +And the tears that would not come for her own loss rose in Val's eyes +as she whispered, "I know, I know. Oh, auntie, the long, long years; +how have you lived through them?" + +Auntie smiled, a sad, wan little smile. "The back is fitted to its +burden, sweetheart, but at first, at first,—" And the two clung closely +to each other, till Val whispered,— + +"Dear auntie, let me be all alone a little while; I must face myself +that way. I was cruel to him once, and my last letter was not kind." + +And auntie understood, so she left the grief-stricken form lying on +the couch and went to her own room, there to do battle, as many times +before, with a pitiless memory. + + +It was towards dark that Theo arrived with Archie. She went directly to +Val's door. Such a sad, drawn little face met her, and though Val bit +her lip and gave one or two convulsive sobs, her tears were all shed, +and it was Theo who wept as if she would never have done. + +The sun went down on a saddened household. Theo would not leave Val, +and all night kept awake with her arms around her cousin, who dropped +into a fitful sleep from exhaustion, and who would wake up crying out +nervously. + +At last, the morning dawned upon them, pale and hollow-eyed. + +"Let me take you home with me," said Theo, the next day. "It will be +easier for you there, dear." + +And Val consented, feeling that she could not stand that day to look +out upon the path up which she expected to see her lover coming, and to +gaze upon surroundings in which he was to have been the chief figure. + +So they took their way to Preston, where Jack met them with every +thoughtful attention he could manage to show. But the sight of Jack and +Theo together was only a fresh reminder of her loss to Val, and she +turned from them in a perfect abandonment of woe. By degrees, however, +they managed to interest her somewhat in outside subjects, and she +became quite calm. + + +It was not long before the news of the loss of the "North Star," was +confirmed, and all hope fled from their hearts. + +"There is just one chance," said Jack to Theo; "but it will be a little +while before we can know, and I do not dare to raise Val's hopes. Mr. +Egerton may not have sailed in that steamer." + +"But he wrote that he had taken passage." + +"I know; but somehow I have still a lingering hope, and I have +telegraphed Mr. Smith to be on the lookout. Dear old Colonel, such a +letter as he wrote; one could never imagine such a heart could beat +under that brusque exterior." + +"Oh, Jack, you make me hopeful too," said Theo, "and I half feel as if +I might go on with my Christmas preparations. I have had no heart for +anything, but it will, perhaps, do no harm." + +"Of course, go on," replied Jack. "It will be much better to busy +yourself over something and try to make every one as happy as possible. +I am sure, Theo, when I leave this mortal sphere, I shall be grieved if +you think it a duty never to smile." + +"Don't, Jack, don't!" cried Theo, running up to him. "You scare me. I +can't stand it." + +Jack took her hands in his and looked down at her fondly. "Oh, Theo, if +I had lost you!" he exclaimed. + +"If I had lost you," returned Theo. "Oh, our poor little Val! Jack, +we must not, we must not forget her; we must devote ourselves to her. +Auntie and Archie will be here to-morrow night," continued she. "We +thought it would be best to carry out our original intention. Do you +suppose the Colonel will not come?" + +"I cannot tell. He will wait till the next steamer is in, I am sure." + +"And he will send a despatch if there should be good news." + +"Assuredly." + + +The evening of the twenty-third brought auntie and Archie. The weather, +instead of being frosty and snowy, was balmy and mild, and there was +almost a spring-like softness in the air. + +Aunt Prissy's family was congregated in their little house, Ary and +Tatty vieing with one another in expatiating each upon the importance +of her position in the family. Manchild's short legs carried him back +and forth from his mother's cabin to the "gre't house," his interest +being divided between what was going on in the two places. + +Posie-Cossie, whose sympathies were most acute, followed Val from place +to place. They had been out walking, and though Val's pale cheeks had +not won any color from the outside air, she looked a little brighter, +and sat down by the big fire in the drawing-room to listen to Theo's +account of a discussion between Tatty and Ary which she had overheard. + +"Tatty's cap had quite overawed Ary," Theo was saying, "and she came to +me to know if I had one I would give her 'for Christmas, Miss Theo.' +You see what you have done, Val, and I promised I would see what we +could do." + +Here Val started suddenly to her feet and bent forward as if listening, +then she darted from the room. + +"What has Val heard?" asked auntie and Theo of each other. + +"Oh, I hear wheels," said Theo. "Jack must be coming; but why was Val +so eager?" And they both hastened to discover the cause. + +Val was tugging at the latch of the front door. "Fred! Fred! It is +Fred!" she cried. "I heard his voice. Oh, let me go! Oh, Fred! Fred!" + +But the door was opened from the outside, admitting first, Mr. Smith, +and behind him, who but Fred, indeed. + +"And you did not get my telegram?" he asked some time later, when the +excitement had subsided. + +"It is no doubt in Roseville now," explained Archie, "if you sent it +there." + +"Surely I did." But Mr. Smith telegraphed to Mr. Allen. + +"And the despatch was handed me just as you all got off the train," +remarked Jack. + +"But for once tardiness was a virtue," said Mr. Egerton, "for I was +just an hour too late for the unfortunate 'North Star,' and took the +very next steamer. I knew nothing of the disaster till I landed in New +York, so I had no idea of the perturbation I had caused. My sisters +were distracted at my supposed loss, and greeted me as one arisen from +the dead. Then I realized my escape." + +"How in the world did you know, Val?" asked Theo. "I didn't hear +anything." + +"I don't know," said Val. "All of a sudden I seemed to—to possess +super-acute hearing, and I heard Fred saying, quite distinctly, 'I +wonder if they are expecting us.' Didn't you say it?" + +"I believe I did," he answered, smiling; "but I cannot imagine how you +heard." + +However, Val insisted that she did, and no doubt her highly wrought +condition had made her extremely sensitive to all influences, and that +she felt rather than heard. + +"If I had known my little girl was in such a state of mind," said Mr. +Egerton, "I should have hurried on even sooner. The steamer was late +getting in, yesterday, and we stopped over-night in Washington, to see +my family." + +"Yes," interrupted Mr. Smith, "and thereby hangs a tale. We came on +together, as you know, and nothing would do for this young man," +putting his hand on Mr. Egerton's shoulder, "but that I should stop all +night at his brother's, and he gave up his apartments to me. I found—" + +"Oh, they were not actually mine," interposed Mr. Egerton. "I had not +occupied them for a couple of years." + +"But his effects were all there," Mr. Smith informed the others. "I can +prove it. No doubt, you think, young woman," he said, turning to Val, +"this young man's fancy for a flibberty-gibbet, fly-away kitten like +you is something of recent date, but when I tell you that I saw upon +the wall of his room a certain portrait of a certain damsel, painted +some years ago by Miss Talcott, you may know how long your image has +been before him." + +"Oh!" cried they all, to Mr. Egerton's discomfiture. "So that accounts +for it; that is where Nan's picture went. We wondered and wondered." + +Val looked up, having recovered some of her sauciness. "Oh, you fraud!" +she said. "You never told me." + +"I was afraid, at first, that you would think me presumptuous," he made +answer, "and after, I was afraid—" + +"Of what?" asked Val. + +"That you would know how long I had been in your power," he confessed. + +"She is a little tyrant, as you may perhaps have found out," he said, +smilingly, to her friends. + +"And you have no shipwreck of which to tell us, no exciting experiences +to relate. How disappointing," observed Val. "When I saw you, I at +least expected you had been washed ashore lashed to a board, or were +picked up clinging to a spar, and you came over in a commonplace way +like anybody else." + +"She has recovered," said Archie, laughingly. "You couldn't have been +so flippant yesterday, Val." + +Val turned a serious face to her lover. "I was wrong," she said, "to +jest about it. I have been taught many things these last few days, and, +most of all, I have learned how an unkind, bitter word can haunt one. +That I had taunted you for staying away a little longer from me, made +it hard, oh, so hard," and Val, whose joy and sorrow had unnerved her, +burst into tears. + +"What under heaven does the girl want now!" said Mr. Smith, to alter +her mood. "Is there anything you haven't, Val? If you had wanted +something to cry for, we could have stayed away longer." + +"Colonel," said Val, "you are as mean as can be. You understand, don't +you, Fred? Don't you, Theo?" And she appealed to the two of whose +sympathies she felt most sure. + +"Of course we do," replied they. + +"I shall never, never do so again," whispered Val. + +[Illustration] + + + +[Illustration] + +CHAPTER XX. + +AND SO—. + +AND so, after all, the next morning found them ready to carry out their +plan of going to the woods for Christmas greens. + +"We will deck every place," announced Jack, "in honor of our +doubly-welcome guests. There shall be mistletoe and holly, crowfoot +and ground pine, white pine and laurel; it shall be an evergreen time, +indeed. We will take the big wagon," he continued, "and all pile into +it. I'll put a lot of straw in, and when we come back, we will have the +boughs to sit on." + +"This beats going up the hill all hollow," said Mr. Egerton, as they +went bumping over the rough road. "I haven't laughed so much since we +were in Paris, Val. What are you doing, Mr. Nelson?" + +"Don't call him that," objected Val. "Just say Archie, and Jack, and +Theo; and, please, everybody say Fred." + +"Fred!" shouted Archie and Jack in so stentorian a manner as nearly to +make Mr. Egerton roll out of the wagon. + +"Geese!" exclaimed Val. "You know what I meant. But what are you doing, +Archie?" + +"What am I doing?" replied Archie. "I am building a nest where I +can flock by myself. You are all paired off in such an exceedingly +exasperating way, I wish I had gone over for Cousin Dolly this morning +early." + +"Oh, you shall not flock by yourself," said Theo. "There is always room +with Jack and me. Come over to our nest, Arch. There, sit under the +mistletoe, and Jack and I will kiss you." + +This made a scramble, for Jack insisted upon following out Theo's +suggestion, Archie declaring he would as soon kiss a horse as Jack, and +there was a tussle and a scrimmage, resulting in Archie's getting the +worst of it, being so weak from laughing, after Jack had him down, that +he had to submit without further protest to Jack's caresses, given in +the most bear-like manner. + +"Did you ever know such nonsense?" said Val to her companion. "That is +the way they 'cut up' and 'carry on' all the time. You never knew such +an idiotic crowd in your life." + +They jolted along comfortably after this; and presently Theo, who was +leaning back against a pile of boughs, looking up into the sky, said, +"I think the winter woods are as beautiful as the summer ones. See how +exquisite those branches are in their delicate tracery, and look off +yonder how under purple fades into upper purple; and look at those +little wayside weeds, beautiful in their winter brownness. It is such a +lovely world!" + +"Theo is always discovering new Americas," remarked Archie. "She need +never cross the seas." + +Theo smiled. "I do discover a new world every time I go out upon +voyaging intent. One's eyes can travel far, and can bring home new +treasures very often." + +Mr. Egerton looked at her thoughtfully. "You are a discovery in +yourself," he said. + +Theo looked up. "I? Why? Oh, you mean I am one of the natives, perhaps." + +"He doesn't at all," interposed Val. "He means—I know what he +means—that it is novel and refreshing to find one who has so much +within herself; that every twig upon the trees, every little dried-up +weed, can paint her a picture or sing her a song. He has been among a +very conventional set, I fancy. I saw one of them once. Fred was with +her. They were coming from the Salon, and as they passed me, she turned +her head over her shoulder so, and drawled out, 'Isn't it tiresome?'" + +They all laughed at Val's imitation, and Mr. Egerton admitted that +Val was right, his friend on that occasion being what Nan called a +"Philistine dyed in the wool." + +"We shall never get world-weary," he said, "while we have these people +to come to, Val." + +"Here we are," exclaimed Jack. "Come, good folks, lend a hand, and let +us get this stuff in-doors. That's right, Manchild, come along and +carry in some of this. We'll earn our dinners to-day, my friends." + +"B'ugh, how sticky some of this is, and that holly pricks me +dreadfully!" said Val. "I wish I had a pair of your sheepskin mittens, +Theo." + +[Illustration: And the work proceeded with great briskness.] + +"Tatty will get you a pair," returned Theo, intent upon arranging a +bunch of holly in the hall. "Here, some of you tall people, give that +a poke. That's it, Jack. Now, who wants to do what? Archie, just tell +Tatty to bring a pair of shears and a ball of twine. We want to make a +long, long garland. Auntie will like to work at that." + +"Suppose you set the tasks," proposed Fred, "and we'll do your bidding." + +All agreed, and Theo proceeded to direct. "Auntie, you, Val, and Fred +can work on the garland. Fred can cut off the proper bits and hand them +to you and Val, while you twine and twist. Archie, you and Jack can +help me attack the high places; and, Colonel—let me see, what shall you +do? Oh, if you will just sort out the different kinds and put each sort +together, we shall not have to pull them all over to find what we want. +We'll have to have the step-ladder, Jack." + +And the work proceeded with great briskness on the part of the +assistants. + +"Isn't it fine?" exclaimed Val, when their labors were ended. "It +has the nicest, spiciest, piniest smell, and it is a perfect bower. +This old hall is perfectly delightful. We ought to have a dance here +to-night. Oh, no, I forgot. Fred must see the cake-walk; but we can see +that first, and then we'll have the dance after. You'll bring Dolly +over, won't you, Archie? Then we can just make up a set." + +"You don't expect me to dance!" ejaculated the Colonel. + +"Indeed, we do; you and auntie, too. One would suppose you were a +Methuselah, Colonel, when you're getting younger every day. You are to +dance, sir; do you hear? Miss Valentine Le Moyne shall be your partner. +You and I will lead off;" and Val asserted herself so decidedly that +the Colonel succumbed at once. + + +And so they went to the cake-walk, where Jack and Archie were appointed +judges. And Archie distinguished himself in a speech which was so +utterly absurd that his friends nearly disgraced themselves by laughing +more immoderately than the occasion required. But the rest of the +assemblage were mightily pleased, and were quite overpowered by the big +words and flowery references. + +This was preliminary. And when the cake-walk was about to begin, Archie +insisted upon Manchild's taking part; and the way his little duck legs +were thrust out in a strut not to be imitated convulsed them all. + +Aunt Prissy was consumed with pride and amusement, and she said to +Mammy, who was among the lookers-on, "Mars Arch sot Manchild up so he +cyarnt see nothin' 'cep' dat cake. I lay Mars Arch gwine ter 'muse he +se'f. Look yonder, Jane. Ain't he a sight?" + +And Mammy bent double at the spectacle of Manchild and his "lady" +bringing up the rear of the procession. + +"Mars Arch giv' Manchild de cake. Yuh see," said she, "dat little +yaller he walkin' with, walkin' fur all she wo'th." + +And Mammy was right; for Archie declared that, though among such +grace and dignity, it was hard to decide upon a fit recipient of the +delectable comestible before them; that after due consultation with +his distinguished associate in judicial arbitration, it was determined +to bestow upon Miss Belladonna Truefit and her diminutive though +valiant cavalier, Master Manchild Jackson, the aforesaid sacchariferous +delicacy, in consideration of the superhuman efforts which they had +exerted in their ambulation. They would therefore further exert their +pedal extremities in locomotion, and "come take de cake." + +None of which speech the couple understood except the last clause, +when, amid much applause, they advanced, received the cake, having to +endure another speech delivered in utterly obscure language, and filled +with references to Antony and Cleopatra, lotus flowers and Ramesses +the Great, delivered with much rhetorical flourish; and then the two +retired, covered with glory and confusion. + +"What yuh feed 'em on up dar at Preston?" asked a chagrined friend of +Aunt Prissy's. "Dictionaries?" + +"No," responded Aunt Prissy. "We's been a feedin' 'em on fus'-class +tongue, but now we's gwine ter give 'em cake." + +And the questioner retired disconcerted. + +Such a ruddy glow came from the roaring fire that crackled in the old +fireplace, warming up the big hall and extracting the pungent odor from +the Christmas greens which draped doorway and arch; the brass andirons +caught and held the light from the up-dancing flames; little flitting +sparks shot through the wide chimney towards the peaceful stars, +shining in the Christmas heavens; the polished floor showed the result +of the lately applied energy to its waxed surface by reflecting sparkle +and glow. + +The portraits of sire and dame looked down from the walls upon the +group standing in the centre of the floor. In the corner, the tall old +clock droned out a deliberate "tick-tock," and presently, with the same +deliberation, marked ten resonant strokes. At the same moment, an old +darkey, Uncle Joe by name, struck up a merry tune upon his old violin, +and the dancers stepped out. Such fun as they made of it. Uncle Joe, +considering it a part of his duty, called out the figures vigorously: + +"Swing yo' pardners!" "Rewerse corners!" "Gemmen to de right, ladies to +de lef'!" + +Sawing away, and keeping time with one long, flat, strangely shod foot, +till, breathless, auntie and the Colonel begged for a respite. Then the +younger ones floated off into a dreamy waltz, which Uncle Joe played +with head thrown back and eyes shut. + +But auntie and the Colonel were not long left in peace. + +"No wall-flowers here," sang out Val, dragging them from their places. +"It is Christmas Eve. Come, come, we want another set." + +And again Miss Janet and Mr. Smith took their places. + +With what vigor Val turned the Colonel, and how sedately he chasséed, +while Archie and Jack nearly spun auntie off her feet in their +rollicking humor. "More wood! Build up the fire!" was called once in a +while, and then at it again. + +At last, auntie protested that she could stand no more, and Archie +executed a wonderful break-down. Then Val tried a fancy dance, all of +her own designing, till, tired out, she stood, her blue eyes dancing, +her dainty figure poised. + +"Now, what next? A song! A song! Come, Jack! Come, Theo—" + +But hark! From the corner sounds the striking of the old clock. Twelve +is solemnly numbered;—midnight and Christmas morning. + +And then the thought came to them all of that first Christmas of the +earth's long ago, and Jack's voice broke in upon the stillness with the +old hymn,— + + "While shepherds watched their flocks by night." + +First one, then another, joined in, till all were singing from their +hearts. + +And in the heavens, the same stars were shining as looked down upon the +earth those centuries ago when upon Judea's plain the angels' song was +heard,— + + "Peace and good will! Peace and good will!" + +The stars in their steadfast sereneness shone on over the old house. +Peace and good will enclosed the hearts of its inmates, filling them +with a blessed content as, with the touch of a solemn and beautiful +thought upon them, they said, "Good-night." + + + + THE END. + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78824 *** diff --git a/78824-h/78824-h.htm b/78824-h/78824-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b0de58d --- /dev/null +++ b/78824-h/78824-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8345 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> +<head> + <meta charset="UTF-8"> + <title> + Girls Together │ Project Gutenberg + </title> + <link rel="icon" href="images/image001.jpg" type="image/cover"> + <style> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + font-size:12.0pt; + font-family:"Verdana"; +} + +p {text-indent: 2em;} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +h2 {font-size: 1.17em;} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: 33.5%; + margin-right: 33.5%; + clear: both; +} + +/* Images */ + +img { + max-width: 100%; + height: auto; +} + +.w100 { + width: auto + } + +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; + page-break-inside: avoid; + max-width: 100%; +} + +p.t1 {text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 125%; + text-align: center + } + +p.t2 { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 150%; + text-align: center + } + +p.t3 { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: center + } + +p.t3b { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 100%; + font-weight: bold; + text-align: center + } + +p.t4 { + text-indent: 0%; + font-size: 80%; + text-align: center + } + +p.letter {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +p.poem { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + padding: 20px 0; + text-align: left; + width: 555px; + } + + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78824 ***</div> + + +<p>Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image001" style="max-width: 33.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image001.jpg" alt="image001"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image002" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"><a id="Image002"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image002.jpg" alt="image002"></a></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>"As if I cared," returned Theo, turning her back to</b><br> +<b>her cousin.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<h1>GIRLS TOGETHER</h1> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t1"> +BY AMY E. BLANCHARD<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p class="t3"> +AUTHOR OF<br> +</p> + +<p class="t4"> +"TWO GIRLS," "TWENTY LITTLE MAIDENS," ETC.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +<em> ILLUSTRATED BY IDA WAUGH</em></p> + +<p><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image003" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image003.jpg" alt="image003"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +PHILADELPHIA<br> +</p> + +<p class="t3"> +J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY<br> +</p> + +<p class="t4"> +1900<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +COPYRIGHT, 1895<br> +BY<br> +J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +ELECTROTYPED AND PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA, U.S.A.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t4"> +TO<br> +<br> +MY GIRLHOOD'S BELOVED COMPANION,<br> +</p> + +<p class="t3"> +JENNIE E. S.,<br> +</p> + +<p class="t4"> +THE GENTLE MISTRESS OF "POSIE-COSSIE,"<br> +</p> + +<p class="t3"> +<b>I Dedicate</b><br> +</p> + +<p class="t4"> +THIS LITTLE BOOK, WITH A LOVE THAT<br> +<br> +GROWS FROM YEAR TO YEAR.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t3b"> +CONTENTS.<br> +<br> +—————<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>CHAPTER</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_1">I.—GROWN UP</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_2">II.—UPS AND DOWNS</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_3">III.—A FLAVOR OF BOHEMIA</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_4">IV.—SETTLED DOWN</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_5">V.—JACK'S SEND-OFF</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_6">VI.—A PRIVATE VIEW</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_7">VII.—HOW ELDORADO ANN WAS SCARED</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_8">VIII.—AN OLD SONG</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_9">IX.—WHAT JACK DID</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_10">X.—A CHRISTMAS STOCKING</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_11">XI.—ARCHIE DECIDES</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_12">XII.—"UNDER GREEN APPLE-BOUGHS"</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_13">XIII.—SEPARATIONS</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_14">XIV.—ARCHIE'S CLIENT</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_15">XV.—BEFORE THE FEAST</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_16">XVI.—THE WEDDING</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_17">XVII.—AT PRESTON</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_18">XVIII.—"AS LIKE AS A HAND TO ANOTHER HAND"</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_19">XIX.—WHAT BECAME OF VAL'S PORTRAIT</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Chapter_20">XX.—AND SO—</a></p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t3b"> +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.<br> +<br> +———————<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p><a href="#Image002">"As if I cared," returned Theo, turning her back to her cousin <em>Frontispiece.</em></a></p> + +<p><a href="#Image006">She came in one afternoon, when all were sitting on the porch</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Image018">Then, with a leap, she sprang away</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Image028">Then she turned towards home</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Image040">"The idea of chickens at this time of year," said Val</a></p> + +<p><a href="#Image045">And the work proceeded with great briskness</a></p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image004" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image004.jpg" alt="image004"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<p class="t2"> +<b>GIRLS TOGETHER</b><br> +<br> +———————<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_1">CHAPTER I.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +GROWN UP.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THE sleepy old university town had been for some days alive with the +excitement attending class-day and the yearly commencement at the +university.</p> + +<p>Theo Nelson and her cousin Val Le Moyne were among the interested +participants in the festivities, and none of the town's guests were +having a better time; for Theo's brother, Archie, was one of the +graduates, and his friends, who were all well known to the girls, were +assiduous in their attentions, while in Jack Allen, Archie's special +chum and classmate, the cousins felt nearly as much interest as in +Archie himself, taking great pride in the honors Jack was bearing +off. Even Aunt Janet Nelson was as enthusiastic as the others on this +occasion; but Miss Janet was as a mother to the little group, and the +interests of her "children" had been closely hers during all the years +they had lived with her.</p> + +<p>Val was standing at the foot of the stairs, waiting for her cousin.</p> + +<p>"Theo, hurry!" she cried. "The boys are coming."</p> + +<p>"Boys!" answered Theo, in a tone of scorn, as she made her appearance, +drawing on her gloves. "Young men, you mean; you forget that they have +received their degrees, and that they know all there is to know. They +are 'sumptuously informed,' as I heard some one say yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Val, laughing, "and the 'young men' are quite aware of +it. Anything more lordly than Archie's tread as he walks up the street +I have never seen. Do come and look, Theo: isn't he majestic?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Theo, coming to the door; "but he is a lord among +lords. They all do that way at first. Come, it is late; we might as +well go and meet them."</p> + +<p>"Where is auntie?" asked Archie of his sister.</p> + +<p>"She has gone with Mrs. Talcott and Nannie," replied Theo; "she will +meet us at the house. We are quite late."</p> + +<p>Archie consulted his watch. "Not so very," he returned; "and it is only +to drink tea that we are going. It was very good of the professor to +ask us; but, for my part, I should rather do something else."</p> + +<p>Val raised her eyebrows significantly.</p> + +<p>"Now what?" said Archie, testily. "You are so ready to pounce on a +fellow, Val. What have I done?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, nothing," replied Val, airily; "only I supposed from your general +demeanor that anything less than a professor's society you could not +tolerate."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" and Archie gave vent to the exclamation in an exceedingly +disgusted manner.</p> + +<p>"Stop your squabbling, children," put in Jack Allen. "Give us a little +rope, Val. We'll come down from our lofty perches soon enough; we shall +forget how much we know before many months have passed."</p> + +<p>And the party proceeded in an amiable spirit towards the university +grounds.</p> + +<p>Just before the professor's house was reached, they all stopped to look +across the valley at the beautiful view spread out before them.</p> + +<p>"I hate to leave it," said Jack, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"I shall come back every year," declared Archie. "You'll come too, +Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," was the doubtful response.</p> + +<p>And then the little group turned aside into the long corridor, to be +greeted at one of the doorways by their hostess.</p> + +<p>"Ah, Mr. Nelson," she said, "your aunt came long ago. We began to fear +that you had at last succumbed to the pressure of all the duties that +have been thrust upon you during the past week. On how many committees +have you served, pray?"</p> + +<p>"I always told Arch he was entirely too popular," remarked Jack Allen. +"He will suffer for it yet, Mrs. Marshall. Are we so very late?"</p> + +<p>"Not too late," she replied, with a smile.</p> + +<p>And she led them in-doors to where the murmur of voices gave evidence +that a company was gathered.</p> + +<p>Miss Janet Nelson, with Nannie Talcott on one side, Gilbert Rogers on +the other, and Teddy Forester leaning on the back of her chair, was +laughing at the nonsensical run of talk carried on by the young people.</p> + +<p>"Ah! There they come," announced Gilbert, catching sight of the +new-comers. "The late Mr. Nelson and his party have at last arrived."</p> + +<p>The girls made their way over to Miss Nelson, and were soon followed by +Archie and Jack.</p> + +<p>"Who do you think is here?" whispered Nannie to Theo.</p> + +<p>"I can't imagine."</p> + +<p>"Fly Crawford, Val's ancient enemy."</p> + +<p>"Really? Yes; see Val's color and her haughty look. Why, Nannie, +Gilbert is talking to her!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; but I believe he quite likes her. She is stopping with +very nice people, you know, friends of Gilbert's, and he has had to +show her some attention."</p> + +<p>Theo looked grave, but her attention was just then turned aside, and +the subject was dropped for the time being.</p> + +<p>"Such a grown up set as I shall have about me," Miss Nelson was saying +to Mrs. Marshall. "Theo and Archie have graduated this year, and Jack, +too: he seems like one of us, you know. Val is my only baby: she has +another year before her, at least. She rather resents being my baby, +though."</p> + +<p>Val looked up quickly. "No, not that exactly," she interposed; "but I +always feel as though I were running very hard and couldn't keep up +with the others. I seem to remind myself of those little children who +are always tagging behind the older ones, especially when Archie is so +superior," glancing mischievously at her cousin.</p> + +<p>"And you will have them all with you again?" said Mrs. Marshall, +addressing Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Yes; that is what comforts me in losing my children. I shall have a +young man to attend to business for me, and a young woman to take some +of my home responsibilities from my shoulders," replied Miss Janet.</p> + +<p>"And you go back to Roseville to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; Archie thinks of reading law with an old friend of his father's, +and Theo—"</p> + +<p>"What will Theo do?" asked Mrs. Marshall.</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson did not see the quick glances exchanged by Nannie and Theo +as she replied:</p> + +<p>"Oh, Theo will have to be a young lady, I suppose, though I should wish +her to have some central interest; too many girls spend such useless +lives. Roseville does not offer a very broad field, but I think Theo +need not be idle, nor even uselessly busy."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Though the next day did indeed see them all returned to Roseville, it +saw all Miss Janet's plans overturned by a letter which awaited their +arrival. This letter was addressed to Archie by Colonel Smith, Val's +guardian, who had formed a warm attachment for the young man, and who +now offered him the opportunity of studying law in New York, under +Colonel Smith himself. Archie read the communication very slowly and +thoughtfully, put the letter in his pocket, then, picking up his hat, +he said to his chum,—</p> + +<p>"Come, Jack, let us go forth."</p> + +<p>Jack's face was very grave as he also put a letter into his own pocket +and joined his friend without saying a word.</p> + +<p>When they were out of the house, Archie handed his letter to Jack, +saying,—</p> + +<p>"Give us your opinion of that."</p> + +<p>"You ought to go," decided Jack. "It is the chance of a lifetime, Arch. +With such a man as the Colonel, you could not have a better."</p> + +<p>"I want to go," returned Archie, "but I do feel that I owe my aunt and +my sister something; they have both made sacrifices for me. I have been +at the university for four years, and I ought to be at home now."</p> + +<p>"I'm afraid I'm not an impartial adviser," returned Jack, "for it would +mean so much to me to have you still at hand. You can't know, old +fellow, what it would cost me to cut loose from you all."</p> + +<p>"I shall have to tell auntie sometime," said Archie; "so I might as +well get it over first as last."</p> + +<p>He found it very hard, however, to broach the subject of the letter to +his aunt. The tender, motherly care given himself and his sister from +their babyhood seemed worthy as great consideration as his own future, +and the boy honestly strove to be unselfish in the matter.</p> + +<p>"Give you up again, my boy!" said Miss Nelson. "That is a great tax on +my generosity, but I know Colonel Smith means to give you the best of +opportunities; and, indeed, it is not a surprise to me. The Colonel +hinted at something of the kind long ago, but I did not count upon it. +Go! Of course you will. There is no question about it. Your auntie +still has her faculties," she laughingly continued; "she doesn't grow +old as fast as she might." And so it was settled that way.</p> + +<p>Archie's departure for New York was hastened by a piece of information +given by Jack that evening, who stated that his own leave must soon be +taken.</p> + +<p>"I have just been notified of my uncle's marriage," he said.</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Archie. "Old pineknot married?"</p> + +<p>Jack nodded.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack!" said Theo.</p> + +<p>"What a shame!" cried Val.</p> + +<p>"It need not affect you, Jack," remarked Miss Nelson, consolingly.</p> + +<p>"It need not, perhaps, but yet it may. You remember, two years ago—" +turning to Archie—"I said then I wouldn't trust Uncle Silas around the +corner; and the past two summers have not added to my confidence in +him. So I think I ought to be on hand to watch matters."</p> + +<p>"You will be one of the firm now, I suppose?" said Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps," was the reply. "I cannot really tell; that was my father's +intention. He wanted me to spend the summers, during my college +life, in the office, and when I had taken my degree, to assume my +responsibilities as one of the house; but—" and Jack paused doubtfully.</p> + +<p>"Well, I shall go on with you," Archie declared, "and we'll still be +chums. Eh, Jack?" slapping his comrade's shoulder heartily. "When must +you go?"</p> + +<p>"I should not put it off," was the response. "I should say the first of +next week."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" exclaimed the girls. "That is mean, Jack, to take Archie away +just as we have him home again."</p> + +<p>"To say nothing of yourself," added Val.</p> + +<p>Jack looked at Theo, who said nothing.</p> + +<p>"Wait till the last of the week," pleaded Val.</p> + +<p>"Can you not, Jack?" put in Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"I might," said he, doubtfully, still looking at Theo.</p> + +<p>But that young person got up and went out of the room, as if +determining to have no voice in the matter. Still, Jack consented to +lengthen his stay somewhat.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>And again, as so often before, a merry little party rollicked through +the June days.</p> + +<p>They were joined, not only by Theo's friend, Nannie Talcott, but +by Gilbert Rogers, whose presence, however, somewhat disturbed the +others, for Fly Crawford's return to her home was an evident reason for +Gilbert's lingering in the neighborhood.</p> + +<p>"It seems too bad," said Theo, in distress, to her brother, "that +Gilbert should be so strongly under the influence of a girl as utterly +frivolous as Fly. I shouldn't care if she were only frivolous, but—" +and Theo paused, not liking to say anything in further detriment. Then +she went on, "There is such a difference between a girl's being bright +and witty and being—I hate the word—fast. Now, Val is bright and lively +as can be, but she never forgets her womanliness."</p> + +<p>Archie nodded thoughtfully. "A good many fellows," he said, "haven't +perspicacity enough to see the difference, but when a fellow has a +sister and a cousin, he knows. There is some hope for a girl who is +only silly, and who lacks judgment because she is young. Most girls +have a little round of thoughts that they keep going over and over."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed. "What are they?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they wonder how they look and who is looking at them; and if +any fellow looks at them, what he thinks; and if he doesn't look, +why doesn't he; and what can she do to made him look. But it doesn't +do any harm; it is only silliness, and they get over it as they grow +older,—that is, most of them do."</p> + +<p>"Now, Archie," expostulated Theo, resenting this charge against her +sex, "do you think I have no better thoughts to occupy my mind?"</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe you don't keep in so small a circle."</p> + +<p>"And Val?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, Val inclines towards it, but she will get over it. There is +hope for her. She is not a girl whose inclinations are toward unwomanly +acts. If she does anything reprehensible, it is from thoughtlessness."</p> + +<p>"She is the nicest girl 'I' know," replied Theo. "Now, let us go down +to the others; they will think we have deserted them entirely. Do hear +Val laughing. Hasn't she the merriest laugh?"</p> + +<p>"Val is a nice child," observed Archie.</p> + +<p>Theo smiled, thinking how Val would resent being called a child.</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute," said Archie; "don't say anything about our +conversation, not even to Jack. We can talk as we choose together, for +we have had no secrets from each other."</p> + +<p>"I will be discreet," replied Theo. Then, after a pause, and a little +hesitatingly, she asked, "Do you think Jack is much concerned over his +uncle's marriage?"</p> + +<p>"Bless him! He would keep it to himself if he were. But I am afraid it +will affect him more or less, though one cannot tell how much. We'll +hope it may not be much the worse for him. There! Those children are +getting too hilarious. I must go and put a stop to it."</p> + +<p>As to putting a stop to the hilarity, Archie's presence seemed only +to add fuel to the flames, and for the rest of the afternoon, the +merriment ran high till Gilbert, pleading an engagement, left them, +when they all sobered down.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image005" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image005.jpg" alt="image005"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image006" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"><a id="Image006"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image006.jpg" alt="image006"></a></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>She came in one afternoon,</b><br> +<b>when all were sitting on the porch.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image007" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image007.jpg" alt="image007"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_2">CHAPTER II.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +UPS AND DOWNS.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THEO, with her quick sympathies, was most anxiously concerned for her +brother's friend, Gilbert Rogers. And when certain gossiping remarks +came to her ears, she resented them with all the warmth of her youthful +spirit, but only in Archie's hearing, for she did not think it wise to +repeat the gossip to any one else.</p> + +<p>It was Val who finally stirred up a more general indignation in the +little household. She came in, one afternoon, when all were sitting on +the porch, swept by Gilbert with the air of a tragedy queen, her blue +eyes blazing, and her little head held up in the haughtiest manner. +After she had passed into the house, silence fell upon the group, +broken at last by Archie.</p> + +<p>"Whew!" he ejaculated. "I feel as if a cyclone had passed us. What do +you suppose has been disturbing my lady Le Moyne? She wears the most +indignant expression I have seen for many a day. Has any one been +'sassing' her?" turning to the group.</p> + +<p>All protested innocence, though Gilbert looked a trifle uneasy.</p> + +<p>Miss Janet arose and followed Val to her room. The door was locked, but +she caught the quick tread of the girl as she paced the floor. Auntie +knocked. There was no answer.</p> + +<p>"It is auntie, dear," she said, presently.</p> + +<p>Against auntie's appeal there was never any protest, and Val +immediately opened the door, the indignant tears standing in her eyes, +as auntie said, "What has been angering my little girl? Something more +than usual, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"It is that horrid, horrid girl!" replied Val, with a quick stamp of +her little foot.</p> + +<p>"My darling child, don't be so vehement. What is it, now? You must not +be influenced by silly school-girl tales."</p> + +<p>"This isn't a school-girl tale; it is the truth. I heard it from a +perfectly reliable source. I am eighteen, auntie, and I am old enough +to have some sort of womanly rights. I will not have people say what is +not true of me."</p> + +<p>"There! There!" coaxingly said Miss Nelson. "Sit down here and tell me +all about it. We can sift down your information, and see how much need +there is for your righteous indignation."</p> + +<p>Val established herself in a chair and rocked fiercely for a few +moments. Then she broke out with, "It makes me ashamed even to tell +you, auntie, but you shall know it. Fly Crawford has told Gilbert that +I am in love with him. Did you ever hear of such a mean, contemptible +thing?"</p> + +<p>"How do you know she told him?"</p> + +<p>"She boasted of it to one of the girls."</p> + +<p>"It is a very mean act, one quite unworthy of a noble nature, but I am +afraid Lee Crawford has not a noble nature. We all know it is not true, +dear child."</p> + +<p>"Yes, of course you do; and Theo does; so does Archie. But how do I +know what Gilbert thinks?"</p> + +<p>"Why, my dear, Gilbert surely is not so vain as all that. You have +treated him just as you have Jack and Teddy Forester and the other +boys, have you not?"</p> + +<p>"Ye-s," replied Val, a little doubtfully; "except when we first knew +the boys, auntie, I was a little flirty then. But I was only a little +girl four years ago, and he cannot attach any importance to what I did +then."</p> + +<p>"I remember," returned auntie, smiling.</p> + +<p>"Fly has never forgiven me for deserting her faction," continued Val, +"and has shown her resentment in more ways than one; but this caps the +climax, and I will not have it. Oh, auntie! I wish you would talk to +him and let him know how utterly unworthy Fly is. I know you do not +like to have us say unkind things of other girls, and I try not to, to +outsiders, but Gilbert is too good a fellow to be thrown away on such a +girl as that. I don't see how he can be so blind."</p> + +<p>"Lee Crawford has very taking little ways: she is bright and pretty. +Gilbert is probably the last one to hear the real truth, and if he does +hear, he is apt to resent it. There is a very perverse side to human +nature, and a man must be singularly strong to exercise level judgment +in such matters. I am afraid it would do no good, Val."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but, auntie, you—he surely knows you could have no other motive +than his best good; he has such respect for your opinions. Won't you +try? I cannot have such things said of me. If you cannot help me, I +shall have to tell Archie, and then there will be a bigger fuss. Oh, +dear! Why do such serpents have to exist? I have tried not to be down +on Gilbert; but it does lower him in my opinion to have him countenance +a girl who could be so contemptible; it makes me feel as if his own +sense of honor were less than I thought."</p> + +<p>"It is all his vanity, my child; that being appealed to makes him lose +sight of the other things. I will try what I can do, Val, though I am +opposed to any interference in such affairs, as a rule; it seldom does +any good. If he is really very much interested, I am sure he will not +listen; but if it is merely a fancy, a word of warning may be timely. I +agree with you that Gilbert is entirely too good a boy to have his life +ruined by an utterly unscrupulous girl.</p> + +<p>"It is strange how girls of that character can so often dominate really +good men. I suppose it is, as some one says, that we see in others the +reflex of ourselves, and Gilbert's is an honest soul, which doubtless +finds it hard to recognize duplicity in another. His vanity is his +greatest weakness, and that, I hope, is a failing born of his youth, +rather than a radical defect of character; but through his vanity, Lee, +I fancy, has obtained her hold upon him. Now, don't let this trouble +you, dear; had Lee been a friend of yours, she could not have done it. +But since we know she is not, you must try to dismiss the whole matter."</p> + +<p>"But I shall hate to see Gilbert again," said Val, in a troubled voice.</p> + +<p>"You must try to treat him just as usual; and, dear girlie, let this +help you in this way to learn that it 'is dangerous to strike leagues +of friendship with cheap persons.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know, I know. I might have been a 'cheap person' myself, if I +had not had you to warn me, auntie."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>It was hard for Miss Nelson to give Gilbert the warning she desired +to give which should not seem harsh and prejudiced, but which should +open his eyes to the true character of Lee Crawford. But, fortunately, +the young man's fancy was not very deep, and obstinacy was not a +distinctive feature in his make-up. And then Miss Nelson was wise +enough to be able to convince him that hers was only a loving interest. +And since he knew her abhorrence of gossip, he attached more importance +to her opinions than he would have done to those of the ordinary woman.</p> + +<p>"I should be so glad," said Miss Janet, "to help Lee, to bring her into +our own circle, but I am afraid it would do her little good and do my +own girls harm. And I doubt if she would accept our advances in the +right spirit; it is not as if she were a homeless, motherless girl. +She has had good influences all her life; her parents, her teachers, +her friends, have all interested themselves in her. She knows what is +right; it is not through ignorance that she errs."</p> + +<p>"I feel very sorry for her," said Gilbert.</p> + +<p>"So do I," returned Miss Nelson; "but does it not occur to you, +Gilbert, that if she really wanted to do well she would do it for her +own sake as much as for yours? That she would scorn to use meretricious +means to secure your interest? That by poisoning your mind against your +friends, she proves herself less your friend than her own self-lover? +Think it over. Can you be sure that vague hints, little flouting +remarks, have not had their effect upon you? Have you not lately felt +that we were old-fogyish and straitlaced, and that you were cultivating +a very desirable breadth of charity for humanity in general and Lee +Crawford in particular?"</p> + +<p>Gilbert looked up quickly. "How could you tell that? But, Miss Nelson, +she does not have a bad influence over me."