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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/79028-0.txt b/79028-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2df218b --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,6107 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79028 *** + + + [Cover Illustration] + +[Illustration: _The Matrimonial Bureau_] + + + + + The + Matrimonial Bureau + by + Carolyn Wells + and + Harry Persons Taber + + + + BOSTON•AND•NEW•YORK + Houghton Mifflin & Company + THE•RIVERSIDE•PRESS•CAMBRIDGE + 1905 + + COPYRIGHT 1905 BY CAROLYN WELLS AND HARRY PERSONS TABER + ALL RIGHTS RESERVED + + _Published April 1905_ + + + + + TO NANCY + + + + + LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + 1. “I’M NOT A SPOILED CHILD” + + 2. TEA ON THE EAST PORCH + + 3. IN THE BROILING SUN, OBLIVIOUS OF THE HEAT + + 4. “SUPPOSE YOU TAKE MISS FOWLER HOME” + + + + + I + + +[Illustration: _The Matrimonial Bureau_] + + Think you there was, or might be such a man as this I dreamed + of?—_Antony and Cleopatra._ + +It all happened in the most curious fashion to begin with. If Lieutenant +Adams had not sent to Miss Esther the particularly heavy box which +contained some sort of a plaster cast which he had picked up somewhere, +and which necessitated a great deal of packing-stuff to keep it from +breaking, Tekla never would have found the paper. Then, too, she never +would have found the paper if Michael had been about the place on the +afternoon the box came. But he wasn’t, and Miss Esther was impatient. +The box had to be unpacked, so she and Tekla, armed with a hatchet, a +screw-driver, and a monkey-wrench, went at it. + +“I expect it’s broken,” said Miss Esther, after the protecting boards +had been removed, with that lack of dexterity but determined +effectiveness which characterizes the carpenter work of the average +woman; “I have no doubt it’s broken all to pieces.” + +“Yes’m, I suppose it is; they always are,” said Tekla, cheerfully, as +she pulled out the bunches of paper which were stuffed about the cast. + +“It was packed carefully enough,” said Miss Esther. + +“Yes, indeed, ma’am. They must have used all the papers they had saved +up for housecleaning time. I don’t know what they’ll have left to put on +their pantry shelves.” + +“I’m glad they did; this is a specially fine cast, and I do hope it +isn’t broken. It looks as if it were, though.” + +Miss Esther took hold of the end of the cast and tried to lift it out. +She succeeded in extricating it from the mass of papers and carried it +off in triumph. + +Tekla brought a basket and began picking up the crumpled papers from the +kitchen floor. Some large figures on one bit caught her eye. + +“‘Circulation yesterday, 840,327,’” she read; “must have used ’em all.” + +She went on picking up the papers, carefully smoothing out those pieces +which she believed might be of use for such purposes as suggest +themselves to the careful housewife. “I wish,” she thought, “that they +hadn’t crumpled these things up so much. They might just as well have +left them flat. We could have used them then.” + +At the very bottom of the box she found several voluminous Sunday +newspapers that apparently had never been opened. “At least here’s a few +smooth ones,” she continued with a satisfied air. + +As she laid them aside, a conspicuous picture attracted her attention. +“That,” said Tekla, after a long, steady stare at it, “is the kind of +place I’m going to live in. There should be cows—yes—like those,” and +she held the picture at arm’s length. “Chickens—yes—and dogs. Some +calves, maybe, and pigeons and pigs, the same like those! Ah!” + +Again she held the picture out before her and gazed at it. “It is all +there, all—but the man—not!” + +Taking down the big shears from their nail, Tekla cut out the picture +and pinned it up above the kitchen table. “But I will have the cow-sheds +nearer the house,” she said as she turned away. “They are not handy, +so.” + + * * * * * + +In the household of Miss Esther Adams, a Sunday newspaper was almost an +unknown quantity. To Tekla the discovery of three or four complete +sheets, with all the various “sections” carefully put together, was an +event of thrilling importance. She hurried through her work, and sat +down that evening to enjoy without interruption the unexpected windfall. + +By a slow and laborious process of elimination she laid aside the +primarily colored pages, the reproduced photographs, the editorial +sections, and other interesting but unbelievable stories, and reserved +only the advertisements. + +These she read eagerly, marking with her pencil such pictured glories of +feminine apparel as appealed to her somewhat barbaric taste. + +Idly scanning one of the more uninteresting looking pages, she chanced +upon a sort of advertisement which seemed to her to be wholly new. +Nothing like it had ever fallen under her observation. + + SPINSTERS ATTENTION! + + Why remain unappropriated blessings? Why waste your sweetness on + the desert air? Somewhere there is a heart that beats for you + alone. He may be on our list. We have bankers, brokers, + clergymen, lawyers, merchants, farmers,— + +“Farmers!” said Tekla, thoughtfully. + + —machinists, carpenters, masons, and others. Every one of our + clients is a worthy, honorable gentleman who wants a wife. If + you will send $1 and your photograph, we will enter your name + upon our records. + +Tekla read and re-read this advertisement. “Only a dollar,—that is not +so much. And they said farmers.” + +She raised her eyes to the picture she had pinned up on the wall. + +“A farm—and a farmer, and some cows yet, and chickens. A house like +that, and two pigs and two horses and a kitchen all over white +paint—with a yellow floor—” + +She hesitated, looked at the picture again doubtfully, and continued. +“It stands in the advertisement that there should be a farmer. I will do +it! I will send yet one dollar.” + +Tekla had lived under the influence of Miss Esther so long that whatever +she did was more or less tinged with the old-fashioned fineness which +characterized her large-hearted, gentle-minded mistress. Therefore, +after a considerable amount of earnest effort, she produced this letter: + + WHITFIELD, June 8th. + + DEAR SIR,—I have read your advertisement and would say that I + inclose herewith one dollar. Please enter my name on your + records, and I would like a farmer. + + The farm must contain many acres, also many cows, pigs, sheep, + and a donkey. But there must be no bees, as I do not enjoy + stinging. + + I have never lived on a farm, but I have a picture of one, and I + am sure it will be good. I have lived with Miss Esther for seven + years and she has trusted me with the care of her large house, + and she says I am too good for James, who drives for the Doctor. + + So please, Dear Sir, if among your worthy and honorable + gentlemen there is a farmer with a farm which I have described, + I should be glad to hear from you by return of post. + + Yours to Command, + TEKLA KLEIN. + + + P. S.—My Mother is dead. + +Tekla carefully copied the address given in the advertisement, folded +her letter, and inclosed it in the envelope. Then she took from the top +drawer of the old dresser, which stood in the kitchen closet, a new +dollar bill, which Major Bradford had given her on his last visit. That +was the day, Tekla remembered, when she had taken particular pains with +the brushing of his uniform—it was the day of the dedication of the +soldiers’ monument. She regarded the new bill with real affection. She +had had it more than a year. For a moment she hesitated. What if the +farmer were not forthcoming in response to her request? But before her +hung the picture of the farmhouse, the horses, cows, chickens—not one +single bee was visible. + +Tekla’s sense of justice was such that she felt a certain responsibility +to Miss Esther for the spending of her wages, but surely, she thought, +with this particular dollar she had every right to do as she chose. + +Therefore, trusting that the end would justify the means, she neatly +folded the bill and placed it carefully with the letter in the already +stamped and addressed envelope, and sealed it. + +And so, as we said at first, if Lieutenant Adams had not sent the cast +to his cousin, and if Michael had not been absent the day it came, and +if Miss Esther had not in her impatience insisted upon Tekla’s opening +the box, the little German girl would not have seen the picture of her +farm, the letter would not have been written, Adolf Hecksher would never +have come to Whitfield, this story would never have been written—and +what would you have done then? + + + + + II + + + This green plot shall be our stage, this hawthorn brake our + tyring-house; and we will do it in action.—_Midsummer Night’s + Dream._ + +How the town came to be named Whitfield nobody who was fortunate enough +to live there could remember, even if ever there had been any accurate +information on the subject. The town was as old as those others in +central and southern New York which are still worrying along under the +burden of names bestowed upon them by that band of surveyors who, fresh +from the schools where they had learned much of the history of ancient +cities, had christened the still unpopulated quarter sections with the +names of classic heroes, states, and battles. Utica, Syracuse, Troy, +Palmyra, Cicero, Manlius, Sparta, Homer, Ovid, Ithaca,—these towns, it +had been hoped by their sponsors in baptism, might grow up to be a +credit to their distinguished namesakes. Whitfield may have been named +for an eminent Methodist clergyman. Or possibly not. And it didn’t +matter anyway. + +Whitfield was like a hundred other towns of its sort. One may find the +sort in almost any state except perhaps Arizona. It had an escape about +three miles wide from being on the railroad, and in consequence there +was little manufacturing. There was a long street which ran out at both +ends of the town and got lost somewhere in the country. This street was +cut at right angles by another of less pretension. Both streets were +bordered by great old trees, maples and elms and an occasional hickory, +which had been left from the days when there had been a forest +thereabouts. Looking at the town from the surrounding hillsides, these +trees shut out all view of the houses, but when the casual visitor +arrived in the village he found that they merely shaded them, and they +were grateful. There were other streets in the village, and according to +the census reports Whitfield had a population of 896, but that was +before the Henderson twins were born, and before the Richardsons—eight +of them—had moved into the Bradley house. Of course, this increase had +been offset somewhat by the death of Kirk Buckley, who in a moment of +temporary inebriety had walked one dark night into Deacon Wilson’s stone +quarry, with a fatal result. + +So Whitfield had remained for some years practically stationary as to +population. It was a quiet, orderly, rather dignified town. Its +officials took it seriously. Casual visitors, who were entirely +unsympathetic because they had been born in cities, were apt to smile a +little at its peculiarities, which were not peculiarities, but only the +natural outpourings of a heart interested in the doings of whosoever +came within the line of vision. That was, and is to this day, the +Whitfield of this story. + +At one corner of the long street and the shorter one which intersected +it stood the Adams house. When it had been built, a century before, the +Putnam Adams who built it had called the place Elmwood, but the name had +been forgotten. The house itself showed that essential severity which +characterized the Adamses, and was the pride of all Whitfield. It +reproduced, as well as wood and white paint could do so, the development +of the classic impulse which had its beginnings in eastern New York at +the time when Sir William Johnson was made colonel of the Six Nations. + +The broad, low pediment set squarely upon four Ionic columns, the wide +stone veranda and massive stone steps were as much a part of the +landscape as the historic Whitfield elms. The interior of the house +reflected the Adams attitude of mind and action. There were few curves +in the decorations. The white-painted panels were uncompromisingly +square. The mahogany balustrade ran straight up from the broad hall, and +the stairs opened frankly at the top into the wide corridor which cut +the upper floor into two halves,—five rooms on one side, five on the +other, all precisely similar in size and shape. Every line which, +architecturally, had to do with the making of the house, was straight up +and down or straight across. There were no angles but right ones. There +were no curves except those of the Ionic columns, and Colonel Adams had +said after the house was built that he even wished he had made these +square. But it was too late, and to-day in Whitfield these same columns +stand, a lasting monument to the one weakness of decision in the +character of Colonel Putnam Adams, of His Majesty’s forces in the +Colonies. + +But there was one other monument—the library. + +While the library as it exists now could not, in the very nature of +things, have been built entire by the first Putnam Adams, yet he laid +the foundation for it; and when he was sent to America by the king, and +found a place where he was to build his home, he fetched with him from +England the library which he had collected in France and Italy and +Germany. Begun with little thought as to its ultimate fate, this +collection of books had grown with the changing tastes of the young +soldier. There were the classics in original and translation; much Greek +poetry, a wonderful edition of Horace, picked up in Rome, and bound in +leather and gold, which bore the magic signature, deeply wrought, of +Leonardo da Vinci. Then there was a Machiavelli and the stories of his +wars and his methods of statesmanship; there was the story of the Life, +which Benvenuto Cellini himself had written, and this book the Colonel +had caused to be inclosed in a case of silver which bore upon its cover +the arms of the House of the Cenci. This book he worshiped with a +worship which was little short of idolatry. In the long evenings, when +the Indians were at rest and the messages from Sir William were such as +to allow him some freedom, he would shut himself in his rooms—wherever +he might be—and sit the whole night through, living again with the +Benvenuto those fearsome hours when he fought his way through the +streets of Florence, leaving in his wake a line of fourteen dead men’s +bodies—but rushing on to his Art and his Love. + +Perhaps, after all, that was why Colonel Putnam Adams decided on the +curves for the capitals of the columns which guarded the entrance to the +home which he had built for Margery, the daughter of the governor of +Plymouth Colony. + +The second Putnam Adams inherited his father’s tastes and spent much of +his time among the books, eagerly adding to the shelves such volumes as +his somewhat limited opportunities made possible. + +Miss Esther’s father, the third Putnam Adams, enlarged the collection +still further, for in his time the flood of literature which marked the +Victorian era had already begun. He acquired not only valuable classics, +as had his ancestors, but also contemporary fiction, essays, and poetry. + +The wife of the third Putnam Adams died when Esther was a baby, and the +child grew up in the great house with only her father for guide, +counselor, and friend. He was a silent man,—not stern with his little +daughter, but maintaining the uncompromising dignity of the Adams +family. He spent his days in the library, and Esther was allowed to stay +there only on condition that she should not speak to him when he was +reading. Often the child would stand wistfully waiting until he should +lay down his book. But often he would do so only to take up another, and +Esther would turn hopelessly away to amuse herself. Her amusements were +peculiarly her own, and were not those which would have been considered +entertaining by most children. She invented her own games. For the +lonely child there was a certain fascination about a crowd of people, +and her games always included certain strange individuals, who, though +invisible to others, were very real to her. She peopled the stairs with +vast armies marching valiantly up the hill and down again; she crowded +the parlors with squires and dames of high degree, who danced minuets of +great intricacy, bowing gallantly and languidly waving feathered fans. + +The old Adams stables she filled with palfreys and milk-white steeds, +and the barnyard with peacocks and falcons. In the grass plot in front +of the house Esther could see a sun-dial where she fully expected in +some year to come to hold tryst with a lover who should wear a velvet +cloak and a curling feather, and who would say “Parting is such sweet +sorrow, that I could say good-night till it be morrow,” and then would +kiss her hand—just as Romeo did in the wonderful old engraving in the +Gilbert Shakespeare. + +Thus Esther Adams grew up. She went through the Whitfield school as a +matter of course, but her tasks were easily learned and her school life +was casual and perfunctory and quite outside the sentient part of her +being. She lived in “that land where Rosalind and Imogen are—a Paradise +apart.” The woodland about the old place was the Forest of Arden. The +bank of the brook formed the shores of Illyria where the musicians +played before the duke, and where Esther played the part—yes, lived the +part—of Viola, and told to the wondering birds how she was letting +concealment feed on her damask cheek. + +Instead of these fancies passing away, later years brought to Esther +Adams a stronger sense of reality in her dreams, and she but the more +thoroughly identified herself with the creatures which her imagination +had appropriated. Through girlhood to womanhood she lived Romance, +sometimes as Rosalind, sometimes as Iseult, and sometimes, when in +desperate mood, as Catherine of Medici. + +But though the grass plot and the stairs had certain advantages of +stage-setting, yet it was in the library that Esther gave her fancy +fullest rein. The reason for this was too subtle to be understood by the +child; but she had an inexplicable, intangible sense of the atmosphere +of the books. As she grew older, this became clear to her, and she +enjoyed her library with the definite knowledge of the satisfaction to +be derived from the actual physical presence of books. + +For forty-five years she had enjoyed this library, as she believed, as +much as was possible for her, without quite realizing that there was a +sense of restraint in the presence of her father. Though she adored the +silent man and gladly submitted to his mandates, the restrictions placed +upon her as a child were never removed until the day of her father’s +death, and it was not until after that event that she came to know what +freedom from even unconsciously obeyed authority meant. And in the ten +years since she had invested the room with more of her own personality, +and instead of being as it had been before, merely a library, it was now +her home. + +Although always surrounded by her unreal associates, for the last seven +years Miss Esther’s only human companion had been Tekla, the maid, and +Tekla was very human. When she came to live at the Adams house, Miss +Esther was shocked at her deplorable ignorance, and immediately began to +teach her at least the rudiments of an education. The good lady +consciously and laboriously taught her charge reading and writing, but +far more easily yet, she unwittingly instilled in Tekla’s mind a +romantic sort of fancy not unlike her own. And that’s how it happened +that Tekla’s stolidly practical German adaptation of Miss Esther’s ideas +clothed the problematical farmer with a reality only second to Miss +Esther’s Romeos. + + + + + III + + + But where is Kate? where is my lovely bride? + + —_Taming of the Shrew._ + +Not that Miss Esther had preferred imaginary Romeos. Imagination was all +very well in its place, but she would have gladly welcomed a hero who +could have