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?"</p> + +<p>"I really think not. How could she do me any harm?"</p> + +<p>"In several ways. Persons might say that you are completely hoodwinked +by a very clever girl. Do you like to know that? Is it pleasant for +your friends to hear, 'Poor Gilbert Rogers! He is so simple, he cannot +see what a fool that girl is making of him.' Or, to hear, 'If that +is the kind of a girl Gilbert Rogers prefers, he must be of the same +stamp. We would rather not invite him here.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Nelson, that is a little far-fetched."</p> + +<p>"Do you think so? It might be in some circles, but we are perhaps a +bit old-fashioned in our codes of morality, and I have heard it said +more than once. Again, would you want for a wife a woman whom your +best friends could not respect? Although marriage is probably very far +from your present thought, an infatuation might result in such a thing +before you are in a position for it."</p> + +<p>Gilbert was silent a moment, then he said, "I believe I have a good +influence over her. Suppose I should give her up, might I not have +helped her to be better if she is all you say?"</p> + +<p>"Dear boy, surely, if when she knows your standards, she cannot make +an effort to reach them, if when she is anxious to obtain your best +opinions, she still does the same audacious things as before, still +talks as compromisingly, still maintains the same light behavior, still +continues by her actions to forfeit the respect of your friends, do you +think she would be better when she had actually won your affection? If +now, when she should, by reason of her interest in you, be naturally +striving to live above reproach, and is no better, do you think you can +expect much later?"</p> + +<p>"But I have promised to be her friend," said Gilbert, distressedly.</p> + +<p>"So you may be, in moderation; but that does not mean that you must +give the greater part of your spare time to her, that you must devote +yourself to her in such a degree as to excite remark. I trust I am +neither prejudiced nor uncharitable. I should open my arms to her if +she cared for such a refuge, if I knew she desired to know the better +things of life, but that way does not lie her inclination."</p> + +<p>"But how do we know," persisted Gilbert, "that all we have heard is not +gossip: mere idle tales from jealous girls?"</p> + +<p>"Jealous! My dear boy. Why jealous? Are you such a desirable person +that mothers and daughters must combine to attract you from any one? +Why jealous of you more than others? There are numbers of other boys +who are quite attentive to other girls we know, but we do not hear a +word against the girls in consequence. Look at Jessie Meredith; there +is no more popular girl in the town; she has attention enough to turn +any one's head, but you do not hear anything said in her disfavor. No, +my dear boy, a girl whom good mothers forbid as an associate for their +daughters is not a safe companion for a young man, either."</p> + +<p>Gilbert looked rather sheepish. "You think I am dreadfully conceited, +don't you, Miss Janet?"</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson smiled. "I think you are a little too fond of admiration, +but I do not think it is a hopeless defect. Later on, I expect to see +you develop into a very sound man. You know, my dear boy, there is no +real friendship in which truth is not the first element, and you do +believe me to be your friend."</p> + +<p>"I do," replied Gilbert, warmly. "Miss Nelson, I know I shall thank you +for all this, but just now I am a little sore over it."</p> + +<p>And the interview ended, though Gilbert gave heed to the counsel. His +weakness did not extend beyond a certain love of admiration; so he +was not impervious to reason, but was strong enough to see that Miss +Nelson could have no motive beyond helping him to escape a misfortune, +as he began to think it really might be. And when Archie and Jack took +their leave, Gilbert went too. Fly Crawford lost no time in turning her +attention in a new direction, and that was the end of that matter.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>After Archie and Jack departed, Theo seemed given to many brown +studies, and to Val's plans for the coming winter appeared to +enter with little heartiness. The cause of this was made apparent +as the first of September approached, for Nannie Talcott wrote +enthusiastically from New York, begging Theo to join her there.</p> + +<p>"I have taken a room, and am going to study at the League," she +announced; "could you not come on for a little while, anyhow?"</p> + +<p>Theo did not look up as she read, for she knew there would be disfavor +in her aunt's face.</p> + +<p>"It is not to be thought of," said Miss Nelson, as Theo closed the +letter. "Two girls there alone! I could not consent, Theo."</p> + +<p>"But Archie is there."</p> + +<p>"True; still, you would be alone all day. You want to go very much, +don't you, dear?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I do, I do," replied Theo. "Nan and I have been talking of it for +a year; and I could study music. And, oh, auntie, I should be near +Archie."</p> + +<p>"And Jack," put in Val, craftily.</p> + +<p>"That would be sufficient reason for my remaining here," replied Theo, +caustically.</p> + +<p>"Mean girl!" exclaimed Val. "The idea of your wanting to leave auntie +and me. You love Nannie better than anybody, I do believe."</p> + +<p>Theo looked distressed.</p> + +<p>"That isn't quite fair, Val," reproved auntie. "I understand how Theo +feels. This is a very narrow field for her energies. She loves her home +beyond anything,—that I know. But Nannie's plan is full of delightful +possibilities; and if there were some older person to be with them, I +should be inclined to think it a good thing. I trust my girls entirely, +but I am not quite sure into what their inexperience might lead them. +Let the question rest for a time, Theo, and I will think over all the +pros and cons."</p> + +<p>The result of Miss Nelson's cogitations was that a most attractive plan +was unfolded to the delighted girls. It was nothing more nor less than +that they should all go to New York, Val taking up her studies there, +and Miss Nelson still overlooking them all.</p> + +<p>"How perfectly, perfectly delightful!" cried Theo. "Oh, how pleased the +boys will be!"</p> + +<p>"And the Colonel," cried Val, "the dear old Colonel. Oh, Theo, I +believe he will dance for joy."</p> + +<p>The idea of the dignified Mr. Smith dancing for joy was too much for +Theo, and she laughed heartily.</p> + +<p>"I have counted the cost," Miss Janet informed them, "and I think we +can manage very comfortably. I have an opportunity of renting the house +furnished. I think that is what decided me; it seemed to answer the +question. Mrs. Lewis has decided to give up boarding, and as there +are only herself and her husband in the family, no one could be more +desirable. I think, too, it will do me good to be shaken up a little. I +am getting too well satisfied to sit down in the chimney-corner. I need +a fresh infusion of spirit to keep me young."</p> + +<p>"You darling, blessed auntie, you are always just right," exclaimed +Theo; "and it is the most delicious plan I ever heard of. When can we +go?"</p> + +<p>"I propose that you go as soon as you can get ready, and I will follow +with Val. I am not afraid but what you can get along for a week or two, +and Nannie is so eager to have you. So you will have a little chance to +try that 'unhampered existence' Nannie is so fond of expatiating upon; +and it will also give you a chance of being glad to see me."</p> + +<p>"As if I ever needed that!" reproached Theo. "Then you know Archie is +right at hand, and I couldn't do anything very much out of the way," +she added.</p> + +<p>The idea of Theo's doing anything out of the way amused Val. "We shall +have such larks, Theo," she exclaimed, "when I get there."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure," interposed Miss Janet. "I shall have an eye on +you; and you are not going just for fun, Miss Val; you are going for +hard study. Mr. Smith quite approves of your finishing your studies at +another school, and I want Theo to take up some other special work. +What shall it be, Theo?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, French or German. French, I think. I do so want to go on with +that. We can all study together, maybe. I know Nannie will be glad to, +and we can have a nice little class."</p> + +<p>"Isn't it strange," remarked Val, "how it is the unexpected that always +happens? Who could have dreamed that we all—the whole kit and crew of +us—would up and start for New York? What shall you do, auntie, about +Mammy and Eldorado Ann and Ishmael?"</p> + +<p>"They can stay right here. Mrs. Lewis is only too glad to have that +question settled; and she is devoted to cats, so Ishmael will fare +well. We have nothing to do but to pack up and start. But, dear me! It +is an undertaking for me, after all." And Miss Nelson looked around, as +if half regretting her decision.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," expostulated Theo; "it will give you something pleasant to +think about, auntie, and it will do you a world of good. You have not +been away from home for years. I think it is going to be as well for +you as for any of the rest of us."</p> + +<p>For the next two weeks there was much consulting with dressmakers, many +trips to the dry-goods shops, and the girls were absorbed in the topic +of clothes.</p> + +<p>"One would suppose we were the dressiest creatures in the world," said +Theo, as she made the sewing-machine fly.</p> + +<p>"And that there were no shops at all in New York," laughed Val. "Why do +you suppose we are going to all this trouble?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, so as not have to bother when we get there. We want to look +halfway respectable, though no doubt we shall feel very 'meechin' when +we get on Fifth Avenue," replied Theo. "Val, how do you want this +trimming put on?"</p> + +<p>"'I am not choicy,' as Mammy says."</p> + +<p>"So?" inquired Theo. "That is more youthful?"</p> + +<p>"Youthful!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, old 'Miss Le Moyne,' youthful."</p> + +<p>Val sniffed; but she gave her consent, and the sewing went on.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image008" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image008.jpg" alt="image008"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image009" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image009.jpg" alt="image009"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_3">CHAPTER III.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +A FLAVOR OF BOHEMIA.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THEO started for New York with high hopes. She was met by Nannie, and +their glee knew no bounds at the prospect before them.</p> + +<p>"We shall have to hunt up a boarding-place," said Nannie, "for I have +only a little hall bedroom. And I thought it would be fun for us to go +around together, and I waited before deciding upon another."</p> + +<p>"I didn't let Archie know the day I should be here," informed Theo, +"for I knew he would insist upon my coming to the house where he is; +and, besides, I thought it would be nice to surprise him. We will send +out cards when we are all settled. We want to be perfectly independent +while we can."</p> + +<p>"I have a list of places," and Nannie referred to a slip she had taken +from her purse. "I thought if we could find two rooms, one that had a +north light, which we could use for a studio, and one which would do +for a bedroom, it would be very nice."</p> + +<p>"Exactly the thing," agreed Theo. "Oh, Nan, isn't it the most +delightful experience in the world? I can hardly believe it is not a +dream; but wasn't auntie the dear, to let me come on first? She is so +lovely in that way. She seems to enter right into one's feelings, and +if there is a way to allow us our heart's desire, she finds out the +way."</p> + +<p>"I think it was good of her," replied Nannie; "and I think it will be +delightful to have her here, and Val, later on. We must be sure to find +just the right place."</p> + +<p>But to find "just the right place" was not so easy a matter, and many +were the disappointments. "We shall have to give it up for to-day," +said Nannie, as evening overtook them, "and go to my boarding-house. My +bed isn't a very narrow one; we can sleep there for one night. There +isn't another room vacant, or we could take our time. I don't care +about staying there any longer than I can help, however, the people +are so very ordinary. I mean, those who keep the house; and they are +so very pretentious. They are continually talking about their former +grandeur, and deploring their fall from high places and their present +unhappiness, while they use 'ambril' for umbrella, and 'remlet' for +remnant, and all such unique expressions."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed and declared she was glad of it. "It makes the whole thing +much more interesting," she said. "I wouldn't have it all perfect, for +anything."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The next morning, they set forth betimes, but one o'clock found two +discouraged, tired girls.</p> + +<p>"Do let us go somewhere for a luncheon," proposed Nannie. "I am +half-starved, and we are away off from our boarding-house. I don't see +why we came poking over here, anyhow. We said we wouldn't think of +anything east of Fourth Avenue and south of Fortieth Street, and here +we are right by the Cooper Institute: it is too far off, and all that."</p> + +<p>"Did you believe there could be so many impossible places?" remarked +Theo; "and aren't some of them funny, Nan? How many have we left? Oh, +are we going in here?" for Nannie was turning towards a modest-looking +restaurant.</p> + +<p>"It looks clean and respectable," averred she; "and we are too hungry +to care for anything else."</p> + +<p>Theo's face was a study, as, after giving their order, the two weary +girls sat looking around at the little tables scattered about the room. +They were occupied by a motley set of people, most of them eating +voraciously, as if time were the main consideration with them. In the +front of the establishment was a bakery, from which orders were being +rapidly filled for those desiring a piece of pie, a few buns, or some +such. A door behind the girls slammed continually, and the rattle of +dishes proclaimed the fact that the kitchen was not far off. Theo was +much diverted, and her amusement increased as the orders given by the +waiters, in a high key, reached her ears.</p> + +<p>"Twice a cup of tea!" "Mince pie red hot!" and such peculiar +expressions came to their hearing.</p> + +<p>"Are they crazy? What sort of a place are we in?" asked Theo.</p> + +<p>Nannie laughed. "It isn't very elegant," she acknowledged, "but it +is quite respectable; and they will give us a very palatable little +luncheon, no doubt, at a very small price. We are entering Bohemia, +Theo, and we cannot be fastidious, though we may always be respectable. +Many you see here are students from the Cooper, or clerks from shops +near by. There comes our order, I am happy to see; let us join the +company of eaters."</p> + +<p>Theo's amusement did not prevent her from eating heartily a +well-cooked, appetizing meal. And she declared, as they went out, that +she wouldn't have missed it for anything.</p> + +<p>"But did you ever see people eat so fast?" she observed. "I saw one man +eat a whole pie and drink a glass of milk in less than two minutes, I +am sure."</p> + +<p>"That reminds me of a foreigner whom I met at the house of a friend. +He said that when he first came to New York, he wondered why no one +ever seemed to have any time to spend over a meal, until he saw a man +devour a dinner in five minutes, and observed the same man spending the +following half hour on the corner talking to an acquaintance. Rather a +severe hit at our loquacity as a nation, wasn't it? But we must give +our attention to our list or we shall never get settled."</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded Theo. "I am beginning to want to see Archie, and my +longing increases rapidly. But I will not humor it till I can say we +have made all our arrangements, thank you. What comes next, Nan?"</p> + +<p>"This," said Nannie, showing her list, and "this" chanced to be decided +upon.</p> + +<p>It was a house which had been newly papered and painted, and, although +the rooms looked rather bare, the host, whose politeness was extreme, +assured them that in a day or two each apartment should be resplendent.</p> + +<p>"Is he French, do you think?" whispered Theo, as they were left alone +for a moment.</p> + +<p>"No, I think not; but he is certainly not an American."</p> + +<p>They were finally shown two small rooms, communicating; these they +decided might be made available.</p> + +<p>"Can we have a folding-bed?" inquired Nannie.</p> + +<p>"Sartainly, Mees," was the reply.</p> + +<p>"Then I think we might venture to take them," and Nannie turned to +Theo, who signified assent.</p> + +<p>"Efrytheeng comb vair soon," avowed the man, ushering them into the +parlor, which was singularly devoid of furniture. "Here comb a meeroir. +Pairfickly mogneefcent," with a wave of the hand towards the wall. +"Here comb a sofaw. Pairfickly mogneefcent;" another wave towards the +corner of the room. "Here comb a keertain. Pairfickly mogneefcent;" a +third wave indicated where the "portière" should hang. "Efrytheeng will +be vair fine, vair good, vair nice, vair well," volubly explained the +host.</p> + +<p>"And we can come this evening? Will you have everything ready for us?" +asked Nannie.</p> + +<p>The man assured them he would have everything in readiness. "My vife is +Frainch," he said. "She see the meal, vair fine, vair good, vair well. +I myself to the house, also vair mogneefcent."</p> + +<p>The girls could hardly restrain their mirth, but, as all seemed +very neat and clean, and the house was one to which they had been +recommended, they felt that they could do no better, and departed to +return in time for a late dinner.</p> + +<p>"We can make it look very habitable, I am sure," pronounced Theo. "We +are pretty high up, to be sure; but that does not matter."</p> + +<p>And they set to work with a will to give their rooms a homelike +appearance.</p> + +<p>Matters of adornment being the first considered by the girlish mind, +the walls were soon decked with sketches, fans, and casts; draperies +graced Nannie's easel; cushions were arranged in chairs.</p> + +<p>"There are rather meagre accommodations for our clothes," mentioned +Nannie, "but until the 'pairfickly mogneefcent' wardrobe comes, we +shall have to do the best we can. It is long after bedtime, Theo; let +us see what sort of an affair our folding-bed is."</p> + +<p>This proved to be another subject for diversion, the bed being, as +Nannie declared, "designed for discomfort."</p> + +<p>"It is like two boxes hinged together," said Theo, as she established +herself in her side. "How are you, Nannie? Can you turn over?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all," replied Nannie, "unless we both get up and get in again. +I feel as if I were in a coffin."</p> + +<p>"So do I," responded Theo, "or as if I were boxed up to be sent off by +express." Then, as if the subject were a very cheerful one, they broke +into peals of laughter.</p> + +<p>They slept but little that night, and the next morning decided that +the folding-bed was not a success, but, as there was no other to +be furnished them, they concluded to return to a bed of ordinary +structure, and in consequence were more comfortable.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Archie and Jack were duly notified, and called promptly, berating +them soundly for being so independent. But the girls only laughed and +declared themselves quite able to look after themselves.</p> + +<p>A few days' trial of their boarding-place, however, proved that they +would be obliged to seek other quarters, for their host evidently +labored under the delusion that his guests were guests indeed, and +became quite incensed when the girls refused to join the family, or +declined to make the acquaintance of other boarders whom he insisted +upon presenting to them.</p> + +<p>"As if we wanted to know them," said Theo, haughtily. "I like to choose +my own acquaintances, I must confess; and auntie particularly charged +me not to make cheap acquaintances. She never would have let me come +alone, or with any other girl but you, Nan."</p> + +<p>"And mamma, although she quite approves of my studying and of my +independent ideas, does not approve of girls, no older than we are, +going into a boarding-house alone. You can't think how delighted she is +at the prospect of your auntie's coming to oversee us."</p> + +<p>"Auntie says that the danger lies in a girl's ignorance of the world; +and even with Archie here, she said, I must be very careful. So, Nan, +we will take our leave as soon as we can find another place. I think we +would best take rooms only, next time, and either go out to meals or +have them served us from a caterer's. I am sure we shall enjoy it much +more. You don't know how I hate to come in contact with some of the +people we see three times a day at the table here."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Nannie; "I quite agree with you. And sometimes we can +cook our own meals, and that will be great fun. We must try, though, to +find a place ourselves, and not let the boys know we are dissatisfied. +We will not give them the triumph of thinking we made a muddle of it +because we did not consult them."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Several days passed in which no attractive place presented itself.</p> + +<p>"I really believe you are homesick," said Nan, one morning, to Theo; +"you look quite down-hearted."</p> + +<p>"I believe I am a little," confessed Theo. "I must say I do not like +our dwelling-place."</p> + +<p>"You are very sensitive to surroundings," criticised Nannie; "you +always were."</p> + +<p>"I am more so regarding people," returned Theo; "and I hate to confront +our fellow-boarders,—they take away my appetite."</p> + +<p>"You shall not do it much longer," declared Nannie.</p> + +<p>And, true to her word, she came in that very evening with an +announcement, made with a beaming face.</p> + +<p>"I have found the dearest spot," she informed Theo, "if we can only +get it. As I was coming from the League this afternoon, I was walking +down one of the cross-streets, looking about, when I saw a house with +a big vine running over the front of it, which attracted me for some +reason, and I went up and inquired for rooms. To my delight I was told +that rooms could be had there; and, oh, Theo, on the top floor are two +rooms which will suit us exactly. I believe I was directed to the spot, +for the former owner of the house was an artist, and one of the rooms +he used as a studio; it has a skylight, and the other will make such a +delightful bedroom. There are immense closets, and it is just exactly +what we want; there are not many persons in the house yet, and there +will be rooms to be had for Miss Nelson and Val on the same floor. The +only trouble is that one of our rooms is occupied now, but Mrs. Joy +is going to see what arrangements she can make, and will let us know +to-morrow. Oh, we must, we must get them."</p> + +<p>"And shall we get our meals there?"</p> + +<p>"We can or not, as we choose; there is a caterer in the basement. But I +think we might try going out till your auntie comes, anyhow."</p> + +<p>Fortunately, the arrangements were made to the girls' satisfaction, and +they left the promised splendor for more sure comfort, and established +themselves so agreeably that they did not regret their period of +probation.</p> + +<p>"We shall have to send for some dishes," said Nannie. "I will write +to-night; meantime, we will make the best of what we can pick up."</p> + +<p>"Let us have dinner here," eagerly proposed Theo.</p> + +<p>"All right; and we will go out and forage before the boys come."</p> + +<p>An hour later, the girls returned laden with packages, and followed by +a boy bearing sundry parcels.</p> + +<p>"Let me see; that is right," said Nannie, depositing her share of the +burden on the table. "One, two, three, four. I haven't dropped any. +Now, Theo,—Oh, how good that coffee smells; but, my goodness! there +isn't a blessed thing to make it in."</p> + +<p>"Yes, there is," and Theo triumphantly brandished a tin pint cup.</p> + +<p>"That?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly. Archie and I have often made picnic-coffee in a tin-cup or +a tomato-can, and mighty good it was, too. Isn't that a darling of a +gas-stove? And how good of Mrs. Joy to let us use it. She is kindness +itself. Do spread out everything on the table, Nan, where I can see it."</p> + +<p>"It is a funny collection, sure enough," stated Nannie, as she +displayed coffee, eggs, butter, rolls, potatoes, and chops, a can of +condensed milk, sugar, pie, and cheese.</p> + +<p>Theo unrolled her parcels,—two cups and plates, two knives and two +spoons, a saucepan and a frying-pan.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Nan, we forgot the forks!" she exclaimed, in consternation. "Oh, +no, we didn't: here they are. But what shall we boil the potatoes in? +Why, in the saucepan; how stupid of me. We can boil the water for the +coffee over the gas—no; we will boil the potatoes and then make the +coffee."</p> + +<p>While the potatoes were boiling, a rap was heard at the door, which +being answered, Archie and Jack were admitted.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we didn't expect you yet!" exclaimed Theo, in confusion.</p> + +<p>"You didn't?" returned Archie. "That's a nice greeting, when we have +come to take you out to dinner. Goodness gracious! What are you up to?"</p> + +<p>"Why, we're cooking our dinner," replied Theo. "The water is boiling +over, Nan; and," she continued, looking ruefully at the two plates, +"we'd ask you to stay and dine with us, but our table appointments are +insufficient."</p> + +<p>"You'd better go out with us," interposed Jack; "much better."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. Stay, boys, and let us have our first dinner in the studio," +put in Nannie. "Who cares if there aren't plates enough; we can eat out +of the frying-pan or the saucepan lid."</p> + +<p>Archie was only too ready to accept Nannie's suggestion, and Jack, +finding that all were in favor of it, accepted the situation.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it a fine, large studio?" said Nannie, delightedly. "See the +skylight, just high enough, and the floor all inlaid wood. I feel as +if we had stumbled upon the most wonderful discovery. If I had read +it in a book, I couldn't believe it possible to have such luck," and +Nannie paused in the operation of cooking the chops to point out the +best features of the room. "We are going to get everything arranged +right away, for we are sure we shall stay. Mrs. Joy is so nice, and +everything is so clean and convenient. I never was so happy," and +Nannie clattered a knife and fork together as if they were castanets. +"Come, gentlemen, 'sit by,' as they say up in the country."</p> + +<p>"This is a very dull knife," observed Archie, sawing away at his chop; +"or else it has been many years since this was a little playful lamb."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you mustn't use that!" exclaimed Nannie. "That is the spreader. We +didn't think it worth while to buy two real sharp knives, for we have +sent home for a whole table outfit; so we only bought one good knife, +and the other is a five-center. Here is the cutter; use it, and pass it +along: the spreader is for the bread and butter. You will have to get +used to our novel way of entertaining, Archie."</p> + +<p>"It is great fun," maintained he; "only we ought to have brought +something to top off with."</p> + +<p>"We'll go and get some ice-cream after dinner," suggested Jack; "or, +better still, we'll bring some here to the girls. My, but this is fine +coffee!"</p> + +<p>"I knew it would be," returned Theo; "you know it always used to be +good when we made it in a tin-cup, Archie."</p> + +<p>"Always," he responded. "What are you going to do this evening, girls?"</p> + +<p>"We are going to hang Nan's sketches, put up the hammock, and set +things to rights generally. We know we are sure to stay, so we are not +afraid to unpack everything this time," Theo replied.</p> + +<p>"We might stay and help," suggested Archie.</p> + +<p>"There is no 'compellion' about it," retorted Theo.</p> + +<p>"We mean to stay and help," decided Archie. "Miss Fourth of July, you +ought to be dressed up in stars and stripes, you are so everlastingly +independent."</p> + +<p>"She is a regular Liberty bell," put in Jack.</p> + +<p>Theo made a little face, and gave her attention to clearing away the +meal, while the boys went out for the ice-cream.</p> + + +<p>"It has been such a satisfactory meal," said Theo, as the last of her +cream disappeared; "so much better than a boarding-house."</p> + +<p>"So much better," agreed Nannie and the boys.</p> + +<p>"You couldn't take us to board?" inquired Archie.</p> + +<p>"No," from Nannie, in a tone of scorn; "you'd get tired of it in less +than a week, and complain because we didn't have roast beef and soup +and puddings. You'd better stick to your own ways; besides, we are only +doing this till Miss Nelson and Val come, and then we shall have our +meals served, except once in a while we'll get up something extra, just +for the fun of it."</p> + +<p>"Where do you want your hammock?" asked Archie.</p> + +<p>"In that corner," directed Nannie; "here are the hooks. I think it can +go from the framework of that door over to the chimney-piece; it goes +nicely in that corner."</p> + +<p>When the sketches were hung, the hammock put up, and Nannie's draperies +arranged with studied carelessness, the effect was quite good, and +Archie sat down in the hammock to admire. But in a few moments, without +warning, came a creak and a crash, and down came the hammock, bringing +with it the framework of the door.</p> + +<p>Consternation fell upon the group as the four stood gazing upon the +devastation. After the first "oh's!" and "ah's!" there was silence, +broken by Archie's exclaiming,—</p> + +<p>"'Oh, that I could know the end of this day's business!' Don't call, +for your life; don't call any one, good people. If the lady of the +house appears, do not let her in. Tell her something fell, and that it +is no matter. I'll be back anon," and he fled.</p> + +<p>He was not long gone. And on his return, he was accompanied by a +carpenter, who soon put matters to rights, and suggested a more stable +place for the hammock; so the accident was not so bad as it at first +seemed.</p> + +<p>"We insist that you go to dine with us to-morrow," notified Jack, +as the boys took their leave. "We want you to eat some real Italian +macaroni, and see how it is to dine 'table d'hôte' at a place we have +found. You will be too tired to cook your own dinner, anyhow, and we +shall come for you at half-past five."</p> + +<p>The girls consented, and went to bed entirely satisfied with their new +quarters and with the prospect the winter seemed to present.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image010" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image010.jpg" alt="image010"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image011" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image011.jpg" alt="image011"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_4">CHAPTER IV.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +SETTLED DOWN.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THE middle of October saw Miss Nelson and Val established in New York, +and everything in good running order. Theo hired a piano and made +diligent use of it; Val was much interested in her studies, and Nannie +was an indefatigable student at the League. She had made much progress +during the past season, which she had spent at a summer school, and was +more than ever in love with her work. The boys came and went, bringing +their trials, their hopes, and their fears to a sympathetic group of +hearers. Mr. Smith, Val's guardian, appeared at odd times, frequently +bearing off the whole party to the theatre or the opera, sometimes +to dinner or to drive, and once or twice insisting upon every one's +accompanying him to his country home, Lyndehurst. It was there that +Thanksgiving was spent, and a merry day they made of it.</p> + +<p>Theo and Jack alone felt troubled; the former from the fact that +Jack showed evidences of not having outgrown his boyish fancy for +his friend's sister, and it irked Theo to be made conscious of a +devotion which she did not care to consider; and Jack, poor fellow, +felt a growing uneasiness on account of his own business affairs. He +anticipated that there was trouble in store for him, that his uncle's +actions warranted such a suspicion he was positive, and he determined +that the first of the year must decide how much or how little he would +be affected. But these clouds did not more than appear above the +horizon, and certainly did not affect the general sunniness of their +daily life.</p> + +<p>The studio made a delightful sitting-room, and here they all gathered +in the evening, each bringing some recountal of the day's doings, some +funny tale, or some pitiful one. Nannie's affairs excited the most +interest, there being a certain halo of romance about her student +life which gave the other girls great entertainment, and, as they +were initiated into the mysteries of art, they became more and more +interested in what Nannie had to say about her work. On the other hand, +the counter influence of those not actual art students kept Nannie from +narrowing her prejudices down to a stereotyped form of criticism, and +she was not less amused than Theo and Val at the wholesale way in which +some of her fellow-students condemned the work at the exhibitions.</p> + +<p>"I think," said Theo, one day, as she and Nannie were returning +from looking at some pictures, "that it is the funniest thing in +the world to stand behind a group of art students; they are the +most 'knowledgable' creatures I ever came across. Such unsparing +condemnation I never heard, and their little set patter is so absurd."</p> + +<p>"Don't be too hard on us," laughed Nannie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't mean you," returned Theo; "you have more sense than to say +no artist can paint except the one you specially affect. Why, I heard +one girl say, 'Dagnan-Bouveret can't paint,' and another declared, +'Bouguereau is no artist,' while a third criticised, in the loudest +voice, the composition of one of Jules Breton's pictures; as for +Meissonier and Gérome, they had no chance at all."</p> + +<p>"Well," said Nannie, "that is because we should prefer to paint +differently, ourselves."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed mirthfully. "Take care, Nan, that savors of the clique."</p> + +<p>"Well, I mean," expostulated Nannie, "that for my own part, I should +rather paint like Zorn and Cazin and our own Sargent than like +Bouguereau or Gérome."</p> + +<p>"I like their work best, too," replied Theo; "but why say a man is no +artist who is recognized as such by the best judges in the world?"</p> + +<p>"It does sound rather conceited, I must confess," returned Nannie.</p> + +<p>"Worse than that: I think it sounds pitifully ignorant."</p> + +<p>"We are all looking for truth," responded Nannie; "and if the present +school can see more color or more breadth of treatment, why may not +that be a step beyond? But as for drawing, I am afraid many of us +are very shallow there, and ought to look with utter humility upon +the splendid knowledge which the older artists have shown in that +direction."</p> + +<p>"Now that sounds more like my honest Nan."</p> + +<p>"The fact is, Theo," continued Nannie, "that there are extremes at +first in any new methods; and we are extreme, perhaps, now. I don't +agree with those cavilling girls. I must say, most of them do wretched +work, and the worse their work, the louder they are in their censure +of others. It is usually when they have only begun to study that they +are so vociferous. A little knowledge proves itself a dangerous thing +in their cases, for it only makes them ridiculous; and the poor things +don't know it. However, they are not the only ones who flaunt their +ignorance. I knew of a picture painted by a celebrated artist, no +longer living; it was sent to a loan exhibition by a friend of mine,—a +delightful picture it was, too,—but the chairman of the committee, in +a fit of bombastic arrogance, refused it, because, forsooth, it was +not cleaned and varnished. The tone was delicious: an idiot like that +pretending to dictate! Oh, the Philistine!"</p> + +<p>Theo laughed at Nannie's indignation. "You're great fun, Nan, when you +get off on one of these harangues. Go on."</p> + +<p>"You have dashed my inspiration," returned Nannie. "I forget what I was +going to say next. Oh, yes, only this, that Hunt says it is much easier +to condemn than to praise; it takes very little knowledge to pick +flaws, but a great deal to commend judiciously."</p> + +<p>"Good!" exclaimed Theo. "I like that. It is just what I should like to +have said myself. Oh, Nan, weren't you amused at Val's school friend, +Nettie Wayne, when you asked her to sit for you?"</p> + +<p>Nannie smiled.</p> + +<p>"She looked so conscious," continued Theo. "Why did you ask her? She +isn't a bit pretty."</p> + +<p>"No," answered Nannie; "but she has a certain paintable quality. I can +hardly explain, but we have had very ugly models sometimes that were +interesting in the extreme. We don't always ask people to sit for us +because we think they are handsome, but they nearly always think that +is it."</p> + +<p>"I might have thought so myself, if you hadn't taught me better. We are +lots of help to each other in more ways than one, Nan."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but I am afraid we are all so content with one another that it +makes us selfish about outsiders. I actually am getting to hate to see +a stranger come into the studio."</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder. Think of last Saturday, when Mrs. Ashton called. She +hasn't a bit of mental property to exchange, but she thinks artists and +such people are so amusing, and she wants to be amused; so she wastes +your time by the hour. I was so provoked, for I knew your poor flowers +would fade, and I knew you couldn't half attend to your painting with +such a rasp at your elbow."</p> + +<p>"A rasp at my elbow!" laughed Nannie. "What a figure of speech, Theo. +Yes, I know she is a bore. I am always reminded of the drones in a hive +when I meet such people. I do need all my time for my work, and to have +some one come in and say, 'I'll not detain you a minute, I know you are +busy; I just wanted to see what you were doing, it is so interesting.' +And then they stay and stay, and you are fidgety, and the daylight is +going, and you wish you were a bee and could sting them out of the +hive. I feel actually vicious sometimes. It is a great strain on one's +powers of endurance. Oh, Theo, I wonder if it is ourselves or they who +are selfish?"</p> + +<p>"Both, maybe," replied Theo.</p> + +<p>"Well, girlies!" was Miss Nelson's greeting as they entered the room +together. "We have been waiting for you. Val is full of a scheme, and I +could hardly restrain her from going out to find you."</p> + +<p>"Girls! Girls!" called Val from the next room. "Wait."</p> + +<p>"We are waiting," responded Theo. "What did you think we were going to +do?"</p> + +<p>"I didn't know," answered Val, making her appearance; "you might be +going to do most anything. Girls, I have found the dearest old lady to +take our French class. She has white hair, and is so fat and so funny, +and is so sentimental and ridiculous; no, I don't mean ridiculous, +but she is so funny. I met her at Nettie Wayne's to-day. She came to +inquire about possible pupils, and I told her to come here. If you +girls and Archie and Jack would join, it would be quite a little class, +and we could meet her. Don't you think it is just what we want?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly," agreed Theo. "We will dilate upon the subject this evening +when the boys come. And, auntie, you will be one of us, won't you?"</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson shook her head. "I think not," she replied. "I have +expended all my superfluous brain matter upon my Dante class, and +cannot take up anything now. I am not going to fritter away my time +with chits of girls."</p> + +<p>"Now, auntie!" in a chorus.</p> + +<p>"Auntie doesn't need to, she means," explained Theo. "She reads French +perfectly now, and it would only be tiresome to her; but we shall have +her to help us along, and that will be fine."</p> + +<p>"Madame Ribeau is coming to see auntie," Val informed them; "though I +know all about her from the Waynes."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The boys consenting to give certain hours during the week, the French +class was formed without delay, and, as Miss Janet's engagements took +her away on Friday, it was arranged that the young people should make +that their lesson day, and great fun they had out of it.</p> + +<p>In lieu of a blackboard, the back of a wardrobe, standing in one +corner of the studio, was used, the boys laboriously turning it around +each week, and to this very day, one may possibly see the remains of +"J'aime, Tu aime, Il aime," chalked upon the wooden surface.</p> + +<p>Archie's ingenuity knew no bounds, and with Val as an able abettor, +some absurdity was introduced into each lesson, to the great delight +of Madame Ribeau, who was entertained beyond measure by her lively +pupils, and gave them an interest and affection she gave no others, for +the boys were courteously attentive to her, and the girls generously +interested in her pleasure.</p> + +<p>"What is our fable to-day?" whispered Archie to Val, one afternoon.</p> + +<p>"Don't you remember?" returned Val. "Une tortue lasse d'être toujours +enfermée."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," replied Archie, "I recollect," and, giving her a significant +nod, he left the room.</p> + +<p>"Ou est Monsieur Archie?" asked Madame, looking around before +commencing the lesson. "And Mademoiselle Val, she has too departed, +for why?" and Madame looked inquiringly at the others, who shook their +heads.</p> + +<p>"We do not know, Madame."</p> + +<p>"Ah, it is nothing," said Madame, foreseeing some diversion; "we will +proceed with the lesson. Vous, Mademoiselle Theo, commencez. Une +tortue—"</p> + +<p>"Une tortue lasse d'être toujours enfermée dans son écaille," read +Theo, when the door opened, and in walked Val and Archie, bearing +between them a stick, the ends of which were held between their teeth; +from the middle dangled a marvellous presentment of a turtle, composed +of a small pin-cushion with appended legs and head of paper. The two +advanced into the middle of the room, and with all gravity stood before +Madame.</p> + +<p>"Ciel!" cried she, throwing up her hands. "Quel Niais! Comme le tortue +est drôle," and she laughed till the tears ran down her fat cheeks.</p> + +<p>At another time, when the fable was "Un navire charge d'un grand +nombre des singes, etc.," Archie launched from some unperceived spot a +boat-load of absurd little sponge monkeys.</p> + +<p>But Madame was clever enough to turn the little episode into an object +lesson for them all, and drilled them upon the different parts of a +ship, till Jack declared himself ready to man a French cruiser.</p> + +<p>But into the happy little company crept at last an intruder whose +presence finally drove away Jack Allen, and who gave uneasiness in more +or less measure to them all.</p> + +<p>Theo announced, one day, that she had met an old acquaintance, Felix +Parkhurst. "You remember him, Val?" she said.</p> + +<p>Val nodded. "Of course I do; the young man with the sleepy eyes and +the lazy way of talking. You rather liked him, didn't you? Oh, yes," +as Nannie looked around, "I remember all about it now. Why, Nan, he is +your cousin—and—" but Val stopped.</p> + +<p>"He is my cousin," replied Nannie. "I wasn't laughing at that. I was +laughing at the tender way my aunt referred to him in her conversation +with Theo after she had discovered Theo had inherited Preston."</p> + +<p>"Now, Theo, don't blush," laughed Val.</p> + +<p>"I didn't let Felix know of my being here," continued Nannie, "because +I knew he would be drifting in here any hour of the day and taking up +our time; he has nothing on earth to do. I despise a useless man."</p> + +<p>"Oh, and I told him where we were; I never thought," and Theo gave the +information with some misgivings. "It never occurred to me, Nan, but +what you would like to see him."</p> + +<p>"I don't object to seeing him; he isn't a bad fellow," admitted Nan; +"he is simply useless and uninteresting. Don't you think so?" and she +turned suddenly to Theo.</p> + +<p>Theo looked down. "I don't know;" she gave the answer hesitatingly. "I +think maybe there is more in him than you imagine, Nan; anyhow, he is +coming to see us."</p> + +<p>"To see you, you mean," Val specified, teasingly.</p> + +<p>Theo drew herself up to her full height, and looked down haughtily at +the little figure nestling among the cushions of the divan.</p> + +<p>"Don't, Theo, don't," expostulated Val, laughing saucily; "you +appropriate all the pride of your ancestors when you put on that look. +I'll tell you one thing,—Archie won't like him; neither will Jack."</p> + +<p>"As if I cared," returned Theo, turning her back to her cousin.</p> + +<p>And then Val formed a scheme in her mischievous little head, not +meaning to do much harm. But, being rather a thoughtless little +mortal, she loved her cousin absorbingly; but she could not resist +following out a plan which she meant should benefit her, and which, +perhaps, really did in the end, although the means employed were not +praiseworthy.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The very next day Felix Parkhurst presented himself. He was a +gentle-mannered young man, but, as Nannie said, "he was born weary;" +and his little languid air amused her, though she felt a contempt for +it. Theo, however, was rather impressed by it.</p> + +<p>Theo was a girl of strong sentiment, but she was too young to +distinguish between real feeling and a certain sentimentalism which +young people are apt to esteem highly.</p> + +<p>From the first, Felix Parkhurst attached himself to the girl, who was +so sweetly sympathetic, and who told herself she felt "so sorry for +him."</p> + +<p>"It is not a happy existence I lead; there is nothing worth living +for," he said once, lifting his head and looking gloomily at the girl.</p> + +<p>Theo opened her eyes. "Oh, don't say that; there is so much to live +for; it is a beautiful world."</p> + +<p>"To some," replied Mr. Felix. And then he dropped a few romantic +phrases about his lonely heart, about his being misunderstood, about +the emptiness of all his pursuits, all of which Theo repeated in +innocent confidence to Nannie.</p> + +<p>"Why doesn't he go to work?" said Nannie, bluntly, standing off from +her easel and viewing her canvas with half-closed eyes.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Nan," answered Theo; "his father does not encourage him to do the +things he likes, and he has no heart for mercantile life."</p> + +<p>"What would he like to do?" asked Nan, stepping forward with loaded +brush, and putting a dab of paint on her canvas.</p> + +<p>"Oh, he would like to be a writer, or something of that sort."</p> + +<p>Nannie again stepped back, viewing her work critically, but made no +immediate reply. But presently, she turned and looked at Theo. "You +goose!" was all she said.</p> + +<p>Finding Nannie entirely unsympathetic, Theo gave no more confidences, +but brooded over the matter in silence, gaining interest in Felix as +she did so.</p> + +<p>Theo had heretofore shown such a lofty disdain of any possible lover +that it never occurred to Miss Janet that hers was anything more than +the same friendly interest the girl had shown in Gilbert Rogers or +other friends of her brother's. She could not guess that the dear child +was weaving her first romance out of such very unsubstantial stuff.</p> + +<p>Nannie gave a superb scorn to it; that any one could really fall in +love with Felix seemed impossible to her. Archie saw nothing; for Theo, +like the true woman she was, would rather have died than have confessed +her liking to any one, even to her beloved Archie.</p> + +<p>But little Val was wiser than any, and here came in her plan of +operation. Felix's entrance into the French class was Val's signal for +a series of coquetries which surprised Theo, amused Archie and Nannie, +and flattered Felix. Only Jack sensitively felt the reflex of Theo's +every emotion, saw her grow pale and red by turns, saw her charming, +unconsciously gracious manner change to a disturbed silence, saw +furtive, miserable glances cast at Val, whose little bewitching ways +would have attracted a much less susceptible heart than that of Felix, +who, however, possessed no real sentiment, knowing only a sort of +surface sentimentality which pleased itself with romantic phrases and +a theatrical display of emotion. While Theo counted his triflings as +coming from his heart, Val recognized them at their counterfeit worth, +and played with them accordingly, believing that she was doing Theo a +real kindness.