spoken his own lines. Although she had never consciously or +definitely wished for a husband, yet she had often felt the lack of that +companionship which she knew could only be afforded by association with +one whose mentality was equal to her own, whose tastes were congenial, +and whose temperament was similar. + +Without reflection upon her own sex, but with total indifference to the +lack of feminine comradeship, Miss Esther preferred masculine society. +During their long and somewhat lonely life together, her association +with her father had been a real friendship; and though not a whit +mannish, indeed being herself the essence of femininity, men’s traits +and characteristics appealed strongly to Esther Adams. + +More than this, she had, and knew she had, the capability to be a great +deal to some one man. Responsive, tactful, loyal, and possessed of an +instant perception, she demanded these qualities in the man she could +love. + +No one in Whitfield had ever qualified. + +The young men who had entered into Miss Esther’s girlhood life were not +of inferior mental calibre, in the opinion of the best Whitfield +society, but owing to Esther’s possibly unfortunate fastidiousness, they +did not come up to her standards. Her mentally intimate association with +Galahad, Romeo, and The Admirable Crichton had made her exacting. It is +not that she was unreasonable, nor did she complain; her demeanor toward +the young men of Whitfield was marked by a gentle courtesy and frank +good comradeship. Whitfield society did not understand her attitude, and +could not have done so had she explained it to them—which she did not. +Indeed, so misleading was her apparent acceptance of their attentions, +that more than one young man had put himself in a position to receive +her gracious but decided refusal. + +Through her girlhood years Miss Esther had thought it not impossible +that she might yet meet a man who would be the realization of her +ideals. But no strangers ever came to Whitfield, and her filial sense of +duty would not allow her to leave her father alone, so she could not +accept invitations to visit elsewhere, which would otherwise have given +her great pleasure. Major Adams was so deeply occupied with his books +that it never occurred to him that his daughter needed a change, or +recreation of any sort other than that which was offered at home, +although had she asked to go he would have gladly given consent. It had +never occurred to him, either, but that she would sometime make a choice +among the men of Whitfield, for he knew nothing of his daughter’s ideals +and was himself amply content with the society of his native town. + +Once, when Whistler was shooting at a Scotch country place, he +deliberately shot a dog which was standing near by. Because, as he +afterward explained, the dog was out of drawing. He should have been +twenty feet further to the left, if in the landscape at all. And so it +seemed to Miss Esther that the men who had come into her life had been +“out of drawing.” She did not shoot them, but she put them out of her +life as completely as if they had been shot. + +This state of things, however, did not leave Miss Esther’s life as empty +as might have been expected. The very qualities which induced this lack +brought with them their own means of fulfilling it. Although without any +definite acceptance of these facts, Miss Esther went on from day to day, +living in the way which seemed to her to offer the best possible +selection from all that life had to offer. The Romeos and Galahads of +her happy fancies came nearer the perfection of her standards than did +the men of Whitfield, and her dream-life with them was happier in its +ideality than any real life she had seen. This play-life was begun by +Esther Adams, sitting in prim frocks, silent, her foot tucked +comfortably under her on the straight-backed sofa of her father’s +library. It continued through the girlhood days when she was still known +as Esther Adams; and now, after many years, when, a woman of fifty, she +was called Miss Esther by everybody in Whitfield, the gentle, +gray-haired lady still found in the atmosphere of her wonderful old +books the realization of the ideals which had been denied her elsewhere. + +And so this is the explanation of why Miss Esther Adams never married. + +One morning Miss Esther sat in her broad-armed veranda chair with her +hands idly folded in her lap. She rocked slowly as she gazed across the +lawn at the riotous rose-garden. + +“Ay, ’tis as thou sayest, Rosalind; the blossoms be o’er-blown. They +ought to have been cut earlier. They are really of no use now except to +make potpourri. Heigh-ho, Rosalind, I wonder if your roses in the Forest +of Arden ever bothered you as much as mine do me.” + +Miss Esther’s attention was attracted from the roses by a stranger +within her gates. This was an unusual occurrence; even more so in that +this stranger was a man. And he was big and broad and black-bearded, and +distinctly of Teutonic origin. His air was assured, yet deferential, and +he approached the house with the look of one who was certain of a +waiting welcome. + +“He looks like Thor,” said Miss Esther, critically, “but I never saw a +brunette Thor before.” + +With the pleasant manner of childlike confidence characteristic of the +people of his country, he said: + +“Is this Tekla Klein’s house?” + +“No,—not exactly—” + +“That is too bad. I wished to marry her.” + +“Is that so?” said Miss Esther, with interest. “In that case perhaps I +had better call her.” + +“If you will be so kind.” + +The big man seated himself on the lowest of the stone steps, removed his +wide-brimmed hat, and calmly wiped his forehead with a huge +handkerchief. + +Miss Esther looked at her brunette Thor steadily, with a dawning +appreciation that here at last she was confronted by a dramatic +situation quite to her taste. She went into the house and into the +library. She rang the bell and in a moment Tekla appeared. + +“There is a person inquiring for you at the front door,” said Miss +Esther. + +“Yes, ma’am,” said Tekla. + +The stranger had not moved since Miss Esther went into the house, but at +the sound of a footstep behind him he rose and went up the steps to +where Tekla Klein stood by one of Putnam Adams’s fluted pillars. + +He took a letter from his pocket, and she saw that it was the one which +she had written in answer to the advertisement. + +“I have come,” he said, simply. + +Tekla looked at him critically, and then with an air of satisfaction she +said, “It is good. And you have the farm?” + +“Yes, a half-section, many—three hundred and twenty acres—one hundred +wheat, one hundred corn, one hundred and twenty in pasture.” + +“Is it in America?” asked Tekla. + +“It is in Nebraska,” he replied. + +“Oh! I would rather it had been in America. But it does not matter. I +will go.” + +Again the pleased smile broke over the big, good-natured face. + +“I was born near Breslau. I am a German. I have lived in America fifteen +years—ten years in Nebraska. I own my farm there, and my cattle. I am +thirty-five years old. My name is Adolf Hecksher.” + +“Adolf is a nice name,” said Tekla. + +“Yes, it is a good name. It was my father’s. Can you go soon?” + +“Yes, soon; but first I must tell Miss Esther. She will not be pleased.” + +“She will miss you?” + +“Yes, I have lived with her for seven years, and she has been very kind +to me.” + +“But she will let you go?” + +“Oh, yes; I will go. Come with me and we will tell her together.” + +Leading her big captive, Tekla went straight to the library. Miss Esther +smiled at the pair as they entered, and said indulgently, “Well?” + +“He has come to marry me,” said Tekla. + +“So he told me,” said Miss Esther. “Who is he?” + +“I am Adolf Hecksher—” began the accepted suitor. + +“And he has three hundred and twenty acres,” interrupted Tekla, “and he +wants to marry me.” + +“I understand that,” said Miss Esther, “but where did you find him or +where did he find you?” + +“It was an advertisement,” said Tekla, “and—” + +“What!” exclaimed Miss Esther, “you answered an advertisement? a +matrimonial advertisement!” + +“It was in one of those papers Lieutenant Adams sent with the cast,” +asserted Tekla, “and it cost but a dollar.” + +Miss Esther smiled. “He’s big enough to be worth it,” she said. + +“Yes, ma’am,” and Tekla looked at the giant beside her, “he is.” + +“But I don’t understand,” pursued Miss Esther. “Did that dreadful +matrimonial agency send this man to you? Have you ever seen him before? +Do you know who he is?” + +“Yes,” said Tekla; “he is Adolf Hecksher.” + +“You are a little fool,” said Miss Esther. “Leave the room and I will +talk with your Adolf Hecksher myself.” + +Tekla left the room, smiling. Miss Esther invited her guest to be +seated, and in the next half hour satisfied herself from the credentials +which he produced in the shape of savings-bank books, deeds of property, +and a draft which he had received from the last lot of cattle which had +been shipped to Chicago, that he was at least in a position to take care +of a wife. She promised to communicate with the people whom he had named +as references in the little Nebraska town where he lived. This matter +being disposed of, Miss Esther again rang the bell for Tekla. “It is all +right,” she said, “and you may ask Mr. Hecksher to stay to dinner with +you if you wish.” + +“Yes, ma’am,” said Tekla. + +As Miss Esther passed through the kitchen shortly before dinner, Tekla +showed her the picture she had cut from the paper. + +“That is what my farm will be like,” she said. “There will be cows and +sheep and many, many acres—and Adolf.” + +Miss Esther returned to the veranda. “It is very nice for them,” she +thought; “but where can I find another Tekla?” + + + + + IV + + + Did you ever see the picture of we three?—_Twelfth Night._ + +After several trials Miss Esther succeeded in obtaining a maid who, +while she was not another Tekla, seemed capable of following in her +footsteps. In most respects the new maid was competent and satisfactory, +but in the matter of afternoon tea Miss Esther had found some difficulty +in having her instructions rightly carried out. Afternoon tea was rather +unusual in Whitfield, except as a special function. It was only at the +Adams house that tea was served every afternoon at five o’clock, whether +guests were present or not, but the custom appealed to Miss Esther +because in the English novels she had read it had been such an +attractive feature. Consequently tea was served every day at five +o’clock—in winter in the library, and in summer on the veranda. + +The mistress of the house was punctilious as to the appointments of her +tea service, and Tekla, who was after all but a reflection of Miss +Adams, had found no difficulty in pleasing her. But Nora, the new maid, +had not yet learned to appreciate the vital importance of synchronizing +the time and the tea. + +As a consequence of this, Miss Esther had sometimes to arrange or +rearrange her own tea-table. And so when Jean Richards came flying +across the lawn one warm afternoon, she found Miss Esther fussing over +her alcohol lamp with her usual calm a little bit ruffled. + +“Tea ready?” she called out. + +“No, it is not. That good sister in the kitchen is making a bondmaid and +a slave of me. She hasn’t toasted the muffins.” + +“Let me take them out and toast them.” + +“No, you can’t. They’re already buttered.” + +“Oh, well, never mind. We’ll eat them as they are. What are you playing +to-day, Miss Esther?” + +“To-day I am Katherine. Nora is enough to make a shrew of anybody.” + +“Well, I’m sure you’re Bonny Kate, and not Kate the Curst. May I take +this chair or is Petruchio sitting in it?” + +“He has already risen, that you may have it. Sit down.” + +Jean sat down suddenly, as she always did everything, and took her cup +of tea from Miss Esther. + +“This is the very nicest part of the day’s work,” she said, “drinking +tea here with you. I wonder if the other girls are coming.” + +“I hope so,” said Miss Esther; “I haven’t seen Helen for a week.” + +“Helen’s got the blues,” said Jean. “She’s had ’em for three days.” + +“What’s the matter this time?” asked Miss Esther; “or is she just having +the blues from a sense of duty?” + +“That’s it,” said Jean, cheerfully. “It’s her make-up, you know. She has +to have the blues about once in so often to live up to that temperament +of hers. I’m glad I haven’t any.” + +“Yes. It is a fearful thing to have to entertain a temperament. Don’t +ever acquire one, Jeanie.” + +“No, ma’am,” said Jean, submissively; “I wouldn’t have one of the +ridiculous things. People don’t like people with temperaments.” + +“Nonsense,” replied Miss Esther; “everybody likes Helen.” + +“Not as much as they like me,” said Jean, comfortably sipping her tea. + +“Well, if they don’t,” said Miss Esther, stoutly, “it is Helen’s own +fault. She likes so few people.” + +“That’s just what I said; and that’s the fault of her everlasting +temperament.” + +Jean leaned back in her chair and happily munched her untoasted muffin. + +“Now just look at the two of them,” she said, as two girls came in at +the gate. “Couldn’t you tell at a glance which one has the blues? Helen +looks as though she owned all the indigo mines in India, or wherever it +comes from. Anybody could see, though, that Lillian hasn’t a blue to her +name.” + +But if Helen Fairbanks had the blues they were certainly rather becoming +to her than otherwise. As she approached the house, trailing her parasol +listlessly along the walk, she was apparently paying no attention to her +companion, who was pointing enthusiastically toward the distant +landscape. + +Helen Fairbanks’s sponsors in baptism had disagreed as to the child’s +name. Her father had insisted on Pearl, but her mother had finally +carried the day, and had given to her daughter the only name which +absolutely fitted her. Tall, fair, graceful, statuesque, Helen +Fairbanks’s beauty was of that classic perfection which is inevitably +associated with the name of Helen. Her large, calm, gray eyes which had +never yet lived up to the possibilities of their dark lashes, her golden +hair which she wore a bit too smooth, her mouth which showed all too +seldom the little curves at its corners, were trustworthy indexes of her +beautiful but cold nature. Miss Esther had said of Helen that she +reminded her of Cassius: + + “Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sort, + As if he mock’d himself, and scorn’d his spirit + That could be mov’d to smile at any thing.” + +As for Lillian Hastings, she was as unlike Helen as Helen was unlike +Jean. But the three were united in their friendship for each other and +their admiration of Miss Esther, which amounted almost to adoration. +Lillian was an artist; that is, she was by every implication of her +being, by every wish and desire of her soul, and by every intent of her +strong and somewhat stubborn character. The mere fact that owing to +limited opportunities she had not as yet achieved much on canvas, in no +way contradicts the statement that she was an artist. She had spent two +blessed weeks one summer at Shinnecock, and there fallen under the +direction of Chase and his associates. There the impulse had its +beginnings—possibly from the inspiration of the instructors, possibly +because of the fact that she met there other girls who, so they had told +her, could paint no better than she did when they began, but who now, +after three years of work, had had the distinction of really selling a +picture. So her ambition formed itself into an absolute mania for +definite accomplishment. + +During those two weeks a great artist had asked her to pose for him, and +he had painted her portrait. “Gad!” he had said to his friends, +afterward, “she’s built like a greyhound. Her figure is the figure of a +girl of eight—grown up. Her hair is Burne-Jones’s ladies’ hair, and her +complexion—well, I tried to paint it here, but I haven’t got the +transparency of it yet.” + +“Who is this paragon?” his friends had asked him. + +“By George!” he exclaimed, “I forgot to ask her name. She was just a +painter girl, working with the others down there on Peconic Bay.” + +And so Lillian had kept on painting. She had a studio which was an +honest workroom, without draperies, plaster casts, or cosy corners, and +here she worked doggedly, perseveringly, and without a moment’s doubt as +to her ultimate success. She understood herself. She had no false or +flattering opinions of her own ability, but she was sure that +intelligent effort, properly directed, would lead her eventually to the +Roman Road. + +“Confide in us, Helen, dear,” cried Jean as the two came up the steps. +“Why so blue and wan, fair lady? Is it your doll or tea-set that’s +broken to-day?” + +“Neither,” said Helen, briefly. + +“Perhaps it’s her heart,” suggested Lillian. + +“Not Helen’s,” returned Jean; “she hasn’t any heart.” + +Helen sat down on the wicker settee beside Miss Esther, with a look of +patient exasperation. + +“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said, “only another proposal; that’s all.” + +“It’s a perfect shame,” said Miss Esther, “the way those men bother +you.” + +“It is,” said Jean. “Why don’t you hang out a sign, ‘No Others Need +Apply’?” + +“I think it’s awfully hard on Helen,” said Lillian, sympathetically; +“she’s so kind-hearted, she hates to say ‘no’ to a goose.” + +“And yet they keep her saying it most of the time,” said Jean. + +“Who is it this time?” asked Miss Esther. + +“Mr. Walker,” said Helen. + +“The young man who is staying at Bradstreet’s?” + +“Yes, that pretty boy with the glasses,” said Jean. “He came here for +health, and he found Helen, and now he wants to take them both back to +New York.” + +“But you’ve always said you’d like to live in New York, Helen.” + +“Yes, Miss Esther, but I didn’t mean with Mr. Walker.” + +“Why not?” asked Miss Esther, straight-forwardly. “Why don’t you like +Mr. Walker?” + +“Because there’s nothing to like about him. He has no more to recommend +him than—than—” + +“Than any of the Whitfield men who have asked you to marry them?” +queried Jean. + +“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean, Jeanie, as nobody knows better than +you do.” + +“Yes,” said Jean, with an exaggerated sigh. “I, too, have my troubles. +It’s a fearful thing, girls, to be belles of society, with no society to +be belles of.” + +“And who are you, my girl,” asked Miss Esther, “that you scorn Whitfield +society? Pray what sort of people would you like, if given your choice?” + +“Oh, a lot of gay people,” said Jean, “at some kind of a summery place, +with lovely clothes, and hops, and bathing-suits. And beautiful men in +white flannels, and automobiles, and—and—everything!” + +“Modest child! With such easily gratified tastes, it’s a pity they +cannot be realized.” + +“Oh, they will be, sometime,” said Jean. “What would you choose, +Lillian?” + +“Oh, I don’t care for a lot of people, but if I just had one—” + +“A nearer one still, and a dearer one?” asked Jean. + +“No, what I mean is some fairy godmother or grandmother or +great-grandmother who would take me abroad and let me see pictures—and +paint them.” + +“It’s your turn next, Helen,” said Miss Esther. + +“I,” said Helen, slowly, “want nothing more nor less than a castle in +Spain, but it must be the largest and handsomest castle there is in +Spain, and it must be my own.” + +“Anybody there with you?” asked Jean. + +“Yes, I think so; one of Miss Esther’s best Galahads or Romeos.” + +“I hope you’ll find your castle,” said Miss Esther, looking at Helen +with keen appreciation. “You would make an admirable châtelaine.” + + + + + V + + + Love, lend me wings to make my purpose swift, + As thou hast lent me wit to plot this drift. + + —_Two Gentlemen of Verona._ + +In her library that evening Miss Esther’s thoughts came back to Helen +and her castle in Spain. + +“She ought to have one,” she thought. “She’s just the girl for a castle +in Spain,—no, not exactly in Spain,—a Joyous Gard would suit her +better. There should be a maze and a pleasaunce, and a mailed knight +should come on his charger to beg for her glove, that he might joust for +it in the Field of the Cloth of Gold. She would have made a wonderful +Iseult, with a touch of Morgan le Fay. She is wonderful enough as it is, +and it is a shame that there are no available Apollos or Abelards or +Aucassins who want châtelaines for their castles.” + +It is clearly to be seen that Miss Esther fully appreciated the fact +that the ultimate ambition of the eternal feminine is the individual +interpretation of that ubiquitous architectural structure known as a +castle in Spain. This is distinctly opposed to the masculine attitude of +mind which looks only for the Princess at the Window. + +Though not definitely conscious of this differentiation, Miss Esther was +building in her imagination various castles for Helen, when it suddenly +occurred to her that the Prince would provide the castle, could she but +find the Prince. + +“Tekla found her Prince for herself,” thought Miss Esther, smiling as +she remembered the big brunette Thor; “but one could scarcely imagine +Helen applying to a matrimonial agency. I might apply for her, select a +suitable Prince, and deposit him on her doorstep the way that Adolf man +was dropped here.” + +The whimsical idea pleased Miss Esther’s fancy, and she went into it in +detail. “While I’m about it,” she thought, “I may as well select Princes +for Jean and Lillian, too. This thing is not without precedent. +Petruchio was brought and dropped at Katherine’s feet by outside +influences. If I can help Helen, I’m going to do it. If she wants a +castle, she’s going to have it, and if, as Tekla’s experience seems to +prove, a matrimonial bureau is a necessary factor in the case—I’ll _be_ +one!” + +The beauty of the plan grew upon Miss Esther. The possibilities widened +as she thought about it, and she grew so excited that she found herself +walking about the library, peering into the bookcases and making quick, +explosive remarks to her friends: + +“You, Henry the Eighth, you ought to appreciate what I’m doing! You were +nothing but a matrimonial bureau yourself!” and she shook her fist at +the worn, leather-backed volume. “And you, Don Quixote, if you had +applied to a matrimonial bureau, you would have found your old Dulcinea +without any trouble, and you wouldn’t have had to fight those ridiculous +windmills.” + +“Yes, I’ll be a matrimonial bureau—a first-class one, and I’ll apply to +myself for Princes for those three girls—and I’ll get them, too!” + +“Dr. Isaiah Bushnell,” announced Nora, appearing at the library door; +“do you want to see him?” + +“Of course she does,” said the Reverend Doctor Bushnell, affably, as, +rubbing his hands, he walked past Nora into the room. + +“How do you do, Dr. Bushnell. Pray be seated. You find me very busy +to-night.” + +“Ah, yes, my dear Miss Adams, ’tis a busy world; but work is a blessing; +as one of our poets has it, ‘’Tis better to have—better to have—’ but +there, I have no doubt you know the quotation. You are so familiar with +the flowers of poesy.” + +“I fear I cannot place the quotation you refer to,” replied Miss Esther, +a little coldly. + +“Ah, well, ’tis no matter, ’tis no matter. How often our memory fails us +just as we need it most. It was only yesterday that I intended to +approach you in reference to a most unfortunate affair which has been +brought recently to my attention. But, ah, that fickle memory again. The +little errand entirely escaped my mind, but to-night, as I was passing +your beautiful home, and remembered that here dwelt the most charitable +of women, I said to myself, ‘I will ask her!’ That, my dear Miss Adams, +is my errand.” + +“Is it?” said Miss Esther; “and how much money do you want?” + +“Please do not be so abrupt, dear lady. Let me state the case. Let me +tell you of the destitution—” + +“Never mind the destitution, Dr. Bushnell, I will contribute to your +cause, but as I said, I am extremely busy this evening.” + +“Ah, yes indeed, yes indeed! and can I not help you? The benefit of my +wider experience is yours for the asking. Let me advise and assist.” + +“Do,” said Miss Esther, with sudden cordiality. “I should be glad of +your help. Does your wide experience embrace the organization of a +matrimonial agency?” + +“Ah, you jest,” said Dr. Bushnell, a little stiffly; “surely you cannot +mean to resort to such methods. You, who are destined to fill so nobly +the niche in which Providence has placed you!” + +The matter being presented to her in this light, Miss Esther perceived a +certain humor in the situation that had not appealed to her before. + +“Oh, if you advise against it, I will drop all thought of such a thing.” + +“I do, my dear Miss Adams,” said Dr. Bushnell, earnestly. “Trust to my +maturer judgment. It would be a mistake to take any such step, I do +assure you. As I was reading yesterday, in my collection of famous +poetry, ‘’Twas ever thus—’ ah, again the flowing numbers have escaped +me. But you know—doubtless you know the lines. Now, as you were saying, +my dear Miss Adams, every little counts, and your contribution will be +gladly welcomed not only by myself, but by the worthy people whom we are +endeavoring to assist. If you will pardon my abrupt departure, I will, +upon the receipt of your beneficence, take my leave.” + +Once again by herself, Miss Esther’s mind returned to her daring scheme. + +“Let me see,” she thought, “young Putnam Adams must be about thirty now, +and the Adamses are good enough Princes for anybody. I wonder how he +would do for Helen. But no. A lieutenant in the regular army would never +be able to provide the kind of a castle that ambitious girl insists +upon. He would suit Jean better. She loves uniforms and a gay life; her +happy disposition would be a fair match for his. In fact, the more I +think of it, the more appropriate it seems. But I haven’t seen Putnam of +late. The last time I saw him was when he was graduated at West Point, +and that was six years ago. Since then he has been stationed in Manila, +and goodness knows where else. Now all this may have made a man of him, +and then, again, it may not, but he is an Adams, and he has won his +shoulder-straps since he went away, so I think the boy must be all +right. At any rate, I will invite him up here. I wonder if he will +come.” + +Having satisfactorily settled Jean’s future, Miss Esther turned her +attention to the next name on the records of her matrimonial agency. + +“Lillian,” she thought, “is so different from Jean. She takes everything +so seriously—even that ridiculous art of hers. Well, perhaps ridiculous +isn’t the word, for Lillian is not the sort that paints calla-lilies on +a black background. She goes only so far, but every step she takes is +just right; the trouble is that’s as far as she goes, and she never will +get far enough to know that she can’t go any farther. A woman has no +business with art, anyway. There never was one that did anything really +worth while. I’m glad nobody’s here to say George Eliot at me, or Rosa +Bonheur, or Chaminade. Sporadic instances count for nothing except to +prove the rule. And I think that Lillian would be much happier married +to some good, kind fairy godfather than going to Europe with some fairy +godmother. + +“But Putnam Adams would never do for Lillian—no, he is better for Jean. +Lillian should have an older man—I don’t know why, for Lillian is no +older than Jean, and yet it seems to me that the man who would be just +the one for Lillian Hastings would be a kind, wise, staid sort of +man—who would guide, counsel, and befriend her, and then if he thought +she ought to go on with her art work, I’m sure I’d be perfectly willing. +Then the responsibility of that girl would be off my mind. Now all I’ve +got to do is to find that man. I wish there had been one in Whitfield, +but as there isn’t, I must get him somewhere else. It’s positively +maddening to think that there are probably hundreds of them in the +world, if I only knew their addresses.” + +Miss Esther possessed an absurd but absolutely unshakable belief in the +way-pointing possibilities of the nearest available piece of printed +matter. + +She calmly picked up the morning paper with the certainty that she would +find in it some indicating arrow pointing toward the material +manifestation of the man whose image she had so clearly in her mind. It +was part of her method to accept the first hint that could by any +possibility be made available for her use as an accomplished fact. + +“This will do nicely,” she said:— + + A PHILANTHROPIC BEQUEST + + Hiram Briggs Founds an Art School—The Wealthy Button + Manufacturer Dedicates His New Edifice—Cost $500,000—A + Memorial to His Late Wife. + +—“That’s the one,” said Miss Esther, decidedly. “I need look no +further. A man who is loving enough to erect such a memorial to his dead +wife, and who is rich enough to spend $500,000 on it, and who is clever +enough to have got rich on buttons, and who is sensible enough to be +named Hiram Briggs, is just the man to take care of that artistic +temperament of Lillian Hastings. He will act as a blender to her sharply +colored views of life. Where does this altogether desirable man live? I +will write to him to-night. Of course, Lillian may object to the +buttons, but when she realizes Mr. Briggs’s devotion to Art, she will +see the matter in its right light, I am sure.” + +Miss Esther skimmed through the article quickly and discovered that Mr. +Briggs was a citizen of Nashua, New Hampshire. This was entirely +satisfactory, and the further details of the story also confirmed her +good opinion of the man. + +“He ought to get my letter by the day after to-morrow,” she thought, +“which will give him ample time to take Lillian abroad this summer. They +ought to sail by the fifteenth of August, I should think. And I shall +give her one of those lovely traveling-bags furnished with any number of +silver things. It must be such fun to find out what they’re all for, and +I should think her honeymoon would just about give her time enough.” + + + + + VI + + + Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard.—_Othello_, iii, + 7. + +The Matrimonial Bureau had proved successful in meeting the demands of +two of its clients, but the third name on its records still baffled Miss +Adams. It seemed to her that the only possible mate for Helen Fairbanks +was a being so far above and beyond the ordinary mortal that it would be +impossible to find him outside the glass doors of her mahogany +bookcases. + +“He might be in there,” she thought, looking toward a favorite corner +where the fairy books were, “or even in there,” she added, as she +glanced at the Thackeray shelf; “but one thing is certain, he never +would be in a newspaper, so there’s no use looking there. I suppose he’s +in the directory, but I don’t know what letter his name begins with, so +I can’t find him there. I don’t know how I shall find him. I don’t +believe there are many of that type of men in the world. The only one I +ever knew was a woman. Cousin Emily Westcott—of the Chester Adams +branch—is just the kind of person I mean. It’s a pity she is a woman, +though of course she is too old for Helen. Let me see,—Cousin Emily +must be sixty by now; she had four boys, and nice, well-behaved young +chaps they were. I wonder if they are all married. I remember sending +Roger his piece of the old Adams silver two years ago, and Emily wrote +that Hugh was engaged. Still, that leaves two, and if they take after +their mother they’re just the kind of men I want. I will write to her, +too, and I’m sure one of them will be all right for Helen. They’re +Adamses, anyway.” + +The president of the Matrimonial Bureau now resigned the chair in favor +of the secretary, and Miss Esther began the clerical work. She wrote +first to Lieutenant Putnam Adams and invited him to spend his vacation +with her that summer. “I do not know,” she wrote, “whether the state of +the country is such as to allow officers of the army anything like +vacations, but if there is any for you this summer, please come up and +visit your old cousin. I haven’t seen a real live Adams for a long time, +and I want to thank you for the cast. Even if your visit must be a short +one, I hope you can come, and come soon.” + +To her cousin Emily Westcott Miss Esther wrote very frankly, saying that +Lieutenant Putnam Adams was coming to visit her, and asking that one of +the two younger Westcott boys come at the same time. She informed Mrs. +Westcott that she wished her to send the one who was most distinctly an +Adams, and said further that she would trust the mother’s judgment in +the matter. + +“But they’re _all_ Adams—both of them!” exclaimed Mrs. Westcott, as she +read this letter. “I’ll have to send them both!” + +Miss Esther’s letter to Hiram Briggs, the philanthropist of Nashua, was +a more trying ordeal. For once in her life she found it difficult to +express herself, and it was nearly midnight when she completed the +following business-like if unconventional epistle:— + + WHITFIELD, June 22. + + MR. HIRAM BRIGGS, NASHUA, N. H. + + DEAR SIR,—I have just read in the morning paper an account of + the art school which you have founded. I have been thinking the + matter over, for I am much interested in such philanthropic + movements, and I have a special reason for a peculiarly personal + interest in this one. + + It is apparent, from the facts stated in the account of your + worthy undertaking, that you are an art patron, and are + therefore alive to the possibilities in the development of the + artistic effort. I am quite certain that a man with the name of + Hiram Briggs, and who is the proprietor of a button manufactory, + must be possessed of sound common sense and fully able to + appreciate and understand the proposition which I am about to + make. + + I have a young girl friend who believes that she is well on the + way toward becoming a great artist, and who certainly has the + artistic temperament. Her ambition is to go abroad for the study + of art, but at present she has not the means to do this. + + From the fact that the praiseworthy memorial which you have + built must have taken several years to complete, I assume that + Mrs. Briggs must have long since been laid to rest. My young + friend is eminently fitted to assist in the carrying out of the + plans which you have evidently made for this great work which + you have begun, and further, her education and accomplishments + are such as to enable her to take her place in any social + sphere. + + I trust, my dear Mr. Briggs, that you will receive this + communication in the spirit in which it is written, and if at + any time you wish to call on me I should be pleased to welcome + you to my home in Whitfield. + + Most sincerely yours, + ESTHER ADAMS. + +The next morning Miss Esther was favored with a visit from her young +neighbor, Jack Remington. Jack was a social character and often dropped +in, apparently for no particular reason. These fortuitous calls were +liable to happen on baking days, or when he felt the need of Miss +Esther’s moral support in his seasons of tribulation. Ten years old, +sturdily built, stolidly minded, he was of the stuff of which Lincolns +are made, rather than Michael Angelos or Robert Brownings. Miss Esther +had been obliged to recognize this fact, but she still hoped to train +his young ideas into grooves of her own choosing. Though as yet no +visible progress had been made, she did not despair, but continued in a +course which gave her much pleasure and did not bother Jack. + +The boy had a passion for battle-ships, and his highest ambition was to +build one. He had already begun it, but obstacles often confronted him, +and he depended on Miss Esther both for advice and for more material +assistance. She did not know much about battle-ships, but her elementary +knowledge was supplemented by furtive consultations of the encyclopedia +between Jack’s visits. Afterward, she conversed on these subjects with +much erudition, and Jack’s admiration grew, for she was the only woman +of his acquaintance who even knew on which end of a ship the bow was +placed. Miss Esther really cared very little about the technical +construction of any ship, but she was fond of the boy and had her own +notions as to his future career. Of these notions Jack was entirely +aware, but since, in his opinion, they were totally unnecessary to a +builder of ships, he ignored them with the superiority of a +ten-year-old. + +With a view to gracious influences, the would-be architect of Jack’s +fortunes had endeavored to induce a friendship between him and a +golden-haired siren of four, who was her neighbor on the other side. Her +name was Amabel, but for obvious reasons she was known as Chub. Miss +Esther’s efforts toward the foundation of this friendship had resulted +disastrously. On their first introduction the children had cordially +approved of each other, and Amabel had not changed her mind. But just as +the friendship was ripening, Jack discovered Chub’s calamitous ignorance +concerning the necessity for guns on battle-ships. She had promised to +sail with him on his to the great naval battle which he assured her was +imminent. More, she had promised to assist in any capacity in the +working of the ship, when, in an impulsive burst of generosity, Jack +responded that she might man one of the guns. + +“Gunth!” and Chub suddenly sat down on the floor and shrieked. Her +terror-stricken squeals brought Miss Esther to the scene. She looked +from the screaming baby on the floor to the disdainful ship-builder, who +stood with his legs apart and his hands in his pockets, surveying the +disturbance with an expression of absolute disgust. + +“If she yells like that when I say guns,” said he, contemptuously, “I +wonder what she’ll do when the shooting begins.” + +“Thooting!” exclaimed Chub, her demonstrations checked for the moment, +“who we going to thoot?” + +“The enemy,” said Jack, tersely. + +“Won’t it hurt ’em?” + +“It’ll _kill_ ’em!” + +Chub’s wails began again with redoubled force. “Take her away,” said +Jack. He turned to continue the building of his warship with the fixed +resolve that henceforth and forever womankind should have no part or +parcel in his life. + +But the young misanthrope made an exception of Miss Esther Adams. He +relied implicitly upon her knowledge and judgment, not only in nautical +matters, but regarding all the vicissitudes which beset his somewhat +strenuous existence. His mother always accompanied the application of +court-plaster with a reproof. When Miss Esther bound up his wounds, a +delectable doughnut added largely to the healing qualities of her +ministrations. + +On this particular morning, however, the doughnut was of minor +importance. He ate it, and even abstractedly took a second one, but +without enthusiasm. Not observing any necessity for sticking-plaster, +Miss Esther concluded the distress was mental and awaited developments. + +Jack wriggled into one of the big veranda chairs opposite Miss Esther, +and with his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands stared +moodily into space. Miss Esther waited. + +“I got to be a minister,” he said at last. + +“Have you, dear? When?” + +“Soon’s I’m big enough. ’Tain’t fair, jes’ ’s I got my ship most done, +and was goin’ to be a sailor like Dewey or somebody, and now I got to be +an old minister; mother told me so las’ night.” + +“But perhaps you’ll like being a minister,” suggested Miss Esther. + +“No sirree! I bet I won’t. I know the stunt. I was over to Dr. +Bushnell’s jes’ now, and I asked him what a fellow had to do to be a +minister, but he said, don’t be ’reverent, little boy, and I wasn’t. But +I know my own self what they got to do. Preach and bury people and marry +’em and baptize kids and have prayer-meetin’s and donations and wear +high hats and never smoke nor go to circuses nor go in swimmin,’—least +I never seen Dr. Bushnell in,—and where’s any fun in all that, I’d like +to know. But they was another man there a-visitin’ the minister, and he +asked me what I wanted to be, and I told him a sailor and he said ’s +that so. And I told him you and me was a-buildin’ a battle-ship and +asked him to come over ’n see it and he said he would and he’s comin’ +to-morrow mornin’ and he give me this card with his name on it.” + +The name on the card was + + THEODORE WINTHROP BREWSTER. + +Although the surname meant