</p> + +<p>Not so, poor Theo. Feeling that Nannie had no sympathy with her fancy, +that auntie was blind to it, and that Val was determinedly putting a +barrier between confidences by her apparent usurping of Theo's place, +the girl was very miserable; the more so that difficulties having +arisen made the object of her fancy the more attractive by reason of +there appearing a possible loss.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter with Theo?" asked Miss Janet. "She looks so +dejected and pale; she says she is well, so she must be worrying over +something. It cannot be Jack's affairs, do you think, Val? I sometimes +wonder if Theo is not more interested in him than she is willing to +confess."</p> + +<p>Val laughed, a little wickedly.</p> + +<p>"Does it seem so amusing?" inquired auntie.</p> + +<p>Val came up and put her arms around her. "You dear blind auntie, I am +not going to tell you, if you cannot see for yourself. Theo care for +Jack! Not a bit of it."</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson turned around and took the girl's face between her hands. +"What are you up to, Val?" she asked, as Val's eyes shot out a +mischievous glance.</p> + +<p>"I wonder if I ought to tell you," said Val, settling herself at +auntie's feet. "Yes, I will; you ought to know everything about us, +auntie dear, for you always know how to get the right out of anything. +My opinion is, that Theo is sort of, kind of interested in Felix, and I +am doing my best to cut her out," and with this audacious speech, Val +looked up, but looked down again very quickly as she encountered Miss +Nelson's grave face.</p> + +<p>"If that is so," said auntie, "you are doing a very wicked thing."</p> + +<p>"Oh, auntie!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear child; perhaps you do not mean to. I do not know your +motive."</p> + +<p>"Why, oh, auntie," put in Val, hastily, "I am doing it all for Theo. +He is so unworthy of her; and if he didn't flirt with me, he would +with her. He says the same things to us both, I know he does: he is +that kind, and he doesn't mean a word of it; but Theo is so earnest, +she doesn't see it at all, and in time, she might like him too much. +Mind, I don't say she does, but she idealizes him, and he makes her +think she is a comfort and a help to him, as if he needed either. He +has everything in the world to make him happy; he is only 'blasé' and +discontented, and Theo calls it sensitiveness, and all that."</p> + +<p>"Who made you so worldly-wise, little girl?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; it is because I love Theo, I suppose, that I see it. +Jack—" Then Val paused.</p> + +<p>"What about Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing—only—Jack sees it, too. I am sure that is why he is going to +give up the French class; he says it is because he cannot spare a whole +afternoon from the office. Oh, dear! It is a muddle. Auntie dear, help +me," and Val looked up so appealingly that auntie had to bend and kiss +her.</p> + +<p>"My darling, you are all wrong, I am afraid. It is true that if Felix +Parkhurst has a shallow nature, he would make Theo very miserable. She +is too fine and earnest herself, but you, no doubt, are only adding +fuel to the flames. To make her jealous is not only the surest way to +help on the matter, but it is disloyal. Suppose we say that Theo had +something which she valued very much, perhaps only a little bird with +a harsh note, but which had learned to eat from her hand, and sing its +meaningless little song to her, and suppose you should coax it from +her, and at last appropriate it entirely, saying 'Theo shall not have +it; that is not a song it sings.'"</p> + +<p>Val was listening attentively.</p> + +<p>"I should say, better let her find out that there is no music there, +and she will set it free of her own accord; but you have no right to +steal it."</p> + +<p>"Steal it!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, dear; it is nothing more nor less than robbery, and unworthy of +the really noble, loving heart I know yours to be."</p> + +<p>The tears were in Val's eyes, and she took Miss Janet's hand, laying +her cheek against it, then sighed.</p> + +<p>"Auntie, the top of your ladder is so near the sky, I am afraid it is +beyond poor humanity to reach it. I don't believe any one looks at +things quite so loftily; at least, I know lots of girls who have done, +and still do, and intend to keep on doing, as I have done from a very +different motive."</p> + +<p>"Even so; it does not follow that it is right. Poor humanity, indeed! +Where would it be if anything less than the highest moral life were +our goal? When we have that before us, if we still stumble and err so +constantly, what could we hope for with less high aims?"</p> + +<p>"Where is Theo?" asked Val, presently.</p> + +<p>"In her room, I think."</p> + +<p>"And Nannie has not come in yet?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet."</p> + +<p>In another moment, Val was at Theo's door. She knocked timidly, and +then turned the knob and entered.</p> + +<p>Theo had evidently just sprung to her feet from the bed where she had +been lying; there was the imprint of her head on the pillow, and her +eyes were red with crying.</p> + +<p>Val sprang towards her. "Oh, darling, darling!" she cried. "I am a +mean, wicked girl, but I didn't mean to be," and she poured forth her +tale in Theo's ears.</p> + +<p>"And he has talked that way to you?" said Theo, as Val concluded her +recital.</p> + +<p>"Yes," softly replied Val.</p> + +<p>There were two burning spots in Theo's cheeks. She put out her hand and +held Val's tightly.</p> + +<p>"Thank you," she said.</p> + +<p>Val's arm stole around her. "Don't you hate me?" she whispered.</p> + +<p>"I was so disappointed in you," was Theo's low reply; "it hurt me so to +feel that you were not true, Val. I felt as if I couldn't believe in +friendship at all, if I couldn't trust yours."</p> + +<p>From that time Val's coquetries with Felix Parkhurst ceased. And Theo's +manner towards him, though slightly haughty, was as graciously polite +as ever.</p> + +<p>"Theo is really grown up," said Archie to his aunt, as he watched his +sister at an evening gathering.</p> + +<p>She was, indeed, across the threshold.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image012" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image012.jpg" alt="image012"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image013" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image013.jpg" alt="image013"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_5">CHAPTER V.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +JACK'S SEND-OFF.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>IT took some time for Theo's eyes to be entirely opened; it was hard +for her to give up her ideals, and she reproached herself with an +inconstancy which she decried. It is often so with imaginative natures. +While heretofore she had always confided in her aunt, Theo now felt it +impossible to share her secret with any one.</p> + +<p>The nearest approach to a confidence, strange to say, was in a +conversation with Mr. Smith, whose feeling for Theo was very deep. He +had watched her pass through her first trials, had learned to value +the pure womanly nature which scorned artifice of any kind, and with +his natural astuteness, he guessed that she was in danger of bestowing +her affections where he dreaded their falling. He knew we are apt +to judge persons from the stand-points of our own compositions, not +realizing that they who are differently temperamented must act and feel +differently. And so he believed that Theo was in danger of clothing her +ideal in Felix Parkhurst's form, imagining he possessed the qualities +she most admired. And he saw that Felix was clever enough to make her +believe that he answered to her ideal, when all which was responsive +in him was only surface deep; he was a mere trifler with the true and +beautiful, a seeker of new emotions, and only a lover of himself. Young +men of this type were most heartily despised by Mr. Smith.</p> + +<p>"He hasn't a bit of force," was his criticism; "he is as weak as +dishwater, conceited jackanapes!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>This was in answer to Val's question of "What do you think of Felix +Parkhurst, Colonel?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith was standing in the studio, looking at one of Nannie's +studies. He was waiting for Theo to go out to drive with him; and Val +had been teasing him in her usual saucy way.</p> + +<p>"I don't see why you don't take me?" she said, hanging on his arm. "You +always ask Theo," she continued, pouting.</p> + +<p>"Would you rather I asked you?" inquired he, sharply.</p> + +<p>Val laughed. "You thought you would catch me, Colonel, but I am not +to be taken in that way, for I don't want to go a bit. I have an +engagement, if you please, good sir. You aren't near as snappish as +you used to be," she added, going off and regarding him meditatively. +"I don't know what would have become of you if papa had not asked to +have you appointed my guardian. You would eventually have become like +some of these new war explosives: one couldn't come within miles of you +without being blown up," and, making an elaborate courtesy, she left +the room just as Theo entered.</p> + +<p>"I am not going to have you lose your bloom in this city air," was the +Colonel's greeting.</p> + +<p>Theo smiled, but rather wearily. "I remember you brought it back once +before," she replied; "you always do me good, Mr. Smith. I think you +are a wholesome tonic. I am in a doubting mood to-day; if you can find +me some faith in myself on our way, I shall come home in much better +spirits."</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith made no reply just then, and they were fairly on their way, +when he suddenly turned and said,—</p> + +<p>"Don't doubt yourself because you haven't found your ideal. Take an old +man's advice, Theo. I've been through the mill, and I cannot have you +beginning to be bitter at your age."</p> + +<p>"But I must be such a weakling, such a dreamer," returned Theo.</p> + +<p>"No, child; it is like searching for truth. One may make many mistakes, +but the endeavor is none the less true, nor is truth the less when +it is found. It is not your limit, my girl, nor are you any the less +constant to love as love."</p> + +<p>"How did you know?" said Theo, softly, after a pause.</p> + +<p>The Colonel turned, and saw that her eyes were cast down to hide the +tears falling from them; for answer, he only whipped up his horse and +changed the subject. But Theo felt that among her friends none read her +heart so well or gave her closer sympathy than the gruff old Colonel.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>During this period of Theo's self-abasement, nothing tended to restore +her to a better state of mind than Jack's little unassuming attentions, +although she did not realize what he was doing for her, so delicately +did he offer comfort. A bunch of violets, a bright book, a turn of +the talk from morbid subjects to something actively interesting, +suggestions of all sorts to Miss Nelson for taking Theo out of herself, +suggestions which auntie was wise enough to offer without accounting +for the source.</p> + +<p>One evening, Jack came in with something cuddled up under his overcoat. +Theo was in the studio with her aunt.</p> + +<p>"I have brought a suppliant for your favor," announced he, still +holding his coat over the little creature he concealed.</p> + +<p>Theo came nearer. "Oh, what is it, Jack? Let me see."</p> + +<p>"Can you harbor a homeless waif?"</p> + +<p>"That depends," remarked Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Is it a kitten?" inquired Theo, curiously.</p> + +<p>Jack shook his head. "No; I wouldn't dream of bringing any one to +share his majesty Lord Ishmael's reign. 'This is another story.' As +I was coming up the street, a few days ago, I saw a little lost dog, +which, when I spoke to him, followed me so persistently that he must +have imagined I was his master. I took him home, not knowing what else +to do, but I couldn't keep him long,—for I am going away in a short +time,—and though Archie, dear old man, would be glad to see to him, +the little chap would be lonely if left to himself all day. I have +advertised, but no answer has come, and I haven't the heart to turn him +loose," and Jack turned back his coat, displaying a little Yorkshire +terrier, whose bright eyes looked out from under his scraggy hair.</p> + +<p>"The darling!" exclaimed Theo, and down bounced doggie, running to her, +wagging his stump of a tail, and putting suppliant paws on her lap. +"You dear little fellow," giving utterance to the caressing words as +she picked him up. "Oh, auntie!" appealing to Miss Janet. "We may keep +him, mayn't we? We can as well as not."</p> + +<p>Jack gave Miss Janet a quick glance.</p> + +<p>"Will you be responsible for him?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Of course I will," vouched Theo. "I will see that he has plenty to +eat, and will take him out airing every day; won't I, doggie? What do +you call him, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Rags!" replied he.</p> + +<p>"That just suits him," and Theo hugged up the little creature, showing +such a lively interest in him that Jack was entirely satisfied with his +policy in bringing him.</p> + +<p>"You are going away?" said Miss Nelson, turning to Jack. "You will not +be gone long, I hope."</p> + +<p>"I don't know," he answered. "I may never come back: I cannot tell."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried Theo, contritely. "And I never noticed what you said. I was +so taken up with Rags. You really are not going, Jack?"</p> + +<p>Jack set his lips firmly and looked at the girl regarding him with +friendly eyes. "Yes," he said. "I have not spoken of it before, even to +Arch. I only told him to-day. I have nothing in the world, Theo, but +my own energy to depend upon. I am not rich any longer. My uncle has +absorbed everything; he has failed, after making over everything to his +wife."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you poor boy!" exclaimed Theo, with real concern. "Tell us all +about it," and she left her place to go to his side.</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to tell," replied Jack, simply; "that is all. My +uncle married, I think, with this end in view; he had put all my money +in the business. I could not get it out, and he has failed for a +million, at least; so I must go to work."</p> + +<p>"But you have been working," asserted Miss Nelson; "you have never been +an idler, Jack. Tell us your plans. I am just beginning to take in all +you have said. It will be hard to lose one of my boys; and Archie—how +he will miss you."</p> + +<p>"I am going south," Jack told them; "there is a chance for me there; +and when I make my fortune, I will come back," and he gave a smile full +of sweetness and courage to Theo.</p> + +<p>"We shall all miss you dreadfully," she assured him. "Oh, Jack, we +shall indeed," as she suddenly remembered all his little thoughtful +ways, his never-failing readiness to be of use to one and all, and her +eyes filled. "It was cruel of your uncle."</p> + +<p>"Never mind; it will be all right," he said, consolingly. "Don't mind, +Theo: it will make a man of me, maybe," he added. "No doubt, it's just +as well."</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson understood, if Theo didn't; for she knew how hard it was +for him to give them all up, Theo especially; and that nothing less +than absolute compulsion could give him the courage to renounce the +companionship so dear to him.</p> + +<p>"I shall keep you well posted, young man," said Miss Janet, "as to all +that concerns us, for I do not mean to have you give us up at all. +And Archie, of course, will hear from you very often, so it is not an +entire separation. When must you leave us?"</p> + +<p>"About the first of the month; there is time for any number of +farewells. Don't bother, Miss Nelson; it's all right, you know. I don't +mind it much."</p> + +<p>But auntie knew he did mind, auntie and Archie. Theo felt a little +indignant that he should assume such indifference, and Nannie was +genuinely sorry to have him go; Archie was inconsolable, and Val was +loud in her lamentations and continually bewailed Jack's hard lot. She +finally told Theo it was all her fault, and heaped such reproaches upon +her that poor Theo began almost to believe that she had been party to +an iniquitous proceeding.</p> + +<p>The evening before Jack's departure, they agreed to have, as Archie +said, "one glorious, old, idiotic time;" and the preparations for this +somewhat modified the sharpness of the loss of their comrade.</p> + +<p>By this time, Rags had a new sobriquet, it having been arrived at by a +series of expressions, through Theo's endeavor to teach him the trick +of sitting up on his hind legs and crossing his forepaws.</p> + +<p>"Poor thing, cross his legs," in a coaxing tone, became "poor 'sing, +c'oss he legs," then "po''sing, c'oss he," and finally "Posie-Cossie," +and "Posie-Cossie" every one called him.</p> + +<p>He was a most intelligent, sensitive, affectionate little fellow, and +developed as many peculiar tastes as did Theo's cat, Ishmael.</p> + +<p>The evening's jollifications were ushered in by a candy party, and +great was the variety the girls managed to manufacture.</p> + +<p>"Don't they look good?" said Val, as she daintily nibbled a cream +chocolate. "I think these are the best. We will put them aside where it +is cool, and eat some of those ragged-looking things first. Jack likes +chocolate, and this is his send-off," and she took the buttered sheet +of paper carefully into another room.</p> + +<p>"I like the nutty ones best," declared Theo, "and so does Archie; so +we will save a lot of those, too." And these were set aside with the +chocolates.</p> + +<p>But an hour later, when Theo went to get them, not one of the +chocolates was left, and only a few of the nutty ones.</p> + +<p>"Val, Val," she called, "where have you put the chocolates?"</p> + +<p>"Why, in there," responded Val, pausing in her occupation of laying a +table for a reception of the feast.</p> + +<p>"They're not here."</p> + +<p>"Not there!" And Val appeared at the door, then approached nearer +to examine the place. She looked around, above and below, and, +finally, discovered the paper on the floor. "I know!" she exclaimed. +"Posie-Cossie has taken them. Where is he?"</p> + +<p>Theo called him, and presently, with a very wagging tail and an +exceedingly cordial manner, the little dog appeared from under the bed; +but he approached slowly and with much fawning.</p> + +<p>"Posie-Cossie," said Theo, in a severe tone, "who took the chocolates?"</p> + +<p>Immediately Posie-Cossie fell over on his back and held up deprecating +paws, while his tail from wagging kept up a slight wiggle, as if he +meant to assure them that, no matter what their feelings towards him, +he was entirely amiably disposed.</p> + +<p>"You're a bad, naughty dog!" scolded Theo. "Poor Jack, to think it +should be his favorite candy, too. It is a mean shame."</p> + +<p>Posie-Cossie was plunged into utter misery by the continued reproaches, +and Theo concluded he was punished enough when she refused to respond +to his blandishments; for he was, by this time, trying to jump up and +lick her hand. But when, failing of all other resources, he went off in +the corner abjectly and crossed his paws, in the most approved manner, +Theo had to laugh, and that ended the scolding.</p> + +<p>With Miss Nelson and Mr. Smith as audience, Theo, Val, Nannie, Archie, +and Jack as performers, the evening's entertainment began.</p> + +<p>"I'm not going to be in it at all," decided Jack. "I think it is more +fun to look on. Or, I'll tell you: give me my acts first, and let me +join the audience."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no," remonstrated Archie; "you're up to it, Jack. Come, join the +gang."</p> + +<p>"No," said the girls; "that isn't fair, Archie. We are all audience, +you know, for each one enjoys the others' performances, and we can look +on when we are not performing. Jack shall do just as he pleases; it is +his last evening, and this is in his honor, so don't cross him."</p> + +<p>"Don't cross him!" repeated Archie. "One would suppose he was a +toddling infant just recovering from the whooping-cough."</p> + +<p>"He is anything but an infant," retorted Val, smiling up into Jack's +face, at such a height above her. "I declare, Jack, you are so nice +and big, I could almost fall in love with you; it is a pity you are +going away. Why didn't I think of it sooner?" And Val laughed saucily +at Archie as he gave her a disappointing look. "Don't look upon me with +such 'spurn,'" she besought him. "Jack doesn't care. Do you, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Not in the least," he assured her. "I know your capabilities, and am +not afraid of what you can do."</p> + +<p>"What a very subtle and obscure speech," remarked Val to Nannie. "What +does he mean? That I am not capable of falling in love, or that he is +proof against me?"</p> + +<p>"Here, here," ordered Archie, "stop fooling. It is time we were getting +into our rigs. You and Nannie come after Jack, Val, and you haven't +begun to get ready. Hurry up now, while we go to our green-room and +prepare."</p> + +<p>"Don't forget you're to do the announcing," called Val after him.</p> + +<p>Jack had precipitately fled before this, and was ready to return as +Lamio the great snake-charmer. How he contrived to manipulate his paper +snakes was a mystery to all; but they certainly did crawl out of a +basket, coil themselves up at his bidding, dance, fight, and do so many +strange things that one really doubted if they were not alive.</p> + +<p>"I believe he has hypnotized us," said Nannie, "for I certainly +never saw anything so uncanny. Oh, Theo!" For one of the snakes was +slowly winding its way along towards them, but crept back at Nannie's +exclamation.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't he look handsome?" whispered Val. "Where did he get his +turban?"</p> + +<p>"My scrap-basket," informed Theo. "I wound it with a white mull scarf +I had, and his costume is just odds and ends; but he does look well in +it."</p> + +<p>"These snakes," Jack's voice broke in, "are very dangerous and +venomous. They are found in the wilds of Africa. Their names are Beard +of the Prophet, Pride of the Desert, Plains of South Africa, and +Brother of Princes. Here, Beard of the Prophet, you are getting sleepy; +wake up," and the creature jumped from its coiled position. "The +natives," continued Jack, "hunt them with tigers by watching for their +footprints in the sands."</p> + +<p>After this astounding statement, he paused for inspiration; then he +went on. "They are very similar to the boa-constrictor, and their +habits are much the same; only their habits are smaller," he added, +gravely, much to the amusement of Val, who burst into such a peal of +laughter as disconcerted Lamio, and he was not long in bringing his +exhibition to a close.</p> + +<p>Before long, Val and Nannie sent word that they were ready, and Archie +announced to the audience "the first appearance on any stage of the +infant prodigy, Baby Le Moyne," and Val, led by Nannie, came in. The +latter's appearance, however, created such mirth—for Theo and Jack +had joined the others till they should be called upon to appear—that +the infant prodigy had no chance at first. Nannie was stuffed out to +large proportions, her nose was held up by a thread of silk cunningly +fastened to her hair, and her costume was strikingly unique, while her +brogue was richness itself. Val carried a doll, and looked so like a +little baby that it was impossible to believe her eighteen years old. +Her voice, too, was pitched to exactness, and as she sang a little song +and repeated a little poem, she was perfect, and retired amid great +applause.</p> + +<p>Then Theo appeared as Miss Argosa, a freak with three eyes,—the third +one of glass, in the middle of her forehead,—upon which an eyebrow +and eyelashes had been most artistically painted by Nannie. Miss +Argosa professed to be able to see more than any one else; and Archie +pretended to hide articles, but in the most obvious places, which Theo +discovered immediately, of course.</p> + +<p>Archie next bounded upon the scene in an astounding acrobatic +costume, devised from some of Nannie's draperies. And he went through +such performances as standing on his head, turning somersaults and +handsprings, walking on his hands, till his agility evoked much +applause.</p> + +<p>Theo, as a professional singer, came out and sang a popular song in +most approved concert style, receiving a market-basket of paper flowers.</p> + +<p>Nannie painted a picture to music. She was dressed in the most +fantastic garb, with a false nose and flowing ringlets, a scarf with +fluttering ends about her shoulders. But her wax nose-fell off, and +created such merriment that she couldn't get it back again, and was +obliged to finish her sketch "with her own nose," as Val remarked.</p> + +<p>Then Jack sang a rollicking song. But being encored vociferously, he +began a ballad.</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"The busy tide of time flows on<br> + And bears our lives unto the main;<br> + And you are there, but I am gone,<br> + And we shall meet no more again,—"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>the rich voice rang out, and into it crept such a pathos that presently +Val was crying unmistakably. The tears were standing in Miss Nelson's +eyes, and Nannie was shading her face with her hand.</p> + +<p>Theo rebelliously bit her lip, and Archie cried out, "Let up, Jack; we +can't stand that."</p> + +<p>And Jack looked around to see them so sobered and saddened that he +broke into the Toreador Song from Carmen, and in a few moments, the +mood had changed.</p> + +<p>Archie, meantime, had dressed up Posie-Cossie, and, bringing him in, +tried to make him perform some tricks.</p> + +<p>Then followed an Indian dance, the costumes bringing into requisition +all the rugs, a striped Italian blanket, a pair of striped "portières," +and such like articles, while a quantity of monkey-fur served for +hair in the case of Archie, and Jack being surmounted by small +feather-dusters. An absurdly solemn dance it was, and, when exhausted +with the whirling, one after another stopped, and at last, the +performance was declared at an end.</p> + +<p>"We had a good time, didn't we?" said Val. "Wasn't it funny, Colonel? +Did you ever laugh more?"</p> + +<p>"I never in my life laughed more," declared Mr. Smith. "I don't see +how you children manage to be so intensely amusing," which was a great +compliment for the Colonel, who seldom praised, and the performers were +correspondingly grateful.</p> + +<p>"Posie-Cossie ate up all the chocolates," announced Nannie; "so, Jack, +we will have to select some other 'dainty dish to set before a king.'"</p> + +<p>"Never mind," replied Jack; "the display is tempting enough without +them. I'll take a nutlet. I'm not much of a candy fiend, and you have +enough left to supply an army."</p> + +<p>"You will make yourselves ill, children," warned Miss Nelson; "do eat +something besides sweets. How do they manage to do it?" she said to Mr. +Smith.</p> + +<p>"Try a bon-bon, Colonel," said Val, persuasively.</p> + +<p>"Not for the world," he replied, with a wry face; "but you may give me +some of that salad: it looks passable."</p> + +<p>"Passable!" was Val's indignant response. "It is equal to Delmonico's. +Theo and I made it, drop by drop, just as the recipe says."</p> + +<p>"A remarkable way," concluded Mr. Smith, smiling. "It isn't bad," +pronounced he, "but you might improve it."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if we left out anything," said Val, in an aside to Theo.</p> + +<p>"No," she replied, "of course we didn't; he is only teasing."</p> + +<p>"Time is flying," Jack proclaimed. "I must be off."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear!" sighed Val. "Jack, I just hate to say good-by. Please come +back soon. You are so like the rest of us, it is a shame to lose you +out of the crowd. You are so appreciative of our own special form of +wit, and are so responsive."</p> + +<p>"You are giving him a fine load to carry away with him, Val," said +Archie; "he will not be able to travel with all those compliments."</p> + +<p>"Never mind," retorted she. "Jack has strength enough to carry them; +now you—"</p> + +<p>"Stop, stop; no personalities," interrupted Jack. "Really, it is high +time we were going, for I must put some things in my trunk to-night, +and, do you know, it is to-morrow already. Midnight, actually," and he +began his adieux, to Miss Nelson first, to Theo last.</p> + +<p>For a moment he stood in the doorway, his eyes resting on the girl +whose face showed a lingering regret as he turned away. Then he darted +back again, and caught her hand in both his.</p> + +<p>"God bless you!" he said, huskily; then, without another word, he was +gone, and Archie followed.</p> + +<p>"There goes one of the truest, noblest men I know," said Mr. Smith, +breaking in upon the silence which had fallen upon the group.</p> + +<p>"Who?" asked Theo, flippantly, to hide some real emotion. "Archie?"</p> + +<p>"No, Miss," returned Mr. Smith, taking up his hat; "Jack Allen."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image014" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image014.jpg" alt="image014"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image015" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image015.jpg" alt="image015"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_6">CHAPTER VI.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +A PRIVATE VIEW.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>AFTER Jack left, "the flock," as they were called by Mr. Smith, settled +down quietly. Each turned to the work at hand, and, though Jack was +sadly missed, the winter months flew by very rapidly and, on the whole, +happily. Miss Nelson, whose opportunities for lectures and concerts +had never been very great, now was able to indulge herself in many +directions hitherto denied her. Theo worked away resolutely at her +music, her voice losing none of its sweetness by good training. Perhaps +nothing could have given her more comfort at this time than her power +to sing. Val, whose chief charm had always been her little engaging +ways, was now adding to them some of Theo's graciousness. She was also +gaining a thoughtfulness and an appreciative spirit which heretofore +had been somewhat lacking.</p> + +<p>Archie spoke out one day, when Miss Nelson had completed some little +service for which Val expressed her thanks,—</p> + +<p>"You are getting to be an awfully nice girl, Val," he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>Val blushed, then retorted, "As if I were not always an awfully nice +girl."</p> + +<p>"Well, so you were, compared to some; but you used to take everything +as a matter of course. Miss Le Moyne used to come first, and now she +doesn't. You used to accept anything done for you as if it were your +right."</p> + +<p>"I was a little spoiled, I believe," replied Val. "I did use to think +just that way, Archie, but now I see that no favor, no kindness is too +small to appreciate; and not only that, but to appreciate by expressing +thanks for it. That is auntie's teaching and Theo's example, and it is +due to one of our teachers, too, a little. It is awfully good of you to +say I have improved."</p> + +<p>"Humph!" responded Archie. "I might take a few lessons myself. I've +been pretty mean to you sometimes, Val, but I believe I tried to take +you down a peg or two, so I didn't praise you too much."</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't think you did," and Val laughed. "Miss Butler didn't +either, till she thought I deserved a little encouragement. She told us +one day of her grandmother, who was one of the most lovable old ladies +in the world. We were all saying what we most dreaded, and one of the +girls said she dreaded old age more than anything. Then Miss Butler +gave us these little maxims of her grandmother's," and Val drew a +little note-book from her pocket. "Do you want to hear them?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Certainly; 'what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.' Fire +away!"</p> + +<p>And Val read,—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "'She who feeds upon admiration may one day starve upon neglect.'<br> +<br> + "'She who worships self, worships at an empty shrine.'<br> +<br> + "'She who sees no beauty save in her mirror will not have much to +admire in the evening of life.'<br> +<br> + "'She who in youth seeks nothing but pleasure will find old age a +dreary time.'<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"For she read he," said Val, in conclusion, putting back the book into +her pocket.</p> + +<p>"They're pretty good," said Archie, thoughtfully. "What do you most +dread, Val?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, being shut up in a place where I can't stand upright," she +replied; "that is my horror. One of the girls said she dreaded +obscurity,—it is funny how the characteristics of each one came out +that day,—and we all smiled, for she is so exactly that way, and is +always saying she is so very proud. But it isn't real pride at all: it +is a love of importance. She would rather be important than happy."</p> + +<p>"What an occult way of putting it," remarked Archie. "Just what do you +mean?"</p> + +<p>"I mean that she loves adulation. She enjoys the sweet taste of praise. +She would rather wear herself out for the sake of a word of praise than +be at peace without it. Oh, Archie, we do have larks sometimes; there +are some such witty girls at this school. Not long ago, we had great +trouble in keeping any soap in the lavatory. The girls would take it +out and forget to return it, till one of the girls put up on the door, +'Who enters here, leave soap behind.' And it struck every one's sense +of humor, so that we have had no trouble since."</p> + +<p>"Shall you only go this year?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I sometimes think I should like to go to college, if +you all were to be near me. I like auntie's idea of a woman's taking +up certain studies, even if she makes no practical use of them. +Auntie thinks women need breadth of mind and concentration, and for +that reason should study mathematics and science. She thinks we allow +ourselves to be drawn away by little details too much, and do not see +things in a large way. But I don't want to go away off by myself."</p> + +<p>"Are you afraid of getting into mischief?" asked Archie, teasingly.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Val, scornfully. "I used to get into mischief and do +indiscreet things, but I hope I have more respect for myself now. If +I do not go to college, we can study at home, Theo and I; there are +plenty of studies we could keep up without masters."</p> + +<p>"Do you remember the summer we tried to study literature?" said Archie +to Theo, who had just come in.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Theo, smiling. "Archie was so funny, Val; he used to +ask the most ridiculous questions. I remember once, when Hawthorne was +our subject, and auntie said, 'And then they went to live at the old +Manse,' that Archie burst out with, 'He couldn't have had much pride, +auntie. Why did he go to live at the old man's? Couldn't he support his +wife?' How auntie did laugh!"</p> + +<p>"You didn't know any better yourself," retorted Archie, "till auntie +told us what the old Manse was. I was a very little chap, anyhow, only +about ten or twelve."</p> + +<p>"Where is Nan?" asked Val.</p> + +<p>"She has gone to see one of her artist friends."</p> + +<p>"Isn't she working too hard?" asked Archie.</p> + +<p>"She does work hard," was Theo's reply; "but it is her delight. I never +saw any one more in love with her work. She says she loves her brushes +better than anything else, and I almost believe her. I sometimes tell +her that her friends are a minor consideration where her painting is +concerned. But if she is happy, I shouldn't say a word. When I scold +her about wearing herself out, she always answers me with:</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +<span style="margin-left: 8em;">"'Get leave to work</span><br> +In this world,—'tis the best you get at all,—'<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"And then I have nothing at all to say, since I have such great respect +for Mrs. Browning; and then Nan believes in giving expression to +whatever talent one may possess. She says, 'If you have anything to +say, say it, through one medium or another; if you have anything to do, +do it.'"</p> + +<p>"If you have anything to eat, eat it," interrupted Archie, spying a +dish of fruit on the table and reaching over to help himself to an +apple.</p> + +<p>"If you have anything to snatch, snatch it," interposed Val, suiting +the action to the word and robbing Archie of his fruit.</p> + +<p>Then began a wild flight of Val around the room, behind tables and +chairs, with Archie after her, Theo remonstrating. "Don't, Archie! +Stop, Val! The people on the floor below will think we are savages +executing a war dance."</p> + +<p>But in the midst of the tussle Nannie came in, and the two belligerents +agreed to divide the apple, bite and bite about.</p> + +<p>"What luck, Nan?" inquired Theo.</p> + +<p>Nannie dropped into a chair. "I don't know," she answered; "but I sent +it haphazard, and now I am so nervous and excited over it."</p> + +<p>"Over what?" asked Archie, curiously.</p> + +<p>The girls looked at each other.</p> + +<p>"Shall we tell him?" said Theo.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes," decided Val; "tell him. Nan doesn't mind his knowing."</p> + +<p>Nannie hesitated, but at Archie's reproachful look confessed the +secret. "I have sent a picture to the exhibition," she admitted. "I +didn't want any one to know, for, in case it should be rejected, I +should feel so cut up about it. So don't tell, Archie."</p> + +<p>"I'll be as silent as a clam," promised Archie; "but you'll get in, +Nan. I prophesy that."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't!" exclaimed Nannie, putting up her hand as if to ward off +the prophecy. "Don't say anything to make me more excited than I am. I +think it was very brazen of me to send it, at best; but I did so want +to."</p> + +<p>"It wasn't brazen!" exclaimed the other girls. "Oh, Archie, it is +splendid."</p> + +<p>"What is the subject?"</p> + +<p>"Val sat for it," explained Nannie; "it is only a head."</p> + +<p>"And, of course," put in Val, "if it is rejected, it will be on account +of the subject."</p> + +<p>"No! No!" expostulated Nan. "You were positively delightful with that +yellow drapery."</p> + +<p>"I'm sure you idealized it enough," asserted Val.</p> + +<p>"Not a bit."</p> + +<p>"There! There!" interposed Archie. "You two modest creatures quit your +wrangling. When shall you know, Nan?"</p> + +<p>"Not till the twenty-second."</p> + +<p>"We are all going to the private view," said Theo; "and we are going, +in sections, to stand before the picture and admire it. Then maybe +somebody, hearing our ecstatic expressions of admiration, will buy it."</p> + +<p>"Don't suggest such a possibility," begged Nannie. "You will drive me +wild. Please, please, talk about something else, and let me recover my +equilibrium."</p> + +<p>"I believe you are more nervous than I ever saw you," declared Archie. +"We'll turn the subject."</p> + +<p>"We'll have to; there's some one at the door," notified Val.</p> + +<p>"I was told to come right up," said a voice, and Val's friend, Nettie +Wayne, made her appearance.</p> + +<p>Archie, who was sitting in the hammock, attempted to rise, that he +might be presented to the caller. But hammocks are not to be depended +upon, and, just at the critical moment, it gave a flop, causing Archie +to turn a back somersault, presenting his heels to the young lady in +the most ludicrous manner. He recovered himself almost immediately, +however, saying,—</p> + +<p>"We do not always do those things, Miss Wayne; although you may have +heard of our performances up here. You have been to studios before, no +doubt?"</p> + +<p>"I have been here before," laughingly replied Miss Wayne. "But I am +glad you explained, Mr. Nelson, for Val has told me of her cousin +Archie, and I might have expected some surprise."</p> + +<p>"Val, Val, what have you been saying of me?" demanded Archie. "Did you +tell Miss Wayne that I always greet callers in some unusual way,—that +I turn somersaults, or stand on my head whenever a visitor appears? I +assure you, Miss Wayne, it is not so. I really and truly behave quite +like other men, usually. What are you laughing at, Nan? Don't I?"</p> + +<p>Nannie shook her head in denial. "I never saw one quite like you," she +replied, teasingly.</p> + +<p>"Is that a compliment or not?" returned Archie, regarding her +thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"I shall not tell you," responded Nannie, a little confused. Then, +turning to Nettie, "Are you going to sit for me?"</p> + +<p>"Not with all these people here," confessed Nettie.</p> + +<p>"Go, people, go!" ordered Nannie.</p> + +<p>"That's mean, Nan, to turn us out. Let me stay, anyhow," entreated Val. +"I'll read aloud while you work," she added, with a sudden inspiration.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, you may stay."</p> + +<p>"She means she objects to us," remarked Archie to Theo. "Come, Theo, +they don't know what they miss. I have something in my pocket that you +and I will discuss together. Let us go to auntie's room," and Archie +picked up his overcoat, drawing something from one of the pockets.</p> + +<p>"What a 'moreish' looking package," cried Val. "Oh, Nan, don't turn +them out! It is a box of Huyler's candy, I know, and they will eat it +all up. They won't leave us a 'vestment' of it, as Mammy says."</p> + +<p>"Aha!" exclaimed Archie. "Revenge is sweet; it is as sweet as the +contents of this box," and he held the package aloft. "Come, Theo!" And +he was out of the door before they could stop him.</p> + +<p>With one accord they fell upon Theo. "We'll keep her as hostage," they +cried. "Arch shall not have her till he divides the candy," maintained +Val.</p> + +<p>"Let me go!" cried Theo, trying to extricate herself.</p> + +<p>But they held her fast, and in a few moments, finding Theo did not +follow him, Archie returned.</p> + +<p>"Help! Help! Your aid, Sir Knight!" implored Theo, struggling to get +free.</p> + +<p>"A maiden in distress!" exclaimed Archie, advancing upon the captors.</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare to touch us," commanded Nan, with great dignity. +"Archibald Nelson, if you step your foot one inch nearer, I'll—I'll—"</p> + +<p>"What? Say your worst."</p> + +<p>"I'll paint a hideous portrait of you. I'll exhibit it. I'll make it a +perfect caricature. I'll sell it. I'll make you wish you had never been +born."</p> + +<p>During this parley, the girls had weakened their grasp upon Theo, who, +watching her opportunity, freed herself, and darted into the arms of +Archie, who was now put upon the defensive, and was obliged to dodge +the shower of missiles thrown in his direction,—paint-brushes, wads of +paper, pencils, and pieces of rubber went flying across the room.</p> + +<p>"Such behavior!" Archie expostulated, dodging a brush.</p> + +<p>"So undignified!" cried Theo, ducking her head under Archie's arm as a +bit of rubber whizzed by.</p> + +<p>"All the ammunition is used up," announced Nan, looking in vain for +something to throw.</p> + +<p>And Val darted forward to catch up the brush lying closest to her. But +Archie was on the alert, and caught her by the wrist as she was in the +act of picking up the brush.</p> + +<p>"We'll compromise; we'll compromise," cried Nan.</p> + +<p>"Done!" replied Archie. "What are your terms?"</p> + +<p>"Pass around the candy once, and let Val go. You may keep Theo; we +promise not to recapture her."</p> + +<p>To this Archie agreed, and the girls, after helping themselves +liberally, settled down to work, left unmolested by Archie and Theo.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The morning of the twenty-second, Nannie watched for her mail with +fear and trembling. "I don't count on it at all," she kept repeating. +"Really, I shall be very much surprised if I am hung."</p> + +<p>"If you are hung? Is the picture as bad as that?" inquired Miss Nelson, +with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Nelson, you know what I mean. I mean if I am accepted."</p> + +<p>"There is the mail!" and Val sprang to her feet.</p> + +<p>Nannie sat very still, the color coming and going in her face.</p> + +<p>"What will you give?" cried Val, holding a large square envelope above +her head.</p> + +<p>"Don't tease, dear," reproved Miss Nelson. "Give Nannie her mail."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" breathed Nannie, as she opened the envelope. "Oh, Miss Nelson!" +and she turned to auntie, extending two cards with trembling hand.</p> + +<p>"Why, my dear, I congratulate you!" was Miss Nelson's pleased response +as she took into her hand not only a card of invitation to the private +view, but an exhibition ticket as well. "Your picture is really hung. +How very glad I am."</p> + +<p>Nannie could scarcely speak, she was so overcome, and for the rest of +the day felt as if she trod on air.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Saturday evening, the whole party, with Mr. Smith and Archie as +escorts, proceeded to the Academy, where they found Nannie's picture, +although "skyed," still looking quite well, and very proud did the +young artist feel.</p> + +<p>"I am ashamed to be seen looking at it," she whispered to Theo.</p> + +<p>Theo laughed. "No one will know," she replied.</p> + +<p>"Come, Nan, we want you," interposed Val. "You have a great deal to do +this evening. First, you are to tell us who is who. You are to point +out all the distinguished artists to us. You must know most of them by +sight, anyhow; and then you are to tell us what pictures to admire. +It would never do for us to stand before a bad picture, and say 'How +beautiful!' with perhaps the biggest gun in the art world standing +right behind us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear! What responsibility," sighed Nannie. "I am afraid I shall +never be able to meet it. You will have to do your own criticising, +I am afraid; and if you show a hopeless lack of taste, I will try to +point out your error. That is the best I can do. No, I will do better +than that, Val. I see some one I know over there alone. I will bring +him here and present him, and put you under his tutelage; he is one of +the best critics I know."</p> + +<p>And Nannie made her way across the room, returning with a +serious-looking young man, whom she presented to Val as Mr. Egerton. +And the two moved off together, while Nannie, being joined by Archie +and Theo, made a tour of the galleries with much satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Nan thinks it a very good exhibition," announced Val, as they were +about to take their leave, "and we have heard half a dozen people say +the very opposite."</p> + +<p>They all laughed, and Nannie, seeing their amusement, blushed furiously.</p> + +<p>"I know just what you mean," she declared. "They say an artist is apt +to consider that exhibition a good one in which his own pictures are +hung, and a poor one when his work has been rejected; so I shall not +allow you to consider me such a partial critic. We'll leave it to Mr. +Egerton. Is it, or isn't it, a good exhibition?"</p> + +<p>"It is a very good one," certified he. "You are quite correct, Miss +Talcott. I have only heard one opinion from those really capable of +judging."</p> + +<p>And Nannie looked around triumphantly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, we thought so," Val declared, airily. "We just wanted to guy you, +Nan."</p> + +<p>Mr. Egerton looked amused, and Nan was satisfied at having cleared +herself of having exhibited undue partiality.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The next day she came home with a great piece of news.</p> + +<p>"Girls! Girls! Where are you all?" she cried. "Miss Nelson, what do +you think?" And she ran from one room to room till she found the three +in Miss Nelson's room. "Oh, what do you think? I went to the Academy, +to-day, and my picture is sold," she proclaimed. "Sold! Do you hear? +Oh, that dear, nice little ticket did look so delightful. I could +hardly believe my eyes. Sold! The very first night. Isn't it wonderful?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Nan! Why, Nan!" they exclaimed. "And who has bought it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. I didn't charge a very big price; and the secretary told +me the purchaser preferred not to have his name made public."</p> + +<p>"I should like to know," said Val, "for it really looks so much like +me. And it seems so funny for a stranger to be looking at my portrait +day after day,—to be the actual owner of my likeness. I want to know +who has bought it."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it was Mr. Smith," suggested Theo.</p> + +<p>"Maybe it was. You ought to know, auntie. Did he specially admire it?" +inquired Val.</p> + +<p>"He liked it very well as a painting, but said he would rather have a +portrait of Val without all those fal-lals."</p> + +<p>"That sounds just like him, so probably it was not he, after all. We'll +ask him," decided Val.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Smith disclaimed any knowledge of the purchase, and the name of +the owner remained unknown.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image016" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image016.jpg" alt="image016"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image017" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image017.jpg" alt="image017"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_7">CHAPTER VII.