nothing to Miss Esther, she remembered that +there had been a Theodore Winthrop in her mother’s line. “Possibly he +may be of that family,” she thought. + +“I wish mother’d let me be a sailor,” went on Jack, wistfully. + +“Well, wait until Mr. Brewster comes over here to-morrow,” said Miss +Esther, “and we’ll see what he thinks about it.” + +Jack, much comforted at the thought of a possible escape from the +reverend calling, went whistling to the kitchen, where he enjoyed +another doughnut with an appetite unhampered by a depressed mentality. + +“It would be strange,” said Miss Esther, still looking at the card she +held, “if this man were one of our Winthrops. I don’t remember the +Brewster connection, but I’ll look it up in the book.” + + + + + VII + + + My noble and well warranted cousin. + + —_Measure for Measure_, v, 1. + +When a telegram arrived announcing that Lieutenant Adams accepted his +cousin’s invitation, Miss Esther was greatly pleased, and at once began +a pleasant flurry of preparation for his reception. A letter following +the next day told how exceedingly welcome her invitation had been, and +how it was necessary for him to leave Fort Monroe on sick leave for a +time. “Your letter,” he wrote, “could not have reached me at a time when +the prospect of a few weeks in the country was more attractive. In +working out on the ramparts where we have been taking down the old guns, +I slipped, and broke my leg. I had planned to go into the mountains of +Virginia. I have changed my plans. I am coming to you. All I want is +rest in a quiet place where my foolish leg can get well. I have already +telegraphed, and I may reach Whitfield on the same day with this letter, +for I am going north to-night. I can get about on crutches fairly well. +Thank you again for the inspiration which led you to ask me to come.” + +Miss Esther was pleased rather than otherwise at her cousin’s +misfortune, for she was a born nurse and dearly loved to fuss over an +invalid, and, moreover, she could keep him longer and use him to better +advantage in the accomplishment of her fell project. + +Miss Esther knew, however, that a broken leg did not necessarily affect +a man’s appetite, so she enjoyed stocking her larder with the lavishness +which always characterized her hospitality. It was in the midst of these +preparations that a letter arrived from Nashua. + + NASHUA, N. H., June 24. + + MISS ESTHER ADAMS, + + DEAR MADAM,—Mr. Briggs received your letter yesterday, and + wishes me to thank you for your kind words. He especially + appreciates your commendation of his philanthropic efforts, and + wishes all success to your young friend in her pursuit of art. + + He regrets his inability to accept your kind invitation to call + on you at Whitfield, and assures you that he received your + proposition quite in the spirit in which it was written. + + Mr. Briggs and myself have just returned from our wedding trip, + and unite in sending you hearty good wishes for the future + success of your own philanthropic plans. I am, my dear Miss + Adams, + + Very sincerely yours, + EMMELINE FISHER BRIGGS, + (MRS. HIRAM BRIGGS.) + +“Just returned from their wedding journey!” exclaimed Miss Esther. “I +should have written Mr. Briggs at least two months ago. Well,” she went +on, cheerfully, “I must get somebody else for Lillian. And it’s just as +well, too, for ‘Lillian Briggs’ wasn’t a very pretty name; but I did +want her to sail in August. I shall have to hurry. Let me see what I can +do—” + +“Hullo, Aunt Esther,” called Jack from the driveway, “I’ve got Mr. +Brewster to come to see the ship.” + +Miss Esther rose to greet the big blond man who accompanied Jack, and +shook his hand cordially. + +“I am assured,” began Mr. Brewster, “by my young friend, Mr. Remington, +that any friend of his is welcome at the Adams house.” + +“Not only that,” said Miss Esther, graciously, “but I have reason to +think that your family and mine are connected, and that I may welcome +you as a sort of relative. You are a Winthrop?” + +“My mother was a Winthrop,” said Mr. Brewster, “of the Gideon Winthrop +branch.” + +“And my mother,” said Miss Esther, “was a Winthrop of the Wingate +Winthrops. But of course, a few generations back they were identical, +and I claim you as a relative.” + +“I am very glad to be claimed,” responded Mr. Brewster, with a touch of +foreign-mannered courtesy which Miss Esther afterward discovered was +characteristic of the man. + +“Providential,” thought Miss Esther. “Here is Mr. Briggs’s substitute +ready-made to my hand.” + +“Then, Aunt Esther,” interrupted Jack, “that makes Mr. Brewster my +uncle, don’t it? And now can he go see our ship?” + +Miss Esther acquiesced, and Mr. Brewster and Jack went at once to the +large room on the second floor which had been given over to the young +ship-builder. + +Then Nora brought the tea-table, and Miss Esther supervised the +arrangement of her beloved cups and saucers, and when the two +enthusiasts returned from the inspection of the ship, they found the +hostess surrounded by three chattering girls. + +“Hullo, Jean!” cried Jack, “come on up and see my ship.” + +“Is the rudder working properly yet?” the young lady inquired, but +before he could answer, Miss Esther presented Mr. Brewster to Helen, +Lillian, and Jean. + +“I’m so glad to meet you, Mr. Brewster,” exclaimed Jean. “I’ve been +longing to meet you all day—ever since I saw you at the post-office +this morning with Dr. Bushnell; but I didn’t know you knew Miss Adams.” + +“I didn’t until half an hour ago, but she, too, has been kind enough to +say that she was glad to meet me; though she didn’t say she had been +longing for it all day.” + +“But she didn’t see you at the post-office,” said Jean. + +“No,” said Miss Esther, “but if I had I shouldn’t have waited for an +introduction until now, for he is one of our own Winthrops.” + +“I bet that’s Cousin Putnam coming now,” exclaimed Jack, watching a +carriage turning in at the gate. + +“Who’s Cousin Putnam?” asked Jean, as Miss Esther hurried down the +steps. + +“Oh,” explained Jack, ecstatically, “he’s Aunt Esther’s cousin and he’s +a lieutenant in the army with a uniform and a sword and he knows all +about war and navies and ships and he was in Cuba with General Kent and +he was in Manila after Dewey was there, and he saw Dewey once, ’cause he +wrote Aunt Esther so, and he’s had fights with natives and things and +he’s going to tell me all about the ships, ’cause Aunt Esther said she’d +make him, and he fell on a fort where he lives down South somewheres and +he bust his leg and he’s come here to get well—and everything.” Jack +paused for want of further breath as the carriage drove up, when he flew +down the steps exclaiming, “Hello, Cousin Putnam! Why didn’t you wear +your uniform?” + +Seeing Lieutenant Adams’s crutches, Mr. Brewster followed Jack and +offered his assistance. + +Notwithstanding Lieutenant Adams’s ability to manage his crutches, he +was glad of Brewster’s support. Miss Esther had scarcely more than +spoken to her cousin when she was surprised by seeing another carriage +closely following the first. + +“More company!” cried Jack. “Who is it, Aunt Esther?” + +As the second carriage stopped, two young men jumped out, exclaiming, +“Here we are. Mother sent us. She said you wanted us. You’re our Cousin +Esther, aren’t you?” + +“Goodness! are you Emily’s boys? and what are the two of you doing +here?” + +“Why you sent for us, didn’t you? Mother telegraphed us to stop here on +our way home. Didn’t you get our telegram saying we’d be here to-day?” + +“No, I didn’t; but I’m just as glad to see you. Come right in. Which of +you is Kenneth?” + +“I am. I am Kenneth Adams Westcott, and he is Mark Adams Westcott. He’s +a little older than I am, but I’m a whole lot nicer than he is.” + +“You look like the Adamses,” said Miss Esther, as she led the way up the +steps and straight to the group around the tea-table. + +When Brewster reached the veranda with Lieutenant Adams, he suddenly +realized that the responsibility of the hospitality of the house of +Adams devolved upon him. He presented the newcomer to the young ladies +and Jean promptly shared the honors with Mr. Brewster. She appropriated +the bronzed invalid, and impressing Brewster into her service, she +ordered from him successive relays of tea and muffins with which to +regale her newly acquired subject, when she saw Miss Esther approaching +with what seemed like two new worlds to conquer. + +Miss Esther introduced the Westcott boys to Lillian and Helen, and then +bringing them over to Jean, begged her to make tea for them. + +This effervescent young woman was in her element. With four newly made +and evidently admiring acquaintances, she fairly bubbled with +excitement, and wondered how Helen and Lillian could take it all so +calmly. + +“It’s a funny thing,” said Miss Esther, looking proudly at the four +young men, “to think that for years not a single one of my cousins has +visited me, and now they come not single spies, but in battalions.” + +“I think battalions are very nice things,” said Jean. + +“So do I,” replied Miss Esther; “I only wish all my cousins were here.” + +“There are something like two hundred of them, I believe,” said +Lieutenant Adams. + +“Well, I don’t care; I would put up tents on the lawn.” + +“Won’t you have to put up tents for us as it is?” inquired Kenneth +Westcott. “You seem to have had an unexpected avalanche of relatives +to-day.” + +“Oh, no, indeed,” replied Miss Esther. “The Adams house has plenty of +room, and, too, Mr. Brewster is not staying here. He’s a guest of Dr. +Bushnell.” + +“Is this a surprise party to you as well as to us, Miss Esther?” asked +Helen. + +“_I_ was expected,” said Lieutenant Adams; “these other scions of the +house of Adams are base interlopers, but Cousin Esther wrote me that she +specially wanted me to come, and I wrote her that I was coming to-day.” + +“And mother telegraphed us that Cousin Esther specially wanted us to +come,” said Mark, “and we telegraphed that we were coming to-day.” + +“Here comes the telegram now,” said Lillian, as the boy from the +telegraph-office rode slowly up the driveway on a bicycle. + +“Hello, Mercury!” said Jean, as he dismounted from his wheel. + +“Ah, gwan!” said the boy, gallantly, as he remounted and rode away. + +Miss Esther read the message. “I learn from this,” she said, “that my +two Westcott cousins are coming to-day to make me a visit.” + +“Then we’re not interlopers any more?” asked Kenneth. + +“Not at all. You are honored and expected guests, and I hope you will +stay all summer.” + +“I hope so, too,” said Jean. + +When Brewster and the three girls went away, Lieutenant Adams said, “Do +you often have such tea-parties as this, Cousin Esther?” + +“Nearly every afternoon,” replied Miss Adams. + +“Then we’ll all stay all summer,” exclaimed the Lieutenant. + +“I want you to, anyway, Putnam; and at least one of you other boys,” +said Miss Esther. + +“Why can’t my little brother stay, too?” asked Mark. + +“Oh, let’s all stay,” said the Lieutenant, “and I have a friend who’s +awfully anxious to come to Whitfield for the summer with me, and he’s an +all-round good fellow, too; besides, he has barrels of money, and he can +sing and paint and everything.” + +“Send for him,” said Miss Esther, in a sudden enthusiastic burst of +hospitality. + + + + + VIII + + + And wears upon his baby brow the round and top of + sovereignty.—_Macbeth_, iv, 1. + +Not only because her Cousin Putnam was an Adams, but also because he was +a soldier and an invalid, he was invested to Miss Esther’s mind with a +certain halo of romance. The mere incidental fact that his injury had +not been received on the field of battle, but in the more commonplace +pursuit of supervising the moving of certain heavy guns from the +ramparts of Fort Monroe on a peaceful June afternoon, made no difference +in her attitude toward it. She felt that a dearth of woman’s tears was +just as pathetic in an accident of this sort as in the case of an +Algiers hero, and she was resolved that there should be no lack of +woman’s nursing if she had her way about it. Since he had decided on the +career of a soldier and left home for West Point, Putnam Adams had seen +enough of woman’s tears, for they were not an unknown commodity in Cuba +and the Philippines, but he had had but little experience with the +woman’s nursing part of the problem. His work had been cut out for him +from the very day of his graduation, and when he was finally ordered +home and to service at the artillery school at Fort Monroe there had +been no thought but the accurate carrying out of the general and special +orders of his commanding officer, with, back of it, the firm resolve to +take his place at the very front rank of the profession which he loved +with that love which comes through generations of trained +soldiers—fighters. + +And now in one of Miss Esther’s dimity-curtained bedrooms he was +receiving the gentle motherly care which he had never had since his +boyhood years. She did not fuss over him, or at least, if she did, it +was with that practical, sensible fussing which carried conviction and +brought a sense of absolute peace and rest. + +The Westcotts were more easily disposed of. Miss Esther sent them off to +bed as unceremoniously as she would have done ten years earlier had they +visited her then. Their rooms boasted as many dimity-curtains and the +wall-paper as many pink roses as were to be found in Putnam Adams’s room +across the hall. But these details were entirely lost upon these two +healthy young cubs whose physical prowess far outstripped their artistic +instinct. They fell asleep without appreciating that the drapery of +their couches was the traditional lavender-scented Adams linen. + +Having said good-night to her cousins, Miss Esther returned to her +library. The immediate success of her plans had surpassed all her +expectations. Within four days she had gathered under her own roof four +eligible candidates for the hands of the unconscious clients of her +Matrimonial Bureau. To be sure, she had only three clients, but it was +well to have an extra man in case another client presented herself. + +“It seems to me, Portia,” she said, “that I have managed this thing +quite as well as even you could have done it. I have laid my plans +carefully, and I feel sure that they will work out successfully. Putnam +Adams is a dear, and, as I thought, he is just the one for Jean. +Winthrop Brewster I am not so sure of. He must be the one for Lillian, +for he came almost the very moment after I received the refusal from +Hiram Briggs. And Mr. Brewster is apparently very intellectual, though +he doesn’t seem to have any special leaning toward art. The Westcott +boys are all right. Either of them is good enough for Helen, and she can +take her choice. I don’t suppose they have very large castles as yet; +but the Westcott fortune is great and there is plenty of time. Yes, +things are certainly working out well. The Matrimonial Bureau has +already proved its right to existence, and I shall be glad to see my +girls married and settled.” + +With the feeling of satisfaction that comes from an achieved purpose, +Miss Esther turned out the library lights and went slowly up the stairs. +As she passed Jack’s shipyard, she smiled happily. “And after the +weddings are all over,” she said, “Jack and I will go on with the +building of the ship.” + + * * * * * + +On the east side of the Adams house was a square porch which had been +built by Miss Esther’s father in order that he might have an out-of-door +reading-room when the days of summer made it too warm to remain +comfortably in the library. This was now inclosed in vines,—wistaria, +honeysuckle, and crimson ramblers,—which gave the place a frisky +appearance quite in contrast to the stately effect of the stone-floored, +white-columned front porch. + +After breakfast next morning Miss Esther formally transferred this +desirable bit of property to the boys, and especially to Putnam. For his +especial benefit she had arranged a big wicker lounging-chair with a +convenient table by its side. Then there were rugs and hammocks, +ash-trays, and other things supposed to be necessary to the comfort of +the average man. Lieutenant Adams, who found himself after his tiresome +journey provokingly helpless, dropped gratefully into his pillow-filled +chair, but the Westcott boys promptly upset the orderly scheme of things +which Miss Esther had so happily arranged during the early morning +hours. Kenneth picked up a large palm in a pot which he summarily +deposited on the lawn outside. Mark pitched the pillows out of the +hammocks. “There’s no place for my feet,” he said. + +Much as Miss Esther had enjoyed arranging these things for the comfort +of her guests, she enjoyed still more their high-handed demolishing of +that arrangement. “Now have you everything you want?” she asked, beaming +on the twelve-feet-six of Westcott humanity that was festooned end to +end across the porch. + +“All but one thing,” said Kenneth, “and that’s some fishing-tackle. I +want to go fishing.” + +“But there’s no place to fish.” + +“That doesn’t make any difference. I don’t want to fish; I just want to +go fishing, and so I want some tackle and bait and a creel and a pair of +hip-boots.” + +“There is a little bit of a brook that runs through the east meadow,” +said Miss Esther, thinking hard in her endeavor to provide what was +wanted. “But there are no fish in it that I know of.” + +“That will do nicely, thank you. Of course, I would have preferred +something with tarpon in it; but a brook is a brook, after all. Where +are the things?” + +“Father used to have all those things. They’re in the big attic now. +I’ll go and get them.” + +“Not on your life you won’t!” And Kenneth bounced out of the hammock, +picked Miss Esther up bodily and carefully deposited her in his place, +tucking some pillows about her feet. “I’ll get them myself. You stay +right there. Watch her, fellows!” + +The screen door slammed behind him and Kenneth went in search of his +fishing-tackle. He returned triumphantly with the hip-boots and much +other paraphernalia which he scattered over the floor, chairs, and also +over his hostess, whom he decorated with red and yellow trout flies. +Even after the good lady had escaped and unwillingly obeyed Nora’s +summons to the kitchen, Kenneth was still fussing with his flies. + +“By Jove!” exclaimed Putnam, looking down across the lawn, “what a +picture!” Kenneth paused, and, looking through a vine-framed opening, +saw an exceeding fat baby propelling herself on all-fours through a +too-small aperture in the boxwood hedge. Halfway through she had paused +perforce and beamed contentedly. Then redoubling her efforts she +wriggled through the rest of the way, stood upright and carefully +brushed the dirt from her tiny skirts, and started toward the house. She +walked deliberately, as one with a set purpose. At a rose-bush a few +feet from the hedge she stopped, kissed one of the roses, patted another +lovingly, clasped her fat little hands and stood for a moment in rapt +adoration of the flowers. Then she turned and trotted on toward the +house. + +A small toad hopped in front of her. The baby gave a little squeal, and +putting her hands over her eyes, she walked carefully and deliberately +around the toad, leaving plenty of room between them. Contentedly then +she came slowly on. + +“Hullo, Yellowtop!” called out Mark, who with the others had watched the +eventful journey across the lawn. + +At this the baby looked up, saw the three strange men, and with a sudden +absolute collapse she dropped to the ground where she stood, sitting +squarely down, her chubby fingers outstretched on either side of her, +and her feet sticking up in front. For a moment she stared blankly at +the awful sight before her, and then, opening her mouth wide, there came +forth a wail of terror and indignant surprise such as never was on land +or sea. + +“Bless your baby heart!” said Kenneth, “what in the world’s the matter?” + +The response to this was another yell, more prolonged and terrified than +the first. This brought Miss Esther. + +“What are you doing to Chub?” she exclaimed. + +“Nothing,” said Kenneth, honestly; “she’s hollering at me.” + +“I’ll get her,” said Mark, helpfully, and bounding down the steps he +picked up the tumultuous morsel of humanity. Pausing in the vocal +demonstration of her temper, she resorted to effective pugilism and +pounded Mark with her dimpled fists, her blue eyes flashing with the +indignation of outraged dignity. + +“Don’t hit him so hard, Baby,” laughed Putnam; “you’ll kill him!” + +“Will I?” asked Chub, pausing in her warlike enterprise, and looking +straight into Mark’s eyes. + +“Of course you will,” said Mark, reproachfully. “I’m almost dead now.” + +“I wath goin’ to thtop anyway,” said Chub with a final thump on his +chest. Then she threw her arms around him as far as they would go and +beamed adoringly at him. + +From that moment Mark bent his neck to Chub’s yoke. Her monarchy was +absolute. Anything less than instantaneous obedience occasioned +blood-curdling yells that always reduced Mark to sudden subjection, not +only in self-defense but for the sake of suffering humanity. By the time +Mark had reached the porch Chub had reached a state of intermittent +calm, and submitted with a fine air of condescension to the +introductions thrust upon her. + +She greeted Lieutenant Adams and Kenneth Westcott pleasantly at Miss +Esther’s bidding, but allowed it plainly to be seen that she very much +preferred Mark’s society. + +Miss Esther, seeing that Chub was peacefully settled, turned to enter +the house. + +“Don’t go,” called Lieutenant Adams after her. + +“I must,” said Miss Esther; “I have a lot of things to attend to.” + +“They can wait; I want you. I wish you’d get one of the new magazines +and read me a story.” + +Miss Esther went into the house and soon returned with several +magazines. “Here are the books,” she said, “but I can’t read to you. I +have a hundred things to do this morning.” + +Putnam looked at her calmly. “You are not going to do any of them,” he +said; “you are going to stay right straight here with me—and read to +me. Sit down in that chair.” + +Miss Esther sat down, and Putnam regarded her with a look of entire +satisfaction. “Any story will do,” he said. + +She turned the pages, hunting for the most interesting story. + +Her mind was slightly distracted by the novel sensation of submitting to +irresistible authority. The feeling was distinctly pleasant. + +“Romeo couldn’t have done that,” she thought. “A lover is more +condoling, but my chief humor is for a tyrant. Well, I’ve certainly +found one in this dominating cousin of mine.” + + + + + IX + + + I pr’ythee, pretty youth, let me be better acquainted with + thee.—_As You Like It_, iv, 1. + +Kenneth started on his fishing expedition. The road which passed the +Adams house wandered aimlessly off toward a woodland, and at the edge of +this there was a brook. Here was shade, and fallen trees which offered +particularly comfortable seats. As Miss Esther had said, there were no +fish now. There had been one once—a very large one—which had been +caught, but that was in the days when Miss Esther’s father used to fish +there. This lack, however, did not cause the least worry to Kenneth. His +mood was rather for the manner than the matter in hand. He wanted to +fish—not to catch fish, and his mother’s pail, had there been nothing +else available, would have suggested to him those essential ideas which +are of the Waltonian impulse. He wanted to think, and there is nothing +more subtly conducive to the reflective frame of mind than sitting on a +log, dangling a fish-line in a brook. If one catches fish, then there is +immediate business in hand which spoils a train of thought. Your true +philosopher, therefore, desires no fish—he simply wants to sit and +think. That is the secret of fishing, and Kenneth Westcott knew it. + +Jean Richards, from behind the vines of her own veranda, had watched +Kenneth’s departure from the Adams house and his subsequent progress +toward the brook. “How absurd,” she thought, as she noted the rod and +creel. “He can’t catch anything in that brook. I’ll go down and tell him +so. I rather like those boys of Miss Esther’s. I think I’ll cultivate +them—the brothers I mean; that lame lieutenant is a prig, I’m sure, but +the Westcott boys seem quite worth while. Yes, I’ll go down there. He’ll +be glad of somebody to amuse him when he finds he can’t catch any fish.” + +Jean waited until she thought that Kenneth had had time to discover the +fishlessness of the brook, and then leisurely proceeded along the same +path he had taken. + +She came upon him suddenly. Seated on the ground, his back against a +fallen log, his hands clasped behind his head, and his fish-line +trailing in the brook, Kenneth was staring vacantly toward the blue of +the sky. + +“Good gracious, how you scared me!” cried Jean. “I didn’t know you were +here.” + +“I’m going away in a minute,” he replied, as, after a disinterested +glance at the intruder, he went on with his sky-gazing. + +“Well, of _all_ things!” exclaimed Jean. “May I sit here until you go? +I’m awfully tired.” + +“Certainly, sit down if you like. It isn’t my log.” + +Jean sat down. Kenneth continued to gaze at the sky. + +“What are you doing?” she asked at last. + +“Cleaning my automobile.” + +“Papa has just got a new buggy,” said Jean, ingratiatingly. + +“Has he?” + +“My father is the manager of the Whitfield Flour and Feed Company.” + +“Is he?” + +“Yes, he is. He thinks I’m nice.” + +“Does he?” + +Jean rested her chin in her hand and regarded the young man steadily for +some moments. “Do you know, I rather like you? Nobody ever talked to me +like that before.” + +“Do you like to be talked to that way?” Kenneth glanced critically at +his fishing-rod, and moved his position a trifle. + +“Yes; who are you, anyway?” + +“You know my name.” + +“Well, what are you, then?” + +“I’m a fairy prince.” + +“What are you doing?” + +“I’m hunting a fairy princess.” + +“How fortunate I happened along just now.” + +Kenneth rose, picked up his rod, walked a little way and leaned it +against a tree. + +“Oh, are you going?” asked Jean. “Good-bye!” + +“No, I’m not going. I’m coming back to sit on the log and talk to you; +but I see an interruption approaching in the shape of two able-bodied +men. One of them is our friend, Mr. Brewster.” + +“And the other is Dr. Bushnell, the minister. Mr. Brewster is staying at +his house.” + +The two newcomers accepted the hospitality offered by the occupants of +the log, Brewster throwing himself at full length on the grass, and Dr. +Bushnell, carefully selecting an available place, seated himself with +great dignity. “What a poetic spot,” he said. “It reminds me of that +wonderful line of Mrs. Hemans’s, ‘Men may come and men may go, but I go +on forever.’ That is a beautiful thought. It is well said that there are +sermons in running brooks.” + +“Why don’t you pick one out for next Sunday, Dr. Bushnell?” inquired +Jean, with an air of seriousness. + +“I think I will. I think I will. That is by no means a bad idea. I thank +you, my dear young lady, for suggesting it to me. From a brook one may +draw many—” + +“Fish,” said Jean. + +“Not from this brook,” said Kenneth. “I’ve been fishing all the morning +and haven’t caught a thing.” + +“I referred to sermons, not fish,” remarked Dr. Bushnell, mildly. + +“Oh, I didn’t have any sermon bait.” + +“And haven’t you really caught anything?” inquired Brewster. + +“Only a fairy princess,” said Jean. + +“And that without any bait,” retorted Kenneth. + +“Oh, I knew he wouldn’t catch any fish, so I came down to amuse him. We +were playing fairy prince and princess.” + +“Was this log your castle?” asked Brewster, interestedly. + +“No, indeed,” replied Jean. “I think the fairy prince was going to build +a real air-castle, with moats and dungeons and things.” + +“I don’t think that kind of a castle would suit you,” said Kenneth. + +“What kind would suit me?” asked Jean. + +“A more modern one,” said Brewster. “A brownstone front on Fifth Avenue, +for instance.” + +“That would suit me exactly,” she replied, “but it isn’t a castle.” + +“Wouldn’t you rather be suited exactly than to have a castle?” said +Brewster, quizzically. + +“Yes, I would,” said Jean, honestly. “Helen is the one for the castle. +You know Miss Fairbanks,—you met her yesterday. She has set her heart +upon a real castle with turrets and drawbridges and moats.” + +“She ought to have it, too,” said Brewster. “She would grace it +perfectly.” + +“I am grieved to learn,” said Dr. Bushnell, “that Miss Helen has set her +heart on anything so far beyond her reach. It seems to me not only the +height of folly, but almost a sin to aspire to something that one may +never hope to gain.” + + “‘Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, + Or what’s a heaven for?’” + +quoted Brewster. + +“Heaven, my dear sir, is quite another matter. We may all hope to attain +that blessed state.” + +“True,” said Brewster, in such a bland tone of acquiescence that Jean +giggled. + +“It is not a matter for flippancy,” said Dr. Bushnell, with his most +ministerial air. “Ambition, rightly directed, and not having its source +in a prideful desire for vainglory, is admirable and praiseworthy in +all. But ambition that is selfish and based on a desire for vulgar +ostentation and display—” + +“Helen Fairbanks is not vulgar or ostentatious,” broke in Jean. “She +doesn’t want a castle for show. What she wants and what she ought to +have is the sort of thing represented by a moated castle. She would fit +right into a picture of that kind, and she knows it, and so, naturally, +she longs intensely for it. But she isn’t miserable over it.” + +“Of course,” said Brewster; “I have only met Miss Fairbanks once, and +she certainly gives a stranger the impression of the Haughty Princess. +One would hardly imagine her longing intensely for anything.” + +“That’s only because you don’t know her,” said Jean. “Her likes and +dislikes are extreme. It is not the material castle that she cares for, +either. It is simply that she wants to realize her tremendous ideals.” + +“Just as I said,” interposed Dr. Bushnell. “Her ideals are so tremendous +that I fear they can never be realized, and therefore I say that it is +wrong for her to hold them. It is better to be like you, my dear young +lady—contented with your lot and cherishing no overweening ambitions.” + +“Is that so?” said Kenneth, with much interest. “Do I really see before +me an absolutely contented individual?” + +“You do not!” said Jean, indignantly, as if content were a thing to be +ashamed of. “I have fully as many ideals as Helen, though they are quite +different ones.” + +“What is the chief one?” asked Kenneth; “a fairy prince?” + +“No, indeed; I have dozens of fairy princes who await but my nod. My +chief desire this morning is for a white chiffon parasol and a maltese +kitten.” + +“They are not exactly in line with the ideals you attribute to Miss +Fairbanks,” said Brewster. + +“No,” said Dr. Bushnell, “but they are within the possibilities, and so +show a more admirable trait of character, in that your desires are +subservient to your probable attainments. Yours is a disposition to be +envied.” + +“I’ll tell Helen that,” said Jean. “I would like to have her envy me. It +would be such a pleasant change.” + +“Why, do you envy her?” asked Kenneth. + +“I do, indeed. She is so beautiful and stately, and so great-hearted +under her apparent calm indifference, and so unswerving in her aims, and +so—so fond of kittens.” + +“But you are that,” said Kenneth. + +“Yes, but the kittens are fond of her in return—that’s Helen.” + +“If Miss Helen would confine her ambitions to kittens,” said Dr. +Bushnell, “it would be so much wiser and better for her. She is a dear +girl, but it occasions me much serious thought when I observe her +mistaken tendencies. Does it not seem to you, Mr. Brewster—I ask you +now in a general way—does it not seem to you that our extravagant +desires, which in the very nature of things are impossible of +fulfillment, should be curbed—nay, should be rooted out by the kind +hand of friendly counsel?” + +“I am sorry that I do not agree with you, Dr. Bushnell,” replied +Brewster, “but I’m afraid I must confess to a deep sympathy with Miss +Fairbanks, for I myself am a victim of unattainable and often even +incomprehensible ideals.” + + + + + X + + + If he fail, yet go we under our opinion still that we have + better men.—_Troilus and Cressida_, i, 3. + +After thinking it all over seriously, Miss Esther had concluded that +Mark Westcott and Theodore Winthrop Brewster were the most suitable +candidates yet entered on the books of her Matrimonial Bureau for the +hand of her artist-client, Lillian Hastings. It had been difficult to +choose between them, for they were both distinctly eligible, but after +two or three days’ acquaintance, she had discovered that Mark possessed +more of the traits which might develop into the character of the +traditional fairy godfather. In pursuance of her plans, the wily lady +one afternoon invented an errand for one unsuspecting youth. + +“Mark,” she said, ingratiatingly, “wouldn’t you like to go over to +Lillian Hastings’s for me?” + +“Why, are you over there?” + +“Don’t be saucy. I assumed that you could understand English. I’ll try +again. Cousin, or, fair cousin, I would wish you, or, I would request +you, or, I would entreat you, not to fear, not to tremble: but to go, +or, to walk, or, to amble withal, to the house, or the home, or the +studio of Miss Lillian Hastings, and there with deep diplomacy acquaint +thyself with that which I desire. This having done, I bid thee tell me +true that which with subtle art thou hast discovered.” + +“Sure, I’ll go; but what is this tremendous mission?” + +“Lillian is painting a picture, and I want to know if it is finished +yet.” + +“But where does the diplomacy come in?” + +“You see, I don’t want her to know that I want to know, but when the +picture is finished, I’m going to have a party or something for her.” + +“What is the picture? How am I to know it?” + +“It’s a great big field with a cow in the middle.” + +“All right. I can tell it by the cow, but how am I to know if it is +finished?” + +“That’s where you must use your ingenuity. Take your time and lead the +conversation around by devious by-paths until you find out.” + +“All right; put me up a little luncheon and I’ll stay all day.” + +“You haven’t any diplomacy,” said Kenneth. “I’ll go along with you and +manage the ingenious part.” + +“No, no! You can’t go, Kenneth. I want you this afternoon. I want you to +take me driving.” + +“But you can’t go driving, Cousin Esther,” broke in Lieutenant Adams. +“You promised to stay with me. I’ve got to have you. Clear out, you two +boys, and stay as long as you like.” + +In the few days of Putnam Adams’s stay it had come about that the +household obeyed him unquestioningly. Miss Esther realized that +Kenneth’s going would interfere with her plans, yet there was no escape +from the inevitable, and she docilely remained with Putnam and watched +the brothers as they sauntered across the lawn. + +They found Lillian at her easel, at work on a large landscape. + +“That’s the picture, now,” exclaimed Mark, diplomatically. + +“I told you you hadn’t any ingenuity,” said Kenneth, “and besides that +can’t be the picture. There isn’t any cow in it!” + +“There was a cow—” began Lillian. + +“How did it get away?” + +“I painted it out,” replied the artist. + +“Then that’s the picture. I knew it was,” said Mark. + +“What picture?” + +“We can’t tell you. We’re diplomats. When will it be finished?” + +“It’s almost finished now. I think it will be done by Saturday.” + +“Then that’s all right. I’ll tell Cousin Esther,” said Mark. + +“What does she want to know for?” + +“We can’t tell you. That’s a surprise. How can people be diplomats if +other people ask them questions all the time?” + +“Hullo, who painted this head?” Kenneth had discovered a portrait among +a lot of sketches. + +“By Jove!” exclaimed Mark, “that looks like the girls.” + +“What girls?” asked Lillian. + +“Our girls,” said Kenneth. “We’re engaged to them, you know. Want to see +’em?” + +“Yes, indeed. Where are they?” + +The boys simultaneously drew from their pockets two thin gold cases each +containing a miniature of a young woman. + +“Why, these are pictures of the same girl,” said Lillian. + +“Not exactly,” explained Kenneth. “We’ve each got one. You see they’re +twins.” + +“I should think they were twins. I never saw anything so much alike in +my life. How do you tell them apart?” + +“We can’t,” said Mark. “At least we can tell the girls apart, but not +the pictures. They got mixed up once and we’ve never known which is +which since. But it doesn’t matter. They can tell us apart.” + +“Yes, of course, they can tell which of you they are engaged to.” + +“Yes,” said Kenneth, “we have to depend on them to sort us out. But +sometimes I think they fool us.” + +“I know they do,” said Mark. “They think it’s a great joke.” + +“Are you to be married soon?” asked Lillian. + +“Yes, there’s to be a double wedding in the fall. Great time—I wish +you’d come to it.” + +“I’d love to go. Is Miss Esther going?” + +“Oh, I guess so. She came on to Roger’s wedding, but she hasn’t said +anything about ours.” + +“They’re awfully pretty girls. What are their names?” + +“Butler—Edna and Edwina. We call them Ed for short.” + +“How do they know which one you mean?” + +“Why, according to who says it. I wouldn’t call Edna ‘Ed.’” + +“You’d better not,” said Mark. “I’d pound you if you did.” + +“Where are they now?” asked Lillian, interestedly. + +“They are going on with mother this week from Boston to the Adirondacks, +and Mark and I are to join them there later.” + +Just then Brewster and Helen Fairbanks came into the studio. + +“We’ve been walking miles and miles,” said Helen, “and we’re going over +to Miss Esther’s for a cup of tea, and we want you to come with us.” + +“All right,” said Mark, “we’ll go. Just wait a few minutes till Miss +Hastings paints a cow into her picture.” + +“Oh, the cow can wait till to-morrow,” said Lillian; “but won’t you show +Miss Fairbanks those two miniatures, or one at least?” + +The boys produced the lockets and handed them to Helen. “What a +beautiful girl,” she said. “Is she your sister?” + +“No—she isn’t one girl, she’s twins, and she’s engaged to these two +brothers here,” said Lillian. + +“Which is which?” asked Helen. + +“Merciful powers!” exclaimed Kenneth, “you haven’t mixed them up again, +have you? We just got them sorted out.” + +“Why these are the Butler twins,” said Brewster as he looked at the +pictures. “I’ve known them all their lives;—this is Edna and this is +Edwina.” + +“How can you tell?” asked Mark, admiringly; “but give me Edwina quick, +while you know.” + +“Now I’m ready,” said Lillian, sticking her brushes into an already +crowded ginger jar. “Come on, let’s go. It’s almost five.” + +On the way to the Adams house they passed Dr. Bushnell’s. Brewster +turned in at the gate. “Go on,” he said, “I’ll get the book I promised +Miss Fairbanks, and catch you before you get to Miss Esther’s.” + +That afternoon had proved an eventful one for Miss Adams, and had +completely disarranged her Matrimonial Bureau. + +She had been sitting on the east porch with Putnam, when Nora announced +the arrival of three ladies. + +“Well, Emily Westcott!” exclaimed Miss Esther, “I’m so glad to see you. +Where under the sun did you come from?” + +“I’m on my way to Saranac, and just stopped over for the night to see +you and to show you my new daughters. This is Edwina Butler and this is +Edna Butler. Where are the boys?” + +“I’m very glad to see you—all of you. But why do you call these young +ladies your daughters?” + +“Why, they’re engaged to Mark and Kenneth. Haven’t they told you?” + +“Mark and Kenneth?” said Miss Esther, “Mark and Kenneth! but which of +you is which? How can they tell you apart?” + +“They can’t,” said Edna Butler. “We tell them.” + +Miss Esther sat down. “Well, of _all_ things!” she said. + +“Why are you so surprised?” asked Mrs. Westcott. “The boys are old +enough. Mark is twenty-five—” + +“Yes, yes, I know. And I’m very much pleased,—very much pleased. I am +sure,” she added, turning to the young ladies, “that you must be twins. +You are, aren’t you?” + +“Yes, we are; I am Edwina. There’s