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +HOW ELDORADO ANN WAS SCARED.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THE beginning of summer found "the flock" making other plans than their +usual ones; for Mrs. Lewis begged to retain the house in Roseville +another year. And since Archie could not be with them, it was decided +that they should all remain in or near New York till the very warm +weather, and then take two months at the sea-shore. This arrangement +pleased Mr. Smith mightily, and Archie, also; for Lyndehurst was easily +reached, and thither they all repaired very often until July came in +and drove them to a cooler place.</p> + +<p>"We shall have to do something about Eldorado Ann," announced +Miss Nelson, one morning. "Mrs. Lewis writes that the child is so +disappointed at our failure to return that she is miserable, and +cannot be made to take an interest in her work, so that she is utterly +useless. What can we do?"</p> + +<p>"She is your special 'protégée,' Theo," said Val; "lend auntie your +wits."</p> + +<p>"I should not like to bring her here," replied Theo; "it is no place +for her; and we do not need her, living as we do. Help me out, Val."</p> + +<p>Val looked thoughtfully out of the window; then she exclaimed, "I'll +ask the Colonel; perhaps Mrs. Barton can find her of use!"</p> + +<p>"The Colonel" was always Val's refuge when all else failed, and the old +man repaid the confidence placed in him by always being equal to the +emergency, and by professing an interest in matters heretofore entirely +foreign to his taste. So, as often before, he now rose to the occasion +and promised to place Eldorado Ann under Mrs. Barton's wing. Tommy +Reed, Eldorado Ann's brother, was still in Mr. Smith's employ, and, +from being an utterly wild, uncontrolled urchin, was developing energy +and ability under the training of old David, the gardener.</p> + +<p>"We will keep Eldorado Ann here for a few days and show her the city," +said Theo. "We can take her up to Lyndehurst next Saturday when we go."</p> + +<p>"Almost all the winter people have left the house," observed Val, one +morning. "There are some new people in the rooms below. I saw the +trunks going in as I came up-stairs yesterday."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't it seem funny not to know your next-door neighbor?" said Theo. +"In Roseville we know every one,—from the oldest inhabitant down to the +newest baby. I think I like home best, auntie."</p> + +<p>"Can't you see Eldorado Ann's round-eyed astonishment?" remarked Val. +"When will she come?"</p> + +<p>"To-day, probably," replied Miss Nelson. "Mrs. Lewis wrote that an +opportunity would occur this week for sending her in old Mr. Collins's +care, in that case she may come at any time. Mr. Collins will deliver +her safely here. So we need not meet her; in fact, we could not very +well, unless they sent a despatch, for it is a little uncertain when +they will leave."</p> + +<p>"And we are all going out to-day," said Theo.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," returned Miss Nelson. "Mrs. Joy can let her into our +rooms, and she will be quite safe till we return."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>That afternoon Eldorado Ann did arrive, and was ushered into the studio +to await the return of some of the family. The little girl, who was +about fourteen and quite small for her age, had never before been out +of her native village. The bustle and excitement of a big city had +already filled her with awe and amazement, so she was ready for all +sorts of surprises.</p> + +<p>As the door of the studio closed behind her, she looked around, and, +seeing a figure seated at a little distance, she went timidly towards +it. Dropping a courtesy, she said "Howdy, ma'am?" but the figure did +not stir.</p> + +<p>Eldorado Ann approached nearer. "Maybe she's deef," she said to +herself, and, raising her voice, she again said, "Howdy, ma'am?"</p> + +<p>No response. Eldorado Ann stepped a little to one side to meet the +bland smile and fixed eyes of a lay figure which Nannie had borrowed +from an artist friend.</p> + +<p>The little girl stood still for a moment, and then went off a step or +two. "Ef she ain't deef, she's blind with them starey eyes," she said. +"Lady, ma'am, where is Miss Theo?"</p> + +<p>No answer reaching her, the little girl went up closer and laid a +finger on the cheek turned towards her. Then with a leap, she sprang +away and retreated to the farthest corner of the room, her astonished +eyes gazing at the serenely smiling face still turned immovably in her +direction.</p> + +<p>"That beats me. I believe it's only a figgur," said Eldorado Ann, +and she sat down as far away as possible from the object of her +astonishment, not yet being quite sure whether it was alive or not.</p> + +<p>At that moment, from the room below, came terrifying sounds, short +gasps of "Oh! Oh! Oh!" then long-drawn groans, next a voice rapidly +speaking, rising higher and higher till it reached a wail of agony. A +moment's pause,—then a shriek.</p> + +<p>Eldorado Ann, with dilated eyes, faced the lay figure with its +unalterable regard fixed upon her.</p> + +<p>Again from below came the agonized voice, and then Eldorado Ann could +stand it no longer. Opening the door, she rushed precipitately out into +the hall and down the stairs, crying, "Help! Help! Somebody's being +murdered!"</p> + +<p>Fortunately, Theo, just coming up, met the excited child.</p> + +<p>"Why, Eldorado Ann!" she exclaimed. "What is the matter?"</p> + +<p>With her dear Miss Theo at hand, Eldorado Ann felt safe; but she burst +into tears.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Theo," she cried, "take me away. This is an awful place. +There's crazy people here, or people getting murdered. And that lady +up-stairs. I don't know whether she's dead or not. I've looked at her +so steady, and oncet she looked like she winked."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image018" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"><a id="Image018"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image018.jpg" alt="image018"></a></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>Then, with a leap, she sprang away.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>For a moment, Theo was puzzled. But as she entered the room, she caught +sight of the lay figure, and partly understood the cause of the little +maid's excitement. Then, as she recognized the sounds coming from the +room below, she burst out laughing.</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder you were scared, you poor child," she said. "I was +mystified myself at first. That is only some one practising elocution."</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Eldorado Ann, now recovering from her fright.</p> + +<p>"Why, some one learning to 'speak a piece,'" explained Theo. "It is +all right. You thought you had come to a dreadful place, didn't you, +Eldorado Ann? Never mind: it is nothing at all. Come here and see this +lady who has been staring at you." And Theo led the little girl up to +the lay figure, explaining its use, and showing Nannie's study of the +drapery worn by the "staring lady." "We call her ''Liza Jane,'" said +Theo. "She is very amiable; so don't be afraid any more."</p> + +<p>Eldorado Ann was much amused. And when, one day, Theo pointed out +to her the gentle, meek-looking girl who had given such terrifying +shrieks, she was no longer alarmed at anything that went on in that +house, and enjoyed her stay hugely, while her remarks gave the girls +much amusement, they were so naïve and spontaneous.</p> + +<p>"This is a great experience for Eldorado Ann," said Archie. "I wonder +what she will think of Tommy; he has grown so in the past four years."</p> + +<p>Tommy proved himself to be an object of great admiration to Eldorado +Ann, who viewed him with intense pride.</p> + +<p>"He's mos' a gentleman, ain't he, Miss Theo?" she said. "An' he says +some day me an' him'll keep house together."</p> + +<p>That a member of her own family showed any real signs of respectability +gave the little maid more self-respect than she had ever known; and +that Tommy, the scapegrace, should give promise of amounting to +something delighted her beyond measure.</p> + +<p>"Ma wouldn't know him, an' pop 'ud be ashamed of hisself, settin' there +doin' nothin'," she declared to Theo.</p> + +<p>Theo had her own private views on the subject, and doubted if anything +could make "pop" ashamed of himself; since almost everything that could +have appealed to his lazy nature had come his way. As for poor Mrs. +Reed, though her intentions were good, her fulfilment of them failed +miserably, as the down-at-heel appearance of their dwelling indicated.</p> + +<p>"I think we have the pick of the brood," said Archie, looking at Tommy +and Eldorado Ann happily talking together. "There comes a carriage, +Theo. Callers, do you suppose?"</p> + +<p>"It is some of the Parkhursts," said Val, looking over his shoulder. +"Fanny and Jamie, and—no, that is all. I thought I saw Felix."</p> + +<p>"The flock" had arrived at Lyndehurst on Friday evening, and this was +Saturday. The Parkhurst residence was not far away; it having been the +scene of Theo's first independent effort was more or less interesting +to them all, though the family was not a specially attractive one to +"the flock."</p> + +<p>Since Felix had discovered that neither Val nor Theo were disposed to +regard him with distinct favor, he had turned his attention in other +directions, and the girls had seen little of him in the past few months.</p> + +<p>"I shall be very glad to see Jamie," said Theo, as she watched the +carriage come up the drive; "and Fan, too, for that matter: naughty, +elfish little creature though she was. I think no one quite understood +her, and I believe she will yet develop into a fine woman.</p> + +<p>"Why, bless you, Jamie, how you have grown," was her greeting to the +curly-headed little fellow who ran up the steps to meet her; "and Fan, +too," and she held out her hand to the tall, awkward girl. "I am so +glad to see you both."</p> + +<p>"We came near not coming," announced Fan, in her old gruff way. "Felix +wanted the horses; he's a nasty, selfish wretch."</p> + +<p>"Why, Fan!" and Theo felt herself blushing, just why she could not have +told. "Come, suppose we sit here," she suggested; "it is so lovely +out-of-doors these June days," and she drew the children to her side.</p> + +<p>Jamie looked up fondly, and Fan allowed herself a caress.</p> + +<p>"I told Felix I'd pay him back," Fan went on. "I told him, if he didn't +let us come with the horses, that I'd walk over here and tell you all +about him."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk so," remonstrated Theo. "Since you did come with the +horses, it isn't fair; and besides, when he is not here to defend +himself, it is not nice of you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Nelson," said Fan, "I believe I could be a good girl if I had +you with me. Won't you come back?"</p> + +<p>Theo shook her head. "I'm afraid you mustn't expect it," she replied. +"Now, tell me all about everybody."</p> + +<p>And the children launched forth into an account of their usual +proceedings. Fan's pranks were evidently as pronounced as ever, and her +wilfulness as decided a trait.</p> + +<p>"I'm Miss Parkhurst, now that Leonore is married. You haven't seen +Leonore, have you, Miss Nelson, since she became Mrs. Tucker? I don't +see how she could marry such a sap-head. I don't like men, anyhow," Fan +declared. "Albert Tucker is a fool, and Felix is a conceited, selfish +pig. Eugene is going to be a dunderheaded yard-stick; he doesn't care +for anything but dollars and cents. Jamie is the only one I care for. +Pinkey is a stuck-up little minx, and—"</p> + +<p>"Fan! Fan!" Theo kept interrupting, trying in vain to stop the tirade, +and finally she placed her hand gently over Fan's lips. "I cannot allow +myself to listen to you," she said.</p> + +<p>"Oh, do let me," begged Fan, possessing herself of the hand. "I am kept +so bottled up. I have to let out my feelings sometimes, and 'you' never +thought I was wicked to want to run and romp, and 'you' never called +fairy tales silly stuff."</p> + +<p>Theo laid her hand softly on Fan's thick hair, for Fan had thrown aside +her hat and was sitting on a lower step, leaning her head against +Theo's knee.</p> + +<p>"Shall I tell you a story?" asked Theo.</p> + +<p>"Oh, please, just as you used to do: just a real, little old-fashioned +fairy tale, the kind I used to love."</p> + +<p>And Theo began,—</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "Once there was a little princess who lived in a big castle. She was +half blind and half dumb and half deaf, and had a hump on her back that +made it very hard for her to get along; so she was very unhappy, and +there seemed to be no way for her to be relieved from all this trouble. +But one day there came a poor little fairy to her, not a very wise nor +a powerful fairy, but just a plain little creature whom we will call +Apple-Blossom."<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Why did there come a little catch in Theo's voice as she remembered +a Sabbath-day, years before, when she had stood looking up into the +apple-trees, drifting their blossoms down upon her?</p> + +<p>"Go on," came Jamie's voice, as Theo paused.</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "Well," continued Theo, "the little apple-tree fairy said to the +princess, 'You need not be always half blind and half deaf and half +dumb, and you may one day be rid of that hump you wear, for there will +come a little prince to help you; he is very near you now, only you do +not see him nor hear him.'<br> +<br> + "Then the fairy flew away and whispered to the little prince, who was +not far off, 'Go and stand at the right side of the Princess Fancy, +and show her how beautiful the world is. Teach her to look up instead +of down, show her the sky and the trees and the flowers instead of the +worms and the mud and the thorns, then her right eye will open, and she +will be able to see so much that has been invisible to her. Then take +this little book, and sing these songs into her right ear, and, after +a while, instead of the discords she now imagines she hears, she will +hear sweet sounds. Then kiss her softly on the right side of her mouth, +and she will speak as she ought, not in stammering, broken words, but +clearly, as a free creature. Then, when you have done all this, walk +before her, so courageously, in such a straight, upright way, that she +will gain strength from seeing you. Then put your shoulder under the +hump she wears, and, after a while, it will fall off.'"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Theo stopped. Jamie was regarding her wistfully, and Fan was knitting +her brows in an earnest endeavor to puzzle out the story.</p> + +<p>"Do you understand, little prince?" whispered Theo, leaning down to the +child at her side.</p> + +<p>Jamie's arms clasped her neck, and he whispered back, "Am I the little +prince? Am I, Miss Theo?"</p> + +<p>"You can be," she returned, very softly; "and I will give you the +little book to read to the princess."</p> + +<p>"Fairy Apple-Blossom? I am beginning to understand," said Fan; "but he +is a very little prince," she continued, whimsically, regarding her +small brother.</p> + +<p>"He has a big heart," answered Theo, "and he has found out many, many +beautiful secrets. I discovered that long ago. I am sure he can help +you to see what a fair world it is, and you can love each other and +live for each other, so you will always be able to find sympathy and +affection. Don't pity yourself too much Fan; you have so much to live +for, and if you will try to do everything you can for Jamie, and if +Jamie will try to do everything he can for you, I am sure you can be +very happy in each other."</p> + +<p>"There is one thing, Miss Fairy Apple-Blossom," said Fan; "one thing +that I wish you would do. I wish you would see mamma, and tell her that +it doesn't hurt me to play boys' plays, and to run and romp. I shall +go raving crazy if I have to sit still the rest of my life. I will try +very hard to be a lady in company; but, Miss Theo, it won't hurt me to +play ball, and to skate, and to go about like the boys, will it?"</p> + +<p>"I think it is just the thing for you. I will try to help you in +that way, if you will try to help your mother by not being rude and +boisterous in the house. I think I can, perhaps, make her understand."</p> + +<p>"I'll promise, I will, indeed, Miss Theo; and if she will only let +Jamie and me be 'pards,' instead of insisting upon Jamie and Eugene +always playing together, I know I could be better. I don't care if +Jamie is so little and I am so big; we can go off by ourselves, and I +don't care who makes fun of it."</p> + +<p>"And Jamie?" said Theo, smiling down at him.</p> + +<p>"When Fan doesn't tease me, I love to be with her," he answered. +"Eugene would rather play with Bobby Cole anyhow, and they never want +me."</p> + +<p>So Theo agreed to drive over and see Mrs. Parkhurst, and the result was +that Fan and Jamie became "pards," and from that time Fan's improvement +dated.</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image019" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image019.jpg" alt="image019"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_8">CHAPTER VIII.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +AN OLD SONG.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>AT first, Jack wrote very regularly, giving graphic accounts of his +surroundings; he had taken charge of a plantation in Florida, and, +though he made no complaint, his friends could detect his utter +loneliness in the letters he sent.</p> + +<p>In one of his early letters, written while it was yet cold weather, he +said:</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "You cannot imagine, Arch, old fellow, how quiet it seems here of +nights, after the noisy, clattering streets of New York. You will think +me a silly-billy when I tell you that I make a fire and set my kettle +boiling just for company; there is something cosey about the singing of +the kettle and the bubbling of the water. When it boils down, I fill it +up again, and then I sit down and think of you all, wonder what you are +doing, and when I shall see you all again."<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>But of late the letters came infrequently, and then they were short and +unsatisfactory.</p> + +<p>"It has been a long time since we heard from Jack," said Miss Janet to +Mr. Smith, one evening, as they sat on the porch at Lyndehurst. "I am +worried about him."</p> + +<p>"I am more worried about Theo," returned Mr. Smith, nodding in the +direction of the girl, who, with Felix Parkhurst, was sitting on a +rustic seat, listening intently to something her companion was reading +to her. The last beams of a setting sun touched her bright hair and +lingered on her white gown. She was leaning slightly forward, her hands +clasped, her lips gently parted.</p> + +<p>Auntie looked fixedly in her direction. "I am not afraid for my girl," +she said.</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith shook himself impatiently. "Facts are facts," he declared. +"You can't get rid of them by ignoring them. It is perfectly natural +for young people to think on subjects which we older ones set aside as +trifling and mawkish. Now, Miss Nelson, you know perfectly well that +half the mothers, and fathers maybe, will say, if a girl begins to talk +of lovers, 'You are too young for such things. I don't want to hear any +such nonsense,' or else, with a wave of the hand, will put aside the +subject with, 'You little goose, you don't know what you are talking +about.'</p> + +<p>"Of course she doesn't know what she is talking about, and, failing the +proper advice and sympathy there, she takes her confidences to some +one quite as inexperienced and romantic as herself, and between them, +they build up some absurd fancy which, in the end, leads to an unhappy +marriage, or to a season of sorrowful days and tearful nights."</p> + +<p>"But Theo is in no such danger, I am sure," responded Miss Nelson, yet +with some alarm. "She is not such a girl as you describe. She would not +talk of such things in the way girls generally do."</p> + +<p>"I am not so sure about there being no danger; and the young lady, if +she doesn't talk about it, thinks about it, and gets her ideas from +some sentimental companion or from some gushing novel."</p> + +<p>"I don't know which of Theo's companions you could call sentimental."</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith's glance fell significantly upon Felix.</p> + +<p>"And," continued Miss Nelson, "she doesn't read 'gushing novels,' as +you call them."</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith smiled; he was in one of his sarcastically disagreeable +moods. "She reads love stories, then," he said; "and, even if they be +good ones, they appeal to her sentiment and her imagination. So, no +doubt by this time she has woven a fine dream for herself about that +young cad."</p> + +<p>"You do not approve of Felix Parkhurst, I notice."</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith compressed his lips. "I do approve of Theo, and I don't +want her thrown away on a self-indulgent, indolent fellow like that. +What sort of a prop would he be in time of trouble, I'd like to know, +granting he has no special vices? He is the kind that would turn his +back on a woman's tears because he 'hated a scene,' and would consider +himself much abused if his wife failed to amuse him. He would tire +of her in a month, and would hunt up some more entertaining company, +neglecting her with a languid indifference which would be intolerable +to a girl like Theo. I know just the sort of a butterfly he is. Girls +don't see those things; how can they, when they have had no experience? +A girl whose only brother is a courteous gentleman expects all men +to be like him; and what does she know of the world of men who are +different? And suppose he were to lose his money, what sort of support +do you suppose he could give her?"</p> + +<p>"You remember Theo lived under the same roof with Felix Parkhurst for +three months," interposed Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"And how much did she see him? At meal-time, maybe, and once in a while +very casually; he was away half the time."</p> + +<p>"I think you are a little severe, Colonel," said Miss Nelson; "and I +still feel sure that Theo is in no danger."</p> + +<p>The Colonel gave a gruff "Humph!" and walked away, leaving Miss Nelson +somewhat disquieted.</p> + +<p>"I will talk to Theo," she said to herself; "there is some truth +in what he says. I ought not to set aside any subject which may be +interesting to my girls. But Theo has always given me her entire +confidence, and I may have been too sure that she had none to give."</p> + +<p>A little before this, Felix Parkhurst had called. And, finding it +convenient to drive over, had come every day, sometimes bringing a +book in his pocket, from which he would read aloud to Theo, being +entertained by her enjoyment of some new author, and finding it a +pleasant diversion to bring the soft color to her cheeks when he +emphasized some ardent passage by lifting his eyes and looking at her +with tender reproach.</p> + +<p>But Theo's blushes were not all for his sake; they were partly from a +consciousness that she had been near to loving the man before her, and +partly from a fear that he might imagine she still felt so disposed +towards him.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"Theo grows good-looking," said Archie. "I never thought she would be +so pretty. She has grown up to her nose, and her eyes have grown up to +her."</p> + +<p>"She was always pretty," insisted Val. "Her eyes always had that sweet, +earnest look, and her mouth, nothing ever was lovelier than Theo's +mouth and her smile. As for her nose, that was easily passed over."</p> + +<p>"Of course," responded Archie; "it always had a bridge to it."</p> + +<p>"Silly!" retorted Val, throwing a rose-bud at him. "You'll never grow +up, whatever Theo's nose does. I declare, Archie, you ought to be in +knickerbockers."</p> + +<p>Archie suddenly jumped up and rushed into the house, appearing in a few +minutes wearing his bicycle dress. He threw himself down on the grass +by Val.</p> + +<p>"Where are you going?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"Nowhere."</p> + +<p>"I thought you had a bicycle trip on hand, you went off so suddenly."</p> + +<p>"You're dreadfully dense. Here, when I try to please you, you +completely set aside my little efforts."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean? I declare, Archie, you are an exceedingly foolish +youth."</p> + +<p>"Most sapient maiden, didn't you say I ought to be in knickerbockers? I +tried to please you."</p> + +<p>Val replied by whacking him over the head with his cap, while he +laughed at her simulated rage.</p> + +<p>"To return to Theo," said Val. "There, Archie, it's too hot to exercise +so violently. I think it is too bad she is not going to the shore with +us. But it's just like her. Because Fanny Parkhurst has set her heart +on her going there for a visit, and because Jamie wants her, she'll go; +and I 'know' she doesn't want to, but she's just that self-sacrificing. +I wouldn't do it."</p> + +<p>"No, 'you' wouldn't."</p> + +<p>"You mean, horrid boy!" and Val again brought the cap into requisition. +"You wouldn't, either."</p> + +<p>"Of course I wouldn't. A pretty dance I would lead Miss Fan, and I +would scare Jamie stiff before I'd been there twenty-four hours. I +believe I should like to go, after all. I'd scandalize the whole band, +from Papa Parkhurst down."</p> + +<p>"We could make them have a lively time if we both went," said Val, +falling into the spirit of the thing. "I should love to do it, but +we are not invited, as good luck would have it. Some one told Mrs. +Parkhurst the way we behaved at the Aldridges that time."</p> + +<p>"What time?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you know? We drove over from Roseville, you and Jack and Nan and +Theo and I, and we tied the napkins together at table, and when one +jerked, we all wiped our mouths. Before that, though, we started to go +home because Mrs. Aldridge said she had not had time to make any cake, +and Theo was so distressed at our actions. They were disgraceful."</p> + +<p>"Of course they were. That was years ago; we were on a high horse that +day. I remember you and Nan wouldn't let Mr. Aldridge drive his own +horse, but insisted on his getting into the buggy with Jack and me. You +ought to have been ashamed of yourselves."</p> + +<p>"So we ought. You needn't talk, though; you were worse than any of us. +No, I believe I was the worst, and I am ashamed of myself now. I wish +we could see ahead when it occurs to us to do those things, then we +wouldn't have half so much to blush for. School-girls are such silly, +'silly' things. Do you remember how I used to giggle?"</p> + +<p>"Used to?"</p> + +<p>"I don't near as much as I did. Do I?"</p> + +<p>"I trust you will not continue at the present rate until you are fifty."</p> + +<p>"I won't. I'll be as sedate as you please. I have less hope of you, +though. I know, if you were holding court and anything funny should +occur, that you would disgrace your title of judge by going off into a +fit of undignified mirth. I just know it."</p> + +<p>"Goodness knows I'll have time enough in which to improve before that +day comes, Val," and Archie arose and went towards the house.</p> + +<p>Fan's entreaties had gained a promise from Theo to pay a visit to her +former pupils, and Miss Nelson rather encouraged the plan. Theo as a +guest, she reflected, would have a better opportunity of judging of +Felix, since she would see him more unrestrainedly.</p> + +<p>"You will join us, dear, the last of the week," she said. "Mr. Smith +will be coming down on Saturday with Archie, and you can come with +them."</p> + +<p>"I think it's mean of you," said Val. "I wouldn't desert you in that +way."</p> + +<p>"You'll have a good time, I promise," replied Theo. "Nan will be +there," for Nannie had joined her mother's family a month earlier, and +all had gone to the sea-shore together.</p> + +<p>"Nan isn't you," pouted Val. "If you get tired, promise you'll come +sooner."</p> + +<p>Theo promised, and they parted,—Val and Miss Nelson to proceed to the +sea-shore, and Theo to take up her abode for a week where three years +previously she had gone to teach Mrs. Parkhurst's children.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The first few days passed very pleasantly. Theo kept with Jamie and Fan +as much as possible, helping them to a better understanding of each +other, and opening to them such out-door pleasures as both could enjoy.</p> + +<p>Mr. Felix rather resented this, and reproached Theo for inconstancy.</p> + +<p>"You used to be such a good friend," he complained, "and now, when I +need you, you go off with those tiresome children; they cannot interest +you."</p> + +<p>"Can you?" asked Theo, quietly.</p> + +<p>For a moment, Felix was disconcerted. "I used to once. I tried to," he +said, recovering himself.</p> + +<p>Theo felt the color come to her face in a most provoking way. "I came +to visit Fan," she said shortly, and turned away.</p> + +<p>Toward the latter part of the week, an arrangement was made for the +young people of the family, with a few others invited, to drive to a +famous spot, from which could be seen an exceptionally fine view, and +which resort was a popular one for picnic parties. As it was Fan's +idea, she and Jamie were to be of the party.</p> + +<p>"We're going to take supper," explained Jamie. "You'll go in the +carriage with us, won't you, Miss Theo?"</p> + +<p>"If I may," Theo promised.</p> + +<p>"We'll have a lovely time," declared Fan. "I love to scramble about +those old rocks and explore. There will be so much to show you, Miss +Theo. We'll have a fine time, for there will be lots of other girls, +and Felix won't want you," she added, naïvely.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>At the time of setting out, however, the children's plans were set +aside by Felix, who insisted upon driving the buck-board, with Theo as +companion.</p> + +<p>"There is plenty of room for Jamie," said Theo, seeing his +disappointment, and the little fellow's face brightened.</p> + +<p>"We don't want to be bothered with the kid," said Felix, crossly, and +he frowned threateningly at the child.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Miss Nelson," said Mrs. Parkhurst, from the step, "you will spoil +Jamie. He cannot expect a man like Felix to give up to him. Let Felix +take you."</p> + +<p>And Theo, overruled by her hostess, could say nothing, and the drive +was begun.</p> + +<p>But both Theo and her companion felt a little cross, and it was not +long before a new cause of difference arose.</p> + +<p>About a mile from the house was a narrow place in the road with a +little gully at one side. As they approached this place, they saw a +light spring wagon on its way towards them.</p> + +<p>"We shall have to turn out," remarked Theo.</p> + +<p>"We shall do nothing of the kind," replied Felix, whipping up his +horses. "Let the wagon turn out for us," and he kept the middle of the +road.</p> + +<p>"But there isn't room," insisted Theo. "You will make the man overturn +his wagon in that gully."</p> + +<p>"That is his lookout," replied Felix. "I'm not going to get out of the +way of a clodhopper. You're not afraid?" he asked, altering his tone to +one of suavity. "You are perfectly safe with me."</p> + +<p>"I'm not afraid. No," replied Theo, sitting up very straight, and +feeling a rising resentment at his speech, "but I do not believe in +placing a fellow-creature in danger."</p> + +<p>Felix smiled with an air of superiority, and at this moment, the wagon +came up to them.</p> + +<p>"Why, it's Tommy!" exclaimed Theo.</p> + +<p>"Who?" inquired Felix.</p> + +<p>"Why, Tommy Reed, from Lyndehurst."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" And Theo cried out as the wagon gave a lurch.</p> + +<p>Then, looking behind her, she saw it had indeed, happened as she +feared. The wagon had overturned, but the horse had scrambled to his +feet, and was standing perfectly still, though Tommy was not to be seen.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" cried Theo, imperiously.</p> + +<p>At her tone, Felix checked his horses and looked back. "What is the +matter?" he asked.</p> + +<p>By this time, Tommy was seen standing by the horse.</p> + +<p>"He's all right. Why wasn't he more careful? The awkward lubber! I +could have passed easily," said Felix.</p> + +<p>Theo gave him a quick look, and could not refrain from smiling +scornfully. "I am not so sure it is all right," she returned. "I wish +to go and see."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense. Why, Miss Theo, you are too Quixotic. We shall be very late. +Oh, of course, if you insist," and Felix turned his horses with the air +of one giving in to a woman's whim.</p> + +<p>Reaching the spot, Theo was out of the buck-board in a moment.</p> + +<p>"Tommy! Tommy!" she cried. "I am so sorry. Tell me, are you hurt?"</p> + +<p>Tommy was trying to raise the fallen wagon; he turned at the kind +voice. "I was thrown out, but it is only a scratch, Miss," he replied.</p> + +<p>But Theo saw his face was white and drawn with pain, and the sleeve of +his coat badly torn. "He 'is' hurt," she declared, turning to Felix.</p> + +<p>By this time, Tommy, by using all the strength he could muster with his +left arm, had raised the wagon, which, strange to say, was not injured. +But the great drops stood out on the boy's forehead, and he trembled +painfully after the effort.</p> + +<p>Theo turned determinedly to her companion. "I shall go back to +Lyndehurst with Tommy," she announced; "he is not able to go alone."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean? Why, Miss Theo, I could not allow that. The boy is +all right. Aren't you, my good fellow? He doesn't seem to be much hurt; +he couldn't have lifted the wagon if he had been. You can drive back +alone, can't you, boy?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir," said Tommy, bravely.</p> + +<p>"And perhaps have him faint on the way," said Theo. "Pray, don't let me +detain you, Mr. Parkhurst," and Theo threw up her head haughtily. "I +intend to see Tommy safely at Lyndehurst, and, further, to see that he +has medical attendance at once."</p> + +<p>"Oh, if your determination is taken, allow me to drive you there."</p> + +<p>"And Tommy?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Felix looked perplexed. "The boy is perfectly able to drive," he +repeated.</p> + +<p>"I do not agree with you. No, do not trouble yourself further. I prefer +to have you leave me," said Theo, now, thoroughly roused. "My intention +is to drive the wagon myself."</p> + +<p>"Miss Theo!" in accents of astonishment from both Tommy and Mr. Felix.</p> + +<p>"You wouldn't be seen driving that wagon, I hope," from Felix.</p> + +<p>But Theo gave a silencing wave of the hand, as if dismissing the +subject, and without further argument clambered into the wagon. By this +time, Tommy was quite faint, and made no further protest, but took his +place in the back of the wagon, and Theo gathered up the lines.</p> + +<p>"I am very sorry to disappoint the children," she said to Felix, "but +Tommy is suffering."</p> + +<p>"His suffering is not to be compared to my disappointment," was the +response; "but you are not going to give up the trip altogether?" added +Mr. Felix, with some chagrin. "We can stop at the first house and send +assistance. Come, Miss Theo, consider how unnecessary this is. Do get +out and come with me."</p> + +<p>Theo looked at him coldly. "I have announced my intention," she said.</p> + +<p>"Very well, then," returned Felix, now thoroughly out of patience. "If +you prefer that lout's company to mine, I have nothing further to say."</p> + +<p>Theo made no reply, but simply bowed and turned the horse towards +Lyndehurst, which place was soon reached.</p> + +<p>Great was Mrs. Barton's surprise at seeing Miss Theo drive up with +Tommy.</p> + +<p>"Why, bless my soul, Miss!" she cried, running out. "What's this? What +would Mr. Smith say to your driving up here in his wagon?"</p> + +<p>"Tommy is hurt," said Theo, cutting short Mrs. Barton's protests. +"Please send one of the men for the doctor at once."</p> + +<p>And Mrs. Barton bustled off, returning soon with Parsons, the butler, +and old David, who took Tommy in charge.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>In a short time, the doctor arrived, and pronounced Tommy's accident a +dislocation of the shoulder, and a bad one. So the poor boy was put to +bed, and Theo was satisfied that she had taken the right course.</p> + +<p>"I feel anxious about Tommy, Mrs. Barton," she said. "The doctor said +there might possibly be some internal injury, and I do not want to go +back to Mrs. Parkhurst's."</p> + +<p>"I don't think he's so bad, Miss. I'm sure he'll come all right; he's +pretty badly bruised where he was thrown against a pile of stones, +but I don't believe there is anything worse. But you stay right here, +Miss, if you feel better satisfied; it is good to have you back again, +the house seems so empty. Mr. Smith won't be home to-night, but we'll +try to make you comfortable; and if you want to send any message to +Mrs. Parkhurst, one of the men will be glad to take it. Maybe," she +suggested further, "you'd like to have Miss Fanny and Mr. Jamie come +over and stay with you."</p> + +<p>"What would Mr. Smith say to that?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss, he'd be most pleased. I am sure he would; he always says to +me that you and Miss Val are to have just what you want. I'm sure he'll +be most pleased, Miss. It was so beautiful of you to do all you did for +poor Tommy. I don't know another young lady would have done it, and you +so proud, too. Oh, Miss, Tommy is so grateful, and Eldorado Ann just +worships the ground you walk on. Yes, indeed, Miss, anything you want +shall be done."</p> + +<p>So Theo despatched the note to Mrs. Parkhurst, asking if Jamie and Fan +might come the next day, to remain through the time set for her own +visit to them. And then, having satisfied the old housekeeper that she +wanted no further errands done, she sat down with her little dog in her +arms.</p> + +<p>The house did indeed seem lonely and deserted without Val's merry laugh +or Archie's quick, springing tread. And Theo finally found vent for +her feelings in talking to Posie-Cossie, whom she rocked as if he were +a little baby, while he, once in a while, touched her hand with his +little red tongue.</p> + +<p>"Would I leave poor Tommy, dear?" said Theo. "No, indeed. You wouldn't +have done it either, you dear, faithful, little bit. Did the naughty, +selfish man want to leave poor Tommy all alone? Jack wouldn't have done +it, would he? Why, he wouldn't even leave you all alone in the streets. +Jack would have picked Tommy up, and have held him as gently and as +tenderly as his own brother. He was so good to him when he came to New +York, a little ragged boy. It was all Jack's doing his coming here. How +well I remember. And he wouldn't have left us here alone for the world; +he would have stayed and helped, wouldn't he, Posie-Cossie? We miss +Jack. Oh, Posie-Cossie, we do miss him, and we are too hateful to let +him think so; at least I am. Poor Jack! He was so lonely, too, and he +hadn't any dear little doggie; he only had a tea-kettle—just think, how +pathetic! Nothing but an old tin tea-kettle—to keep him company, and it +has been so long since we heard from him."</p> + +<p>Theo leaned her head against the back of the rocking-chair. The long +summer twilight had begun; through the open window drifted the odor +of such summer flowers as could open to a scorching sun and lose +none of their sweetness thereby,—petunias and verbenas, clematis and +mignonette. Across fields came the scent of new-mown hay, and the +pine-trees in the garden lent a spicy quality to the perfume of the +indrifting evening breeze.</p> + +<p>Theo sat thinking, thinking. The room in which she was opened on the +porch, and presently she heard a foot upon the step leading from the +walk. Posie-Cossie pricked up his ears and gave a little sharp bark. +Theo's hand stilled him, and he lay quiet again.</p> + +<p>The door-bell rang, and Theo, listening, heard some one softly whistle +an air that came back to her memory almost startlingly,—the air of a +German song Jack used to sing, Greig's "Ich liebe dich."</p> + +<p>"Jack! Could it be Jack?" she thought, with mixed emotions.</p> + +<p>The door was opened, and, after a short parley, Parsons appeared, +saying, "I beg your pardon, Miss Theo, but there is a man here would +like to see you."</p> + +<p>Theo put down Posie-Cossie and went out into the hall, where stood a +rather rough-looking individual, who greeted her with,—</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, Miss, but I thought you'd do to leave a message with. I'm +just up from Texas, and I promised a pal of mine I'd hunt up his folks +an' tell 'em why he's been so mum."</p> + +<p>"Texas! A pal of yours!"</p> + +<p>"Yes'm; Jack Allen, ye know."</p> + +<p>A friend of Jack Allen's,—this rough, unshorn, uncouth person.</p> + +<p>"Jack Allen!" exclaimed Theo. "Yes, he is our friend; but how—" Then +she paused.</p> + +<p>"Jack's been down on his luck; he got sickened out o' Floridy—didn't +pay—an' he come over to Texas. Me an' him's had a ranch there, +leastways he's been a helpin' me; but he took sick of a low kind of +fever some months back, an' he ain't been able to write, Jack ain't, +an' when I says,—</p> + +<p>"'Jack,' I says, 'I'm a goin' up to Albany fur a spell on biz, my +granddaddy's lef' me a little cash, an' I've got to go an' see about +it.'</p> + +<p>"Jack he says, 'I wisht ye'd stop in New York an' tell 'em I ain't been +up to the notch, er else I'd writ 'em.'</p> + +<p>"An' he give me yer brother's direction. I reckon it's yer brother, A. +Nelson."</p> + +<p>Theo nodded.</p> + +<p>"But yer brother wasn't there, an' I ast 'em where the res' of the +fambly was, an' they gimme this here place, right on my way, too, so I +stopped to tell ye."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do come in and tell me more," said Theo, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Sorry, Miss, I can't stop long. I've got a train to make. Jack's +gittin' on right good; he'll be about soon. Says he, 'Tell 'em not to +bother.' Strange, as I was a standin' there on them steps, how that +tune of his'n kep' a runnin' through my head, and I ketched myself +whistlin' it,—that there Dutch song of his'n that he sings so much. +He kep' on a singin' it right along all the time he was down, flighty +like."</p> + +<p>"I heard you," answered Theo.</p> + +<p>"And it 'minded ye of Jack, didn't it? Fust-rate fellow, he is. We're +good pals, we are. I must be going."</p> + +<p>"Wait, give me his address."</p> + +<p>The man fumbled in his pocket. "He ain't very near to no pos'-office, +but this'll find him when he does go," and he handed Theo an envelope, +on which an address was written.</p> + +<p>"And your address? Oh, thank you very much for coming to tell us. You +were very kind to come out of your way."</p> + +<p>"That ain't nothin' to do for a pal. Don't mention it; Jack 'ud do +it. I'm a goin' back as soon as I kin, an' I'll stop an' take any +word. This'll find me if ye want to let me know anythin'." And the man +scratched another address on the envelope, then after a clumsy bow, +departed.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image020" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image020.jpg" alt="image020"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image021" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image021.jpg" alt="image021"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_9">CHAPTER IX.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +WHAT JACK DID.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THEO returned to the library, where she had left Posie-Cossie, +and again taking him in her lap, she resigned herself to a long, +dreamy evening. Once or twice she sighed, "Poor Jack! Poor Jack! Oh, +Posie-Cossie! Poor, dear old Jack!"</p> + +<p>And Posie-Cossie would respond by thrusting his nose in her hand, or by +giving a little half-whine, as if he understood.</p> + +<p>"Oh, if Mr. Smith were only here!" thought Theo, as she went to her +room for the night.</p> + +<p>But Mr. Smith was not to be at home until the next evening, and +meanwhile, Theo contented herself as best she could.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>In the morning Fan and Jamie made their appearance, full of excitement +over an account they had received of Theo's action of the day before.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Miss Theo, a man saw you driving the wagon; it was just splendid!" +exclaimed Fan. "How I should love to have done it! We heard all about +it; one of the men from here told us. We asked him, and made him tell +us all about it; and mamma said it was a little extreme, but a very +generous deed. She had to say that, though I don't believe she wanted +to; but I just looked at her and asked her if she were a Christian. I +have to do that with mamma once in a while, especially after she has +just been to see Leonore. We think it was magnificent, Jamie and I," +and Fan tossed back her hair in her old way, and looked with admiring +eyes at Theo.</p> + +<p>"We missed you awfully," said Jamie. "We were so disappointed."</p> + +<p>"And we didn't have a bit good time," continued Fan.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, we had a bit," interrupted Jamie.</p> + +<p>"Well, so we did. We found a fairy place, all so cunning, and mossy, +and toadstoolly, and mysterious, we did so want to show it to you. And +the supper was good. We were sorry you were not there then."</p> + +<p>"I was very sorry, too," said Theo; "but I knew there would be quite a +company, so I felt I should not be missed so very much."</p> + +<p>"Felix didn't miss you," Fan informed her, bluntly, and a little +triumphantly, since she resented her elder brother's efforts at +appropriating Theo's society. "He sat and looked at Miss Wallace, so," +giving a languishing and sidelong look in imitation of her brother's. +"And she looked, so, at him," opening her eyes very wide, and then +shutting them slowly as she turned her head. "Then they went off +walking, and she screamed every time she saw a dead branch, and went +teetering over the rocks, so Felix would have to help her. Oh, she is +silly; and she kept saying, 'Oh, Mr. Parkhurst, isn't it perfect!' +while she teetered, and then she'd slip a little bit, and he'd catch +her hand, and then she'd scream a little. And that is the way they kept +it up, till it made me fairly ill."</p> + +<p>And Fan, with her usual vehemence, fanned herself with her hat till she +seemed in danger of breaking it to pieces. "I hope I shall never be so +utterly foolish. Do you believe I shall?" she asked.</p> + +<p>Fan was irrepressible, and Theo had to laugh as she responded, "No, I +do not; not that kind of foolish."</p> + +<p>"Now, Miss Fairy Apple-Blossom, that's not kind of you. How do you +think I will be foolish?"</p> + +<p>"You will be much more apt to sulk and flout and flounce, if matters do +not go to suit you, princess," replied Theo.</p> + +<p>Fan scowled.</p> + +<p>"Now, now," warned Theo, "you mustn't be half blind and half deaf, you +know."</p> + +<p>So Fan laughed and shook off her frown, and the day went peacefully +by till evening brought the carriage for the return of Theo's little +visitors, and also brought Mr. Smith.</p> + +<p>"Well!" was his exclamation. "I didn't expect to see you till +to-morrow. What brought you over? Did you get tired of Parkhurst +Castle?"</p> + +<p>Theo explained as well as she could that Tommy had been hurt, and +that she felt it would be better for her to remain at Lyndehurst than +to return to Mrs. Parkhurst's while there seemed any danger of a +complication in Tommy's case. She made no mention of the active part +she had taken in bringing Tommy home, nor did she speak of Mr. Felix, +though later Mr. Smith heard the account from Mrs. Barton with much +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"And, oh, Mr. Smith," exclaimed Theo, "I have had news of Jack. Did +you know he was in Texas? Think of it,—a cowboy! I wish you could have +seen the man who came here. And, oh, poor Jack is ill! And—isn't it +dreadful? Did you know?"</p> + +<p>"I heard something," Mr. Smith acknowledged. "I knew he had left +Florida. A bad season finished his engagement there, and he started out +to another place."</p> + +<p>"And," said Theo, in distress, "that dreadful-looking man, smelling of +whiskey, and wearing a bright green neck-tie and a glass pin with a +chain to it, that dreadful man is Jack's partner,—his 'pal,' he said. +Do you suppose Jack has become like that? Do you suppose he says, 'I +done it,' and 'I seen it,' and 'I wouldn't have went,' and 'I would +have came,' and those dreadful things? Do you suppose association could +ever make him careless? And think of our Jack wearing such clothes. It +makes me utterly disgusted."</p> + +<p>Just then, Mr. Smith caught sight of Felix Parkhurst coming up the +walk, limitlessly attired in clothes of the latest make, and the old +man turned and went into the house, leaving Theo to meet her guest.