no way to tell us apart except by our +first names. Mark is my special property.” + +“And Kenneth is mine,” said Edna. “He has written so much about you and +this beautiful place that we’re perfectly delighted to be here. He told +us, too, about numbers of new cousins he had found here. Mayn’t we see +them?” + +“Yes, indeed,” said Miss Esther. “At least we have one of them on +exhibition. Your boys have gone calling somewhere, but one of the new +cousins—Lieutenant Adams—is on the east porch, laid up with a broken +leg. Come out and amuse him for a while.” + +She took the Butler twins to the east porch, presented Lieutenant Adams, +and then returned to Mrs. Westcott. “Those young people can take care of +themselves,” she said, “and you and I can have a good old-time chat.” + +“We’ve come out to get acquainted,” announced Edna. “You may not know +it, but you are to be one of our new cousins, Lieutenant Adams.” + +“I’m very glad to hear that,” he said; “but if I’m your cousin, you must +call me Putnam. What’s your name?” + +“Mine’s Edna, and hers is Edwina. You may use them, if you like.” + +“I don’t know how I can remember which belongs to which. Your gowns are +exactly alike. You ought to have some distinguishing mark.” + +“All right. Give me one of your gilt buttons,” said Edna, “and I’ll wear +it on my chain.” + +“Of course,” said Lieutenant Adams, cutting off a button from his white +duck coat, which Edna gleefully attached to her long chain. + +“I want one, too,” said Edwina, “to put on my chain.” + +“Of course. Here’s one for you.” + +Edwina strung the button on her chain. “Now shut your eyes,” she said, +“and count ten.” + +During the counting Putnam heard an ostentatious rustle and two very +similar giggles. Then he announced “Ten!” + +“Now look at us,” said one of them. “Which am I?” + +“That’s dead easy; you’re Edwina.” + +“How can you tell?” + +“Why, because one of you is so much prettier than the other.” + +“Which?” cried the twins together. + +“Both,” said Putnam, gallantly. + +“Well, if that doesn’t look like Winthrop Brewster,” said Edwina, as she +saw a tall man in white flannels crossing the lawn. + +“It is,” said her sister. + +“Of course it is,” said Putnam. “Do you know him?” + +“Yes, known him all our lives. Hullo, Winthrop!” + +“Well, Peaches Butler!” exclaimed Brewster as he came up the steps. “How +did you get here? You see,” he explained to Putnam, “that when I address +these young women together I have to refer to them in the plural. When I +meet only one of them I call her Peach.” + +From the library window Miss Esther could hear the laughter on the east +porch. She had left Mrs. Westcott in her room, after hearing from her +the details of the boys’ engagements. + +“Mark and Kenneth both out of it,” she thought. “To be sure, I only +needed one of them, but I can’t have either, it seems. I think the Jean +and Putnam affair will turn out as I have planned. Then, of course, I +must give Winthrop Brewster to Lillian. That still leaves Helen. She is +certainly my most troublesome client. This being a Matrimonial Bureau is +harder work than I thought it would be.” + + + + + XI + + + He well may be a stranger, for he comes to an honored + triumph.—_Pericles_, ii, 2. + +After leaving Brewster at Dr. Bushnell’s, Mark explained to his +companions that he had forgotten to go to the post-office as he had +promised Miss Esther he would do. They all went with him. When they +reached the Adams house there was no one on the front veranda. + +“We’re late,” said Helen, “and yet I don’t see any appearance of +tea-things. I wonder where everybody is?” + +“Some fearful accident must have happened in this well-regulated family +to have interfered with the tea routine,” said Lillian. + +“Yes,” exclaimed Kenneth, “the fearful accident is Putnam Adams. He has +regulations of his own, and he has hypnotized Cousin Esther into +thinking that they are hers. He’s probably having tea in that padded +cell of his.” + +“From the racket, I should say he had a whole tea-party,” said Mark. + +“We’ll invite ourselves to it,” said Lillian. + +They sauntered slowly toward the porch, Lillian and Mark ahead, and +Helen following with Kenneth. + +“That’s Mark’s laugh,” said Edwina. “The boys are coming, Ed.” + +The Butler twins flew to the vine-framed window and looked out to see +Mark and Kenneth apparently very much interested in two merry young +women. At the same moment Lillian spied the twin faces in the leafy +frame. “There,” she cried, “are the girls out of your lockets!” + +“Edwina Butler!” yelled Mark, dropping in an astonished heap on the +grass. “Whichever one of you belongs to me, come out here—quick!” + +“No, you come up here. Aren’t you awful glad to see us? We’re a surprise +party,” said Edwina. + +“You certainly are,” said Kenneth, bounding up the steps. “What are you +doing here, anyway?” + +Lillian and Helen followed Kenneth, and Brewster introduced them to the +Butler twins. Just as Mark rose to go, too, Jean came around the corner +of the house. “Where’s everybody?” she said. + +“Up in Putnam’s porch,” replied Mark. “Come on up.” + +“Here comes Mark with another girl,” said Edwina to Brewster. “Is he +making a collection?” + +“Yes, I think he is,” replied Brewster; “and I admire his taste in +gems.” + +“His latest acquisition seems to be a sparkling one.” + +“She’s all of that,” said Brewster. “Jean Richards is a witch; but I’m +not sure that I would call her Mark’s acquisition.” + +“Is she yours?” + +“No, not that either. Lieutenant Adams—” + +Just at this moment Mark came up and Edwina lost interest in Brewster’s +sentence. + +“Mark has good taste,” thought Brewster, glancing at Miss Butler, “but +for myself—” He deliberately walked across the porch and seated himself +beside Helen Fairbanks. + +Miss Esther and Mrs. Westcott appeared at the door. + +“The Mother!” shrieked Kenneth, and sprang to meet her. + +“What a lot of people for tea,” said Miss Esther. “We must all go out on +the front veranda right away. Everything is ready.” + +“We are going to have tea here to-day,” said Putnam. + +He looked at Miss Esther with that air of absolute finality which she +had already learned meant ultimate acquiescence on her part; and while +she felt it necessary to parley a little, if only for a compromise with +her own dignity, yet she was secretly pleased with the positive +knowledge that she would capitulate at last. In a word, she enjoyed +Putnam’s despotism. + +“But we always have it on the front veranda. We’ll have to go out +there,” she said. + +“No,” said Putnam; “it is to be served here. Sit down.” + +Miss Esther sat down. + +“Now, Miss Richards,” began Putnam, “you will kindly ask Nora to +superintend moving all that tea baggage out here, and you Westcott boys +get busy and do the boosting.” + +Usually Putnam’s orders were carried out to the letter, but when Jean +reached the front veranda, she was surprised to see a strange young man +sitting there. He was a fat little man, who looked as though he might be +merry in favoring circumstances. But just now he sat in an attitude of +deep dejection, his round face showing a most woe-begone expression. + +“Don’t cry!” said Jean. “It’s all right. What’s the matter?” + +“Somebody’s broke the doorbell, and I can’t get in. Sit down, won’t +you?” + +Jean sat down beside him. “I really must be going,” she said; “they’re +waiting for me inside.” + +“Can’t I go in, too? I’m expected. I am Abraham Lincoln Dodd.” + +Jean regarded him critically. “You don’t look like Abraham Lincoln,” she +said. + +“No; I favor the Dodds. We are the Dodds of Lawrence. We spell our name +D-o-double-d. It is pronounced Dodd—the final d is silent.” + +“How interesting,” said Jean. + +“Yes, isn’t it? Putnam Adams wrote for me to come down here. He said +that his Cousin Esther said I might. Are you his Cousin Esther?” + +“Oh, no. Miss Adams is a lady of about fifty.” + +“Yes, so Putnam said.” + +“Where are you, Miss Richards?” called Mark from the doorway. + +“Here I am. Come out and meet Mr. Dodd.” + +“Certainly,” said Mark, dropping down on the top step. “Did Putnam tell +you to keep Mr. Dodd out here?” + +“We can’t get in,” said Abraham Lincoln Dodd. “Nobody answered my ring, +and I can’t find Putnam.” + +“What’s up?” asked Kenneth, coming out after more teacups. + +“I’ve found a stranger,” said Jean, “and I took him in. Want to see +him?” + +“She hasn’t taken me in _yet_,” said Dodd, cheerfully. + +“She will, though,” said Kenneth, sitting down beside his brother. “It’s +a happy little faculty Miss Richards possesses. But you’re not a +stranger. Putnam expected you.” + +“Yes, Miss Adams was kind enough to invite me. They said to come as soon +as I could, and so I came right away. I drove over from Richfield +Springs in my automobile.” + +“You did?” cried Jean. “Have you got an automobile? Will you take me out +in it?” + +“All right,” replied Dodd. “Get your hat.” + +“There’s a riot on the east porch,” said Brewster, appearing suddenly. +“_Where_ is that tea-table?” + +“Never mind the tea,” exclaimed Jean. “Here’s Mr. Dodd, and he’s got an +automobile! Come out and see him.” + +“Where is it?” asked Brewster, joining the group. + +“Why,” said Dodd, “it was most unfortunate. Just as I was coming through +the village it had a pain, so I left it at the blacksmith’s. It will be +all right by to-morrow.” + +“I can go to-morrow,” said Jean. “We’ll all go.” + +“How many are there of us?” asked Dodd. + +“Oh, there’s a lot of us,” replied Jean. “There’s Miss Esther—” + +“Yes, here’s Miss Esther,” said that lady coming through the hall. “What +is going on? Are you going to keep these boys here all the afternoon?” + +“Why,” said Jean, “I’m entertaining your company. Mr. Dodd is here.” + +“Oh, Putnam’s Mr. Dodd?” + +“Your Mr. Dodd, if you will have me,” said Abraham Lincoln, rising. + +“Certainly I will. Consider yourself one of my adopted boys. I have a +great many. Won’t you come in?” + +“I’ve been trying to get in, but Miss Richards has kept me out.” + +“She is quite capable of it. You’re a bad girl, Jean. Go back to the +east porch at once. Putnam wants you. Also, I left two girls weeping for +the Westcott boys. Mr. Brewster, tell Putnam that Mr. Dodd is here. I’ll +bring him out there directly.” + +“It was right down good of you to ask me over here, Miss Adams,” said +Dodd as they were left alone. + +“I am glad to have you. Any friend of Putnam’s is welcome. I am very +fond of that boy.” + +“Yes, he’s an all-round good fellow. I’m sorry he’s laid up, but this is +certainly an ideal spot to be laid up in. The country is beautiful, and +I’m glad I brought my sketching-traps.” + +“Oh, yes. Putnam told me you painted. I’m so glad.” + +“You won’t be when you see my pictures. I don’t paint very well.” + +“But you take an interest in art?” + +“Oh, yes. I like pictures and I like people who like pictures.” + +It was with great satisfaction that Miss Esther showed Abraham Lincoln +Dodd to his room. When she came down stairs she paused a moment in the +library. “It’s nothing short of providential,” she thought. “Just when I +had to give up all hopes of one of those Westcott boys for Lillian, here +comes along an even better candidate. He is not only available along the +art lines, but Putnam says he is rich and so, of course, he could take +Lillian abroad or anywhere she wants to go. I really think he’ll do very +well. Dodd isn’t a much prettier name than Briggs, and I did want +Westcott; but I must not sit too long on trifles. It is working out +admirably. There does seem to be a special providence that waits on +Matrimonial Bureaus. If all goes well, Lillian can sail by the middle of +August after all.” + + + + + XII + + + My chief humor is for a tyrant.—_Midsummer Night’s Dream_, i, + 2. + +Putnam’s tea on the east porch proved a decided success. Abraham Lincoln +Dodd was an acquisition, and Miss Esther viewed the entire group with a +secret elation that at last she had secured a stage-setting such as she +wanted, and furthermore had brought her actors all together upon the +scene. + +It seemed to her the perfected realization of her attempt to model a +situation after those described in her favorite English novels. The +wicker tea-table and its complete appointments, the pretty girls in +their light summer frocks, the jolly, careless men with their +unostentatious thoughtfulness for Putnam, the blue sky, the green, +close-cut grass, and even the sweep of the graveled driveway, along +which Miss Esther’s imagination could see Lady Rose’s daughter rolling +in her victoria,—all these filled her heart with joy. This joy was not +expressed in words, but its manifestation was evident in her demeanor +and made her, appropriately enough, a fitting central figure for the +picture. She looked at the three girls she was so fond of, she looked at +her recently acquired collection of cousins, and then she looked +curiously at Mr. Dodd and wondered. “I think he will do,” she thought, +“and he seems to like Lillian already.” + +As a matter of fact, Mr. Dodd seemed to like not only Lillian but all of +Miss Esther’s guests, and apparently the regard was mutual. The centre +of an admiring group, he was telling of some exciting experience which +befell him when he was young. “It wasn’t so bad, then, but after I grew +up—” he began. + +“But you didn’t grow very far,” interrupted Jean. + +“Not up, no; but I grew a lot cross-wise. I think Nature intended me for +a sphere.” + +“She accomplished her purpose admirably,” said Putnam. + +[Illustration: _Tea on the east porch._] + +“The minister was telling me the other day,” said Jean, “that I ought to +find my sphere. I wonder if you’re it.” + +“No,” said Miss Esther, involuntarily. “That is, I mean,” she went on +hurriedly, “I won’t have anybody calling my guests spheres or any other +geometrical solids. And by the way, Mr. Dodd, what am I to call you? You +see, all these other adopted boys of mine I call by their first names.” + +“But Mr. Dodd’s first name is so ponderous,” said Helen. + +“It is,” said Dodd, hopelessly. “But,” he added, brightening, “they used +to call me Little Sunshine.” + +“I shall call you Lincoln,” said Miss Esther, decidedly. “It suits you.” + +“I am very glad to hear that somebody has at last realized my essential +Lincolnic attributes. I have always wanted to issue a proclamation. I am +a born proclaimer, and if I could only emancipate somebody from +something, I could die happy. I am Lincolnian to the backbone. I was cut +out for a great fighter.” + +“If you’re talking about fighters,” said Mark, “Fitzsimmons is my +choice.” + +“Well, call me Fitz if you like. I might just as well have been named +after him, if he had done his fighting as early as Lincoln did. He’s +another kind of fighter, to be sure, but if a man fights to win, what’s +the odds whether he fights men or conditions?” + +“I don’t see why men like to fight so much,” said Lillian. “I should +think you would rather be something nice. A painter, for instance, like +Sir Joshua Reynolds.” + +“Oh, I am a painter, and you may call me Sir Josh if you like.” + +“Are you really a painter?” + +“Yes, I am. I’m a big painter. My last picture was a scene up Gloucester +way, and covered the whole coast, all the shore from Rocky Neck to Cape +Ann.” + +“All on one canvas?” asked Putnam. + +“Yes, I wanted it for a certain space, but somehow I got the thing too +long, and when I got it home it wouldn’t fit.” + +“What did you do then?” + +“I had to take a tuck in it,—up and down, you know. It didn’t make any +difference. It only cut out a few miles between the DeCamp cottage and +the hotels on the eastern shore. That stretch is uninteresting, anyway.” + +“I’m awfully glad you paint,” said Lillian; “I paint some, too. If you +paint better than I do, you can teach me.” + +“I will, with pleasure, and if you paint better than I do, you can teach +me.” + +Miss Esther smiled. Mr. Dodd was certainly a most tractable man. If she +had told him just what she wanted, he couldn’t have fallen in with her +plans better. She foresaw a friendship that should begin over the paint +tubes, and should lead straight to the deck of the European steamer. +“Perhaps I am not exactly the god in the machine,” she thought, while +apparently listening to Mrs. Westcott’s periphrases, “but I am the +machinist, and I must set the god to work. And if ’t were done when ’t +is done, then ’twere well ’twere done quickly.” + +Miss Esther regarded Lillian with the expression a chess-player would +bestow upon an idle pawn. She decided to make a move upon her +matrimonial chessboard. “Lillian,” she said, transparently diplomatic, +“wouldn’t you like to take Mr. Dodd over to your studio and let him +advise you about that new picture of yours?” + +Lillian did want to, but not feeling sure of Mr. Dodd’s state of mind on +the subject, she looked at him, inquiringly. + +“Nothing I should like better,” said he, jumping up. “As an adviser I am +a great success. I make a specialty of advising. I have noticed that +nowadays it is the thing to be a specialist.” + +“But I thought specialists were surgeons or doctors,” said Edwina +Butler. “Are you a doctor?” + +“Yes, I am. I administer advice in capsules to my patients, and they’re +not always sugar-coated, either.” + +“Then sometimes they are hard to take,” said Lillian. “I hope you’ll +sugar-coat mine.” + +“I don’t know,” Dodd returned. “I haven’t seen your picture yet, and I +don’t know what kind you’ll need.” + +“Advise her to put her cow back in the pasture,” said Mark. + +“Where is she now?” asked Dodd. “Do you allow your cow to paint on your +pictures, Miss Hastings, while you’re away?” + +“No, it was only a painted cow upon a painted picture, and I unpainted +her, because—” + +“Because she wouldn’t moo,” interrupted Helen. + +“Oh, you are a realist?” asked Dodd. + +“Yes. I want to paint cows that can moo,” replied Lillian, “although I +may not hear them.” + +“They’d scare you to death if they did,” said Jean. “I never knew +anybody so afraid of cows as you are.” + +“Well, go on,” said Miss Esther. “I’ve no doubt if you meet any cows on +the way Mr. Dodd will—” + +“Paint them out,” supplemented Putnam. + +“We will,” said Dodd as he walked down the steps with Lillian; “but +remember that sometimes it requires a good deal of courage to paint +out.” + +Lillian gave him a glance of admiring appreciation. Miss Esther caught +it, and smiled. + +Pursuing her rôle of a zealous and very active fate, Miss Esther next +proceeded to clear the stage for the more prominent actors in her +comedy-drama. “Girls,” she said to the Butler twins, “wouldn’t you like +to see something of the place? Why don’t you ask that pair of Westcotts +of yours to take you down where Kenneth was fishing the other day? +That’s a most romantic spot.” + +“Oh, we’re not so romantic as all that,” said Edwina, “or at least if we +are, we have plenty of opportunities for romance; but it isn’t often +that we get a chance at such a lovely afternoon tea as this is, and we +want to stay to it.” + +“This is my tea,” said Putnam, “and I can manage it any way I like. Now +I’ll interrupt it right here, and you kids go down to the brook. We’ll +begin the tea again when you come back.” + +“Yes,” said Miss Esther, delighted that her necessary acquiescence with +Putnam’s views should coincide so perfectly with her wishes, “run along +at once. Stay as long as you like, and be sure to be here at seven +o’clock for dinner.” + +“They’ll never get back by that time,” said Mrs. Westcott. “You don’t +know that quartette as well as I do. They have no idea of time. You +ought not to let them go.” + +“Why, she’s sending us,” cried Edna. “I don’t care a snip about going.” + +“Oh, go along,” said her hostess, “you’ll be back in time.” + +The four ran laughing down the steps and crossed the lawn in the +direction of the woodland. Elated by her success so far, Miss Esther +proceeded to dispose of Helen and Mr. Brewster, for her ultimate plan +was nothing less than to leave Jean and Lieutenant Adams in undisturbed +possession of the east porch. But Theodore Winthrop Brewster was not so +easily managed as the Westcott boys. She made several unsuccessful +attempts. “Mr. Brewster,” she said, finally, “have you seen Jack’s ship +since he has painted it?” + +“I have, indeed,” said Brewster, cheerfully; “in fact I helped him paint +it yesterday.” + +“But he put on another coat this morning, and it really looks very +different. Take Helen up to see it. She’s so interested in Jack’s ship.” + +“I’m the one that is interested in Jack’s ship,” broke in Jean; “let me +go.” + +“Stay where you are,” said Putnam, dictatorially; “you weren’t invited. +Miss Fairbanks was.” + +“But I don’t want to go,” said Helen. “I am very comfortable here;” and +she leaned back in her lounging-chair with one of her best expressions +of reposeful content. + +“You always exasperate me when you look like that,” said Jean. “I wish +Miss Esther would make you go.” + +“I can’t,” said Miss Esther. “I can make some people do some things some +of the time, but I know better than to order Helen Fairbanks around. +Besides, Putnam is the only one here who can make anybody do anything.” + +“Try it,” said Helen, looking over at Putnam. + +“Not I. I should be proud to have you give me orders, but I should never +dream of commanding Miss Helen Fairbanks.” + +“Your decision is a wise one, as my family could tell you. Collectively +and individually they have tried to make me mind, but without any very +startling success.” + +“Come with me, Miss Fairbanks,” said Brewster. “There are some +interesting details about Jack’s ship that I would like to show you.” + +Helen rose smilingly, and with an evident unconsciousness that she was +obeying dictation, she walked into the house with Brewster. Putnam +caught Miss Esther’s glance across the porch and threw back an amused +smile of comprehension. + +After Helen and Mr. Brewster left them, Miss Esther diplomatically +contrived an exit for herself and Mrs. Westcott. “If you will come into +the library with me, Emily,” she said, “I will look up those papers and +we will settle those disputed genealogical questions.” + +“Oh, there’s no hurry about it,” said Mrs. Westcott, “I shall be here +two or three days.” + +“Come now,” said Miss Esther, “I’m just in the mood for it.” + +She held the door open with such an air of compulsion that Mrs. Westcott +reluctantly went in. + +Left alone with Putnam on the veranda, Jean, for some unaccountable +reason, felt vaguely embarrassed. “I must take these things out to +Nora,” she said, as she began rather aimlessly to fuss with the teacups. + +“Stay where you are,” said Putnam. + +“But you see,” said Jean, “I really must look after these things. It’s +Nora’s afternoon out—at least I think it is—and Miss Esther always +depends on me to look after things for her—especially if she has +company—and so, you see, I really must—” + +“Sit down,” said Putnam. + + + + + XIII + + + And I for no woman.