</p> + +<p>Mr. Felix had thought better of it, and had come over, since there was +nothing better to do. He offered a perfunctory sympathy, and entreated +Theo to return and finish her visit. But Theo could not be persuaded, +and at the end of half an hour, her visitor took his leave, when Theo +flew back to the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"So you're utterly disgusted, are you?" he said, looking her over. "I +grant you John Allen and Felix Parkhurst don't resemble each other +much," he continued, with a sarcastic smile.</p> + +<p>Theo threw up her head haughtily. "We will not discuss Mr. Parkhurst, +if you please," she returned.</p> + +<p>"We'll discuss John Allen, then," replied Mr. Smith, looking very +fierce. "How old is Jack?"</p> + +<p>"He is—let me see—he is about a year older than Archie. He must be +about twenty-four."</p> + +<p>"And you are—nineteen?"</p> + +<p>"Twenty, last month. Please don't be disagreeable, Colonel."</p> + +<p>"Because I ask how old you are? Like a woman."</p> + +<p>"Now, now, that is the way you used to talk when I first knew you. +Don't be cross and snappish, Colonel. I do want to discuss Jack."</p> + +<p>"Well, miss, I am going to tell you something. Jack is not quite a +pauper. Before his father died, he placed in my hands twenty thousand +dollars, with the understanding that it was to go to Jack when he was +twenty-five, provided every summer during his college life he entered +his uncle's counting-room and gave his attention to business."</p> + +<p>Theo was listening attentively.</p> + +<p>"For every summer that he refused to work there," continued Mr. Smith, +"he forfeited five thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" exclaimed Theo.</p> + +<p>"Yes," nodded Mr. Smith. Then he went on: "Jack only knew of the terms +upon which he inherited the amount I mentioned, which, compared to the +rest of his fortune, seemed small, but he did not know I held it in +trust for him. He thought his uncle had control of that as well as of +his other affairs. I think his father wanted to provide against any +contingency, and felt that a little attention given to business would +be good for Jack, and that in case of events turning out as they have +done, the boy would have something—"</p> + +<p>"And—oh, Colonel," interrupted Theo, "wait a minute. It was for Archie +he gave up that summer. Did you know? Oh, how wicked of me never to +have seen it!"</p> + +<p>"How could you see it?"</p> + +<p>"I ought to have known there was something. Indeed, I did suspect, so +did Archie, but we could never get a word from Jack that would explain +it. Archie wanted so much to finish his college course, and so Jack +gave up his own position to him and never hinted at it. Oh, how noble +he is!"</p> + +<p>The Colonel smiled a grim smile.</p> + +<p>"And we have robbed him of five thousand dollars, and he is sick and +needy. Oh, Colonel!"</p> + +<p>"You forget he does not get the money till he is twenty-five."</p> + +<p>"I know; but it is just the same, and part of it went to pay Archie's +salary that summer, no doubt. Oh, Colonel!"</p> + +<p>"There! Don't get so excited, child. Not a word to Archie, do you hear? +Respect Jack's secret for his sake. It gave him the greatest pleasure +in the world, and his money has been turned over so it will amount to +nearly twenty thousand dollars when he gets it. That is our secret, +Theo. I trust you, girl, but I wanted you to know."</p> + +<p>"I will keep it faithfully, Colonel. Thank you for trusting me. But +what are you going to do about Jack now?" she added, wistfully, her +lips trembling.</p> + +<p>"A little knocking about will not hurt him; he has always had too much +money. He'll never go wrong."</p> + +<p>"But," said Theo, in distress, returning to a picture presented to her +mental vision of Jack, the cowboy, "suppose he should come back and eat +with his knife, and do horrid things of that kind?"</p> + +<p>"He'll soon get over that, if he does. Archie will cure him of any bad +habits. But that is all sheer nonsense; a gentleman is not going to +forget his gentlemanly instincts in a year, and I am not afraid of any +lack of principle in John Allen. His faults are only skin deep."</p> + +<p>"Then you will let him stay where he is?"</p> + +<p>"For the present. I shall write to him immediately; so don't worry. +He'd better stay awhile."</p> + +<p>And Mr. Smith shot a swift look at Theo's troubled face.</p> + +<p>"But he is ill and miserable."</p> + +<p>"He is better, and the out-door life is good for him; he'd better be +there. I am not heartless, Theo," he added, more gently. "I am thinking +of Jack's best good."</p> + +<p>"Couldn't you—couldn't you find something for him here?" questioned +Theo.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I could. But I have a plan in view, when it is developed, I +shall send for Jack. Meanwhile, there is no use in his spending his +time in some small position. He'll do better, eventually, for having to +fight his way a little longer."</p> + +<p>And Theo could say no more on that subject. But before she left the +room, she paused a moment, and then she went up to the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"I will tell you something, too," she whispered: "I despise Felix +Parkhurst."</p> + +<p>And then she fled, without looking to see how the Colonel took this +communication.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack! Oh, Jack!" said the girl, as she sat by her window that +night. "I have been so horrid to you, so stubborn and perverse, and you +have been so good to me! I knew it all the time, but I wouldn't give +in, just because I knew I ought to. Oh, I didn't half appreciate you, +Jack, and now I can't forgive myself."</p> + +<p>The sense of having wronged any one was bitter indeed to Theo, whose +inclinations were all towards kindliness and gentleness, and who shrank +from inflicting the smallest injury upon any one, even an enemy. And +now her self-reproach was very keen.</p> + +<p>"Dear, good, thoughtful Jack!" she repeated. "And Jack's song, 'Ich +liebe dich,' he sang it all the time, that man said, and I never gave +him a thought while he was suffering. Oh, poor Jack! Dear, constant +Jack! Oh, Jack, I want to see you, I do, I do." So her thoughts ran.</p> + +<p>And then she arose from her place by the window, turned up the light, +and deliberately looking in the glass, made a most contemptuous and +scornful face at herself.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"The idea of Jack being in Texas," said Archie, when he was told of +Jack's whereabouts. "The dear old proud chap! I wish I could be there +to nurse him. No wonder we didn't hear from him. Bless his dear old +heart! Isn't that just like him? He was afraid we would worry if we +knew he was ill, so he wouldn't send any word till he could say he was +better. How I should like to have been able to see him through that +illness. I knew he hadn't given us up. He is the last one to forget a +friend, and we'll have him back with us yet. Mr. Smith promises that."</p> + +<p>"Do you suppose he will have changed much?" asked Theo.</p> + +<p>"Changed! No; what makes you think so? Jack could never be anything but +Jack."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean his character. I mean his looks, his appearance. Oh, +you know what I mean. Do you suppose he will look trampy, like that +dreadful man who brought us word of Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Look here, Theo," responded Archie. "If that isn't just like you. You +always were the most top-lofty person. Suppose he should look a trifle +rough; it will only be 'clothes,' not the man. What's that Burns says?</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"'What tho' on homely fare we dine,<br> + Wear hodden gray and a' that,<br> + Gie fools their silks and knaves their wine,<br> + A man's a man for a' that.'<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"I've no doubt—what's his name? Jim Downs? Isn't that the name of +Jack's partner?—I've no doubt he's a good, honest soul, who would do +more for a friend than many a 'fool in silk.'"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know," replied Theo; "but one doesn't like to notice a lack of +polish in one's intimate friends."</p> + +<p>"Just like you girls. Some diked out dudish insipidity takes for more +than real solid worth."</p> + +<p>"Now, Archie, that is not so. You know perfectly well no one is more +particular than yourself about behavior, and if a man or a girl is even +a little ill-bred, you are the first to notice it."</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to insinuate that Jack is ill-bred? There never was a +truer gentleman in the world, but you'd rather have some dancing dandy, +some society jay, all show and no wit."</p> + +<p>"You know better. No one despises a brainless fop more than I do, but I +do like a man to know how to conduct himself in the drawing-room."</p> + +<p>"And doesn't Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I never said he didn't."</p> + +<p>"Well, what are you pitching into dear old Jack for? You never would +do him justice, and now he's ill and away off there among strangers. I +think you ought to be ashamed of yourself." Archie was getting himself +worked up into a fine rage.</p> + +<p>"I suppose it would suit you exactly to go down there and live among +bowie knives and lynch laws," retorted Theo. "You'd better go." And she +left the room in a high dudgeon.</p> + +<p>And it is quite likely her late gentle feelings towards Jack would have +taken a backward turn, in consequence of Archie's berating, had she not +come across Mrs. Tucker one day on the pier.</p> + +<p>"Why," exclaimed this lady, catching sight of Theo, "are you down here? +I haven't seen you for years, not since I was married. You knew I +married Albert Tucker, didn't you? Oh, of course. Mamma wrote me that +you were all at Lyndehurst. What you all can see in that disagreeable +Mr. Smith I never could imagine; but, of course, we haven't all the +same tastes."</p> + +<p>Theo inwardly thought not, as she remembered Mr. Tucker.</p> + +<p>"And what has become of your friend Jack Allen?" asked Mrs. Tucker.</p> + +<p>"We have not seen him for some time," replied Theo.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, I suppose not. I remember now, he lost all his money."</p> + +<p>"I cannot imagine why that should make any difference in our +friendship," returned Theo, exasperated. "Jack—Mr. Allen has not been +in this part of the country for some months."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Well, of course it would be very foolish for you to throw +yourself away on a poor man. He was rather good-looking, as I remember. +But as that is all he has now to recommend him, I think you were quite +wise to send him off."</p> + +<p>Theo could have shaken her. As Leonore Parkhurst, Mrs. Tucker had +always aroused Theo's antagonism, and had ascribed motives to the +girl's actions of which she had never dreamed, always assuming that +Theo's standards were quite worldly, and her defence of high principles +all for effect. So, although she was Jamie's sister, Theo did not care +for a longer interview, but after a few commonplaces, left the spot +where Mrs. Tucker was standing.</p> + +<p>"Dear old Jack!" thought Theo, indignantly, as she took her way to the +place where she had left Nannie standing. "Only your good looks to +recommend you, indeed! As if there were ever a nobler, sweeter, truer +nature in all the world!"</p> + +<p>And Theo set her teeth together then and there, coming to a +determination which neither time nor circumstance could alter.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image022" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image022.jpg" alt="image022"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image023" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image023.jpg" alt="image023"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_10">CHAPTER X.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +A CHRISTMAS STOCKING.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THE summer sped away without further excitement, and October found "the +flock" again established under Mrs. Joy's roof. Val had concluded to +take up special studies, and was talking of a possible trip to Europe +the next year. Nannie, too, was looking forward eagerly to going to +Paris for study; but Theo clung to auntie, and declared that nothing +should separate them.</p> + +<p>"We'll go back to Roseville, to the old quiet life, auntie dear," she +said. "Won't it be nice to have Mammy at hand, with her queer old +homely ways, and to look out and always see trees and sky? I am getting +tired,—tired of brick walls and pavements," and Theo gave a quick +little sigh.</p> + +<p>"And you wanted so much to come," returned her aunt.</p> + +<p>"I know," and Theo took Miss Nelson's hand, softly laying her cheek +against it, "but I don't like the world, auntie. I want to be a little +girl again," and two bright drops fell on auntie's hand.</p> + +<p>"Why, my blessed child, aren't you happy?"</p> + +<p>"I shall be twenty-one next summer," replied Theo, regretfully. +"Then I shall have to think about Preston, and I shall have +responsibilities,—responsibilities are such wearing things."</p> + +<p>"I know they are, dear, but we must not be cowards and shirk them. Duty +is a wonderful strengthener. My girl would not choose to live a life of +absolute ease, of mere animal enjoyment."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, no. I don't mean that. I love to work, but somehow here I have +come face to face with forces of whose existence I never knew. We lived +an ideal life in Roseville, I think, auntie."</p> + +<p>"But you were the first to fly, my birdie."</p> + +<p>"I know it, and that is why I am the first to tire, maybe."</p> + +<p>"You are disappointed, then."</p> + +<p>"Not exactly. I am only tired of jar and fret. I love my music. I enjoy +ever so many things that I should not have elsewhere. And if I had to +live here always, I should try to find a way to put my powers to the +best passible use. I should try to fit my life to its surroundings. But +now home seems dearer than anything. And sometimes, when I think of the +apple-trees and the robins, the garden whose every bush and shrub I +know by heart, our little town, in which every face is a familiar one, +my dear little room haunted by my girlhood's dreams, dear old Mammy so +devoted to us, and,—oh, everything,—I long for it all, and I feel as +if I should rather stand up in our little church and sing than to be +applauded in any concert-room here or anywhere else."</p> + +<p>"I do not know that I am sorry, dear heart, that you feel so, and I +think this is likely to be our last winter here. I think Val would best +go to Europe with Mrs. Westerly, and Nannie's heart is bound up in her +work. Archie will have to decide soon about his own career, and then—we +can go home."</p> + +<p>There was silence for a moment between the two. Then auntie bent over +the bright head leaning against her.</p> + +<p>"Dear girlie," she said, "it is hard to give up our illusions, isn't +it?"</p> + +<p>Theo nodded. Then she replied, softly,—</p> + +<p>"That was one of the things I meant, you know, auntie, dear." And she +added, smiling, "Do you remember, auntie?</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"'There was a young lady of Baddow,<br> + Who, becoming enraged with a shadow,<br> + In both hands she took it,<br> + And to fragments she shook it.'<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"That was what I did. It was only a shadow, nothing else. I found that +out very soon."</p> + +<p>"I knew you would," replied Miss Janet. "I trusted you, sweetheart. +I knew that every good and true woman, with her feminine share of +ideality, must dream that the man she fancies approaches at least +nearly to her ideal."</p> + +<p>"But," interrupted Theo, suddenly raising her head, "if life means +one thing to him and another to her—if love in its highest, noblest, +purest sense has never been revealed to him; if he cannot comprehend a +love from which self is eliminated; if he does not understand that a +human being is a human individual, and that she who is 'her'self to-day +cannot be 'him'self to-morrow, and that a life is not an apology, but a +life—what then?"</p> + +<p>"Then fortunate is she who discovers it before it is too late. Large +natures allow to others large liberties. A weak, self-indulgent man is +apt to exercise a petty tyranny which must, in the end, win a noble +woman's contempt."</p> + +<p>"I know that, and the same rule must apply where noble men are +concerned, and where the woman is narrow and petty."</p> + +<p>"Yes, quite as well. If men, and women too, could only be true to their +highest natures, only willing to marry such as would respond to the +best within them, who would draw forth all their nobility and truth, +then there would be perfect faith, perfect confidence; there could be +no question of freedom, for there would be no question of bondage; it +would take the life of one to complete the life of the other, each +retaining his or her individuality, not the destroying of one that it +might be lost in the other, but the joining of two symmetrical parts, +the notes that make the music of one life finding the answering ones in +the other to complete the chord."</p> + +<p>"I understand," replied Theo. "Better the simplest melody carried by +a single voice perfectly than an attempted concerto jarred and out of +tune."</p> + +<p>"Hand me that green book, Theo," directed auntie. "I want to read you +what our friend Thoreau says." And Miss Janet turned over a few pages, +then read:</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "'Is your friend such a one that an increase of worth on your part +will rarely make her more your friend? Is she retained, is she attracted +by more nobleness in you, by more of that virtue which is peculiarly +yours, or is she indifferent and blind to that? Is she to be flattered +and won by your meeting her on any other than the ascending path? Then +duty requires that you separate from her.'"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Theo held out her hand for the book, and for some time sat absorbed in +it. Then she lifted up her head, saying,—</p> + +<p>"Auntie, dear, you have done me so much good. I have felt too far +away from you since we came to New York. Somehow, I don't know how it +happened, but I have had to lock myself up. It is very nice to get out +again and back to you, safe and sound. Oh, auntie, keep me very close: +I am so much happier so." And then, with arms close about auntie, she +whispered something in her ear, hiding her face on auntie's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"My dear, my darling!" Miss Janet whispered back.</p> + +<p>"Are you sorry?" asked Theo, again in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"No, darling, no; very, very glad."</p> + +<p>"Don't tell," again whispered Theo.</p> + +<p>Auntie satisfied her on that point.</p> + +<p>Then as the girl drew a long, quivering breath, she gathered her more +closely to her, and the two sat for a long time in silence, till Val's +energetic little rap gave notice of her approach.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing here in the dark?" asked Val, feeling her way into +the room.</p> + +<p>"It gets dark so early," explained Theo, lifting her head. "Where have +you been, Val? Archie would be highly indignant if he knew you were out +alone after dark."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie is too particular," replied Val. "Anyhow, I have just left +him, 'a martyr going to the stake,' he said."</p> + +<p>"Why, what did he mean?"</p> + +<p>"His nonsense, of course. He was hard up, and was going to a cheap +restaurant for dinner. I begged him to take me, and offered to foot the +bill, but he said,—</p> + +<p>"'No, that would be putting a premium on extravagance, that he needed +the discipline; maybe it would make him more saving in the future.'"</p> + +<p>"I am afraid Archie is extravagant," was Theo's comment. "I wish he +could be more economical, for his own sake."</p> + +<p>"He is so generous," explained auntie, "and has such a horror of +penuriousness, that he errs in the other direction. But I think he is +improving somewhat."</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Val; "he told me he could get through this month by +eating twenty-five-cent dinners for a week. Dear old Arch!" she said, +reflectively.</p> + +<p>"Oh, by the way, Theo, what do you think we have been talking about?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot imagine. It is difficult to guess the theme of conversation +when you two are together."</p> + +<p>"So it is; but this has a flavor of sense in it, this plan. We think +it would be sort of cheery and nice to send Jack a Christmas stocking. +Maybe you think it is too soon to be talking of Christmas, but really +it isn't. We'll have to send it early, so as it will get to him in +time; and then we want to think up a lot of absurdities to put in it. +Don't you think it is a nice plan, auntie?"</p> + +<p>"I do, indeed, and I'll venture to say Jack will enjoy it immeasurably."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>As the time approached for the stocking to be sent, the ideas came +thick and fast, and finally, Nannie, Val, Theo, and Archie spent one +entire evening in preparation.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie, do see!" "Oh, Archie, do look!" greeted his appearance as +the girls held up their various contributions.</p> + +<p>"Come over here, Archie. There, now you can take them in properly." +And Val made room at the table, where a lighted lamp stood. "These are +Nan's," and she displayed three supposed handkerchiefs, made from an +old pillow-case. They were notched out with scissors, and decorated +by the use of colored crayons. Each bore such legends as "Merry +Christmas," "Happy New Year," "Good luck," "The rose is red," "The +violet blue," with appropriate designs.</p> + +<p>"I think they are magnificent. What next?" Archie asked, as he put them +aside. "What in the world is this?" And he turned over a remarkably +constructed something, looking at it with a puzzled countenance. "What +on earth do you call it?" he inquired.</p> + +<p>A broken wine-glass had been inverted, and surmounted with a rag +doll-head and body without arms. The glass served as a skirt; the +expression of the doll's face, rudely drawn in ink, was ludicrous +indeed, and gave Val a fit of mirth every time she looked at it. The +inscription read, "The Venus of Milo, as discovered by Miss Talcott."</p> + +<p>"That is the most ridiculous thing I ever saw," said Archie. "Jack will +enjoy it. Anything more original is not likely to come his way."</p> + +<p>"It certainly will bring to his mind our own special kind of nonsense," +said Val.</p> + +<p>"It is in his mind pretty often, anyhow, I imagine," returned Archie.</p> + +<p>Then Theo displayed a neck-tie made from an old silk handkerchief; into +it was stuck a common pin of large size, with a knob of red sealing-wax +on the end, for ornament.</p> + +<p>Val next handed out a trumpery medal fastened to a bit of ribbon, which +she had marked "Fool dres fob." Another medal was described as having +been presented to a great-great-uncle in the War of the Roses by Billy +the Kangaroo, "alias" William the Conqueror, such decidedly mixed +historical data being considered very witty.</p> + +<p>"We are silly," remarked Theo, as she read this last label. "That is +worthy of a ten-year-old country school-boy's wit."</p> + +<p>"Never mind," returned Val. "We want to be as silly as we know how to +be on this occasion. Nothing is too insignificant. Jack will appreciate +the effort."</p> + +<p>"Effort?" repeated Theo, raising her eyebrows.</p> + +<p>"Well, spontaneous jocosity, if you prefer a longer term. Don't throw +cold water on our innocent pleasantry. Theo, come, hand over the next +thing."</p> + +<p>A small brass curtain-ring, carefully packed in jewellers' cotton, was +next shown, and then Theo produced a five-cent watch lying in a fine +velvet case.</p> + +<p>"How elegant it looks!" commented Nannie. "The velvet case looks so +important. Where are your donations, Archie?"</p> + +<p>And a very much bent and battered stick-pin, an eye-glass with glass +missing were added, and then an eye-glass hook was invented from a +curtain-hook and a safety-pin.</p> + +<p>"The stocking isn't near full," announced Val, who had been doing the +packing, "and I thought we had so much. We'll have to rack our brains +for more."</p> + +<p>Archie searched around and found two small bits of soap, which were +wrapped in a paper on which was written, "Good-morning, sir. Do you use +Bear's soap?" A horn collar-button and set of studs constituted the +next gift, and still there was room.</p> + +<p>"I can't think of anything but relics," declared Archie. "Here is a +little corkscrew that I found over there in an ink-bottle."</p> + +<p>"Just think of a good inscription," returned Nannie, "and that will +make it all right."</p> + +<p>So Archie scribbled on the paper, "The corkscrew with which Columbus +screwed up his courage when he set forth to discover America."</p> + +<p>That gave a new impetus, and each one produced something similar.</p> + +<p>Nannie handed over an old pen, labelled "The pen that settled +Philadelphia."</p> + +<p>Val added a small key, described as "The key to the broken heart of +an old Colonial dame from Virginia;" and Theo, seeking among odds and +ends, found one of the five-cent pewter spoons which she and Nannie had +bought during their first days in New York. This she marked as having +"seen stirring times during the Revolution."</p> + +<p>And then for a short space of time, ideas failed.</p> + +<p>But Val's wits were ready with the suggestion that they should in +someway illustrate the familiar French fables, and a small wooden +whistle went as "Le cor des Alpes," small photographs of Val and Archie +as "Le singe et la guenon," Nannie with a bit of wax, modelled "Une +tortne," and then the stocking was pronounced full.</p> + +<p>"I had no idea it would hold so much," remarked Val. "Isn't it nice and +fat? We must tie it securely at the top and pack it in a box."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you paint 'Merry Christmas from the flock' on the outside," +suggested Archie to Nannie.</p> + +<p>So she brought her colors and marked it in red letters according to the +suggestion.</p> + +<p>"We ought to have sent him something really nice," said Nannie, as she +made a final flourish with her brush.</p> + +<p>"No, no," interposed Theo, earnestly; "that would have spoiled it all. +Jack has always been so generous, and it would hurt him very much if he +could not return our gifts. These will show him that we forget nothing +in which he took part, and they will be more to him than anything we +could buy."</p> + +<p>"That is so," responded Archie, heartily, seeming much pleased that +Theo had read Jack so well.</p> + +<p>And truly, no Christmas stocking ever found its way to a lonelier +hearth. Long and lovingly Jack dwelt on its contents, and blessed +them all for the nonsense that gave him more cheer than any costly +gifts could have bestowed. And when a letter from Mr. Smith told him +of the legacy awaiting his twenty-fifth birthday, Jack felt as if the +world were not such a dreary place after all, and he went about softly +whistling, with the great hope in his heart of rejoining his friends in +a near future.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image024" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image024.jpg" alt="image024"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image025" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image025.jpg" alt="image025"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_11">CHAPTER XI.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +ARCHIE DECIDES.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"ANOTHER disturbing time," said Val, curling her feet under her as she +tucked her small self away in a big chair. "I hate these making up your +mind spots to come. Don't you, Theo?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replied Theo; "although I must say, my own decisions were +reached some time ago."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you old Mother Bunch. Of course you want to go home. So do I, for +that matter. But I do love New York, and I wish we could just keep on +this way for years and years. It's all very well for people to say, +'Be sure you're right, then go ahead.' It isn't the going ahead that's +hard, it's the being sure you're right. Now, if you and auntie could +go to Europe with me, I should like it of all things. But when auntie +leaves it all to me, I don't want quite so much to go."</p> + +<p>"Auntie thinks we are old enough to exercise some judgment in such +matters."</p> + +<p>"Well, so we are."</p> + +<p>"You will like the excitement of travelling and meeting people. You +know you will, Val. I don't believe you would care to settle down +quietly anywhere."</p> + +<p>"Now, Theo."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't mean that you would be unhappy with us, but that you are +just the one to go about and be in a stir."</p> + +<p>"I must confess I do like excitement," admitted Val, "but I wish you +would go. You could, Theo. Don't you believe you could?"</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't leave auntie alone; and if Archie decided to stay here, +auntie would be alone. And if he decides to go back to Roseville, it +would be deserting him, in a measure. So you see, that is the way of +it. I should enjoy immensely a trip to Europe. Of course I should; but +just now it seems better for me to stay here."</p> + +<p>"And Nannie is going, too," observed Val.</p> + +<p>"I shall miss you both," said Theo, a little sadly.</p> + +<p>"And if Archie should not stay here, Mr. Smith will be disappointed, +though he will not advise him to stay. How hard it is to suit everybody +in this world, and how queer that we should all be in this uncertain +state of mind just at the same time. What do you suppose Archie will +conclude to do?"</p> + +<p>"That will depend upon several things," replied Theo, thoughtfully.</p> + +<p>"If it depends upon one thing, I should be willing to prophesy that he +will not stay here," remarked Val.</p> + +<p>"Don't prophesy," Theo warned. "Archie will do what he believes to be +right, I am sure, no matter what may influence him."</p> + +<p>"I know that. I wonder if I shall like travelling with Mrs. Westerly. +She is a dear woman. But when one has to be day in and day out with a +person, it is a pretty severe strain. I'd better say, no doubt, how +will she like travelling with me. I think it is very good of her to be +willing to do it."</p> + +<p>"Why don't you try to persuade the Colonel to go, too?" asked Theo. +"That would make it so pleasant for Mrs. Westerly: She is about as fond +of her brother as I am of mine."</p> + +<p>"That would be a scheme," agreed Val. "I'll begin to coax the Colonel +to-night. I don't believe he will consent to stay two years, though he +might as well as not. Think of it, Theo. Two whole years to stay away! +Don't it seem an age?"</p> + +<p>"It does, certainly; and yet we have been in New York nearly that long."</p> + +<p>"I wonder what will happen before I get back," said Val, thoughtfully. +"So much might, you know; it makes me dread going so far away."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't take a gloomy view of it. We shall all probably live along +in a jog-trot sort of a way while you are flying about acquiring +information. I believe I do envy you a little bit, Val."</p> + +<p>"But not enough to make up your mind to go with us; and it would be +such an advantage to you, Theo."</p> + +<p>"No more tempting, if you please," returned Theo, shaking her head +determinedly. "'I'se 'bleedged to stay,' as Mammy would say."</p> + +<p>"I know one thing that I think will happen before I get back," said +Val, suddenly. "Jack will come back. I was talking to the Colonel +yesterday, and he said he did not think Jack would stay away much +longer. Why, Theo, do you know anything? You look so—so funny."</p> + +<p>"Do I look funny?" And Theo turned her head so Val could see only the +tips of two very pink little ears.</p> + +<p>But that did not satisfy Val, who got up and went around directly in +front of Theo, looking at her searchingly. But Theo would not give her +so much as a glance.</p> + +<p>"Look at me," ordered Val, peremptorily.</p> + +<p>And Theo raised her eyes with a look in them half proud, half +deprecating.</p> + +<p>"Theo, you're a fraud," was Val's only comment. Then she walked away, +and for some time stood looking out of the window in silence.</p> + +<p>Theo did not follow her, nor did she in any way contradict Val's +assertion.</p> + +<p>And presently Nannie came in, full of her own plans for the next year.</p> + +<p>"Just think, girls," she said. "I have been to see Miss Van Arsdale, +and she has given me a lot of points about Paris. She was there for +three years, you know, and knows all about it,—all the cheap places +and everything,—and if I can get another girl to go with me, we can +live so economically. Oh, if you all could go, it would be so nice; +but I suppose there is no use hoping for it. I have exhausted all my +eloquence on you, Theo, so I shall have to give up that idea. Miss Van +Arsdale told me of a cunning apartment that she thinks I can get. Some +friends of hers are occupying it now, but they are going to leave very +soon; and I'm going to write about it right away. I'll have to furnish +it with trunk-trays and things; but I can manage, I know."</p> + +<p>"Trunk-trays!" exclaimed Val.</p> + +<p>"Yes; don't you know? I can make tops of tables and all sorts of things +that way. I know how. To-morrow I am going to see Katherine Armistead. +She half thought she would go over; and if she finds how much we can +save by going together, I believe she will join me. She is such a nice +girl; I am sure we could get along together. Oh, girls! Just think—my +dream is to be fulfilled, my dream of going to Paris! It is so good +of mamma not to object. She said if I could live there as cheaply as +here, and if I could find some nice somebody to go with me, she would +give her consent. I have saved enough for my passage; so, of course, +if I can induce Katherine to go, there will be nothing at all in the +way. And, oh, Val! I shall see you over there. You have decided to go, +haven't you?"</p> + +<p>"I am deciding," replied Val. "If the Colonel will go, I will; it would +be so nice to have him to squabble with. I should never feel like +squabbling with Mrs. Westerly. I couldn't 'get a rise out of her,' +as Archie says. She would smile me down in that gently tolerant way +she has, and there would be no fun in trying to tease her. But the +Colonel,—I love to 'sass' the Colonel. He never gets used to it, and it +would be so exciting, especially when he didn't know the language and I +did. We could have such spats, and I could put him down so nicely with +my superior knowledge. Oh, I do hope he will go. When shall you sail, +Nan?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know; as soon as I can. I am poring over sailing lists and +getting cheap rates and comparing different routes now; so I shall come +to a conclusion before long. I wish we could go over together, but you +will probably be taking some steamer whose rates would ruin me. And +then I shall probably be sailing before you are ready to go."</p> + +<p>"What a breaking up it will be," said Theo. "Auntie and I will have to +console each other and Archie."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie would be happy anywhere," remarked Nannie, lightly. "I +don't believe he would care much where he went; he would always manage +to have a good time."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>But Archie did care, for when that evening Nannie told him of her +plans, he listened a little impatiently. "How long shall you be away?" +he asked.</p> + +<p>"How can I tell?" answered Nannie, smiling. "As long as I can get +needful study, but not too long to stamp me as a foreigner. I believe +too much in the future of American art to content myself with a whole +life spent in exile."</p> + +<p>"Then you don't want to go?" he said, brightening up.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I do, above all things; it has been my dream for years. I +shall not even be content if I am fortunate enough to exhibit once +in the Salon. I shall work and work till I can stand entirely alone +wherever I may be."</p> + +<p>"But maybe you will not always want to stand alone," suggested Archie.</p> + +<p>"Why? What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"You might marry; women do sometimes."</p> + +<p>"I shall not."</p> + +<p>"I wouldn't be too sure."</p> + +<p>"But I don't want to. I think there are some women who are happier +single. I love my work better than I could any man; or, at least, I +should never be willing to give it up for any other life."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you would not be called upon to do that."</p> + +<p>"Oh, well, maybe, if I could meet some great artist who could be +generous enough to allow me to work side by side with him, I might +think of it. But there is hardly the remotest possibility of that."</p> + +<p>"And no one else could ever persuade you?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed," laughed Nannie, looking at him with clear eyes. "I am +quite sure. How you men do love to argue a woman into giving up a +career. You cannot convince me that I do not know myself. I do, and +am delighted at my prospect of a free, unhampered life. I want to +paint, and I don't want to keep house, and go to market, and bother +about servants and shirt-buttons and gas-bills. I don't want to be +held responsible for my misdemeanors or mistakes to any one but Nannie +Talcott, spinster."</p> + +<p>"A woman need not be hampered because she is married."</p> + +<p>"She needn't be always, but she generally is, anyhow. Oh, Archie, what +is the use of keeping up the argument? This is not a case at law. Go +to, good barrister, tell me your plans. This has been a great week for +decisions. We each seem to have come to some Rubicon."</p> + +<p>"I am going back to Virginia," said Archie, slowly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, are you? I felt sure you would stay here."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. A big city seems to offer more opportunities. Mr. Smith +is so fond of you, and would, no doubt, be able to send you many a +client."</p> + +<p>"No doubt."</p> + +<p>"How laconic you are. And then, oh, I don't know, but I should think +you would like it here. You will find it stupid to go back to a little +place after being here, I'm afraid."</p> + +<p>Archie did not reply.</p> + +<p>"Don't you think you will find it stupid?" asked Nannie, finding her +remarks met no response.</p> + +<p>"I don't know whether I shall or not."</p> + +<p>"What is the matter, Archie?" inquired Nannie, looking at him +curiously. "You don't seem like yourself."</p> + +<p>"Oh, nothing," and Archie roused himself. "I was just lost in thought. +To tell you the truth, Nannie, I was meditating most seriously upon +your remarks. Yes, I shall be stupid. I am stupid. I was stupid."</p> + +<p>"Goose! I didn't say you were stupid. I said you would find a small +place stupid after New York. You were not listening at all."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I was; but nevertheless I am. I was stupid. I reckon I'd best go +back and stay with auntie and Theo. I'd spend too much money here, and +I'd be on my uppers before long."</p> + +<p>"Oh, nonsense!"</p> + +<p>"It's a fact. I seem to be given over to wastefulness."</p> + +<p>"I thought you were improving. Theo said you were. That's all talk, +Archie. You have more strength of mind than to be utterly spendthrifty."</p> + +<p>"No, I haven't. You don't know me. Why, I can't pass a shop-window +without being seized with an inordinate desire to go in and buy +everything displayed. The other day I was on the point of purchasing +eight different kinds of pie, they presented such a tempting array in +quarter-sections all along in a row in a window. But, fortunately, as I +was trying to decide which I would eat first, I realized that I could +not possibly consume them all, and the fact confronted me that some +would have to be left, and that alone saved me from buying the whole +lot. No, I shall go back to Roseville, where they do not exhibit pie in +the windows, and then I shall be able to save up all my pennies, hiding +them away in a stocking, between rafters or mattresses or some such +place. So when your Salon picture is offered for sale, I shall be able +to buy it."</p> + +<p>Archie had recovered himself, and was running on in his usual style.</p> + +<p>"How nice!" declared Nannie. "It will be such an incentive to me. I +suppose you will not mind what subject I choose?"</p> + +<p>"No; as long as it isn't the heathen mothers throwing their infants to +the crocodiles, or the car of Juggernaut, or any of those unpleasant +things."</p> + +<p>Nannie laughed. "I can safely promise it will be none of those. I don't +see why you chose law as a profession, if you are so tender-hearted. I +suppose you'll always let the villains go scot free."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it. In my judicial capacity, I am inflexible; it is only +gory subjects in pictures to which I object."</p> + +<p>"Seriously, though," continued Nannie, "shall you really go back to +Virginia?"</p> + +<p>"Seriously—very seriously."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you know what I mean, silly."</p> + +<p>"I know what you mean; yes."</p> + +<p>"Well, then, talk about it like a rational being. Speaking of your +being admitted to the bar, how do you do?"</p> + +<p>"I am quite well, I thank you. How are you?"</p> + +<p>Nannie laughed. "Archie, you are the most utterly incorrigible person I +ever saw. Now, I forget what I was going to ask you. Oh, yes; now do be +sensible and tell me. After you have been admitted somewhere, you can +practise anywhere, can't you?"</p> + +<p>"Is that a riddle? It sounds like it. After I have—no—after you have +been admitted anywhere, you can practise somewhere. Was that it? Ask it +over again, Nannie?"</p> + +<p>"Archie Nelson, you can be the most absurd person I ever saw. I shall +not ask you anything."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Archie, briskly. "I didn't know the answer to that, +anyhow."</p> + +<p>Then, as Nannie kept silence, he went on, "I'll be good, Nan. Yes, I +have decided to go back to Virginia. I think my chances there are as +good as anywhere. An old friend of my father's, Squire Meredith, made +me an offer before I came here, and the offer still holds good."</p> + +<p>"That is Jessie Meredith's father?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; the Squire has no sons, and will, in time, give up his practice +to me. I shall go in with him, win my laurels, take my native State +by storm, conduct some famous suit, be called Squire, run for Judge, +be elected, grow wise and old on the bench, and die full of years and +honors. There you have it. You could not ask a fuller account."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad to know," laughed Nannie. "What a comfort it must be to +have one's future so positively arranged."</p> + +<p>"It is," acquiesced Archie. "You see if it doesn't turn out just as I +say."</p> + +<p>"And you'll buy my first Salon picture?"</p> + +<p>"Provisionally."</p> + +<p>"That is, if the subject is not gory?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly."</p> + +<p>"Very well; I depend upon you."</p> + +<p>And then, an interruption came in their talk,—Val and Theo entered +excitedly.</p> + +<p>"Where have you two been?" asked Nannie. "Archie has been here ever so +long waiting for you."</p> + +<p>"I wasn't waiting, especially," remarked he.</p> + +<p>"Well, you've been here a long time; ever since Miss Nelson and I came +in from dinner. Where were you, girls?"</p> + +<p>"Why, we went to dinner with the Colonel," explained Theo, "and Val has +actually persuaded him to go to Europe with her and Mrs. Westerly."</p> + +<p>"Really?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; so that is one thing settled."</p> + +<p>"From what Archie says, there is another thing settled; he says he has +decided to return to his native heath," Nan informed them.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie!" from both the girls.</p> + +<p>Archie nodded, confirming Nannie's statement.</p> + +<p>"Have you really made up your mind?" said Theo, going over and sitting +down by him, resting a hand on his shoulder.</p> + +<p>Archie turned, and gave her a little faint, reassuring smile. "That is +about it," he answered.</p> + +<p>Theo made no comment, but slipped her hand in his arm, giving it a +little squeeze.</p> + +<p>"I thought you would be delighted, and you look half disappointed," +averred Nannie.</p> + +<p>Theo looked at her steadily, but there was not a shadow of +consciousness in the honest eyes which met hers. "I am very, very glad +Archie is not going to desert us," replied Theo, "if it is best for +him."</p> + +<p>"It is best for me," said Archie, quietly.</p> + +<p>"And auntie will be overjoyed," declared Val. "I can imagine just how +delighted she will be. I think it has given her a great pang every time +she considered the possibility of losing you, Archie. Have you told +her?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet. I will go now and tell her."</p> + +<p>Later Archie took his leave, but it was not to go directly to his rooms.</p> + +<p>Long past midnight he was walking the streets, but whatever conflict +went on, he never told of it, and was as sweet and sunny as ever the +next time the girls saw him; so that even Theo did not suspect what +hope her brother had buried that spring midnight.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image026" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image026.jpg" alt="image026"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image027" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image027.jpg" alt="image027"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_12">CHAPTER XII.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +"UNDER GREEN APPLE-BOUGHS."<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>A LIGHT breeze blew softly through the open doorway of the old home at +Roseville. Busy brown bees were making a drowsy hum among the blossoms +overhanging the porch; upon the garden slope, apple-trees sent with +every little gust of perfume-laden air a shower of rose-touched petals +to the ground; birds sang blithely in the as yet delicately clad +trees near the house, a flash of blue across the gray-green foliage +denoting the presence of a blue-bird, or a burnished orange redbreast +showing vividly against the grass of the lawn, telling that a robin had +returned to his May-time haunts.</p> + +<p>Instead of Eldorado Ann, a little colored girl was cleaning knives by +the kitchen-door, once in a while joining in soft accord with Mammy, +whose singing came in snatches through the window as she worked away.</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br>"When Eve eat de apple,<br> + When Eve eat de apple,<br> + When Eve eat de apple,<br> + Oh, what a tryin' time!"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>sang Mammy.</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"When she gib de co' to Adam,<br> + When she gib de co' to Adam,<br> + When she gib de co' to Adam,<br> + Oh, what a tryin' time!"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>came in response from Tatty, energetically applying her piece of raw +potato to a knife-blade.</p> + +<p>"Hyar, you Tatty! What you 'bout?" inquired Mammy, coming to the door. +"Don' yuh know Miss Theo done tell yuh ter come ter her ez soon as dem +knives is done? How long yuh reckon she gwine ter wait?"</p> + +<p>"'Deed, Aunt Jane, I mos' done," Tatty replied, viewing a blade +critically. "Dese yer little spotty places ter'ble hard to git off'n de +knives. I hu'yin' all I kin."</p> + +<p>"Den don' was'e yo' bref on Adam, er dey'll be tryin' times fer yuh +sho' 'nough," replied Mammy, returning to her work, her own voice in a +few moments rising shrilly to,—</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"Air dey writin', air dey writin', air dey writin' on de wall?"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"How good it does sound to hear Mammy!" said Theo, coming into her +aunt's room. "And oh, auntie, how good it is altogether! Aren't you +glad we came home first? Much as I love Archie and Val, somehow or +other I can get hold of everything better when just you and I are here +alone. I mean just at first. I feel as if I could put my arms around +everything, and hug the whole place with everything on it, up close to +me, I love it so. Did you ever see any one so happy as Mammy is to have +us back again? And Tatty is as pleased as Punch to be here. She grins +all the time. Why, the blessed boy! Did he come to find Mitty?"</p> + +<p>And Theo stooped to pick up her cat, Ishmael, who had followed her +up-stairs.</p> + +<p>Posie-Cossie, who was lying at Miss Nelson's feet, raised his head +and regarded Ishmael fixedly. The two pets had not come to strictly +amicable terms as yet, though they behaved with great propriety. +Ishmael assumed an air of supreme indifference, while Posie-Cossie once +in a while made playful overtures, by leaping forward with a short +bark, and then hastily retreating if Ishmael turned his eyes upon him.</p> + +<p>"Mrs. Lewis says that Ishmael would never go near my room all the time +we were away," said Theo, "and the very first evening I was at home, +he came up and established himself on the window-seat. The idea of +saying cats have no love for persons, only for places! I think I shall +find it very interesting to study the two, and note the difference +between feline and canine qualities. There, I must go. I hear Tatty. I +told her to come up and help me with Val's room when Mammy could spare +her. Isn't it a satisfaction to know Eldorado Ann is so contented at +Lyndehurst? I had no idea she would be."</p> + +<p>"It is the very place for her," returned Miss Nelson. "Mammy could +never quite conceal her contempt for 'po' white trash,' and Eldorado +Ann could not be expected to brook Mammy's control. But with Mrs. +Barton it will be different, and Eldorado Ann will doubtless develop +into a good, honest woman, with wholesome ideas."</p> + +<p>"Then, too, it is a good thing for Tommy," said Theo; "so Eldorado +Ann's discontent turned out to very good advantage after all, and Mammy +is having a fine time training Tatty."</p> + +<p>"Mammy is nothing if not dictatorial," rejoined auntie. "She quite +resented my modernizing my dress. That I should go on the street +without a wrap quite scandalized her. I wish you could have heard the +severe tone in which she said, 'Law, Miss Janet, yuh ain't gwine out in +yo' figgur, is yuh?'"</p> + +<p>Theo laughed. "That is so like Mammy," she said. Then she turned to +the window, saying, "What a beautiful May-day it is! I can hardly keep +in-doors. I am so glad they are all coming home to such loveliness. And +to think this afternoon, we will all be together, just as we used to +be. You don't know how much has rolled off since I came home. I believe +I felt all the burdens of humanity pressing upon me three months +ago, and here I forget so many disagreeable things. I can't forget +everything," she added, after a pause.</p> + +<p>"That would be unwise," laughed Miss Nelson. "We are no lotus-eaters, +dear; we have work to do in this world which we must take up with +stout, brave hearts. I should be sorry to have you lapse into a life of +dreamy idleness."</p> + +<p>"No danger," replied Theo, smiling. "There are too many things to +interest me. I have a dozen schemes on foot already, and am puzzling +over the best way of carrying them out. Now I really must go. I cannot +spend any more time here, pleasant as it is to chatter. I want to find +more violets for Val's room, and I must put some apple-blossoms in the +blue pitcher for Archie."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Smith thought he might come, you know. What can you find for the +guest-room?"</p> + +<p>"I'll find something," responded Theo. "There is no lack of blossoms, +and the wild-flowers are crowding the hill-sides. Can't you come with +me, auntie?"</p> + +<p>"No, I am afraid not. I have a number of things on hand. You'll have to +do the decorative part, and I'll attend to the substantials."</p> + +<p>Theo went into Val's room, where Tatty was wiping up the hearth. "Get +some fresh water for all the rooms, Tatty," she directed, "and ask Miss +Nelson for towels. Don't shut the window; we want all the out-doors we +can get. Did you shake the table-cover well? Now I think Miss Janet has +something for you to do. I am going to the woods. Oh, yes, Tatty, find +the old blue pitcher and put it in Mr. Archie's room."</p> + +<p>And then, picking up her hat, Theo went out into the spring sunshine, +through the garden and down the little path that led to the nearest +piece of woods.</p> + +<p>The whole world seemed to be pulsating with expectancy. Slender twigs +bore bursting buds; the curling fronds of tall ferns were gradually +unrolling to the genial warmth; tufts of green at first attracted the +eye to sunny spots which showed upon closer observation young buds +pushing soft pink tips through downy sheaths; an advance guard of +little buff butterflies hovered over a muddy place in the path where a +small stream crossed, which, tinkling on, lost itself under boughs of +low willows swinging pendulous streamers across the little flecks of +foam which every now and then leaped over the pebbles.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image028" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"><a id="Image028"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image028.jpg" alt="image028"></a></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>Then she turned towards home.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>But Theo did not stop for anemone or iris, nor even for a saucy +Jack-in-the-pulpit. She was looking for violets, and she knew her +ground; for, turning towards a sunny slope rising from the little +stream, "Blue ran the flash across," and in a few moments, she had her +hands full.</p> + +<p>Then she turned towards home, stopping on the way for a branch of +dogwood, and gathering from a favorite tree apple-blossoms which showed +a livelier pink than any others in the garden.</p> + +<p>"What a happy-looking girlie!" was Miss Janet's greeting as she +entered. "You look the very embodiment of spring with your blossoms."</p> + +<p>"Aren't they lovely!" said Theo. "I thought this was such a pretty +branch of dogwood. Shall I put it in the guest-room?"</p> + +<p>"Wouldn't it look better in the hall? You can find something sweeter +for Mr. Smith, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"Bless his dear old heart! Of course I can. There, those go nicely in +this big vase. Now I'll arrange the others, and it will be nearly time +for the train. Would you go to meet them, auntie?"</p> + +<p>"I hardly think it worth while. Take a little rest. You have been so +energetic to-day, I should think you would be tired out."</p> + +<p>"I hadn't thought of it before, but I believe I am. I'll take this +magazine up-stairs and look it over between whiles. Lie down yourself, +auntie. There's a lot of time, for the train is always late."</p> + +<p>But this time, for a wonder, the train arrived on time.</p> + +<p>And Theo, deep in her magazine, was surprised by Tatty's voice +announcing, "Hyar dey come, Miss Theo; hyar dey come, bag an' baggage."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Val, where are you?" cried Theo, as she sped down-stairs.</p> + +<p>But it was not upon Val that her eyes rested as she entered the room; +it was upon a tall, manly figure which at that moment seemed to shut +out everything else from her vision. And she sprang past the others, +all her soul in her eyes, and her pulses flying fast, as she exclaimed, +"Oh, Jack!"</p> + +<p>And poor, dear, obtuse Jack would never have seen at all, would never +have fathomed the gladness, the tenderness in Theo's tone, if sly +little Val had not said, teasingly, "When you have done feasting your +eyes upon Jack, Theo, perhaps you will have a word to say to me."</p> + +<p>And then Theo, too, realized what it meant, and she flushed and was so +confused that, after all, she did not even shake hands with the dear +boy, but hid her confusion in the effusive greeting she bestowed upon +Val, while Jack's face wore such a look of gladness as it had not shown +for many a long day.</p> + +<p>And after a little while, Val slipped out. Then her guardian, with a +twinkle in his eye, responded to Val's mute little gesture, and the two +were left together; for when Theo attempted to follow the others, Jack +stopped her, and, looking down at the drooping head, said, "Theo, Theo, +is it true?"</p> + +<p>"Is what true?" was Theo's response, almost in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"That you are glad to see me," was Jack's rather lame reply.</p> + +<p>But to Theo, the sentence was full of meaning, and she did not realize +that this was their first word together for many months. She only felt +that it was enough to have Jack back again, and that to lose him would +be more than she could bear. So she looked up, with her sweet eyes +revealing all that was in her heart, though she said again only "Oh, +Jack!"</p> + +<p>But that was quite sufficient. They both knew the rest; and Jack felt +that all the blessings of heaven and earth had been promised him in +that one little exclamation.</p> + +<p>And then auntie, who had been detained by Val, came in, and was so glad +to see the boy that she gave him as loving a greeting as she could have +bestowed upon Archie.</p> + +<p>"Where is Archie?" asked Theo, just realizing that some one was missing.</p> + +<p>And Val, who had followed auntie, with a little mirthful laugh at +Theo's expense, explained that Archie had discovered that some mistake +had been made about the baggage, and had stopped to have the matter +inquired into.</p> + +<p>"Do tell us all about yourself, Jack. What a surprise you have given +us, to be sure," said Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Well," replied Jack, "there isn't much to tell. Things didn't turn out +very well in Florida. The man of whose plantation I had charge had not +had much experience, and insisted upon trying all sorts of experiments. +We had a snapping frost just at the wrong time, and that finished him +up; so I wandered over to Texas, and there I fell in with Jim Downs. I +was pretty blue and miserable, and Jim offered me a living, so I took +his offer; but that wretched fever got hold of me and nearly finished +me. It didn't seem wise for me to stay down there another season and +risk my health."</p> + +<p>"I should think not," interposed Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"So," continued Jack, "when Mr. Smith wrote, telling me I was not quite +a pauper, I was ready enough to pull up stakes, I can tell you."</p> + +<p>"You can imagine how I felt when the old fellow walked into the office +one day," said Archie, who had come in. "I don't think I was ever so +glad to see anybody in my life. But he hasn't told you half. Such +tales and such adventures! You ought to hear them. I have managed to +extract a few facts from him, but I'll venture to say he has a lot more +to tell. You would suppose from what he has told you that he had been +sitting around in an aimless sort of a way, or else driving up a few +sheep; but, my goodness! If you can get him in the mood—I always knew +Jack wouldn't stay in the background. If you can only get him warmed up +to tell how he saved Jim Downs's life, and how he got on the track of +a mail-robber, and how he saved a man from being lynched—my goodness! +People, you don't know what a hero you are entertaining."</p> + +<p>"Now, Arch! Now, Arch!" Jack kept expostulating. "What do you bring +up those things for?" he said, as Archie concluded. "I just told you +because you were so persistent, and I thought you would be amused by my +cowboy exploits. Don't go and blow about them."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>That evening, Jack disclosed to Theo his plans. "I have been talking to +Mr. Smith," he said. "You don't know what a brick he is. We are going +to look at a piece of property down this way that Mr. Smith thinks will +make a good manufacturing site. He proposes to start the concern, and I +am to manage it, if the matter is consummated."</p> + +<p>"Then you will not have to go away again."</p> + +<p>"Are you sorry?" asked Jack, smiling. But before she could answer, he +said, repentantly, "That wasn't a fair question. I know you are glad. +You are too true, too sincere, dear, for any pretence."</p> + +<p>"I shall not pretend, and, after the abominable way I have treated you, +you deserve to know that I am more than glad."</p> + +<p>"I have so little to offer you now," said Jack. "My little fortune is +very small, Theo, but I shall work faithfully, and perhaps it need not +be hard for you."</p> + +<p>"We will work together," replied Theo, "and we shall be ever so much +happier for having to make a few sacrifices for each other. I am very +glad you haven't all that money. You are twice as valuable to me +without it. Come, Jack, let us go down to the apple-trees. I want you +to see how full they are of blossoms this year."</p> + +<p>"And we will stay here together, Theo, always," said Jack, looking +around at the fair scene.</p> + +<p>"Always, together," repeated Theo.</p> + +<p>And then they both looked up at the wreaths of bloom, and smiled.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"Dear, good Mr. Smith!" said Theo to Archie, a few days later, as they +talked over Jack's prospects. "Imagine his ever being called 'that +disagreeable Mr. Smith.'"</p> + +<p>Archie laughed. "He isn't always honey," he replied. "At times, he is +the most irritable man I ever saw. I've had the opportunity of becoming +pretty well acquainted with his moods. But he has a heart of gold, +though he doesn't show it to everybody."</p> + +<p>"No. I realize that his 'seamy side' appears to be the best known, but +we know what he is, no matter what the rest of the world think."</p> + +<p>"I am glad he is going to give himself a rest; it will do him a world +of good to take a long trip, and Val has a way of mellowing him up that +no one else has."</p> + +<p>"I'm sure you have," said Theo.</p> + +<p>"Sometimes; but he never can withstand Val. Where is Jack?" Archie +asked, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"He is talking to auntie," said Theo, a little confusedly. "There is +the Colonel now, Arch. I want to speak to him," and running down the +steps, Theo met Mr. Smith, who was coming up the walk.</p> + +<p>"I want to thank you, Colonel," she said, "for all your kindness to +Archie, and to—to Jack," she added.</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith looked at her quizzically, as he answered, "I have done very +little, not enough to merit any very great depth of gratitude."</p> + +<p>Then he continued, very seriously, "Nothing could gratify me more than +what you have done for Jack."</p> + +<p>Theo looked up shyly, but with a happy smile. "You helped me there more +than any one. You showed me Jack's goodness better than any one else +did. I wonder at my blindness now."</p> + +<p>Just then, Jack came out of the house, and seeing Archie on the +porch alone, sat down on the step by him. Archie regarded him with +satisfaction. "You're the happiest-looking fellow I ever saw," he said.</p> + +<p>"I have reason to be," replied Jack, his eyes seeking Theo, who was +walking slowly towards the house with Mr. Smith.</p> + +<p>"Well, you do seem mighty glad to get back to us," remarked Archie.</p> + +<p>Then, following Jack's glance towards Theo, he caught the gentle smile +with which she answered his look, and he turned to Jack suddenly.</p> + +<p>"I believe I am as blind as a mole," he said. "You old duplicitous +rascal! I've a mind to pound you."</p> + +<p>Jack laughed. Jack's laugh was always good to hear, but this time it +was the embodiment of happiness. "Pound away," he said.</p> + +<p>But, instead, Archie held out his hand and gave Jack's such a grip as +left no doubt of his feelings.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image029" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image029.jpg" alt="image029"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image030" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image030.jpg" alt="image030"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_13">CHAPTER XIII.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +SEPARATIONS.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"THIS is the day Nan sails," announced Val at the breakfast-table a few +days later.</p> + +<p>"And to think we are none of us there to see her off," said Theo, +regretfully.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she'll not want for friends," responded Val. "Her own family will +be there, the Parkhursts and all, and a lot of the League students. +Katherine Armistead is going too, you know, and there will be any +number of people to wish her 'bon voyage.'"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; but I'll venture to say she will miss us."</p> + +<p>"Just to think of it! I'll be the next one to go," said Val. "It makes +me feel creepy whenever the thought comes to me. Now, Colonel, don't +look at me with that judicial expression of yours. I don't doubt there +are cold crims going down your own back this blessed minute."</p> + +<p>"What are crims?" asked Jack.</p> + +<p>"Oh," replied Val, nothing abashed, "they are something between chills +and creeps."</p> + +<p>"And creeps?"</p> + +<p>"Find out for yourself," retorted Val. "If your imagination cannot +supply a meaning, you aren't very inventive. We know, don't we, +Archie?" nodding in the direction of her cousin.</p> + +<p>"H'm. What? I wasn't listening," responded Archie. And rising with some +muttered excuse, he left the table abruptly.</p> + +<p>For the rest of the day, no one of them saw him, though in the evening +he appeared, calm and unruffled, but nobody asked him to account for +his absence.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"Is Jack anywhere about?" asked Mr. Smith, coming into the sitting-room +where Miss Nelson was.</p> + +<p>"He and Theo have gone to Preston," Miss Nelson informed him. "Come in, +Colonel; I want to talk to you. I feel very happy about those two, but +they must not think of marrying yet. Shouldn't you say so?"</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith was thoughtful.</p> + +<p>"Theo is too young," continued Miss Nelson. "At least, in my opinion, +a girl should be fully developed, mentally, morally, and physically, +before she takes the responsibilities of married life upon her."</p> + +<p>"And a man should be equally so, and furthermore, should be fully +established in business," asserted Mr. Smith. "It won't hurt them to +wait a couple of years. You have heard Jack's plans?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. I suppose any more thanks would burden you, Mr. Smith, but you +know what I think."</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith waived aside any continuance of that special subject, and +went on, saying, "The site I have selected for our enterprise is +between here and Preston, you know."</p> + +<p>"And you think they could live at Preston?"</p> + +<p>"Could they not?"</p> + +<p>"I should think very easily. I should be glad to have it so, for Cousin +Betty's sake. In leaving the place to Theo, I think she hoped it might +eventually be Theo's home."</p> + +<p>"Jack is not rich, you know."</p> + +<p>"No, but the present manager of Preston is quite capable of making the +most out of the place, and it need not be kept up expensively. We are +not worldly-minded, as you know, Colonel, yet I must confess to having +had a small regret for the vanished wealth, though I have tried to +repress it. I should like to feel that Theo had an abundance."</p> + +<p>"She is not the girl to care," returned Mr. Smith; "and they will +always have enough; there is little doubt of that. Jack has the +elements of a successful man in him,—force, perseverance, and energy; +otherwise I should not, from purely selfish motives, care to consider +this scheme."</p> + +<p>"Tell me just when you expect to consummate your plans."</p> + +<p>"I shall probably complete the sale in a few days, and the ground will +be broken at once for the building, which I shall hope may be carried +on as speedily as possible. Jack will remain here to see that it is. +I do not say to Val how long I shall remain with her and my sister, +but certainly not more than six months. One of my objects in going +to England is to attend to business there connected with this very +enterprise. I should like to interest some foreign capitalists in my +project, and then I can believe our success is assured."</p> + +<p>"How glad I am we are not to lose Jack from our midst. He can find a +pleasant boarding-place, I am sure, and everybody will be happy."</p> + +<p>"And—yes, it is better for those two to wait. I quite agree with you, +Miss Nelson, for many reasons. Too many young people plunge into +matrimony with nothing ahead for a rainy day. Then comes illness and +trouble, and with trouble often discontent, recrimination on one side, +bitterness on the other, and finally a breach which can never be +healed. A little foresight and patience might have saved the victim of +many an unhappy marriage from much misery. The trouble is, it all seems +smooth sailing, and youth forgets to look out for breakers ahead."</p> + +<p>"It would be too much to expect a perfectly peaceful voyage for our +young people. Theo is a little obstinate, and Jack is determined and +has something of a temper; so I have no doubt those qualities will give +rise to some disquieting moments. But they are only flaws in otherwise +admirable characters, or rather they are faults of disposition rather +than of character."</p> + +<p>"We cannot expect to meet angels walking the earth," remarked Mr. Smith.</p> + +<p>"No. Jack and Theo are quite human, but their future happiness lies in +the entire respect they have for each other. Neither has anything to +withhold from the other. They are both very truthful, honorable, and +sincere, so what may disturb them will likely be a very small tempest. +I do not believe my children are phenomenal, though I have been +criticised for thinking them incapable of many little defects too often +very palpable in young people."</p> + +<p>"They are not, perhaps, phenomenal, but they represent examples of a +fine order. I should be sorry if there were not more such," responded +Mr. Smith.</p> + +<p>"I should be sorry, indeed. What would become of our standards, if no +one nearly approached them?"</p> + +<p>"The trouble is that the majority of young people are very 'heady' +nowadays. We are old-fashioned, Miss Janet, and we believe that the +majority of young people are not as fine as 'the flock.' I am quite +sure, too, that there are many persons who have never come across such +really fine types; so they are very incredulous when told that such +boys and girls can and do exist."</p> + +<p>"And what of Archie? I sometimes feel very anxious for my boy."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about Archie; there is good stuff in him. He is sure to +make his way. I don't say he will ever win great distinction, but he +will win friends. And I believe he is better suited to this locality +than to New York, where a certain keenness and wiliness are needful. +Yes, I think Archie has decided wisely: his people know him and he +knows his people. There is a great deal in that. Then, too, Archie's +temptations will be fewer here."</p> + +<p>"I think he recognizes that," replied Miss Nelson, "and believes his +only chance of saving is to be where there is little temptation to +spend. That is the lion in Archie's path; but you relieve me immensely, +Colonel. These have been anxious days for most of us, and to feel that +the way is made straight is a great comfort."</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson was silent for a few moments, and then she turned again to +her friend.</p> + +<p>"And Val," she said, "our little Val, she is such a bright, merry +little soul, we shall miss her sadly. I hope her travels may not spoil +her. My last little child leaves me with Val." And auntie sighed.</p> + +<p>Then she continued: "Since we seem to be criticising them all, I must +say how gratified I am at Val's improvement. She has overcome much that +I once feared would mar her. She has not as deep, as intense a nature +as Theo, but she is, perhaps, better balanced in consequence. Impulsive +and demonstrative as she seems, she really has good judgment; she is +losing her love of admiration in some degree, or rather she desires +now to be admired more for any real merit she may possess than for her +looks or her coquetries. And yet I dread her going from me, even into +as good hands as your sister's."</p> + +<p>"Val will be immensely improved by travel," Mr. Smith assured her, +"and though she may come back a full-fledged young lady, she will be +a very charming one, I'll guarantee. I have promised the child to go +with her to some impossible place," he said, rising. "She has no regard +for my old bones, and I am to climb rocks and slide down banks for her +amusement this afternoon."</p> + +<p>Which meant that Val had insisted upon her guardian going to the woods +with her, saying, pathetically, that Theo had Jack, and Archie had gone +off by his "loney." So she had no one, for auntie was busy, and there +was no one left, and she was lonesome; so wouldn't the Colonel take her +to the woods? She was afraid to go alone, and she was blue, so nothing +but the woods would cure her. And there was such an irresistible +expression in her big blue eyes that the Colonel consented, though he +knew she would lead him a dance.</p> + +<p>The place was very quiet after they had all gone out. Auntie was +taking her nap. Mammy had finished her work and was sitting, clumsily +mending an apron. Tatty, down in the garden, was amusing herself with +Posie-Cossie, who had been sent home by each outgoing party, and was +inconsolable till Tatty came to his rescue.</p> + +<p>Presently Mammy felt two soft hands over her eyes. Theo had returned +from her drive, and had come to consult Mammy on some domestic question.</p> + +<p>"I knows dem han's," said Mammy. "I'se knowed 'em uvver sence dey was +little teenchy bits o' baby han's. Yuh cyarnt fool yo' old Mammy."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed and came around in front of the old woman.</p> + +<p>"What are you doing, Mammy?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"I'se tryin' ter patch up dis yer ole ap'on, honey; hit's good 'nuff +fur was'in' water on, an' meal, an' dat kin' er truck. Somehow er, +'nuther, my ole eyes isn't es good es dey was, an' hit tek me a pow'ful +time," and Mammy wiped her glasses and laid them aside.</p> + +<p>Theo took them up and examined them.</p> + +<p>"Why, Mammy, what glasses are these?"</p> + +<p>"Dey de ones my ole mammy wo', honey. Dey's jis' es good es dey uvver +was."</p> + +<p>Theo turned over the big spectacles with their broad steel rims. "Why, +Mammy, you can't see with them, don't you know? Why, ever so long ago +you were using them. I got you another pair, didn't I?"</p> + +<p>"Yuh sutt'nly did, chile. I rickleck jes' es easy how yuh come an' say,—</p> + +<p>"'Mammy, what yuh tryin' 'er do?'</p> + +<p>"An' I say, 'I th'eadin' a needle, but hit mus' hev a cu'ious little +eye.'</p> + +<p>"An' yuh takin' hit outen my han' an' th'ead it jes es easy; an' I say, +'My, my!'"</p> + +<p>"Yes; and I found that these glasses did not suit you at all."</p> + +<p>"Den," continued Mammy, "yuh goes down street, an' comes home with a +whole mess o' specs, an' I tries 'em on, fust one, then t'other, till +I sees mos' like I hed new eyes." Mammy dwelt upon this with much +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"But what has become of those glasses? Are they broken?"</p> + +<p>"Naw, indeedy, dey isn't. Dey is brandy-spandy, jes' es bright es dey +wus dat day."</p> + +<p>"Then what is the matter with them? Why don't you wear them?"</p> + +<p>"Law, honey," exclaimed Mammy, "yuh reckon I gwine ter 'hack' 'em? Uh, +uh! I w'ars 'em to church an' Sundays, but dese yer is whole es dey +uvver was, an' I 'bleedged to w'ar 'em out. What good 'nough fur my ole +mammy, good 'nough fur me."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed till Mammy was really offended and cast injured looks at +her "baby," as she still continued to call Theo.</p> + +<p>But no amount of persuasion on Theo's part could convince the old +woman that it would not be a wilful extravagance to put aside her old +spectacles, and she continued to wear them "week-days."</p> + +<p>Mammy's delight in Theo's plans was very great. She greatly approved of +"Mars' Jack," and she talked of the "weddin'" whenever Theo would allow +her an opportunity, expatiating upon the glories of the cake she would +bake, and feeling quite indignant that Theo would not promise to invite +half the county.</p> + +<p>"Dat ain't no way ter hev' a weddin'," she would say when Theo +explained her modest plans. "Why, honey, when my ole mistis' got ma'ied +dey wasn't scasely room to step roun' de house, an' de ca'ages blocked +up de whole place outside. What yuh reckon yo' grandma say ter dat +sorter little no-'count weddin' yuh 'scribe? I say, Miss Val do better +'n dat. She mek mo' show. Yuh better look out, Miss Theo; Miss Val be +finer 'n yuh."</p> + +<p>"I don't care; I hope she will," was Theo's reply. "I should love to +have her be as fine as she likes."</p> + +<p>And Mammy had no further argument to bring, though again and again she +recurred to the subject.</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith returned to New York a few days after this, having completed +the arrangements for his business projects. And Jack forthwith was +plunged into the preliminary management.</p> + +<p>Val was all excitement over her proposed trip, and the preparations +for this occupied the minds of Miss Nelson and Theo as much as of Val +herself. Finally, she started off in company with Mr. Smith, who had +come down for a final consultation with Jack.</p> + +<p>And now it was Val who was to see the world, while Theo remained +quietly at home, to watch the twittering birds coming and going under +the eaves of the old house, to see the seasons change the familiar +trees from green to russet, and to dream away the hours contentedly in +her little corner of the universe for the three years that lay ahead of +this parting.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image031" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image031.jpg" alt="image031"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image032" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image032.jpg" alt="image032"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_14">CHAPTER XIV.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +ARCHIE'S CLIENT.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>AS time went on, the lives of those of "the flock" remaining at +Roseville settled into a quiet routine, the main excitement coming from +the letters received from Val and Nannie.</p> + +<p>Val was enjoying herself hugely, and wrote spirited, graphic +descriptions of her travels, of the people she met, and of her own +little experiences. Once in a while, there crept in a small word of +longing for home and auntie, for Theo and the old quiet days, but that +was when the little traveller was tired or not feeling well. As a +rule, she wrote in a rollicking strain, and they all felt that she was +enjoying herself greatly.</p> + +<p>Nannie, too, gave entertaining accounts of her life, adorning her +letters with funny little illustrations of places and people.</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "I cannot make up my mind," she wrote, "whether this is Bohemia or +not. I have such respect for certain traditions, that some of my +fellow-students count me a very Philistine; but again, when I emerge +from Boulevard Mont Parnasse, and leave the Luxembourg gardens behind +me, I sometimes encounter an acquaintance in whose face lurks a certain +disapproval when I give my address, and there is an implied reproach +in the exclamation, 'Oh, you Bohemian!' I think, however, that I +shall come to the conclusion that Bohemia can be respectable, just +as much as New York or Paris can be, though they may also be quite +the opposite. I remember my old grandmother used to have a horror of +New York, imagining that those who entered its streets at night went +forth 'carousing and ransacking the town,' as she used to express it. +So, Miss Theo, if you please, don't imagine me quite demoralized by +the Latin quarter, nor consider me under a ban because my next-door +neighbor is 'une petite bourgeoise.'"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>Nannie added that her work was improving, but that it had taken some +time for her to adjust herself to her surroundings, and to get used +to being "such a tiny frog in such a very big puddle," but that now +she rather enjoyed the absolute immunity from regard, that she felt +freer than air, and whether she carried her own wash home, or sat on +the top of an omnibus, side by side with a blouse or a bare-headed +blanchisseuse, no one noticed or cared, and she was quite happy.</p> + +<p>"That is Nan, all over," commented Theo, refolding the letter she had +been reading aloud. "The one thing above another that irks her is being +in any way fettered. She has often longed to be an 'untutored savage.'"</p> + +<p>Theo herself, shut away from all these novel experiences, wondered at +her own utter content. She was, however, far from leading an idle life. +Every day brought its duty, its interest in some affair concerning +the small community in which she lived. Perhaps there was to be an +entertainment for the church fund. Theo must sing, and Jack must be +persuaded to add his name to the programme. Or it might be some case +of distress, requiring gentle ministry; again, a meeting of the little +literary club, formed since Theo's school days, demanded an afternoon; +or it was to respond hurriedly to a call from a neighboring cousin for +help in a case of illness; or perhaps the more pleasurable duty of a +drive to Preston to look after some needed repairs or arrangement, and +so the days each brought enough to fill the hours busily and profitably.</p> + +<p>Archie's first case was an absorbing theme; all the ins and outs were +discussed, and followed closely by the whole family, and when he won +the suit, there was as much rejoicing as if he had been made governor +of the State.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Jack's affairs progressed satisfactorily. There were the usual delays +and difficulties to be met, but Jack was the man to meet them. He had +at first obtained board in the small town adjoining the property on +which the new buildings were in course of erection. But later, he found +it more convenient to go back and forth by train, and took up his abode +at the little hotel in Roseville.</p> + +<p>It was a very happy time for them all. Their mutual love of music gave +Theo and Jack a never-failing source of interest, and each worked +for the other's enjoyment. Theo was very proud of Jack's beautiful +baritone, and Jack was equally happy when Theo's singing won her +praise. So they practised faithfully together, sang in the choir of the +little church, discussed new music, criticised each other's tones and +methods, all the time learning a deeper, truer harmony.</p> + +<p>At the end of two years, the manufactory was in full operation, and +Jack was busier than ever. Val was talking of her return; Nannie was +writing of her hopes and fears regarding the picture she had sent +to the Salon,—would it or would it not be accepted? Archie was fast +becoming the prosperous successor of his father's old friend, "Squire" +Meredith, who was gradually giving up his practice to the younger man.</p> + +<p>Mr. Smith, after his return from abroad, was so pleased with his +holiday that he retired from his profession, and after seeing his +project in Virginia fairly established, and satisfying himself that +Jack's management of it was all that could be desired, rejoined Val and +Mrs. Westerly, remaining with them till they should complete their trip.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Later, Nannie wrote that her picture had been accepted and hung as well +as could be expected. Later still, she gave the information that at the +close of the Salon Exhibition it had been sent to New York, and had +actually been sold. Then followed a merry little tirade against Archie +for not having fulfilled his promise of being the purchaser, when she +had so scrupulously avoided a gory subject.</p> + +<p>But the end of Nannie's picture was not yet, as a curious combination +of circumstances proved.</p> + +<p>"Who is that with Archie?" asked Theo, one day, turning to her aunt, as +the two stood by the sitting-room window.</p> + +<p>Auntie looked out. "I do not know," she replied; "it is no one I ever +saw before, probably some stranger in town."</p> + +<p>"I wonder if he is bringing him to dinner," said Theo, with housewifely +interest.</p> + +<p>"No doubt," replied Miss Nelson. "Run down, Theo, and tell Tatty to lay +another place at table, and here are the keys; get out anything you may +find necessary."</p> + +<p>And Theo left the room to be met halfway down-stairs by her brother.</p> + +<p>"Who is your friend?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"A new client. I asked him to dine with us because I wanted to talk to +him, and my time is very full to-day."</p> + +<p>This was not an unusual occurrence, and as guests were always welcomed +with ready hospitality. Then made no further comment than to say, "Oh, +very well. Auntie is in the sitting-room, Archie."</p> + +<p>Archie's acquaintance, Mr. Veers, was an odd-looking individual, with +strange, round, staring eyes, and a mass of light hair brushed straight +up. He had, it seemed, come to the neighborhood for the purpose of +looking after some property about which there was a question of +possession. His stay lasted several days, during which time he and +Archie drove down to the place in dispute, and when he finally took his +leave, Archie had agreed to take the case.</p> + +<p>"What an exceedingly odd person Mr. Veers is," observed Miss Nelson, +when their guest had departed; "he is such a mixture of acuteness and +unworldliness one hardly knows what to make of him."</p> + +<p>"He is the oddest fish I have encountered for many a long day," +answered Archie; "he interests me in spite of myself: He has travelled +nearly all over the world, and must, from all accounts, have a +collection of rare and beautiful things; he tells me of bric-à-brac he +has picked up, of pictures he has bought, and yet he does not seem ever +to have any money."</p> + +<p>"He must have had," remarked Theo. "Why, how could he get along +without? What is his business?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know; he lives by his wits, I reckon."</p> + +<p>"It is a pretty poor outlook for you then," laughed Theo.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I shall come out all right," returned Archie. "I can come down +on him for all his articles of 'bigotry and virtue.' Think what an +addition to our small stock," and Archie looked around the room with +the air of one who already saw important accessions in the way of +ornament.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you wouldn't do that, would you?"</p> + +<p>Archie laughed. "I don't know what I would do. At any rate, I shall do +my best to win him his suit, for his is the rightful claim."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry for the other people," said Theo, sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"One has always to be sorry for somebody," replied Archie. "That is +the trouble in this confounded profession of mine; my sympathies are +continually on the rack."</p> + +<p>"But you do try for justice," returned Theo, "and that is the main +thing."</p> + +<p>"I try for it; whether I always succeed is something else. Anyhow, I +think our friend Veers is pretty sure of winning his case."</p> + +<p>And as events proved, it so happened, although for some months nothing +was heard of Mr. Veers, and Archie found it necessary to make a trip to +Washington, from which place his client had last written.</p> + +<p>In a funny, old tumble-down house, perched high above the grade of the +street, he at last found him. Archie climbed the two flights of steps +leading to the front door. There was no bell, so he knocked simply with +his knuckles, and, after waiting for some time, the door was opened by +a slatternly woman, who said Mr. Veers was out, but would probably be +in shortly. So Archie concluded to wait for him, and was shown in to a +room which presented quite a remarkable appearance.</p> + +<p>"Had the man been an artist," Archie afterwards said, in describing the +place, "it would not have seemed unusual, but that any one else should +care for such a jumble appeared very peculiar."</p> + +<p>Suits of armor lay in heaps in one corner; rich Oriental stuffs were +collecting dust where they were thrown in careless profusion over +inlaid tables or Chippendale chairs; bits of antique pottery crowded +the mantel; rare brazen vessels, some most delicately wrought, stood +side by side with Venetian glass vases or Belleek bowls.</p> + +<p>The walls were covered with pictures, old and new, and these Archie +proceeded to scrutinize, the more inclined to do so that every seat +in the room was already occupied by piles of books, vellum bound and +silver clasped, portfolios of engravings, heaps of jingling ornaments +or fragile casts.</p> + +<p>Since Mr. Veers's return was evidently a question of uncertainty, and +the time was lengthened from half an hour to an hour, Archie had an +opportunity of carefully observing all the pictures. He passed from one +to another, and, while standing at one end of the room, he suddenly +made an exclamation, then bending closer, read upon the canvas before +him Nannie's name.</p> + +<p>A long time he stood before it, so long, in fact, that he did not +notice when the door opened and Mr. Veers came in.</p> + +<p>"You like that, do you?" was his greeting. "So do I. It was in New +York, and I took a fancy to it, and bought it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I like it," replied Archie; "the more so, that a friend of mine +painted it."</p> + +<p>Mr. Veers's interest was at once aroused, and he asked question after +question: Who was the artist? Where did she live? How long had she +studied? And so on.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Archie had leisure to observe the man's appearance, +which was that of one not possessed of riches; for his clothes were +shabby and worn, his boots the worse for wear, his linen frayed and +creased.</p> + +<p>While they were standing discussing the picture, the slovenly-looking +woman again appeared.</p> + +<p>"Are ye coming to dinner?" she asked, putting her head in the door.</p> + +<p>Mr. Veers turned to Archie as if it were a matter of course that he +should dine with him, and Archie could but follow him to the next room. +Here, again, everything betokened poverty; the woman, who was evidently +the only retainer, served a frugal, ill-cooked meal upon heavy stone +ware, while in the next room Sèvres china and Cloisonné gathered the +dust. Such incongruities existed that Archie was fairly bewildered, and +found himself wondering more and more where the man had found the means +to invest in the beautiful things he hoarded.</p> + +<p>When the repast was over, and they were still discussing the law-suit, +Mr. Veers suddenly said, "But I don't know how I can pay you; I haven't +a penny."</p> + +<p>"You will have the property, if we win our case," replied Archie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, but I shall make that over to my wife and child," returned Mr. +Veers.</p> + +<p>Archie looked up surprised, for this was the first reference Mr. Veers +had ever made to his family.</p> + +<p>"Your wife and child, did I understand you to say?" he queried.</p> + +<p>Mr. Veers nodded. "I am such a rambler," he returned, half +apologetically, "and they have been living with my father-in-law for +some years."</p> + +<p>"But," broke out Archie, rapidly following out a train of thought, +"your collection in the other room is very valuable, surely."</p> + +<p>"Yes; but the truth is, I can't bring myself to part with any piece +of it. I—" and he paused; "however—my wife—my child—" Then, as if the +remembrance of them helped him, he continued, "If—if there is anything +there you fancy, anything that will pay you, take it; but," he added, +with a quaint smile, "you'd better tuck it under your arm and take it +along to-night, for I promise you, I'll repent it before morning."</p> + +<p>Here was an odd situation, but Archie took the man at his word, and +said, "There is one thing I should like above all others. I will give +you a receipted bill for my services in exchange for the picture +painted by my friend, Miss Talcott."</p> + +<p>Mr. Veers meditated upon the proposal, and then, placing upon the table +pen, ink, and paper, he said, "Hurry up, then; now's your chance."</p> + +<p>And before he could change his mind, Archie went away with Nannie's +Salon picture—divested of its frame, however—in his possession, and +in his hotel that evening, he viewed his new acquisition with amused +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"I have it, after all, Miss Nan," he soliloquized; "and it's your turn +to be gibed at. What a piece of luck! How Val would enjoy hearing about +it. Well, Mr. Veers, this will never get back to you; I promise you I +shall guard against that."</p> + +<p>True to his word, Mr. Veers did call to protest against the removal +of the picture. But Archie was on his way to Virginia. And when the +picture was fairly out of reach, Mr. Veers wrote congratulating Archie +on his possession, and endorsing the ownership.</p> + +<p>Shortly after this, the law-suit was settled, and the property made +over to Mrs. Veers and her daughter. Mr. Veers appeared once more in +Roseville, but refused absolutely to enter Archie's home again, giving +as his reason that if he once saw that picture again, he should be +tempted to carry it away bodily.</p> + +<p>And though Archie offered to hide it, Mr. Veers said, laughingly, "No, +that would only make his desire for it keener, and he might hunt for +it." And then he seriously assured Archie of his perfect willingness to +give it up, adding, it would be well if he could settle all his debts +so easily.</p> + +<p>A few months later, the family read of the death of the whimsical +collector, the facts given being that he had been killed in a railroad +accident somewhere in Europe, that he had run through two or three +fortunes, and that his valuable collection was to be sold to pay his +debts.</p> + +<p>Then Archie congratulated himself upon having become possessed of +Nannie's picture, which straightway adorned the wall of his office, and +was a source of immense pleasure to its owner.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image033" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image033.jpg" alt="image033"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image034" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image034.jpg" alt="image034"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_15">CHAPTER XV.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +BEFORE THE FEAST.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THEO'S garden was brave with chrysanthemums, great yellow blooms swung +from their stalks, or shot out rays from glowing centres like golden +suns. Atop the branches, little buttons showed what might be expected +later on; here a mass of snowy white fringes, springing from a whorl +of incurled petals, invited the eye; there, red and yellow splendor +flaunted, or in ragged pink disorder some splendid beauty held its own +as biggest of them all.</p> + +<p>Theo, walking among this late blossoming, fingered the buds lovingly, +while Posie-Cossie, close at her heels, watched her with bright eyes.</p> + +<p>"I declare, Posie-Cossie, this chrysanthemum looks just like you," and +Theo shook a big, wild-looking blossom at the little dog.</p> + +<p>And truly, there was a resemblance to the fly-away hair of the +little fellow, which now made a dart forward, to snap in play at the +temptation offered.</p> + +<p>"No! No!" reproved Theo. "You can't have it. Every one will be needed. +Every one, do you hear, Posie-Cossie? It does seem rather mean, too," +she continued, "to strip the garden just for me. No, for Jack and me. +But after all, they wouldn't last always, and auntie wants me to have +them."</p> + +<p>Then, kneeling down, she took the little dog's head between her +hands. "Who do you think is coming home to-day?" she said. "Who? +Why, Posie-Cossie, Val,—dear little, funny little, cunning little +Val. Shall you know her in all her young lady-hood? She is grown up, +you know, as much as she will ever be. She is a real righty woman, +twenty-three years old. Think of that. Oh, how old we are all getting +to be. Even you, Posie-Cossie, have outgrown your puppyish, babyish +ways; and Ishmael,—think of Ishmael,—here he comes now. Why, he is +quite a middle-aged gentleman. No, no, you are entirely too frisky this +morning, but you cannot impose upon me, who have known you since you +were a baby: that is not dignified behavior. Ishmael doesn't want to +play," for Posie-Cossie had made a sudden spring forward towards Theo's +cat, which was approaching them with deliberate tread.</p> + +<p>Theo took Ishmael up in her arms and began to stroke the sleek, furry +coat. "Dear little fellow," she said, caressingly. "How will Mitty's +boy like his new home? I say you will be just as contented as you are +here, and Jack says you will turn about and trot home. I don't believe +that. But we didn't quarrel about it, for that would have been very +foolish until one of us was proved wrong; in a very little while we +will know. Oh, how strange it seems!" And Theo gave a little quick +sigh, half from regret, half from emotion, and turned to go into the +house.</p> + +<p>"Jes' slip in hyar, honey," said Mammy, coming to the kitchen-door with +anxious countenance. "I boun' ter hav' dis yer cake fus' class, an' hit +'pears like hit want jes' a drap mo' sugar; but, law, honey, I done +tas' an' tas' so much, I cyarnt tell ef hit do er no; jes' yuh gimme yo +druthers on de subjick."</p> + +<p>A spicy odor pervaded the kitchen, with it mixed the scent of burning +wood and hot pans. Mammy was in her element. She had officiated at no +such important event since the days of Miss Nelson's girlhood. "Miss +Theo's weddin' cake" was the all-absorbing theme; that it should +fail of absolute perfection would be a catastrophe too dreadful to +contemplate. And so Mammy mixed and stirred, offering Theo tastes from +the end of a spoon, while Tatty stood by with some of Mammy's anxiety +reflected upon her own countenance.</p> + +<p>Theo, with critical air, expressed her "druthers," and Mammy, having +her own decisions thus reinforced, was quite content to proceed with +the baking.</p> + +<p>"Yuh know dis yer kin' o' black cake 'bleedged to stan' a couple o' +weeks 'fore it tas'es jes' 'zac'ly right," she explained. "But de rale +white bride-cake dat diff'unt; de whites of de aigs dey dries up fas', +an' dat bride-cake 'bleedged to be fresher."