—_As You Like It_, v, 2. + +“I won’t sit down,” said Jean. “You can boss Miss Esther as much as you +like, but you needn’t think that I’m going to do exactly as you say. I +am in the habit of doing the ordering myself. That is the divine right +of an only child.” + +“An only child needn’t be a spoiled child,” said Putnam, lazily. + +[Illustration: “_I’m not a spoiled child!_”] + +“I’m not a spoiled child,” and Jean’s eyes flashed; “nobody ever said +that before!” + +“I don’t object to being a pioneer. The rôle has always appealed to me.” + +“Well, don’t indulge your proclivities in this undiscovered country.” + +“Why not?” + +Putnam regarded Jean deliberately, and with an expression of amused +curiosity. He was an unusually handsome man, and his magnificent +physique gave an impression of resolute power to a degree rare, even in +a soldier. This impression was in no way lessened, but was rather +accented by his present condition of physical helplessness. Stretched at +full length in a steamer-chair, and consequently incapable of active +exertion, he still showed unmistakable evidence of an immense amount of +reserve force. It was this air of indolently conscious superiority which +proved so excessively tantalizing to Jean. + +She sat down in a low chair beside him, and resting her chin in her +hands, gazed straight into his eyes. + +“Why not?” repeated Putnam. + +“Because I won’t stand it. You’re the spoiled child yourself. You always +have your own way, irrespective of what anybody else wants, and it makes +me furious to have you think that you can order me about as you do +others. You shan’t do it!” + +“Why not?” said Putnam again. + +He still looked at her quizzically with the added provocation of a +slight patronizing smile. Jean flushed angrily. Putnam changed his +position, but with difficulty, and the expression of pain which came +into his eyes roused all Jean’s instincts of helpfulness. Without +realizing what she was doing, she rose and took a pillow from the +hammock. This she placed under Putnam’s shoulder, and with quick, deft +touches patted it into exactly the right position. + +“Thank you,” he said, with a grave courtesy quite at variance with his +former teasing mood. Jean flushed again, but this time it was not with +anger. She could not have analyzed the reason even if she had tried. It +was simply the charm of Putnam Adams’s personality. Splendid physical +strength and an iron will, with a calm, consummate indifference, born of +unqualified self-confidence, make the most attractive combination +possible in a man, and he possessed these qualities in their perfection. +Possibly the consciousness of this had added to his manner a little too +great a touch of autocracy, but this was always forgiven him, because, +when necessary, Putnam Adams commanded forgiveness with the same +assurance that he commanded everything else. + +And so this personality appealed to Jean, not only because of its +effectiveness with all women, but because this was the first time that a +man of this stamp had come within her experience. She was a little +bewildered by it, and in consequence lost much of her self-confident +ability to hold her own against any odds. + +Indeed, it was otherwise inexplicable that she, the high-handed +dispenser of begged-for favors, should, not only without invitation, but +without volition, have bestowed upon an outrageously indifferent +beneficiary a favor which, however casual it might seem, was really a +tribute to his masterfulness. She was conquered, although she didn’t +know it. + +Putnam Adams knew it, but he did not tell her. + + * * * * * + +After a few weeks of rest and Miss Esther’s care, Putnam’s condition +improved to such an extent that he was able to get about without his +crutches, and was able to take his place in the sextette which had many +excursions by automobile and otherwise in the surrounding country about +Whitfield. + +The Westcott party had gone on to the Adirondacks, after promising to +stop at Miss Esther’s on the way back. After Mark’s departure, Chub had +transferred her affections to Abraham Lincoln Dodd, whom she called +Linkum, and whom she alternately petted and tyrannized over. + +One morning Dodd lay on his back on the lawn, looking up at a very blue +sky, and Chub amused herself by piling leaves upon his face. + +“I’m a wobin,” she said, gleefully, “and you’re my Babeth in the +Woodth.” + +“I knew a robin once,—” began Dodd. + +“A nither wobin than me?” + +“No, not nicer than you, except that that robin didn’t put sand in my +eyes.” + +“Wath it a weally wobin?” + +“Yes, a really robin, with feathers. We were great friends.” + +“I have a friend—he’th a chipmuk; and I have ’nother friend, and he’th +a tagger; and I have ’nother friend, and he’th a—a—a—Bear—a awful +big Bear; and I had ’nother friend, and he wath a little +kittypillar—but he ranned away.” + +“Is your bear a really bear?” asked Dodd. + +“Oh, yeth; a big live bear with featherth, and he livth wight over +there.” + +With a comprehensive sweep of her dimpled arm, Chub vaguely indicated +the habitat of the bear. + +“Lovely!” said Dodd. “And do the tiger and chipmunk live there, too?” + +“Yeth, we all live there, and we have thupper together and the tagger +eath bread and milk, and the chipmuk eath cuthtard, and the bear—” + +“Eats the caterpillar?” questioned Dodd. + +“No, he didn’t. The little kittypillar ranned away, cauth the bear theen +him go, and he ranned acroth the woad and acroth the brook and acroth +the fenth, he ranned awful fatht.” + +“Did you run after him?” + +“Yeth, and I felled in the brook and got all drownded up, and the +chipmuk come ’long and he felled in the brook, and the tagger come ’long +and he felled in the brook, and the bear come ’long and he felled in the +brook, and the chipmuk come ’long and he felled in the brook, and—” + +“Oh, you had the chipmunk in the brook before.” + +“Yeth, but he felled in two timeth; and the bear come ’long—” + +But the end of this thrilling tale was lost to history, and so far as we +know authoritatively, the animals are still in the brook, for just at +this moment Chub’s nurse appeared and carried the baby off for her +morning nap. + +Dodd rose, brushed off the leaves and wisps of grass with which Chub had +favored him, and went into the house in search of Miss Esther. When he +reached the hall he saw her in the library. + +As he entered the room, she said, apparently to nobody, “They are all +doing beautifully, except Winthrop Brewster. I cannot understand, +Cassius,” she said, “what is the matter with that man. I’m sure he cares +a lot about Helen, and last night I managed to leave them alone on the +East porch, and,” seeing Dodd in the doorway, “if you’ll believe me, +Lincoln Dodd, nothing came of it!” + +“You don’t mean it!” said Dodd. + +“Yes, I do, and I was just telling Cassius—” + +“I heard you address Cassius. Is he a dog?” + +“No, I mean Caius Cassius. I often talk to my books—especially when I +want advice.” + +“Do you often get it?” + +“Always, if I ask the right ones.” + +“How do you know who are the right ones?” + +“My intuitions tell me, and just now they tell me that you are the one.” + +“I’m a good adviser,” said Dodd. + +“Yes, I believe you are, and that is why I’m going to ask you seriously +about a very important matter.” + +“Do,” he replied. “I’ve been wanting excitement of some kind.” + +“Well, this will be exciting enough, I promise you. It’s nothing more +nor less than that you are to get married,—sooner than you expect to.” + +“To you? All right!” + +“No. Don’t be foolish. Not to me. But really, a rich young man like you +are, and a good man, and a kind man, ought to make some girl happy.” + +“But perhaps it wouldn’t make me happy,” said Dodd. + +“Oh, don’t attempt to be coy with me. I understand perfectly how the +land lies, and I am thoroughly pleased, I can assure you. Lillian +Hastings is one of the dearest girls I know, and—” + +“Good Heavens! Miss Esther, what in the world are you talking about?” + +“Oh, anybody can see with half an eye that you’re in love with her.” + +“But I’m not. I’m not a bit in love with Miss Hastings or with any other +lady, and I never wish to marry or be given in marriage.” + +“You’re not in love with Lillian Hastings!” + +Miss Esther dropped onto the sofa. She looked the picture of woe. + +“Et tu, Brute!” she said. “Another candidate defeated!” + + + + + XIV + + + Here’s a small trifle of wives.—_Merchant of Venice_, ii, 2. + +Lillian’s studio was peculiarly fitted for confidences. It was away up +in the top of a house which had been constructed in the time when +gingerbread formed a part of the architectural impulse of Central New +York. Still, up in the attic there had been left an unfinished +room—garret, with rafters and other things dear to the heart of those +who were born in Central New York in the middle seventies. This room the +young woman had adapted to her own uses. She had impressed the men from +the Whitfield Planing Mill and Agricultural Works, and she had directed +them to construct a ceiling of matched lumber—though she did not know +what matched lumber meant. + +After it was finished she discovered that it was simply a ceiling of +boards closely fitted together, and that by no possibility could the +boards be said to match—so far as her eye for color could discover. +Still, she was satisfied, for she had covered the whole affair with a +coat of burlap, and over this she had put a coat of paint—dark green, +with splashes of gold in it—and when it was done she sat down and +thought it all out. + +“They thought it was matched lumber,” she said. “I have made it match.” + +That, in effect, was the attitude which Lillian Hastings, she of the +artistic temperament, held toward life. + +This point of view had been questioned by Jean, but Helen understood it. +“It’s this way,” said she, as they discussed it for the thousandth time. +“Very often Lillian’s lumber doesn’t match, but she covers it up with a +bit of decorative drapery and is perfectly satisfied.” + +“Yes,” said Lillian, “but the decoration, if it is of my own choosing, +pleases me so much that I forget the unmatchedness of the lumber.” + +“Just in the same way, I suppose,” said Jean, “that you have forgotten +the ugliness of that picture which you have so cleverly covered with +that square of Turkish embroidery.” + +“Exactly that. As it is, I forget that the ugliness is behind, and see +only the beautiful. To me the ugliness is not there.” + +“No,” said Helen, “I know it. Now to me the ugliness is not only there, +but is all the more visible to me from the fact that I try to cover it +up.” + +“That’s foolishness,” said Jean. “There’s no sense in seeing ugly things +because they’re covered up; but then, there’s no sense in having them +there, anyway. If a thing is ugly, why not take it away, or else go +somewhere else yourself?” + +Lillian went about the work of the studio thoughtfully. “There are some +uglinesses,” she said, presently, “that one cannot get away from. If +they are there, and are put there by those who put things there for us +in the beginning—then why not either accept them or get away from them, +or—cover them up? The system is complicated. Not all can be escaped. +Not all can be accepted—but all of them can be covered up to a greater +or less degree, and the mere fact that we are conscious of them +ourselves need not make them visible to those who happen to come under +the influence of the beautiful things with which we cover the +uglinesses—Bah! the very idea of exploiting all our guilty consciences +and all our ugly little ideas before everybody that may come along! It +is disgusting. We know they are there. We know the spots on the +wall-paper, and we know that there is a worn place in the carpet, and +these mean either carelessness or something else. Whatever they mean, we +back a chair up against the spot on the wall and we put a rug over the +carpet’s shortcomings—just exactly as we put figurative chairs and rugs +over the spots on our consciences. We know they are there—but the other +people do not, maybe, and if they don’t, then they are not offended by +the sight. They haven’t got to fight the thing out. If we have—then we +can do it after they have gone away. We will have to do it alone, +anyway.” + +“I am more glad than ever that I haven’t the artistic temperament,” said +Jean, “if you have to reason things out as deeply as that. I don’t see +the use of paying any attention to ugly things. It’s all I can do to +find time enough for all the beautiful things there are in the world.” + +“Much you know about the world!” flung in Lillian. + +“Mr. Brewster says,” remarked Helen, “that nothing is ugly, _per se_.” + +“I always did wonder what _per se_ meant,” said Jean; “but it seems to +me, Helen, that Mr. Brewster’s opinions mean an awful lot to you of +late.” + +“That’s because his opinions are valuable _per se_.” + +“Now you see, Jean,” said Lillian, “what _per se_ means. It means to +Helen.” + +“Well, if he expresses his opinions to me more than he does to you +girls, it’s because I listen with some serious attention, and you—well, +you never seem to be around when he’s talking.” + +“There’s gratitude for you!” exclaimed Jean. “After we have purposely +kept out of your way and tried our best to give you opportunities for +hearing opinions—” + +“And for serious attentions,” broke in Lillian. + +“You needn’t have troubled yourselves,” said Helen, “for your kind +efforts were not even noticed, let alone appreciated.” + +“Speak for yourself,” said Jean; “speak for Mr. Brewster too, if you +like; but I can tell you that Miss Esther understood and appreciated our +delicate little unattentions.” + +Helen looked at Jean—blankly at first, and then with a slow-dawning +realization of her meaning. “Am I to understand,” she said, “that you +think Miss Esther thinks that I am trying to attract Mr. Brewster’s +attentions?” + +“Not so much that,” remarked Lillian, “but that Miss Esther is trying to +attract them for you.” + +“Indeed,” said Helen; “do you imagine for a minute that I—” + +“Oh, Helen,” interrupted Jean, “take off that haughty Princess air. Have +you ever seen anywhere one who fitted the rôle of Prince for your castle +better than this same man whose opinions you have been quoting?” + +“Oh, if you are going to be serious about the matter,” said Helen, “I am +quite willing to admit that Mr. Brewster comes nearer to my ideal than +any other man I have ever met.” + +“He ought to appreciate that compliment,” said Lillian; “that is, if he +knows what your ideals are.” + +“He does know,” said Helen, slowly. “I have told him.” + +“Wasn’t he scared, then?” asked Jean. + +“Of course he was,” replied Helen. “He was so scared that he ran away +and I haven’t seen him since.” + +“You can see him right away, if you like,” cried Jean, who was sitting +on the broad window-seat. “Mr. Brewster!” she called loudly. + +The automobile stopped. Brewster got out and came toward the house, +smiling up at Jean. + +The machine, with Miss Esther and Lincoln Dodd as the only occupants, +went puffing on along the country road. + +“I am glad of this opportunity to talk to you alone, Lincoln,” began +Miss Esther. + +“Well, you said you wanted to talk to me about something; that’s why I +brought you out this afternoon. I thought we’d manage to drop Brewster +somewhere.” + +“Do you know, I was perfectly astounded when you told me the other day +that you were not in love with Lillian Hastings!” + +“I told you only the truth. I was not, I am not, and I am positive that +I shall not be. But I have no reason to think that if I were, it would +particularly please Miss Hastings.” + +“That does not make any difference,” said Miss Esther, impatiently. “It +would please me.” + +“You know, Miss Esther,” said Lincoln, “I would do anything in the world +to please you, and if you are sure that Miss Hastings—” + +“Oh, will you, really? I do want you to fall in love with Lillian, and I +want you to be married by the middle of August and then take her abroad +to study art.” + +“Well, that is certainly a delightful programme you have mapped out for +us.” + +“I’m so glad you think so. I knew that when you came to understand them +fully, you would agree to my plans.” + +“Have you many plans of this sort?” + +“Three,” said Miss Esther, very seriously. “But the other two are all +right. It was only you that I was worried about. I am very much obliged +to you.” + +“Look here, Miss Esther, what in the world are you talking about? You +surely are not in earnest?” + +“I believe I’ll tell you all about it.” + +“If I’m to be married in August, I think it’s about time that I knew +something definite.” + +With an enthusiasm born of her deep interest in the cause, supplemented +by her success with Lincoln Dodd, Miss Esther detailed to him the plans +of her Matrimonial Bureau. She told him of the inception of the plan, +and how happy Tekla was in her Nebraska home. She told him, too, of the +dearth of suitable material for her protégées in Whitfield, and she told +it all with a quaintness of argument that carried conviction. She +enumerated instances which proved conclusively that Lieutenant Adams was +interested in Jean; she confessed that the affair between Helen and +Brewster was not progressing quite as rapidly as she desired, but looked +forward with a cheerful confidence to what she hoped was inevitable. +“And now,” she said, “that I feel assured of your regard for Lillian, I +cannot help flattering myself that perhaps my seemingly unusual methods +have not been employed altogether in vain.” + +“But, my dear Miss Esther,” cried Dodd, “now that I grasp your meaning +as one having inside information, let me hasten to tell you that +although I must refuse to be a candidate, even for the hand of any one +of your charming protégées, I shall be more than glad to remain upon the +executive committee, and I promise to help you in every way that I +possibly can.” + +Miss Esther was of a buoyant nature; she was persevering, even +persistent, and it took a pretty hard blow to daunt her, and now the +blow had fallen. A week before Lincoln Dodd had discouraged her. He had +refused to fall in with her plans. But to-day she had thought he was +more tractable, even to the point of acquiescence; and to have her hopes +ruthlessly crushed to earth, even though sure they would rise again, +made her feel for the moment absolutely discouraged. “I don’t see,” she +said, “how you can help me in any other way.” + +“Oh, there are lots of other ways, my dear Miss Esther. For one thing, I +might provide a substitute. I know a man who I am sure would admire your +Lillian Hastings. He is a most kind and estimable gentleman, admirably +fitted for the rôle of loving fairy godfather. He is intensely +interested in art and would enjoy nothing better than a honeymoon trip +to Europe on the fifteenth of August. Is that a sailing-day? I never can +be sure of what day a steamer sails.” + +“That doesn’t matter,” said Miss Esther; “who is the man?” + +“He is my father,” said Dodd. + + + + + XV + + + Pray thee, let it serve for table talk.