</p> + +<p>"What do you think of my taking Tatty away from you?" asked Theo, +sitting down by the table to watch Mammy put the cake in the pans.</p> + +<p>Mammy cast a sidelong glance at Tatty, being divided between her real +appreciation of Tatty's usefulness and her fear of adding to that young +person's self-esteem; so she parried the question by saying: "Tatty +done been promuss ter yuh long ago, Miss Theo. Aun' Pris she tell me +dat huse'f, dem days fo' Miss Betty 'ceasted." When referring to any +of the family connection, Mammy always rose to a certain elegance of +speech.</p> + +<p>"Dat so," spoke up Tatty. "My Mammy tell me so when I ain't no bigger'n +a grasshopper, an' I allus say I gwine ter live with Miss Theo; ain't +I, Miss Theo?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded Theo; "and you will go back to Preston. We didn't +expect that."</p> + +<p>"'Deed den I respected it," declared Mammy. "I allus mek dis demark to +Aun' Pris, Miss Theo; she gwine ter be mist'es' hyar yet, sho's yuh +bo'n. An' Aun' Pris she tell me huccome I think so, an' I tell her, +'bleeged to think so long o' Miss Betty, she set such sto' by Miss +Theo. I say, Aun' Pris, yuh see, hit'll be acco'din' to de kes." And +Mammy gave a final swing of the spoon around the bowl to emphasize her +concluding sentence.</p> + +<p>"Acco'din' to de kes" was one of Mammy's favorite phrases, borrowed +from a letter she had once received, beginning, "According to request, +I take my pen in hand." And this form of expression impressed Mammy so +forcibly, that she insisted upon Theo's using it invariably whenever +Mammy herself wanted a letter written; and it was also used by the old +woman very variously and uniquely upon other occasions.</p> + +<p>"Never mind," resumed Theo; "if I do rob you of Tatty, you are going to +have Ary in her place. How old is Ary, Tatty?"</p> + +<p>"'Deed, Miss, I 'clar I forgits; she come nex ter me, dat all I kin +tell."</p> + +<p>"Then she is fifteen or sixteen, and will be ever so much help to you, +Mammy. How nice that looks. I am almost tempted to scrape the pan, just +as I used to do when I was a little bit of a girl."</p> + +<p>But after seeing the cake safely in the oven, Theo left the kitchen and +proceeded to hunt up auntie.</p> + +<p>She found her among the old chests and trunks in the packing-room. +"What are you doing here, auntie?" she asked.</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson looked up at the tall, slender figure of the girl before +her, and her lips trembled slightly. Theo saw the emotion, and was +beside her in a moment.</p> + +<p>"My dear blessed!" she exclaimed. "Don't: please leave these musty +old boxes and come down-stairs into the sunshine with me. I have been +watching Mammy make my wedding-cake,—my wedding-cake! Doesn't that +sound funny? There, I shouldn't have said that, either. Oh, auntie, +dear, it isn't going away altogether. You'll come to me some day when +Archie marries. Oh, dear, there I go again. I am very obtuse this +morning, I know. Oh, yes, I know that this has always been home to you; +it is hard. Oh, dear! Nothing can make it easy for my darling auntie; +and yet you have done more than the whole world for me." And Theo put +her head against auntie's shoulder, while two little tears trickled +down and dropped on her dress.</p> + +<p>And this turned the tide of auntie's thoughts. "There, dear child," +she said; "you mustn't grieve, for you know I am so very happy and +content when I think how it has all turned out. I feel as if I had been +considered and comforted more than I could ever have expected. If Jack +had remained a wealthy man, for example, and you had married and gone +to New York to live, how forlorn I should have been; or if you had +married some one else and have gone far away, to Europe, perhaps—"</p> + +<p>"Don't suggest nay marrying that 'somebody else;' it makes me jealous +for Jack," said Theo, putting her hand softly on her aunt's lips. "But +it is Jack, my Jack. I'm afraid I'm a little wicked in being glad that +Jack has no family to claim him; he belongs so much the more to me—to +us. As I was saying, it is Jack, and we are going to live at Preston; +and any time you can see us, and we can see you and Archie, too. And +Archie, he has chosen the old home. And Val, oh, yes, Val is coming! +Aren't you crazy to see her? I can scarcely wait. Come, come, auntie, +leave these cobwebs. You will take cold up here."</p> + +<p>"I wanted to look over these boxes belonging to your father and +mother," returned auntie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, never mind, now. Why, auntie, dear, we can do that any time. Don't +make such a business of this. It is just that Jack and I are going to +Preston to live, and you'll have us always, just the same; and you'll +have Val back again; and Jack will be another nephew to love you, and +think for you; so come, come, it isn't so dreadful. You'll be richer +than ever."</p> + +<p>So auntie put back the boxes, and suffered herself to be led +down-stairs and out into the October sunshine to see the +chrysanthemums, while nearer and nearer them the train was bringing +the little figure, who sat eagerly looking out at the landscape whose +landmarks grew more and more familiar to her.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Val was very quiet after the train left Washington; so much so, that +her companion, Colonel Smith, to whom she had been chattering, watched +her interestedly as they sped along.</p> + +<p>Val's thoughts were travelling at as fast a rate as the train. She was +thinking of her first going to Roseville a little foolish school-girl, +with false ideas of life and its duties; of her first meeting with +Theo, whose loving loyalty had shielded her from her first careless, +imprudent follies; of dear auntie, who had always dealt so fairly and +tenderly with her faults. Then her thoughts wandered from city to +city,—to New York, to Paris, to London, to Florence; how much she had +seen, how many places she had visited: it would really be a relief to +rest at home, she thought, to settle down quietly under auntie's wing.</p> + +<p>"But, oh, I shall miss Theo," she said, half aloud.</p> + +<p>"Eh? Did you speak to me, Val?" came from Mr. Smith, nearly asleep in +his place by her side.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Val; "but I think I would better speak or you will be +sound asleep, and I could never reach up to the rack for our luggage, +and we are nearly there, Colonel. Oh, do you see? Why, there,—yes, +those must be the buildings of the factory; and there is Jack—he sees +us—he is coming aboard the train. Oh, Colonel, we are at home!"</p> + +<p>"Next station, Roseville."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know it, I know it," Val half protested, as the brakeman's voice +made the announcement.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack, it is really you!"—as Jack reached them, and Val put out her +little gloved hand eagerly. "You were watching for us, weren't you? +It was so nice of you. Do I look much older, Jack?" she asked, with +concern. "It has been three years, remember."</p> + +<p>"You have aged fearfully," replied Jack, with good-humored irony. +"We'll have to call you old Miss Le Moyne, sure enough."</p> + +<p>"Now, Jack. However, I don't care. That makes me feel at home at +once, it does sound so natural. How is dear old Archie? And they are +all well, aren't they? Wasn't it funny that Archie should get Nan's +picture, after all? Theo wrote me about it. And, Jack,—oh, Jack, are +you really going to be married this month?"</p> + +<p>Jack smiled exultantly. "Really and truly," he replied; "the +wedding-cake is made."</p> + +<p>"Oh, bless your heart!" said Val, fervently. "I am just as glad as I +can be, though you are going to rob me of Theo."</p> + +<p>"Not rob you; just share, you know."</p> + +<p>"That is very nice for you to say. I believe you're a pretty good +fellow, Jack."</p> + +<p>"And this after your travels. How flattered I feel. Come, here we are. +I'll look after the luggage. Colonel, just see that Miss Le Moyne is +able to make that step."</p> + +<p>"Now you aren't nice," objected Val. "I wouldn't be as tall as you for +anything."</p> + +<p>"I should think not," laughed Jack. "There is Archie, looking +everywhere but in the right place. Here, Arch."</p> + +<p>And Archie sprang forward to help his cousin, while Mr. Smith and Jack +followed. Such a daintily small woman met Archie's eye, with a pretty +little dignity of her own, and a charming ease of manner. Archie stood +off and regarded her with pleased surprise.</p> + +<p>"Why, Val, you actually look tall," he exclaimed,—"that is, for you."</p> + +<p>"Now, don't spoil it," laughed Val. "Leave off the last clause. Do I +really, Archie? Should you have known me?"</p> + +<p>"Known you! In Africa. You haven't changed a bit. Yes, you have, too. +There is something, I don't know what. There little Val comes back +again. You're just grown up, I suppose, but your little tricks of +manner and speech prove you are Val."</p> + +<p>"Well, you were grown up before I went away," said Val. "You're a +trifle stouter, though," viewing him critically, "but you haven't +changed otherwise. Oh; there is Theo!" as a figure came flying towards +the gate. And the two girls were in each other's arms in an instant.</p> + +<p>"Now we'll not be able to get in a word edgewise," remarked Archie, +filling behind with Jack and Mr. Smith. "How those girls will talk! +I'll venture to say they'll keep it up half the night."</p> + +<p>"You'd do the same thing," sharply broke in Mr. Smith. "I'd like to +know how long you and Jack talked when he came back from the South. +'All' night, I'll warrant."</p> + +<p>"I believe we did, come to think of it," admitted Archie.</p> + +<p>It is entirely true that the girls did talk half the night, and then +"didn't begin to get through," Val declared.</p> + +<p>"You're such a dear, stylish-looking thing," complimented Theo. "Oh, +Val, you don't know how nice you look. You always did, of course; but I +mean, somehow there is an air about you that is entirely new."</p> + +<p>"Travel, my dear; travel has done it," replied Val, settling back in +her chair.</p> + +<p>They were in Theo's room, and were discussing the wedding-garments.</p> + +<p>"I did want to bring you everything from Paris," said Val, "but I +couldn't, of course, though I did get some little things. But it would +be so nice if you could have had all your gowns from there, and your +hats."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed. "Imagine me in a Paris gown feeding my chickens, or in a +French hat weeding my flower-beds."</p> + +<p>"That is true. I suppose they wouldn't be very appropriate."</p> + +<p>"I'll show you my things to-morrow," said Theo. "Things" being a +pleasantly general term usually employed upon such occasions. "I +haven't made elaborate preparations, for I think it is silly to get +dozens and dozens, and to have to wear out-of-date costumes for years +after one is married, just because they are too good to cast aside. +I've learned that from seeing so many trying to eke out a style dating +five years earlier with something that didn't match, and producing only +a failure; so I shall not do it."</p> + +<p>"And your wedding-gown, tell me of that, Theo."</p> + +<p>"I'm going to wear my great-grandmother's wedding-gown. Do you remember +the time I put it on at Preston? Jack wants me to wear it."</p> + +<p>"And of course that is quite reason enough."</p> + +<p>"Quite enough; and I have some beautiful lace Cousin Betty gave me, +and mamma's veil, so I shall be very fine. And I like the feeling of +wearing those dear old familiar things instead of something new."</p> + +<p>"And oh, tell me, is it all arranged,—everything?"</p> + +<p>"Not quite. We are now in a great state of uncertainty as to who shall +give me away: Jack is so anxious that Archie shall be best man. He is +nearer to him than any one else in the world,—except me," she added; +"and if Archie is best man, he cannot give me away. And then comes the +question whom to ask, Uncle Tom Nelson or Cousin Ned Preston. Cousin +Ned is the nearest neighbor and was a dear friend of papa's, but Uncle +Tom is a great-uncle and his years should give him precedence, so we +are in a quandary. Each will be offended if the other is asked. That is +the only point to be settled."</p> + +<p>Val was thoughtful for a few moments. Then she said, "Why don't you ask +the Colonel? He will be your guest; he stands in very close relation to +us all. Then that will settle the whole matter."</p> + +<p>"So it will. I never thought of it. I will speak to auntie. I should +like it of all things, and so would Jack."</p> + +<p>"You know you might never have married Jack if it hadn't been for the +Colonel," continued Val.</p> + +<p>"Don't say that; you don't know anything about it," was Theo's reply.</p> + +<p>And Val laughed at having so easily teased her cousin.</p> + +<p>Then she contritely put her arms around Theo. "You darling!" she said. +"How glad I am to have you again! You don't half know how I love you, +Theo."</p> + +<p>Theo returned the little loving caress, and Val continued: "The thought +of you has kept me up many a time. I am a little sinner, Theo, and it +has been awfully hard sometimes to do just what I knew was right. But +somehow, when I felt inclined to be very naughty, I could see that +steadfast, searching look of yours. A hurt, disappointed expression you +always had, as if you wondered how I could do so, and how sorry you +were that I should want to; and I'd brace up and turn my back on—on—oh, +things—and people, you know—just people."</p> + +<p>"What kind of things? What kind of people?"</p> + +<p>"Why—oh, I don't know," returned Val, then, a little irrelevantly. "I +tell you, Theo, there is one thing I have discovered: you cannot always +judge the individual by the type. It is ridiculous to say a man must be +so or so because he is a Frenchman, or an Englishman, or an Italian. +Of course, I don't mean there are not national traits; but to make a +cast-iron character and pour all of a certain nationality into the +mould is ridiculous. You can only judge the individual by himself. This +wholesale way of criticising a person according to the country in which +he happens to be born is all nonsense. I made a number of mistakes +before I found that out."</p> + +<p>"And you turned your back on—what then?"</p> + +<p>"Why, men, some men. I couldn't help having a little attention, you +know."</p> + +<p>Theo knew there had been a great deal of attention from a great many +men.</p> + +<p>"But," continued Val, sitting up very straight and looking +unflinchingly at Theo, "I can solemnly assure you, Theo, I have never +been so dishonorable as to try to attract from another girl a man of +whom I thought she was fond, nor have I ever allowed, if I could help +it, a man to offer himself to me if I foresaw I must refuse him. You +made me do so, and you do love me as much as ever, don't you, Theo?"</p> + +<p>"Of course I do. I love you very dearly," answered Theo, putting out +her hand. "But oh, Val, you mustn't pretend that I am so good. I am +not; I am not."</p> + +<p>"But you have never done the horrid things other girls so often +do,—real vulgar things, I call them. Why, I met a girl somewhere, who +had a belt from which quantities of little silver hearts were hanging. +And what do you suppose they were supposed to mean? Each was engraved +with the initials of some probable victim of the young woman's charms."</p> + +<p>"Val! I can scarcely believe it. How unrefined! How unwomanly!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, really. She quite gloated over it, and counted them as an Indian +does his scalps."</p> + +<p>"With just as little real glory in it," returned Theo. "Such things +make me sorry I am a woman. Don't let's talk of them."</p> + +<p>"I just want to say this," said Val: "that a girl never knows how far +her influence may extend, nor how many her behavior may affect; for +that girl had her followers. Of course, there are girls to be found, +always, who are silly enough to follow anything original, no matter how +reprehensible it may be. And so you see, you dear, that if you helped +me, I might have helped some one else, and so your influence widens +and widens. There! It is striking one o'clock. Let us go to bed, and +to-morrow we will talk to our hearts' content."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image035" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image035.jpg" alt="image035"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image036" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image036.jpg" alt="image036"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_16">CHAPTER XVI.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +THE WEDDING.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>VAL threw herself heart and soul into the preparations for Theo's +wedding, bringing forward so many ideas and innovations that Theo's +original plan of having a quiet affair seemed in danger of being +overruled. But Val insisted that, though it might be quiet, it need not +be plain, and so Theo consented to some elaborations.</p> + +<p>"I don't care how few people you choose to have present," said Val, "if +you will only let me arrange the effect. A chrysanthemum wedding it +must be, and I can have it such a lovely one. I do wish you'd consent +to having six bridesmaids."</p> + +<p>But Theo stoutly refused to have more than two.</p> + +<p>"And a maid of honor," persisted Val.</p> + +<p>"Well," agreed Theo, reluctantly; "but you must be the maid of honor."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes. I shall not allow any one to usurp my place, and you'll let +me manage the rest, decorations and all. Do, please."</p> + +<p>"But I will not have more than two bridesmaids."</p> + +<p>"No; I promise you. But you give me leave to do as I choose about the +rest."</p> + +<p>And Theo consented.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>So for the next few days, Val's small figure was seen darting in and +out of the gate, on business intent. And when her arrangements were all +complete, she made them known to Theo.</p> + +<p>"It is going to be perfectly lovely," she said. "The chancel will be a +mass of yellow chrysanthemums. I have scoured the town and country for +them, and every one is saving them for us."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Val!"</p> + +<p>"Well, there wasn't any other way; and if you could see how delighted +they all are to do you honor, you blessed darling!"—giving her a +rapturous hug. "You are so good and sweet to every one, of course they +are glad. Even Mrs. Reed had a little measly plant, and she was tickled +to death when I asked her to loan it. Do you want to hear the rest, +sweetness?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Val, how you do run on! You are the most outrageous flatterer I +ever knew."</p> + +<p>"Oh, do let me get excited and forget my elegant diction once in a +while, I haven't had a chance for so long. I couldn't bubble over to +Mrs. Westerly. She is a dear woman, but not the kind to excite ardent +expressions. I can even do better with the Colonel. Oh, Theo, you will +be like a tall white lily among—but let me tell the rest, or I'll spoil +the effect. Well, as I said, yellow entirely about the chancel, and the +church will be dressed with garlands of autumn leaves. First of the +bridal party will come two little pages in yellow breeches, dark red +velvet coats, and white waistcoats—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Val, I said only two bridesmaids, and you promised me faithfully."</p> + +<p>Val threw back her head and laughed merrily. "Of course, but the pages +aren't bridesmaids; they are your little cousins, Tom Preston and +Nelson Carter. I think it was the greatest stroke of diplomacy on my +part, asking them; for we had left out nearly the whole faction on both +sides of the house. But now the Nelsons, the Prestons, and the Carters +are all delighted. I have been wearing out my very soul getting up +those costumes, Miss Ingratitude; and if I say it, as shouldn't, the +youngsters look like pictures. Now, Theo, don't look so serious. Do you +really care? It won't make a bit of difference. The church is so small, +anyhow, that it will not more than hold a gathering of the clans and +those you must ask—so—do you care? It will be so pretty."</p> + +<p>Theo relaxed somewhat, only saying, "Jack and I always said we did want +a quiet wedding; it will be such a solemn time, anyhow, and we didn't +want to make just a show of it."</p> + +<p>"Well-beloved bride-elect, it will be so quiet, you can hear a dew +drop."</p> + +<p>Theo frowned down the absurdity, and Val went on:</p> + +<p>"Well, the pages come in first, carrying each an end of a garland of +chrysanthemums, red, yellow, and white; then come the two bridesmaids +in pink, carrying pink chrysanthemums; then come I in pale yellow, with +a basket of the same flowers; and then the lovely white bride, with +her white chrysanthemums, the only white spot in the mass of color. I +consider that arrangement the crowning success of my life. Every one +says it is the most artistic thing ever conceived by mortal brain. I +have lain awake nights thinking it out.</p> + +<p>"And oh, Theo, the Colonel is perfectly lovely; he has been so +interested, and has let me drag him 'hether and yen,' as Mrs. Barton +says. I think he was pleased as Punch to be asked to give you away. +And Archie, the dear soul, has, I am sure, lost a year's practice by +rushing around the country hunting up yellow chrysanthemums with me. +Now do say it will be lovely."</p> + +<p>And Theo was forced to confess that it would be, and that she would be +entirely satisfied if Jack would.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack's all right," Val assured her. "You are such a sentimental +pair, you two."</p> + +<p>Theo blushed as she protested, "Oh, no, we are not."</p> + +<p>"I don't mean that you are silly and romantic, but you have such ideas +about solemnity, and seriousness, and responsibilities, and all that."</p> + +<p>"I think we should have," returned Theo. "I believe ever so many +girls when they marry think no further than their trousseau and their +elaborate wedding, and of course it is fascinating in a certain way; +that is why I didn't want to have anything showy. I knew it might +absorb me too much. But you, dear monkey, have taken all that off +my shoulders, so my responsibilities and seriousness can have full +play. Oh, I forgot to say," Theo continued, "I had a letter from Fan +Parkhurst this morning; and she will be here, and Jamie, too. Fan +is perfectly delighted at the idea of being my bridesmaid. I really +believe Fan is going to turn out well, hers is such a strong character. +I should like to have Jamie for one of the ushers. Would you believe he +could ever grow to be such a great tall boy?"</p> + +<p>"If Gilbert Rogers cannot come, Jamie could take his place."</p> + +<p>"So he could. I wonder if Gilbert will come. Just think: we shall all +be together again, all but dear old Nan. You saw her letter, didn't +you? Oh, no; there it is on the table. Read it, if you like."</p> + +<p>Val interested herself in the letter, smiling once in a while.</p> + +<p>"That is a very Nan-like epistle," she remarked at the close. "Did you +notice this?" and Val read:</p> + +<p class="letter"> +<br> + "'At first, I rather resented your marriage. It seemed something away +off in the dim future, but that it is really at hand overcomes me and +yet, after all, Theo, you are one who should marry. You will be happier +so, and I altogether approve of Jack; but at the same time, incredible +as it no doubt appears to you, I look around my little studio and say, +'I am very thankful it is Theo, and not I;' and then I laugh and say, +'It is well to be satisfied with what one cannot help;' and I was very +wise, or, rather, very fortunate, to find such an interest in life as +my work, which keeps me content.'"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"Dear old Nan!" responded Theo. "Yes, that sounds very much like her. +She would be one of my bridesmaids if she were here; but no doubt she +is glad to be out of it all."</p> + +<p>"What a contrast Fan will be to your cousin Dolly," said Val; "Fan is +so dark and Dolly so fair. I think it is rather nice it should be that +way."</p> + +<p>"So do I," agreed Theo. "There is Jack's whistle. I must see what he +wants," and she flew down to meet him.</p> + +<p>"I have a letter from Gilbert, and he is coming," announced Jack. +"Isn't that great?"</p> + +<p>"And I have one from Fan, promising to be with us. So that is all +settled. What do you think of Val's arrangements, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"I think they are quite artistic."</p> + +<p>"But just a little pretentious, don't you think?"</p> + +<p>"They might be if they were carried out by hired service, but it will +all be done for love's sake."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know. Every flower there will represent some one's good will; +and dear little Val never worked so hard in her life. It makes me very +humble to receive so much tender consideration."</p> + +<p>"You never were troubled with egotism," said Jack, smiling at her, +"haughty as my lady sometimes is."</p> + +<p>"Don't remind me, please. I want to be all humility. Where every one is +thinking first of me, I should be the last to think of myself. I can't +do anything for anybody these days. Isn't there something I can do for +you, Jack?"</p> + +<p>"You have done more for me than any one in the world," was Jack's +reply, made just as Archie burst into the room with,—</p> + +<p>"I might have known I should find you here, old man. Why didn't I come +here first, instead of racing to the hotel? You can't dawdle away your +time here. Don't you know there are a thousand things to be done? We +don't want to leave everything till to-morrow. Come along, Theo. Go try +on your wedding-gown, or your gloves, or something. You'll have enough +of Jack after a while," and Archie dragged him off.</p> + +<p>"To tell you the truth," Archie confessed, linking his arm in his +friend's, "I have to keep moving. I'm such a confounded idiotic beggar +that I get all used up when I sit down and take time to think. If +it were any one but you, old man, I couldn't stand it. I get into a +perfect rage whenever the idea merely suggests itself to me. Indeed, +once in a while I am strongly inclined to pitch into you. I'd like to +know what business you have coming here and carrying off my sister, +anyhow. Confound you!"</p> + +<p>Jack laughed. "You're pretty late in the day, old chap. Why didn't you +raise this serious obstacle sooner?"</p> + +<p>"Much good it would have done, hastened the disaster, most likely. +Confound it, Jack, I don't want to see you, after all. Go where you +please." And Archie, having reached his office door, rushed in and +slammed it after him, leaving Jack standing outside, half angry.</p> + +<p>He waited a few minutes, however, and then knocked, when Archie +admitted him, with his agitation somewhat calmed down.</p> + +<p>"I'm all right now; you're safe," he exclaimed. "Come in, and I'll +guarantee you shall not be assassinated. Seriously, Jack, I'm all +broken up; but don't mind it."</p> + +<p>Jack respected his chum's condition of mind, and they proceeded to +discuss the business for which Archie had sought him.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Though no one suffered more than auntie at this time, no one was more +cheerful. Only once did she really break-down, and that was when Theo, +in her bridal array, came for a last kiss.</p> + +<p>There had been much flutter and excitement going on, and no one had +taken time for anything but the business just at hand.</p> + +<p>First, Fan's arrival with Jamie caused some flurry, and seemed to be +the signal for much whisking about from room to room of pink skirts or +yellow skirts, and much racing up and down-stairs, with inquiries for +this one's bouquet or that one's gloves. Then came Dolly Preston with +an army of relations to be settled; next the little pages appeared, +to be put through their paces and instructed to act just so; then the +music had to be thought of; and in the midst of a conference with +Professor Rheinstein as to what would be most desirable, in walked +Gilbert, so glad to see them all, and so delighted to talk of what he +called Jack's luck, that when Archie at last bore him away, he was +still talking to Val about it over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>Then the arrival of presents by express, by mail, by hand, was a source +of excitement, so that Miss Nelson had little time for a contemplation +of her loss. But it was very real when Theo at last stood before her, +just as Val had said, "like a tall white lily." And when auntie turned +from her mirror, before which she had been completing her own toilet, +it was to hear the dear girl say,—</p> + +<p>"Kiss me, auntie."</p> + +<p>And then auntie dropped into the nearest chair, her hands trembling and +her face quivering. But Theo was beside her in a moment, gathering the +dear head close to her own, the bridal veil falling over both.</p> + +<p>"I am not going to leave you, auntie; don't make it hard for me," she +implored. "I am your own little girl just the same. Oh, auntie, please +don't cry, for then I shall cry too, and I have been trying not to all +day."</p> + +<p>So auntie forced back the tears, and the hard moment was over for them +both.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>At the last hour, one of the ushers failed them, so Jamie proudly took +his place, and Theo was married, with those she loved best about her, +with those who best loved her guiding her first steps into her new life.</p> + +<p>"Hit sutt'nly was a pretty weddin'," commented Mammy, whom nothing +could detain from the church. "Miss Theo sholy look gran'. I keep a +sayin' to mahse'f all de time, 'Yuh a angel, honey; yuh a angel. B'ar +me away on yo' snowy white wings.' I sings dat to mahse'f when dat +music start up so sof' an' low, 'Oh, come, angel ban'.' I sholy dues, +Miss Val. I know yuh git hol' o' things yuh make 'em hum. 'Deed, miss, +hit hu't mah pride to hear talk 'bout dat little no-'count weddin'."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"How well Fan looks!" whispered Val to Archie, amid a buzz of +conversation, when, after the ceremony, the bridal party had returned +to the house.</p> + +<p>"Yes," responded Archie; "and doesn't Gilbert think so?"</p> + +<p>Then, after looking in that direction, they turned to each other and +smiled.</p> + +<p>"That's an idea, isn't it?" said Val.</p> + +<p>"Yes. I rather like it," returned Archie.</p> + +<p>"So do I," replied Val. "Weddings always encourage such things. Come, +let us be a pair of old match-makers. Help me dispose of Jamie; he +looks at Fan as if he wanted to grab her, and I never saw Fan look so +happy as she does."</p> + +<p>And the two made their way across the room, and soon had Jamie +occupied, so that he forgot Fan and her companion.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"What a change in Theo's little friend, Fan Parkhurst!" remarked Mr. +Smith. "She was the most untamed youngster I ever saw, a few years +ago,—as wild as a deer."</p> + +<p>"She has certainly improved. I fancy her wildness consisted in her not +being trained; it wasn't skittishness," replied Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"Exactly. She could romp, and run, and climb trees, and all that, in +sheer exuberance and childishness, but there wasn't a bit of harm +in it. And I think her worst pranks at home came from a desperate +feeling that no one understood her, and the hedging about her of +conventionalities resulted in a frantic effort to break through the +barriers."</p> + +<p>"She has a straightforward, brusque way yet, but she is less rude +than many who profess more polish. How pretty our little cousin Dolly +Preston looks, and did you ever see a more exalted countenance than +Jack's? The contemplation of his complete happiness has done more to +bear me up than anything else these trying times. Bless the dear, good +boy! I do believe he does deserve my lovely child. You are laughing at +me, Colonel. Just why?"</p> + +<p>"At your enthusiasm over your crows."</p> + +<p>"Do you think they are not whiter than most?"</p> + +<p>"Honestly, I think they are. Perhaps, though, there are others who +doubt it, who believe you overrate them."</p> + +<p>Miss Nelson shook her head, smiling. "I know their frailties; but I +know, also, that they aim very high. Look at Val, Colonel; isn't she a +picture in that yellow gown? You were right. Travel has been an immense +advantage to Val. But there goes our bride. I must leave you."</p> + +<p>And Miss Nelson followed Theo, who had left the room to change her +bridal robe for her travelling-dress.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>Really going away from home forever! Theo had asked to have just a few +last moments all alone in her own little room; and she stood there, +her hands clasped over her heart, looking around her. Going away to +Preston! Going away from auntie, from Archie! For a moment, she bit her +lip almost in hopeless rebellion. Then the thought of Jack came over +her, and she sank on her knees.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later, she appeared, ready for her journey.</p> + +<p>"Am I really Mrs. Allen?" she said, as the good-byes crowded upon her.</p> + +<p>Her foot was on the step of the carriage, when she turned to Val and +whispered, "Oh, Val, think of auntie every minute; don't forget that +she needs you."</p> + +<p>And Val did not forget. But running back to the house, put her arms +around the shaking figure; for when the rest trooped forth with showers +of rice and old shoes, auntie alone remained behind. Val remembered.</p> + +<p>"Oh, auntie, I need you. Don't forget me," she said. "I have been away +from you so long, and I love you, I love you."</p> + +<p>And this was comfort for auntie and Val.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>But Archie! No one followed him when he went up to Theo's room and +shut the door; for Gilbert was absorbed in Fan; Mr. Smith, Val, and +Miss Nelson were busy with the last departing guests. No one followed +Archie? Oh, yes. Posie-Cossie pattered up behind him, whined, and +scratched at the door, and upon being let in, looked inquiringly +around, then went up, putting beseeching paws on Archie's knee, and +gave a little pitiful bark, then jumped up in Archie's lap. For a +long time, they stayed there, finding help in each other,—the man's +hand resting on the small creature's scraggy head, and the little dog +looking up once in a while for assurance that one friend at least was +left.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image037" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image037.jpg" alt="image037"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image038" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image038.jpg" alt="image038"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_17">CHAPTER XVII.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +AT PRESTON.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"HERE, Tatty, are you sure there is a good fire in the south room? And, +Tatty, tell Uncle Cephas to have plenty of wood on hand, it is going +to be a cold night; we shall have to look to the plants. And, Tatty, +see if Ishmael is all right; he doesn't seem homesick, does he? There, +Posie-Cossie, you mustn't try to get off that pretty ribbon—you are +dressed up for your mistress, do you hear, naughty doggie; stop pawing +at your collar. Oh, yes, just run down-stairs, Tatty, and tell Manchild +to come up here for his white apron." And Val ran into the next room, +opening a closet energetically, and the next moment was darting across +the hall, her red dress making a flash of color in the shadowy place, +like the plumage of a scarlet tanager against a sombre wood.</p> + +<p>Manchild, a speck of a boy for ten years of age, looked so funny, and +assumed such an air of importance in his clean white apron that Val, +sitting on the floor to regard him, burst into a fit of mirth. "Go +along now, Manchild," she said; "you'll do. Now, don't forget; always +go to the left side of the people. Which is your left hand?"</p> + +<p>Manchild looked dubiously at his two hands, and finally selected the +one which appeared to him the most important and stretched it out. "Dis +yer, Miss?"</p> + +<p>"No," was the emphatic response. "Still, I shall never teach you that +way," and Val arose from her sitting posture. "I'll have to train you +in the dining-room; come along." And she ran down to seat herself at +the table.</p> + +<p>After repeated practice in passing a plate, Manchild was pronounced as +sufficiently drilled, and Val arose to turn her attention to something +else.</p> + +<p>But just then, Aunt Pris appeared to put an amused interrogation: +"Miss Val, is I 'bleedged to w'ar one o' dem things?" ducking her head +sideways towards Tatty, who stood in all the glory of a housemaid's cap +and apron.</p> + +<p>"What things?" asked Val.</p> + +<p>"Why, dem kin' er night-caps. I ain't nuver been used to nothen' but my +ole haid hankcher; an' Cephas he 'clar I look lak a ole cluckin' hen +dress up in goose feathers in one o' dem."</p> + +<p>There had evidently been a trial of Tatty's cap upon her mother, and a +family discussion as to its appropriateness upon so settled a person as +Aunt Pris.</p> + +<p>"No," replied Val, laughing, "your bandanna suits you much better. You +don't need to give Miss Theo such a shock. Miss Janet and Mr. Archie +will be here very soon, Aunt Pris; tell Uncle Cephas to look out for +them, and let Manchild run down to open the gates. He'd better take off +his apron first, but be sure he has it on when he waits on the table."</p> + +<p>Aunt Pris gave her head another duck, shutting her eyes as she did so, +then went out, chuckling over Manchild's appearance.</p> + +<p>"How nice and comfortable it looks," said Val, looking around. "Oh, +I forgot the ferns for the middle of the table; I must get them. Oh, +there they come; go open the door, Tatty," and Val, following, was upon +the porch in a moment to receive Miss Nelson and Archie.</p> + +<p>"What a snapping good fire," said Archie, pulling off his gloves, and +stretching out his hands over the cheerful blaze; "what a brisk body +you are, Val. I declare the place looks fine."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I do hope so," responded Val, sitting down and stretching out +her red slippers to the fire. "I have tried for an even balance of +familiarness and cheerfulness,—just familiar enough not to seem +strange, and cheerful enough to take away the sad old memories, that is +at what I aimed."</p> + +<p>"Well, you have struck it just about right. Hasn't she, auntie? It was +a little gloomy in Cousin Betty's day, and although the old furniture +and pictures are here, these warm-looking curtains, and pretty +draperies add so much; then all these little odds and ends give an air +of lightness to it that this room never had before."</p> + +<p>"I am so glad," replied Val, well pleased. "Now, if you are thoroughly +warmed, I want you to see the other rooms before the master and +mistress arrive."</p> + +<p>"I nearly fell out of the carriage when I saw Manchild's brass +buttons," said Archie.</p> + +<p>"And Tatty's cap gives her quite a style," added Miss Janet. "What +innovations, to be sure."</p> + +<p>"My innovations stop there," said Val; "I could not impose any upon +Aunt Prissy and Uncle Cephas. Oh, auntie, Dolly and I have had such fun +getting everything ready. I'm so glad you let us do it all our selves, +for it has given you a chance to have a good rest, and we have enjoyed +the fussing and fixing so much. Dolly only went home this morning."</p> + +<p>"Why didn't she stay?" asked auntie.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she couldn't; she had some sort of a dining out or something on +hand. Will Theo like her room, do you think?" And Val threw open the +door of a large room in which the heavy mahogany furniture had been +polished up to the last degree, and now caught the reflection of the +dancing flames upon the hearth.</p> + +<p>"She couldn't help it," said Archie, looking over his aunt's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"It is charming," pronounced Miss Janet, and then the other rooms were +viewed and pronounced each as attractive in its way.</p> + +<p>After the tour of inspection was over, they went down-stairs again to +sit around the fire and wait till the crunching of the wheels on the +gravel should announce the approach of Theo and Jack.</p> + +<p>"It will be a real Thanksgiving Day for Jack," remarked Archie. "We who +have always known a home cannot realize what this will mean to the dear +old chap. I'll tell you what let's do, Val," he exclaimed, impatient +from waiting, "let's go up and light all the rooms facing the road. It +will look fine when they turn in from the first gate."</p> + +<p>And the two sped up-stairs to follow out this plan.</p> + +<p>The last candle was hardly lighted before Manchild arrived, breathless +with the news that they were coming. Uncle Cephas had gone to meet them +with the carriage, and Manchild having opened the gates, had fairly +outrun the horses, in his excitement, though to tell the truth, Uncle +Cephas had driven leisurely up the hill. But how the youngster's little +short legs accomplished the feat always remained a mystery to the +family, for he certainly was the first to gain the house.</p> + +<p>Aunt Pris came running from the kitchen, Tatty following. Manchild's +brass buttons continued to rise and fall rapidly from his out-of-breath +condition, but he stoutly held his place in line, and kept up a series +of remarkable bows in time with the bobbing curtseys of Aunt Prissy and +Tatty, begun before Theo had stepped from the carriage.</p> + +<p>"Welcome home, Mrs. Allen," cried Val, with Ishmael in her arms and +Posie-Cossie at her heels. "Come right in, Theo; it is really you, +isn't it? What kind of a trip did you have? How did you find New York? +How do you like the looks of your home? Could you see the light? There, +I am not giving auntie a chance at all, and Jack, oh, Jack, how cold +your hands are. Come into this corner; it is lovely and warm. I've been +saving it for some one. Now, Archie, I'm not going to say another word; +I'll subside."</p> + +<p>And Val, drawing up a low seat, cuddled close to Theo, while +Posie-Cossie danced about in a perfect frenzy of delight, and Ishmael, +after sniffing around, jumped up into Theo's lap, contentedly settling +himself.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Val, what a dear cosey place you have made of it," said Theo, +looking around the room. "Isn't it perfectly charming and homelike, +Jack, with my beautiful new piano open, and the lamp, and all the +pretty things? I am wild to try the piano. It was just like the dear +old Colonel to think of giving us that, instead of anything else. I +told him I should think of him every day, for I should have to have +music that often. Isn't everything lovely, Jack?"</p> + +<p>And Jack agreed that nothing could be more so.</p> + +<p>Supper was a very merry meal. Theo absently took her place where she +had always been accustomed to sit, and was immediately cried out upon +by Archie and Val, who demanded that she should take her proper seat as +mistress of the mansion.</p> + +<p>"And Jack will have to carve," laughed Theo. "Fancy him to-morrow +with the turkey. You'll have to do it, Jack. Our butler," glancing +at Manchild, "will hardly be able to manage it yet. Oh, Val, you +are a most executive young person. I was completely overcome by the +appearance of my household. Tatty's cap and Manchild's buttons," she +said, as Manchild left the room for hot biscuits.</p> + +<p>The small waiter kept them in a constant state of amusement during the +meal, his air of solemn importance, combined with his confused efforts +to tell right side from left, convulsed them all.</p> + +<p>Being warmed and fed, the party proceeded to make a tour of the house, +and each room was duly admired and praised. But nowhere did her +family's loving thought display itself so well to Theo as in a little +room high up under the eaves.</p> + +<p>"See how you like this," said Val, throwing open the door.</p> + +<p>Theo stepped forward. "Oh!" she cried. "It is my very own room. Who did +it?"</p> + +<p>"Archie thought of it," Val informed her.</p> + +<p>"You can see Roseville very plainly from the window," said Miss Janet; +"and we thought, since you loved your room so much, we would just +transfer it here bodily."</p> + +<p>Theo looked around. "Surely, it must be the same," she said; "why, even +the window is in the same place, and there is the window-seat, and oh, +Archie, the same paper; how did you manage it?"</p> + +<p>"Mr. Little's stock does not go very fast," he replied, "and a century +hence you will probably be able to match it."</p> + +<p>"And my books, and everything. Oh, you dear, darling people, how good +you are to me. Oh, Jack, aren't they the dearest in the world?"</p> + +<p>"What a thanksgiving for us," replied Jack; "nowhere can there be such +a thankful heart as mine to-night. Sister, brother, mother, wife, home, +all mine," and he gathered them every one into his arms.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>As the days went on, Theo could hardly believe that Preston had not +long been her home. It was much easier for her to adjust herself to her +surroundings there than it would have been in any other place.</p> + +<p>She had spent many days there as a child, and every nook and corner was +familiar to her. Uncle Cephas and Aunt Pris had occupied their little +cabin ever since she could remember. She had watched their children +from Tatty to Manchild tumble about the door-sill; she had a child's +acquaintance with the trees and growing things about the place, and +knew what she could expect to find in each fence corner, so that she +at the very outset felt a keen interest in all that met her eye. To +be sure, Aunt Prissy was a little difficult at times, and there were +greater responsibilities presented than she had yet been called upon +to take, but she was very happy and content, with auntie so near +always ready to help her over hard places, with Jack, thoughtful and +considerate, to depend upon. And even if once in a while he allowed his +little rages to get the upper hand, he was so penitent afterwards and +was so severe in his own self-condemnation that he was easily forgiven.</p> + +<p>That first difficult strain which comes in all close relations was +not wanting; it is never easy to feel equal to it, even in a simple +friendship. It is that delicate subtle point at which one first +discovers that reserve has fled, and that there is no longer a mystery +surrounding the person with whom one is thrown in every-day contact; +it is just where two persons must either drift apart or must come +closer together, and must realize that little frailties, oddities, +idiosyncrasies exist, which will either annoy greatly or will provoke +nothing more than an easy tolerance. Where there is no forced effort at +responsiveness, and where the two fall into true and natural accord, +the critical moment passes safely, and the readjustment is founded upon +a new respect, which is closer and more lasting.</p> + +<p>Fortunately, it was so with Theo and Jack. Auntie, watching them with +a wistful eagerness, felt that when this first agitation had passed, +they were left more closely united than ever before. Auntie's wise +philosophies had doubtless much to do with creating this harmony +between the two, for Theo, feeling everything vividly, seeing +everything with young, intense eyes, was inclined to overestimate, and +was hurt beyond expression at the first sign of what, at the time, +she called Jack's indifference, but which was really only a natural +preoccupation, due to some absorbing business complication.</p> + +<p>Theo dwelt upon the matter one entire day, working herself up into +a very unhappy frame of mind. But while she was watching for Jack's +homecoming that evening, the recollection of a talk with auntie some +years before upon that very subject stopped the recriminations which +rose to her lips before they were uttered.</p> + +<p>And she met Jack's cheery, "Where are you, girl of mine? All alone in +the dark?" with a glad welcome.</p> + +<p>And then a little tact brought to light the real cause of Jack's +abstractions.</p> + +<p>So the result was that to Theo's sweet sympathy, Jack brought his +difficulties, seeking hers in return, and together they talked +them over, both gaining strength and succor thereby, with a new +determination to spare each, the other any added worry or care.</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image039" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image039.jpg" alt="image039"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_18">CHAPTER XVIII.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +"AS LIKE AS A HAND TO ANOTHER HAND."<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>IT was a few weeks after Theo's marriage that Val came to Miss Nelson's +door, saying, "Oh, auntie, my boxes are here; don't you want to see me +unpack them? I know you will be wild over some of my pretty things. +Come, there is a dear."</p> + +<p>"Where are they?" asked Miss Nelson.</p> + +<p>"I had them taken to my room. They will clutter up the place +dreadfully, I suppose,—all that straw and stuff,—but Ary and I will +clear it all away. I declare," she said, after auntie was comfortably +established, "it is almost as good as buying them all over again. Isn't +that a dear of a plate? That came from a funny little shop in Paris. +And oh, my precious Belleek! Isn't it exquisite? I was so afraid some +of it would be broken, but it is all quite safe. There! I perfectly +love these funny little Holland dishes; they are so cheap there, too; +but aren't they cunning? I want you to have some of them, auntie, so +take your choice. I have some other things for all of you in that other +box." And chattering away, Val turned over bit after bit for auntie's +examination,—queer, quaint pieces of pottery, choice porcelains, or +delicately-hewn marbles.</p> + +<p>Finally, she drew forth an exquisite marble hand. Taking it in her lap, +she looked at it very thoughtfully, softly stroking the delicate lines +with her finger-tips. She sat still so long that Miss Janet recalled +her to herself by leaning over and touching her shoulder gently.</p> + +<p>"How far away is that hand leading you?" she asked.</p> + +<p>"It is leading me," said Val, dreamily, "to a little, musty, dusty +shop in Florence. We were coming from the Uffizzi Gallery one day. I +remember it so well: just how the streets looked, and especially the +ones through which we went; such old, old houses, with all sorts of +things hanging in the windows; such pretty things that made one wish +to be a savage to deck one's self with rings and chains, and all sorts +of gold and silver filigree. It was a perfect day, the air palpitating +with Italian sunshine and softness. Ah, I do love Florence! We thought +we would buy some mosaics, and we went into one and another of the +funny little shops. While Mrs. Westerly was looking over some other +things, I caught sight of a pair of marble hands."</p> + +<p>Val continued to stroke softly the still marble in her lap, and, for a +moment, stopped speaking.</p> + +<p>"They were such beautiful, beautiful hands," she went on. "I poked +them out from behind a pile of stuff, and was admiring them, when Mrs. +Westerly said we must go. We had to be at some special place at some +special time to meet the Colonel. But I went back the next day, and the +little dried-up man of the shop—such a strange, leathery, dark eyed +creature—told me that some one else had been admiring the beautiful +hands; so I was seized with fear lest they should be grabbed up, and +I bought this one. I meant to buy both, but I was so tempted to spend +money, and had been so reckless in mosaics that day, that I only had +enough with me to buy one. I thought I would go back and get the other +some day, for I could not bear to part them. But something happened +to keep me from going, and we left Florence a day or two after. It +was getting too warm, and Mr. Smith was afraid we should all be ill. +I remember that is what hurried us off." Val paused, the dreamy look +still on her face. "It was so lovely," she presently sighed.</p> + +<p>"You have a stock of incidents to tell me which will keep you busy all +winter. What pleasant evenings we shall have."</p> + +<p>Val looked with a little appealing expression. "That isn't all," she +said.</p> + +<p>"About the hands? Well, do tell the rest. It is very interesting, dear. +I should like to hear all about it."</p> + +<p>Val looked down again. "After we left Florence,—after that we went back +to Geneva. We—we—auntie, do you remember Mr. Egerton?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; you spoke of him several times in your letters."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; and we met him first, you know, that night when Nan's +first picture was hung."</p> + +<p>"Yes; I remember you said so. I cannot quite recall him, but you were +going to tell me some more about the marble hands."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know it. Well, we met Mr. Egerton in Geneva; he had been to +all the places which we had been visiting; he said he heard of us many +times. We had always just left, or we should have met before. So after +that, we were continually meeting, and finally we travelled in the same +party. Mr. Smith liked him very much, and it made it very convenient to +have four instead of three; and Mr. Egerton knew so much about all the +beautiful things we wanted to see; he was a perfect treasure trove. Oh, +it was such a happy time! Auntie, you cannot think.</p> + +<p>"In Paris, we all went to see Nan, and Nan was so glad to see us; and +she told us all about Mr. Egerton, whom she has known a long time. He +seems a very serious person, and so he is; but he has an amount of +appreciation you would never suspect, and we always saw the same funny +things, and would get into such fits of laughter over things that Mr. +Smith and Mrs. Westerly never saw at all. So we grew to know each other +very well, and in Paris, Nan used to go about with us, and—and—but, +never mind, I won't tell that yet. I will after a while. Nan and Mr. +Egerton knew so much about art and all that, they made everything very +interesting. And Nan says Mr. Egerton is a very fine man, and Mr. Smith +says so, too. But, oh, I shall never get to the end. Aren't you tired, +auntie?"</p> + +<p>"No, indeed. I am acutely anxious to hear the rest."</p> + +<p>"Well, after a while we went back to Florence, and I remembered about +the hand which I had hardly thought of during this time. So I rushed +off to the shop the very first thing, and the man said,—</p> + +<p>"'Signorina, it has been gone a long time. An American Signor came in +and bought it the day after you were here. I told you, did I not, of +his admiration? He, too, was disappointed, but what could I do? You +will not like to dispose of the one you have, perhaps? For the Signor +was very anxious for it.'</p> + +<p>"'The idea!' I said, and I was furious. 'No,' I said; 'let him give up +his to me. But are there no more?'</p> + +<p>"'Not any,' he said. 'A young sculptor modelled them from the hands of +the woman he loved; he was a neighbor of mine. I knew him well; the +lady was high-born and wealthy, and he was poor, and he loved her; and +these beautiful hands were all in all to him. So he would never sell +them, and it was after his death that they had to be taken. He died in +this house,—the poor young man,—and for a long time, I, who knew his +troubles—his love—could not offer for sale those hands which were so +dear to him. But I am a poor man, Signorina, and must make a living, +and the hands were left me by the sculptor, who wished his debts paid.'"</p> + +<p>"I suspect," said Miss Janet, "the old man had taken care of the +sculptor, and had no other pay than the latter's effects."</p> + +<p>"I am sure of it," replied Val; "for the man said, 'There was very +little left. All had gone, bit by bit, to keep the young sculptor +alive, and the hands were all that were left when he died.'</p> + +<p>"And then," Val continued, "I felt very sorry that they were parted. I +felt as if those hands, which had been so much to the artist, should +have been kept lovingly together by some one who knew, and I was more +than ever angry that I did not have them both. So I gave the man my +address, and told him if ever the purchaser of the other hand appeared, +I should like to see him. I thought, perhaps, he would be willing to +sell me the hand he had, after he knew the story." Val paused again.</p> + +<p>"Go on," begged Miss Janet. "I am very anxious to hear the outcome."</p> + +<p>"It was so beautiful there," Val went on, somewhat irrelevantly. "Oh, +auntie, you can never know till you go there, the dream-like beauty of +an Italian night. I shall never forget how it looked as I stood with +the Val d'Arno stretched out before me; for while I was standing there, +looking, and full of a half sadness for the poor young sculptor, Mr. +Egerton came in, and—Oh, auntie! It was he who had bought the other +hand," and Val turned suddenly and clasped Miss Janet's arm with a +little convulsive pressure.</p> + +<p>"And then—and then," she said. "Oh, auntie!"</p> + +<p>"And then," repeated auntie.</p> + +<p>"There was only one way," confessed Val, "to reunite those hands, +and—and I just had to promise to marry him."</p> + +<p>There was silence for a few moments, and then Val looked up wistfully, +saying, "Oh, auntie, I should have told you long ago—and Theo. But +I thought it would make Theo unhappy to think of our both leaving +you, and I couldn't bear to make it harder for you. It is dreadfully +selfish, isn't it?"</p> + +<p>"My dear little child," responded auntie, "I am so taken by surprise. +No, it isn't selfish at all; but I cannot grasp it all at once. I +shall become accustomed to the thought in a little while. I might have +foreseen, and, indeed, I have always known you would leave me some day. +If you have chosen as wisely as Theo, I have no fears for you. Where is +Mr. Egerton now?"</p> + +<p>"He is still abroad, but he is coming back very soon; he had promised +to join some friends and go up the Nile, and so he left us. The Colonel +knows: we told him right away, and he is perfectly satisfied; and you +will be, too, auntie. I am sure you will, for, oh, auntie dear! All +your counsel and Theo's and Archie's' have been such a help to me. +I know, when I was very young, I was dazzled by certain qualities +that are so worthless. But later on—since I have been old enough to +concentrate my friendships and affections—I hope I have been wiser in +my selection of friends. In those very first days,—when I first came to +you,—what froth I thought wit, what imitation sparkle I thought real +brilliancy, but since then I have learned so much."</p> + +<p>"Such a wise little old woman," returned auntie, smiling. "But yours +is a common experience, dear; and if, as one matures, one is drawn +towards worthier and purer friends, it indicates that they are the +most congenial,—the one which answers most truly to something within +one's self. So, my darling, you have been stepping up all the time, and +for that reason, I am very glad that you have waited till now before +choosing your nearest companion through life. I hope—I so truly hope—he +may be worthy of my precious little girl."</p> + +<p>"He is," returned Val, earnestly, and with all humility; "he is far +better and wiser than I. Very soon you will see for yourself. The +Colonel says he has very high principles, and so does Nan. Oh, auntie, +I was so jealous of Nan."</p> + +<p>"Of Nannie?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I tried to be good about it, but as I look back, I suspect I +behaved in a very silly manner sometimes, and I wonder Nan stood it so +sweetly. You see Nan and Fred had known each other so long, and were +interested so often in the same things, and they used to hobnob till it +made me wild."</p> + +<p>Auntie had to smile; and Val proceeded to finish her unpacking. Then +she said,—</p> + +<p>"Now, auntie, I cannot rest till I have told Theo. I think I will take +the train to Parktown, and drive up to Preston this evening with Jack."</p> + +<p>But an opportunity occurred earlier, when Mr. Johnson, the man who +occupied the tenant house at Preston, stopped with a message from Theo, +and Val returned with him.</p> + +<p>She found Theo in the kitchen coddling half a dozen newly-hatched +little chickens which she was trying to keep warmly covered in a basket +near the stove.</p> + +<p>"Why, Val!" she exclaimed. "What a nice surprise. I was hoping some of +you would come over. I have such a lot to talk about and to ask about. +These ridiculous little chickens won't stay where I put them; they get +so lively in this warm corner that they hop right out, and the first +thing I know they are all over the kitchen."</p> + +<p>"The idea of chickens at this time of year," said Val, stooping down +to look at the little fluffy yellow balls. "Aren't they dear little +things, though?"</p> + +<p>"They are; but their old absurd mother has no idea of the fitness of +things. She stole a nest in the lean-to of Aunt Prissy's house, in a +barrel near the chimney, and Jack discovered her; so we have to do +the best we can with them. There, now; they can't get out," And Theo +tied a thin cloth over the top of the basket. "Posie-Cossie thinks +they are playthings,—Christmas gifts, coming a little ahead of time, +very likely,—and he races them all over the place; so they have to be +protected.</p> + +<p>"What is the news, Val? Come in, and let me get you a cup of tea, after +your cold drive. Jack will not be home till late; it is a busy time +with him, so you will starve before supper-time. We'll have tea in my +room, and it will be much cosier than down here in the dining-room," +and Theo led the way up-stairs.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image040" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"><a id="Image040"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image040.jpg" alt="image040"></a></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>"The idea of chickens at this time of year," said Val.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"I declare," she said, as they settled themselves in two big chairs +before the fire, "we haven't had a good talk for ages. I have hardly +seen you since we came to Preston."</p> + +<p>"I have been over lots of times."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; but there have been so many people around always,—the +relations and all,—and we couldn't be confidential. Now, we'll have a +nice long chat. Aunt Pris is inclined to treat me as if I were yet in +leading-strings, so I have scarcely anything to look after. And the +house was in such beautiful order,—you saw to that, my dear,—so it is +very easy to keep it so, and I have a lot of time on my hands."</p> + +<p>"But you're always busy at something."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes; one need not be idle. What have you been doing?"</p> + +<p>"I have been unpacking my boxes this morning; they came up quite early."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I wish I had been there. I do so enjoy seeing any one unpack."</p> + +<p>"Auntie watched me, and we had a long talk. I'll tell you all about +it," and Val proceeded with her story.</p> + +<p>Theo listened with eager interest till Val made her final announcement.</p> + +<p>"And you have never said a word about it all this time," she said, +reproachfully, at the conclusion.</p> + +<p>"No," and Val gave her reasons.</p> + +<p>"It was very thoughtful, I admit. But all the same, I think it was as +mean as could be. I wouldn't have thought you could keep it from me. I +wouldn't have done you so," declared Theo.</p> + +<p>"It was as much as I could do to keep it to myself," declared Val. +"Oh, Theo, so many times I wanted to, but I was kept so busy over your +affairs that my own were able to hide themselves away."</p> + +<p>"And is he very nice? Of course he must be. Nobody could be as lovely +as Jack, but I have no doubt he is quite nice."</p> + +<p>"He is nicer than any one," protested Val.</p> + +<p>Theo laughed. "Well, we won't fight over it. Aren't we like two babies? +How did you come to like him, Val?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I don't know; he was different from any of the other men who are +always tagging after one. I'll own several times I quite fancied one or +another, but such little things turned the current of my affections, +little trivial things would entirely disenchant me. There was one +man, however, who for a time seemed quite to answer to my ideal; he +was very companionable, and some friends of his were always telling +me how honorable he was. 'A man to be trusted,' they said. And, yes, +I quite fancied him for perhaps six weeks, and then I discovered that +men who are honorable enough with men are not always so where women +are concerned. I found out quite accidentally about an affair in which +I think he acted abominably. He knew a girl was in love with him, and +he kept on encouraging her interest in all sorts of ways when he did +not care for her at all, and, as soon as I knew of it, I decided that +he could not be sincere and noble all through and through, and after I +made up my mind to that, his insincerity displayed itself in a dozen +different ways. I could see by the way he regarded other transactions +that he was not as honorable as his friends would have me suppose, and +that was the end of my fancy."</p> + +<p>"And the other girl?" said Theo.</p> + +<p>"Oh, she will get over it in time, but I felt very sorry for her. I +despise that kind of a man, and there are so many such. Oh, Theo, I +think we are very fortunate,—you with your Jack, and I with my Fred, +but don't tell Fred so. I don't want to spoil him."</p> + +<p>Theo laughed. "I'll not tell him. I see you are the same old Val, and +are bound to have your little imperious ways. Oh, Val, all you tell me +of your travels makes me remember how I used to long to go over the +face of the earth, and now it does not look as if I ever should go, and +I am quite content. Isn't it strange? I wonder if you will feel so? +When will Mr. Egerton be here?"</p> + +<p>"He is coming in time for Christmas."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that is something I want to talk to you about. I should so like +to have you all over here, and yet I'm afraid auntie would rather we +should all be with her at Roseville."</p> + +<p>"We spent Thanksgiving with you."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know; but this is such a great big old place, and we could have +such a nice old-fashioned time. Just sound auntie on the subject, won't +you, Val? Now, tell me about Archie. I haven't seen him for a week."</p> + +<p>"Archie is well, and seems to be a real settled down individual; he is +so interested in his profession. We have good times together. We always +did act like two idiots, you know. I am afraid it will be lonely for +him when I leave. I wish Nan could take my place."</p> + +<p>Theo shook her head. "Nan never will, and I think Archie sees now that +it is better as it is. There are other happy lives for women beside +a married one. Auntie proved that to me long ago. She has shown by +example how sweet and full a life may be for a single woman, and even +if I had not married, I hope I should not have been either useless or +unhappy. If a woman cannot marry the man who will help her to the best +use of her best powers, she would much better remain single, in my +opinion."</p> + +<p>"But we have found just such men," interposed Val. "We wear true +heart's-ease, Theo."</p> + +<p>"I hope so. I think so. I should never have been a shining light in +the artistic, literary, or musical world, and I do not care for social +success; so I think I have found my true place just here with Jack. +Of course, I am fond of my friends, and think we all need outside +influences to broaden us, but I shall see my friends quite often. I do +not care for a great many, and so I am altogether satisfied. I wish my +dear old Archie could be as happy; it is very mean of us all to desert +him."</p> + +<p>"Oh, but you haven't," returned Val. "You are so near, and he does take +such comfort in having Jack that it takes away the sting; but with me—"</p> + +<p>"When shall you leave us?" asked Theo, a little sadly.</p> + +<p>"Not before next summer, and perhaps not then. I think we shall live in +Washington, it will suit us both; and it is not so far away but what we +can reach you often. You can spend winters with me, Theo."</p> + +<p>"And leave Jack?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; after a while, Jack will be able to take a little time, I am +sure, and then you can all come,—auntie and all. I should like auntie +to spend every winter with me, but I can hardly hope for that, though I +really believe I can persuade the Colonel to do so."</p> + +<p>"How you will like that? Dear old Colonel! I am always so glad to see +him. It will just suit you in Washington, Val; it seems like you, +somehow, and your living there suggests a decided appropriateness. But, +oh, Val, though I know you love excitement and flutter and all that, I +do not believe you will give yourself up to it entirely. One can do so +much good in a large city."</p> + +<p>"I hope I shall not forget," returned Val. "Fred would not be likely to +let me; he has a 'heart for human woes,' and I think we can help some +one to be happier and better. Oh, yes, Theo, I am sure you will like my +Fred. We have talked over so many schemes together, and I do not think +we shall make life nothing but a holiday."</p> + +<p>"And you are happy?" said Theo, leaning forward and looking into the +other's face, in which, of late, a new sweetness had come.</p> + +<p>"I am very happy. Ah, Theo! It is only the separation that is hard." +And then the two girls clasped each other's hands, and silently sat +watching the glowing embers while the daylight slowly faded.</p> + +<p>And not till Jack's voice broke in upon their reveries did they realize +that he had come in, and that it was time for supper.</p> + +<p>Of course, Jack had to be apprised of Val's news, and after teasing the +girls by pretending that he had heard it long before from Mr. Smith, he +acknowledged that it really was a surprise to him, and offered his good +wishes in the heartiest way.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image041" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image041.jpg" alt="image041"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image042" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image042.jpg" alt="image042"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_19">CHAPTER XIX.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +WHAT BECAME OF VAL'S PORTRAIT.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>THE result of a conference with Miss Nelson decided in favor of a +Christmas at Preston rather than at Roseville. "It will give Theo and +Jack so much pleasure to entertain us," said auntie. "Ary and Mammy +will like to spend Christmas there, while, for my own part, I am +getting very lazy in my old age, and it will relieve me of some care, +besides to have you all here this year will make me miss, all the more, +any who may be absent next year. Is Mr. Smith to be here, Val?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, he promised to come with Fred; they hope to be here on the +twentieth, at least if the steamer gets in promptly, they will, so Mr. +Smith writes. Oh, auntie, we'll have such a good time. I hope there +will be sleighing; I love a real good snowy Christmas. I shall go over +with Fred to help Theo. Jack is going to try to give up Christmas +Eve to us, and Archie has promised too, so we all can go off after +Christmas greens. You and the Colonel can hobnob, and congratulate each +other upon your immunity from responsibilities, while we are gone. The +twentieth! Think, auntie, how soon it will be here. I must go at once +and get my Christmas gifts settled, so as to have plenty of time then," +and Val flew off with a gay little nod over her shoulder.</p> + +<p>"How happy my children are," thought auntie, looking after her as she +whisked out of the room; "my sunset is surely very bright, and my +down-hill path made very easy for me." But auntie gave a little sigh as +she looked out of the window at the December landscape.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>A few days later, Archie came in with a grave look on his face. He held +a paper in his hand, and by the serious countenance he wore, Miss Janet +knew that something of unusual gravity had occurred.</p> + +<p>"Where is Val?" he asked as he entered the sitting-room.</p> + +<p>"Up-stairs, counting the days on her calendar, I have no doubt," +replied auntie. "I never saw such a happy child; she is like a streak +of sunshine in the house. Dear little girl."</p> + +<p>Archie walked to the fire, and stood looking fixedly before him, in an +abstracted way.</p> + +<p>"What is wrong, my boy?" asked auntie. "Surely something more than +usual disturbs you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Fate is hard! Cruel! Cruel!" exclaimed Archie. "Poor little Val! +What can we do for her?"</p> + +<p>"Why! What is it?" asked Miss Janet, in alarm. "Don't keep me in +suspense. What has happened?"</p> + +<p>Archie silently handed her the newspaper he held in his hand, pointing +out one of its headings.</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"The 'North Star' Lost! Terrible Disaster at Sea!"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>"Why, Archie, what is the date? Why! Oh!" And Miss Janet cried out, +dropping the paper and covering her face with her hands.</p> + +<p>"Oh, auntie, I should have prepared you," said Archie; "it is too much +for you."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie, can it be true? Are you sure?"</p> + +<p>"Let me look again. Yes, it is the vessel in which Mr. Egerton expected +to sail. I am afraid it is too true. He wrote to Val saying he had +taken passage on the 'North Star,' didn't he?"</p> + +<p>Archie confirmed her fears.</p> + +<p>"What shall we do? It may be only a rumor. We would best say nothing +until we get further accounts. There is Val now."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Archie, you are just the fellow," began Val. "Why, what is the +matter? You look as if you had seen a ghost, and auntie, too. What is +it? Tell me—quick—quick." And Val darted forward before any one could +interfere and picked up the paper lying in Miss Nelson's lap, her quick +eye detecting it as the cause of the agitation she saw upon their faces.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" she cried, imperiously, as Archie tried to detain her, "I +'will' see!"</p> + +<p>But as she read, the blue eyes grew wide with fear and dread, and she +dropped the paper, shivering from head to foot. Then she stretched out +imploring hands, as one suddenly stricken blind.</p> + +<p>"Oh, where shall I go? What shall I do?" she cried, piteously.</p> + +<p>Archie caught the little trembling hands in both his and held them +close in a strong clasp. "Dear little Val—dear little cousin," he said, +"what can I say to comfort you? Perhaps—perhaps it is an exaggerated +report."</p> + +<p>But Val looked at him with staring eyes, as if she but half understood.</p> + +<p>"Don't, don't look so wild!" implored Archie. "Oh, auntie, speak to +her," he said, beseechingly. "I don't know what to say."</p> + +<p>Val was still shaking pitifully, but no sound came from her lips; there +was only that imploring, hopeless look in her eyes, as if she could not +understand how those who had always been able to shield her could not +now spare her this blow.</p> + +<p>By degrees, and under auntie's gentle caresses, the trembling ceased, +and then Val moaned, "I want Theo—I want Theo."</p> + +<p>"I will bring her as fast as I can," promised Archie. And then, glad to +be of some active use, he rushed out.</p> + +<p>"Dear little one," whispered auntie, as she held the girl closely, "no +one in all the world knows better than I what you are suffering."</p> + +<p>Val's hand sought auntie's and gave it a little squeeze.</p> + +<p>"I was a little younger than you when the news of a battle was brought +me, the news that my beloved—" and then auntie's voice broke.</p> + +<p>And the tears that would not come for her own loss rose in Val's eyes +as she whispered, "I know, I know. Oh, auntie, the long, long years; +how have you lived through them?"</p> + +<p>Auntie smiled, a sad, wan little smile. "The back is fitted to its +burden, sweetheart, but at first, at first,—" And the two clung closely +to each other, till Val whispered,—</p> + +<p>"Dear auntie, let me be all alone a little while; I must face myself +that way. I was cruel to him once, and my last letter was not kind."</p> + +<p>And auntie understood, so she left the grief-stricken form lying on +the couch and went to her own room, there to do battle, as many times +before, with a pitiless memory.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>It was towards dark that Theo arrived with Archie. She went directly to +Val's door. Such a sad, drawn little face met her, and though Val bit +her lip and gave one or two convulsive sobs, her tears were all shed, +and it was Theo who wept as if she would never have done.</p> + +<p>The sun went down on a saddened household. Theo would not leave Val, +and all night kept awake with her arms around her cousin, who dropped +into a fitful sleep from exhaustion, and who would wake up crying out +nervously.</p> + +<p>At last, the morning dawned upon them, pale and hollow-eyed.</p> + +<p>"Let me take you home with me," said Theo, the next day. "It will be +easier for you there, dear."</p> + +<p>And Val consented, feeling that she could not stand that day to look +out upon the path up which she expected to see her lover coming, and to +gaze upon surroundings in which he was to have been the chief figure.</p> + +<p>So they took their way to Preston, where Jack met them with every +thoughtful attention he could manage to show. But the sight of Jack and +Theo together was only a fresh reminder of her loss to Val, and she +turned from them in a perfect abandonment of woe. By degrees, however, +they managed to interest her somewhat in outside subjects, and she +became quite calm.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>It was not long before the news of the loss of the "North Star," was +confirmed, and all hope fled from their hearts.</p> + +<p>"There is just one chance," said Jack to Theo; "but it will be a little +while before we can know, and I do not dare to raise Val's hopes. Mr. +Egerton may not have sailed in that steamer."</p> + +<p>"But he wrote that he had taken passage."</p> + +<p>"I know; but somehow I have still a lingering hope, and I have +telegraphed Mr. Smith to be on the lookout. Dear old Colonel, such a +letter as he wrote; one could never imagine such a heart could beat +under that brusque exterior."</p> + +<p>"Oh, Jack, you make me hopeful too," said Theo, "and I half feel as if +I might go on with my Christmas preparations. I have had no heart for +anything, but it will, perhaps, do no harm."</p> + +<p>"Of course, go on," replied Jack. "It will be much better to busy +yourself over something and try to make every one as happy as possible. +I am sure, Theo, when I leave this mortal sphere, I shall be grieved if +you think it a duty never to smile."</p> + +<p>"Don't, Jack, don't!" cried Theo, running up to him. "You scare me. I +can't stand it."</p> + +<p>Jack took her hands in his and looked down at her fondly. "Oh, Theo, if +I had lost you!" he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"If I had lost you," returned Theo. "Oh, our poor little Val! Jack, +we must not, we must not forget her; we must devote ourselves to her. +Auntie and Archie will be here to-morrow night," continued she. "We +thought it would be best to carry out our original intention. Do you +suppose the Colonel will not come?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot tell. He will wait till the next steamer is in, I am sure."</p> + +<p>"And he will send a despatch if there should be good news."</p> + +<p>"Assuredly."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>The evening of the twenty-third brought auntie and Archie. The weather, +instead of being frosty and snowy, was balmy and mild, and there was +almost a spring-like softness in the air.</p> + +<p>Aunt Prissy's family was congregated in their little house, Ary and +Tatty vieing with one another in expatiating each upon the importance +of her position in the family. Manchild's short legs carried him back +and forth from his mother's cabin to the "gre't house," his interest +being divided between what was going on in the two places.</p> + +<p>Posie-Cossie, whose sympathies were most acute, followed Val from place +to place. They had been out walking, and though Val's pale cheeks had +not won any color from the outside air, she looked a little brighter, +and sat down by the big fire in the drawing-room to listen to Theo's +account of a discussion between Tatty and Ary which she had overheard.</p> + +<p>"Tatty's cap had quite overawed Ary," Theo was saying, "and she came to +me to know if I had one I would give her 'for Christmas, Miss Theo.' +You see what you have done, Val, and I promised I would see what we +could do."</p> + +<p>Here Val started suddenly to her feet and bent forward as if listening, +then she darted from the room.</p> + +<p>"What has Val heard?" asked auntie and Theo of each other.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I hear wheels," said Theo. "Jack must be coming; but why was Val +so eager?" And they both hastened to discover the cause.</p> + +<p>Val was tugging at the latch of the front door. "Fred! Fred! It is +Fred!" she cried. "I heard his voice. Oh, let me go! Oh, Fred! Fred!"</p> + +<p>But the door was opened from the outside, admitting first, Mr. Smith, +and behind him, who but Fred, indeed.</p> + +<p>"And you did not get my telegram?" he asked some time later, when the +excitement had subsided.</p> + +<p>"It is no doubt in Roseville now," explained Archie, "if you sent it +there."</p> + +<p>"Surely I did." But Mr. Smith telegraphed to Mr. Allen.</p> + +<p>"And the despatch was handed me just as you all got off the train," +remarked Jack.</p> + +<p>"But for once tardiness was a virtue," said Mr. Egerton, "for I was +just an hour too late for the unfortunate 'North Star,' and took the +very next steamer. I knew nothing of the disaster till I landed in New +York, so I had no idea of the perturbation I had caused. My sisters +were distracted at my supposed loss, and greeted me as one arisen from +the dead. Then I realized my escape."</p> + +<p>"How in the world did you know, Val?" asked Theo. "I didn't hear +anything."</p> + +<p>"I don't know," said Val. "All of a sudden I seemed to—to possess +super-acute hearing, and I heard Fred saying, quite distinctly, 'I +wonder if they are expecting us.' Didn't you say it?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I did," he answered, smiling; "but I cannot imagine how you +heard."</p> + +<p>However, Val insisted that she did, and no doubt her highly wrought +condition had made her extremely sensitive to all influences, and that +she felt rather than heard.</p> + +<p>"If I had known my little girl was in such a state of mind," said Mr. +Egerton, "I should have hurried on even sooner. The steamer was late +getting in, yesterday, and we stopped over-night in Washington, to see +my family."</p> + +<p>"Yes," interrupted Mr. Smith, "and thereby hangs a tale. We came on +together, as you know, and nothing would do for this young man," +putting his hand on Mr. Egerton's shoulder, "but that I should stop all +night at his brother's, and he gave up his apartments to me. I found—"</p> + +<p>"Oh, they were not actually mine," interposed Mr. Egerton. "I had not +occupied them for a couple of years."</p> + +<p>"But his effects were all there," Mr. Smith informed the others. "I can +prove it. No doubt, you think, young woman," he said, turning to Val, +"this young man's fancy for a flibberty-gibbet, fly-away kitten like +you is something of recent date, but when I tell you that I saw upon +the wall of his room a certain portrait of a certain damsel, painted +some years ago by Miss Talcott, you may know how long your image has +been before him."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried they all, to Mr. Egerton's discomfiture. "So that accounts +for it; that is where Nan's picture went. We wondered and wondered."</p> + +<p>Val looked up, having recovered some of her sauciness. "Oh, you fraud!" +she said. "You never told me."</p> + +<p>"I was afraid, at first, that you would think me presumptuous," he made +answer, "and after, I was afraid—"</p> + +<p>"Of what?" asked Val.</p> + +<p>"That you would know how long I had been in your power," he confessed.</p> + +<p>"She is a little tyrant, as you may perhaps have found out," he said, +smilingly, to her friends.</p> + +<p>"And you have no shipwreck of which to tell us, no exciting experiences +to relate. How disappointing," observed Val. "When I saw you, I at +least expected you had been washed ashore lashed to a board, or were +picked up clinging to a spar, and you came over in a commonplace way +like anybody else."</p> + +<p>"She has recovered," said Archie, laughingly. "You couldn't have been +so flippant yesterday, Val."</p> + +<p>Val turned a serious face to her lover. "I was wrong," she said, "to +jest about it. I have been taught many things these last few days, and, +most of all, I have learned how an unkind, bitter word can haunt one. +That I had taunted you for staying away a little longer from me, made +it hard, oh, so hard," and Val, whose joy and sorrow had unnerved her, +burst into tears.</p> + +<p>"What under heaven does the girl want now!" said Mr. Smith, to alter +her mood. "Is there anything you haven't, Val? If you had wanted +something to cry for, we could have stayed away longer."</p> + +<p>"Colonel," said Val, "you are as mean as can be. You understand, don't +you, Fred? Don't you, Theo?" And she appealed to the two of whose +sympathies she felt most sure.</p> + +<p>"Of course we do," replied they.</p> + +<p>"I shall never, never do so again," whispered Val.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image043" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image043.jpg" alt="image043"> +</figure> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image044" style="max-width: 25.8125em;"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image044.jpg" alt="image044"> +</figure> + +<p><br></p> + +<h2><a id="Chapter_20">CHAPTER XX.</a></h2> + +<p class="t3"> +AND SO—.<br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>AND so, after all, the next morning found them ready to carry out their +plan of going to the woods for Christmas greens.</p> + +<p>"We will deck every place," announced Jack, "in honor of our +doubly-welcome guests. There shall be mistletoe and holly, crowfoot +and ground pine, white pine and laurel; it shall be an evergreen time, +indeed. We will take the big wagon," he continued, "and all pile into +it. I'll put a lot of straw in, and when we come back, we will have the +boughs to sit on."</p> + +<p>"This beats going up the hill all hollow," said Mr. Egerton, as they +went bumping over the rough road. "I haven't laughed so much since we +were in Paris, Val. What are you doing, Mr. Nelson?"</p> + +<p>"Don't call him that," objected Val. "Just say Archie, and Jack, and +Theo; and, please, everybody say Fred."</p> + +<p>"Fred!" shouted Archie and Jack in so stentorian a manner as nearly to +make Mr. Egerton roll out of the wagon.</p> + +<p>"Geese!" exclaimed Val. "You know what I meant. But what are you doing, +Archie?"</p> + +<p>"What am I doing?" replied Archie. "I am building a nest where I +can flock by myself. You are all paired off in such an exceedingly +exasperating way, I wish I had gone over for Cousin Dolly this morning +early."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you shall not flock by yourself," said Theo. "There is always room +with Jack and me. Come over to our nest, Arch. There, sit under the +mistletoe, and Jack and I will kiss you."</p> + +<p>This made a scramble, for Jack insisted upon following out Theo's +suggestion, Archie declaring he would as soon kiss a horse as Jack, and +there was a tussle and a scrimmage, resulting in Archie's getting the +worst of it, being so weak from laughing, after Jack had him down, that +he had to submit without further protest to Jack's caresses, given in +the most bear-like manner.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever know such nonsense?" said Val to her companion. "That is +the way they 'cut up' and 'carry on' all the time. You never knew such +an idiotic crowd in your life."</p> + +<p>They jolted along comfortably after this; and presently Theo, who was +leaning back against a pile of boughs, looking up into the sky, said, +"I think the winter woods are as beautiful as the summer ones. See how +exquisite those branches are in their delicate tracery, and look off +yonder how under purple fades into upper purple; and look at those +little wayside weeds, beautiful in their winter brownness. It is such a +lovely world!"</p> + +<p>"Theo is always discovering new Americas," remarked Archie. "She need +never cross the seas."</p> + +<p>Theo smiled. "I do discover a new world every time I go out upon +voyaging intent. One's eyes can travel far, and can bring home new +treasures very often."</p> + +<p>Mr. Egerton looked at her thoughtfully. "You are a discovery in +yourself," he said.</p> + +<p>Theo looked up. "I? Why? Oh, you mean I am one of the natives, perhaps."</p> + +<p>"He doesn't at all," interposed Val. "He means—I know what he +means—that it is novel and refreshing to find one who has so much +within herself; that every twig upon the trees, every little dried-up +weed, can paint her a picture or sing her a song. He has been among a +very conventional set, I fancy. I saw one of them once. Fred was with +her. They were coming from the Salon, and as they passed me, she turned +her head over her shoulder so, and drawled out, 'Isn't it tiresome?'"</p> + +<p>They all laughed at Val's imitation, and Mr. Egerton admitted that +Val was right, his friend on that occasion being what Nan called a +"Philistine dyed in the wool."</p> + +<p>"We shall never get world-weary," he said, "while we have these people +to come to, Val."</p> + +<p>"Here we are," exclaimed Jack. "Come, good folks, lend a hand, and let +us get this stuff in-doors. That's right, Manchild, come along and +carry in some of this. We'll earn our dinners to-day, my friends."</p> + +<p>"B'ugh, how sticky some of this is, and that holly pricks me +dreadfully!" said Val. "I wish I had a pair of your sheepskin mittens, +Theo."</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<figure class="figcenter" id="image045" style="max-width: 25.3125em;"><a id="Image045"> + <img class="w100" src="images/image045.jpg" alt="image045"></a></figure> +<p class="t4"> +<b>And the work proceeded with great briskness.</b><br> +</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>"Tatty will get you a pair," returned Theo, intent upon arranging a +bunch of holly in the hall. "Here, some of you tall people, give that +a poke. That's it, Jack. Now, who wants to do what? Archie, just tell +Tatty to bring a pair of shears and a ball of twine. We want to make a +long, long garland. Auntie will like to work at that."</p> + +<p>"Suppose you set the tasks," proposed Fred, "and we'll do your bidding."</p> + +<p>All agreed, and Theo proceeded to direct. "Auntie, you, Val, and Fred +can work on the garland. Fred can cut off the proper bits and hand them +to you and Val, while you twine and twist. Archie, you and Jack can +help me attack the high places; and, Colonel—let me see, what shall you +do? Oh, if you will just sort out the different kinds and put each sort +together, we shall not have to pull them all over to find what we want. +We'll have to have the step-ladder, Jack."</p> + +<p>And the work proceeded with great briskness on the part of the +assistants.</p> + +<p>"Isn't it fine?" exclaimed Val, when their labors were ended. "It +has the nicest, spiciest, piniest smell, and it is a perfect bower. +This old hall is perfectly delightful. We ought to have a dance here +to-night. Oh, no, I forgot. Fred must see the cake-walk; but we can see +that first, and then we'll have the dance after. You'll bring Dolly +over, won't you, Archie? Then we can just make up a set."</p> + +<p>"You don't expect me to dance!" ejaculated the Colonel.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, we do; you and auntie, too. One would suppose you were a +Methuselah, Colonel, when you're getting younger every day. You are to +dance, sir; do you hear? Miss Valentine Le Moyne shall be your partner. +You and I will lead off;" and Val asserted herself so decidedly that +the Colonel succumbed at once.</p> + +<p><br></p> + +<p>And so they went to the cake-walk, where Jack and Archie were appointed +judges. And Archie distinguished himself in a speech which was so +utterly absurd that his friends nearly disgraced themselves by laughing +more immoderately than the occasion required. But the rest of the +assemblage were mightily pleased, and were quite overpowered by the big +words and flowery references.</p> + +<p>This was preliminary. And when the cake-walk was about to begin, Archie +insisted upon Manchild's taking part; and the way his little duck legs +were thrust out in a strut not to be imitated convulsed them all.</p> + +<p>Aunt Prissy was consumed with pride and amusement, and she said to +Mammy, who was among the lookers-on, "Mars Arch sot Manchild up so he +cyarnt see nothin' 'cep' dat cake. I lay Mars Arch gwine ter 'muse he +se'f. Look yonder, Jane. Ain't he a sight?"</p> + +<p>And Mammy bent double at the spectacle of Manchild and his "lady" +bringing up the rear of the procession.</p> + +<p>"Mars Arch giv' Manchild de cake. Yuh see," said she, "dat little +yaller he walkin' with, walkin' fur all she wo'th."</p> + +<p>And Mammy was right; for Archie declared that, though among such +grace and dignity, it was hard to decide upon a fit recipient of the +delectable comestible before them; that after due consultation with +his distinguished associate in judicial arbitration, it was determined +to bestow upon Miss Belladonna Truefit and her diminutive though +valiant cavalier, Master Manchild Jackson, the aforesaid sacchariferous +delicacy, in consideration of the superhuman efforts which they had +exerted in their ambulation. They would therefore further exert their +pedal extremities in locomotion, and "come take de cake."</p> + +<p>None of which speech the couple understood except the last clause, +when, amid much applause, they advanced, received the cake, having to +endure another speech delivered in utterly obscure language, and filled +with references to Antony and Cleopatra, lotus flowers and Ramesses +the Great, delivered with much rhetorical flourish; and then the two +retired, covered with glory and confusion.</p> + +<p>"What yuh feed 'em on up dar at Preston?" asked a chagrined friend of +Aunt Prissy's. "Dictionaries?"</p> + +<p>"No," responded Aunt Prissy. "We's been a feedin' 'em on fus'-class +tongue, but now we's gwine ter give 'em cake."</p> + +<p>And the questioner retired disconcerted.</p> + +<p>Such a ruddy glow came from the roaring fire that crackled in the old +fireplace, warming up the big hall and extracting the pungent odor from +the Christmas greens which draped doorway and arch; the brass andirons +caught and held the light from the up-dancing flames; little flitting +sparks shot through the wide chimney towards the peaceful stars, +shining in the Christmas heavens; the polished floor showed the result +of the lately applied energy to its waxed surface by reflecting sparkle +and glow.</p> + +<p>The portraits of sire and dame looked down from the walls upon the +group standing in the centre of the floor. In the corner, the tall old +clock droned out a deliberate "tick-tock," and presently, with the same +deliberation, marked ten resonant strokes. At the same moment, an old +darkey, Uncle Joe by name, struck up a merry tune upon his old violin, +and the dancers stepped out. Such fun as they made of it. Uncle Joe, +considering it a part of his duty, called out the figures vigorously:</p> + +<p>"Swing yo' pardners!" "Rewerse corners!" "Gemmen to de right, ladies to +de lef'!"</p> + +<p>Sawing away, and keeping time with one long, flat, strangely shod foot, +till, breathless, auntie and the Colonel begged for a respite. Then the +younger ones floated off into a dreamy waltz, which Uncle Joe played +with head thrown back and eyes shut.</p> + +<p>But auntie and the Colonel were not long left in peace.</p> + +<p>"No wall-flowers here," sang out Val, dragging them from their places. +"It is Christmas Eve. Come, come, we want another set."</p> + +<p>And again Miss Janet and Mr. Smith took their places.</p> + +<p>With what vigor Val turned the Colonel, and how sedately he chasséed, +while Archie and Jack nearly spun auntie off her feet in their +rollicking humor. "More wood! Build up the fire!" was called once in a +while, and then at it again.</p> + +<p>At last, auntie protested that she could stand no more, and Archie +executed a wonderful break-down. Then Val tried a fancy dance, all of +her own designing, till, tired out, she stood, her blue eyes dancing, +her dainty figure poised.</p> + +<p>"Now, what next? A song! A song! Come, Jack! Come, Theo—"</p> + +<p>But hark! From the corner sounds the striking of the old clock. Twelve +is solemnly numbered;—midnight and Christmas morning.</p> + +<p>And then the thought came to them all of that first Christmas of the +earth's long ago, and Jack's voice broke in upon the stillness with the +old hymn,—</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"While shepherds watched their flocks by night."<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>First one, then another, joined in, till all were singing from their +hearts.</p> + +<p>And in the heavens, the same stars were shining as looked down upon the +earth those centuries ago when upon Judea's plain the angels' song was +heard,—</p> + +<p class="poem"> +<br> +"Peace and good will! Peace and good will!"<br> +<br> +</p> + +<p>The stars in their steadfast sereneness shone on over the old house. +Peace and good will enclosed the hearts of its inmates, filling them +with a blessed content as, with the touch of a solemn and beautiful +thought upon them, they said, "Good-night."</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> + +<p class="t3"> +THE END.<br> +</p> + +<p><br><br><br></p> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 78824 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/78824-h/images/image001.jpg b/78824-h/images/image001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..36b2bf0 --- /dev/null +++ b/78824-h/images/image001.jpg diff --git a/78824-h/images/image002.jpg b/78824-h/images/image002.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1179548 --- /dev/null +++ b/78824-h/images/image002.jpg diff --git a/78824-h/images/image003.jpg b/78824-h/images/image003.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9c75ea3 --- 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