—_Merchant of Venice_, + iii, 5. + +It was certainly surprising that when Dodd’s father accepted Miss +Esther’s invitation and came to the Adams house, the gayety of that +particular nation was increased rather than diminished. The young people +most interested had felt that the advent of an elderly gentleman might +prove an obstacle to the careless fun and frolic which they had enjoyed +all summer. Instead of which, Mr. George Washington Dodd, father of +Abraham Lincoln Dodd, proved himself not only ready to follow the +leader, but to lead the followers. He not only fell in with their plans, +but he proposed plans of his own and insisted upon their being carried +out. + +The plans were usually impracticable, but he insisted just the same, and +the attempts at them were just as much fun as if they had been +successful. He had not been in the house twenty-four hours before he had +turned the East porch inside out. “I think the hammocks would be more +comfortable out under the trees,” he said, and out the hammocks went. + +Michael was instructed how to trim the box-hedges, and the cook was +inducted into the mysteries of a salad dressing which had chives—and +not too many. He persuaded all the clocks in the house to strike +together, and painted the chicken-coops red because he liked them better +so. + +He reconstructed Jack’s battle-ship upon more approved models and showed +him the distinctive difference between a brig and a brigantine. As for +Chub, he proved himself to be an adept in the quelling of the ebullient +fits of temper which manifested themselves so often. Her most theatrical +pose was to sit down and yell with much enthusiasm, as she did when she +first discovered the young men on the East porch. When George Washington +Dodd saw this exhibition for the first time, he approached Chub +casually, put his hand over her mouth, and said “Stop that!” whereupon +Chub immediately stopped. Though often repeated, this process continued +efficacious. + +In a word Mr. Dodd became a power in the house. Not just such a power as +was Lieutenant Adams. Putnam’s masterfulness was actuated by motives +which would be considered rules under the Army Regulations, and, so far +as he was concerned, they made law. They were reasonable and—well, when +he wanted a thing done, he wanted it done instantly. They have that +habit of demanding obedience in the Army. Dodd, on the contrary, had the +wayward whims of a spoiled child, but carried them out with an +unflinching determination before which even Putnam Adams went down. + +Miss Esther pondered deeply over this difference in the characters of +the two men. She realized that she implicitly obeyed Putnam, and she +enjoyed doing so. She assisted in the carrying out of Mr. Dodd’s plans, +as they all did, compelled by the sheer force of his whimsical, +inconsequent personality. + +“He’s like a child,” she thought, “a great, big, overgrown boy; and he’s +just made to be humored. If Lillian can only learn to humor him, she can +have her own way as much as she likes.” + +It was at this point in her meditations that Miss Esther was interrupted +by Lincoln Dodd. + +“Didn’t I tell you Father would admire your Lillian Hastings?” he said, +dropping astride of the first chair he came to. + +“Does he?” said Miss Esther, eagerly. + +“Does he! I should say so. Just look at them now!” + +Miss Esther looked and saw Dodd Senior and Lillian Hastings sitting on +the lawn deeply interested in a game of mumble-peg. Although Lillian’s +discarded parasol lay only a few feet away, the players sat in the +broiling sun, apparently oblivious of the heat. + +“Coming on all right, isn’t it?” said Lincoln. + +“Yes. I hope so—I think so; but he hasn’t said anything definite.” + +“How do you know he hasn’t?” asked Lincoln. + +“Oh, I’m sure Lillian would have told me if he had.” + +“Perhaps he hasn’t had a chance.” + +“Oh, if that’s the case, let’s make a chance for them.” + +Lincoln entered into the spirit of the game with enthusiasm. “Let’s ask +Lillian to stay to tea,” he exclaimed. + +“She’ll stay anyway,” replied Miss Esther; “and besides, that won’t give +them a chance alone.” + +“Well, ask her to stay to dinner, and Dad can take her home.” + +“That will do,” said Miss Esther; “and it’s a lovely moonlight night.” + +So the conspiracy succeeded, and Lillian stayed to dinner. + +“Am I the only guest?” asked Lillian, when dinner was announced. + +“Yes,” said Miss Esther; “that doesn’t embarrass you, does it?” + +“I was afraid it might,” said Putnam, “so I’ve sent for Jean. Stay the +proceedings, Cousin Esther; she’ll be here in a minute.” + +[Illustration: _In the broiling sun, oblivious of the heat._] + +Jean came flying in, becomingly flushed after her run across the field. +“I came across lots,” she exclaimed, “because I was in such a hurry to +get here. Thank you, so much, Miss Esther, for sending Jack for me.” + +“Why, I didn’t send him,” said Miss Esther. + +“But he said that you said that I must come because you were going to +have strawberry shortcake for dinner.” + +“How ridiculous,” said Miss Esther. “I never sent any message at all by +Jack, and besides, there aren’t any strawberries now. It’s too late.” + +“I never thought of that,” said Jean, looking a little blank. “I was so +glad to come,” she explained, ingenuously. + +“I sent the message myself,” said Putnam, calmly. “I knew you wouldn’t +come unless I sent an invitation from Cousin Esther. And of course, I +didn’t mean real strawberry shortcake.” + +“Perhaps you didn’t mean for me really to come,” said Jean. + +“I meant I really wanted you to come.” + +“If I had known that you sent the invitation I wouldn’t have come.” + +“Not if you knew that I really wanted you?” + +At this, Lincoln, who was behind the speakers, nudged Miss Esther’s arm, +and rolled up his eyes ecstatically. Miss Esther looked like a +beneficent Machiavelli, and folded her hands with an air of intense +complacency. + +“Of course,” said Jean, “you always succeed in getting what you +want;—that’s your way. But in this case—” + +“In this case,” said Putnam, provokingly, “I succeeded in getting you.” + +“Indeed you haven’t succeeded in getting me!” + +“Well, if I haven’t, I will,” said Putnam, as he rose to go to dinner. + +This speech so pleased the conspirators, that Lincoln Dodd seized Miss +Esther’s hands, and the two fairly danced down the long hall toward the +dining-room. + +“Hang out our banners on the outward walls,” sang Miss Esther. + +“What for?” asked Lillian, who, accompanied by Mr. Dodd, had joined the +procession. + +“So people can see them, of course,” said Lincoln. “It’s foolish to hide +your banners under a bushel.” + +With what Miss Esther deemed a masterpiece of generalship, she arranged +that Lillian should sit next to Mr. Dodd. Lillian, willfully +misunderstanding instructions, took the chair on the side of the table +where Lincoln stood. + +“Oh, she doesn’t mean me,” he exclaimed in dismay. “She means the +Ancient.” + +“What are you?” asked Putnam; “the Honorable?” + +“I think,” said Lillian, “that the young Mr. Dodd looks older than the +old Mr. Dodd.” + +“It’s quite as bad,” said Putnam, “to say ‘the old Mr. Dodd,’ as to say +‘the Ancient.’” + +“But I have to distinguish them in some way, and I don’t see that either +one looks older than the other.” + +“You might call me George,” suggested Mr. Dodd, casually. + +“I’m afraid if I did, you would call me Lillian.” + +“Very likely,” said Mr. Dodd. + +“Let’s order some more banners,” whispered Lincoln to Miss Esther. “I +think we’ll need them.” + +“What are you talking about?” said Jean. “What are these banners?” + +“A banner,” said the Ancient, instructively, “is one who or that which +bans.” + +“What does ban mean?” asked Lillian. + +“A ban,” said the Ancient, still instructively, “is a thing you put +things under.” + +“I thought it meant to get married,” said Jean. + +“That’s when it’s plural,” explained the Ancient, kindly. “It takes two +banns to get married.” + +“May I interrupt your very wise discourse,” said Putnam, “long enough to +request you to pass me the salt?” + +“Now that’s always the way,” said the Ancient in an exasperated tone; +“the conventional dinner-table appointments are sadly at fault. One +never gets fairly started on a logical sequence of ideas, but one is +interrupted by a request to pass the salt. I use the term advisedly. The +passing of the salt is but a type of the things which we are made to do +at the time when we do not want to do them. There should be a remedy for +all this. Invention, as it stands to-day, is deplorably neglectful of +our minor needs. Invention, after all, is but the application of some +well-known force or principle to a new use.” + +Here the Ancient produced from his pocket a small mechanical toy. It was +a tiny automobile, made of tin and painted red, and when wound up would +run by itself for several minutes. Turning it upside down, he proceeded +to wind it; then reversing it, and holding the wheels tightly, he +emptied into it the contents of Miss Esther’s salt-cellar. Starting it +in the direction of Putnam, he released the wheels and the machine moved +slowly along the table. + +“You see,” he observed, “how easy it is to apply mechanical power in a +way which will do the most good. If every dinner-table were supplied +with this simple contrivance, it would do away with the passing of the +salt. Consequently, there would be no interruption in one’s flow of +conversation.” + +“With _one’s_ flow of conversation!” said Jean. “And pray, when would +the other five get a chance to speak?” + +“They wouldn’t,” said the Ancient. + +“I don’t see why any one wants to interrupt,” said Lillian, “when the +conversation is so instructive and entertaining as Mr. Dodd’s is.” + +“Banners!” said Lincoln, aside to Miss Esther. + +But later in the evening there was reason to bring in the banners from +the outward walls, or at least it seemed so. Miss Esther’s deep-laid +scheme for sending the elder Mr. Dodd home with Lillian seemed in +imminent peril. When Lillian announced that it was time for her to go, +Putnam suggested that as he was about to go home with Jean, Lincoln and +Lillian could go with them, and they would all walk around by the brook. +Miss Esther was not present at the moment, and though three people +strongly objected to the arrangement, as Putnam’s suggestions were +looked upon as commands, none of them dared question it. + +Lincoln Dodd did not wish to appear ungallant; Washington Dodd was not +quite sure that his escort was desired, and Lillian naturally hesitated +to express her preference. + +Lincoln Dodd rushed into the house, ostensibly to fetch his hat, but +really to find Miss Esther. He almost ran over that lady in the hall, +and whispered tragically, “Haul in the banners! Awful things are +happening! Putnam says I’ve got to go home with Lillian.” + +“Putnam, indeed!” cried Miss Esther. “I’ll fix Putnam.” + +She hurried out on the veranda. + +“Lincoln can’t go home with you, Lillian,” she said. “I want him myself +this evening. He promised to—transplant some bulbs for me.” + +“They’re night-blooming cereus,” said Lincoln, “and they always have to +be moved at night.” + +“Yes,” said Miss Esther; “and so, Mr. George Dodd, will you please +escort Miss Hastings home?” + +“Certainly, if Miss Hastings doesn’t object to the transfer,” said Mr. +Dodd; but he spoke without enthusiasm. + +“Oh, all Dodds look alike to me,” said Lillian, flippantly. + +Miss Esther looked the picture of despair, as, after this speech, +Lillian and her apparently unwilling escort walked silently down the +path. + +“Honestly,” said Miss Esther, “from the depths of your heart, tell me +truly what you think; tell me by the light of your greater experience, +and by the knowledge you have of your father’s affections; tell me,” she +continued, tragically, “_will_ those two hearts find each other?” + +She hung on his words with the air of a doomed prisoner awaiting +sentence. + +“I don’t know,” said Dodd. + + + + + XVI + + + Conspirant ’gainst this ’high-illustrious prince.—_King Lear_, + v, 3. + +“I suppose,” said George Washington Dodd, indulgently, as they went out +the gate, “that you, being possessed of youth, beauty, and a romantic +temperament, would prefer to go home around by the brook.” + +“Yes,” said Lillian, “I would, and I am going that way. But if you, not +being possessed of those very desirable qualities, prefer to go the +other way, you may.” + +“No, we’ll both go around by the brook,” said Dodd, airily; “for those +qualities are as much mine as yours. Beauty is entirely a matter of +opinion, and my own opinion is that I am very beautiful. Youth is a +matter of comparison, and by some standards I am exceedingly young; and +as to my romantic temperament—give me a chance.” + +“Your beauty of its kind, I will admit, though perhaps it is not equal +to my own,” said Lillian, consideringly; “your romantic temperament is +an unknown quantity—it may be like mine; but surely I am not quite as +old as you are.” + +“I’m not sure about that,” Dodd replied. “Of course, you are young, but +then so am I. The gods love me, and I shall never grow old.” + +“But,” objected Lillian, “those whom the gods love die young.” + +“That is, I admit, the accepted intent of the quotation, but its real +meaning is that those whom the gods love are young when they die, for +the simple reason that they never grow old. That makes me just the same +age as you, and I shall always stay so.” + +“All right,” said Lillian; “then we’ll go around by the brook.” + +“And now,” said Dodd, as they walked along the path to the brook, “since +you have conceded my youth and beauty, I will proceed to convince you of +my romantic temperament. Just now it is wildly enthusiastic over the +beauty of the night. To me, the moon is a beautiful golden boat, sailing +away over blue waters. And that reminds me, I shall sail myself next +month, I am going abroad.” + +“To study art?” + +“No, not that, although I mean to buy a few pictures that I’ve had my +eye on for some years. By the way, I want you to go with me.” + +“To advise you about the pictures?” said Lillian, delightedly. + +“No, as my wife.” + +“What!” exclaimed Lillian. + +“You heard me,” said Dodd. “It may seem precipitate, but I am a man of +quick decisions. I always decide quickly when I find what I +want—whether it’s a picture or you.” + +“Are you sure you want me?” asked Lillian. + +“Yes, I’m sure. I was sure the moment I saw you. I want you, and I want +you now. I want you to marry me and go abroad with me next month.” + +“And then may I study art?” + +“You may not. There’s to be no more of this art foolishness. We will +look at pictures together, and we will buy pictures together, but you +have painted your last picture. Will you go with me?” + +“Well, for a girl with a confessedly romantic temperament, this is about +the most unromantic proposal I ever heard of; and from a man, too, who +boasted of his own romantic temperament.” + +“Never you mind that. Once you have answered my question in the way I +want you to, my romantic temperament is at your disposal for the rest of +your life; but just now I am in earnest.” + +“You seem to be in earnest,” said Lillian, “but if ever I want an +exhibition of your romantic temperament, it is at a time like this. +Unless you can—” + +“Oh, I can ask you in more romantic terms, if that’s what you want.” + +Dodd dropped on one knee, struck his breast melodramatically, and +began— + +“Queen Regent of my heart, may I supplicate—” + +“Oh, not that way,” interrupted Lillian. “That’s foolish. I don’t +believe your romantic temperament is the real thing at all.” + +“Yes, it is—truly, it is. I’ll try again.” + +He put his arm around Lillian, and began with an impassioned, “My +darling—” + +“Oh, that won’t do at all—that’s too familiar.” + +“Is it?” said Dodd, composedly, but he did not release her. “Well, then, +I’ll tell you what. I’ll just say in plain English, ‘Will you be my +wife?’ and you just say, ‘Yes,’ and then to-morrow I’ll make a study of +this and write it out in a sort of an essay. We’ll write it together. +Now then, will you marry me?” + +Lillian was helpfully silent. + +“Say Yes,” he prompted. + +Lillian said yes. + + * * * * * + +The next day George Washington Dodd wandered around the house in a sort +of beatific daze quite contrary to his usual alert activity. + +He and Lillian had planned to announce their engagement that afternoon +at tea, and they anticipated a truly exciting occasion. After luncheon +Mr. Dodd strolled into the darkened library and lay down upon a couch in +a remote corner, where he promptly fell asleep. A little later he was +wakened by voices in the room. + +“I wish I knew,” said Miss Esther, “exactly how the situation stands. Do +you think there’s any hope?” + +“I don’t know,” said Lincoln. “Dad thinks an awful lot of her, but don’t +believe she cares for him much; and it’s awfully soon, anyway. Give them +time.” + +“Oh, I think Lillian is very fond of your father,” said Miss Esther; +“but somehow he doesn’t seem to have a very high opinion of her art +work.” + +“He hasn’t,” said Lincoln, honestly. “But he has a high opinion of her.” + +“Well, that will do just as well, if only he will come to the point +soon. I wish you’d ask him what he means to do, for if Lillian sails by +the fifteenth of August something must be done soon.” + +“Me ask him!” exclaimed Dodd; “he’d tell me to go about my business. No, +you ask him, or at least with your clever tact find out from him. I’d +rather ask Lillian.” + +“Well, then, you do that,” said Miss Esther; “and find out what you can +and we’ll compare notes. You meet me here in the library to-night and +tell me what you’ve learned, and in the mean time I’ll find out what I +can from your father. And another thing that’s bothering me is this, I’m +afraid Helen is not going to accept Mr. Brewster.” + +“Has he asked her?” said Lincoln. + +“No,” replied Miss Esther; “but it’s because she won’t give him a +chance. She is so proud and reserved, and she snubs him far more than +she realizes. I don’t wonder that he doesn’t like it.” + +“Can’t you reason with her?” + +“No; the more you reason with Helen Fairbanks, the worse she is. The +only girl who is acting just right is Jean, and Putnam is a dear. That +affair is going on just as I want it to.” + +George Washington Dodd, on the sofa, suddenly realized that he was +deliberately listening to the deep-laid plans of a desperate conspiracy, +but as he had not made his presence known in the first place, he +certainly could not do so now, and it was with a decided feeling of +relief that he saw the conspirators leave the room, quite unaware of his +eavesdropping presence. + +“Huh!” he exclaimed; “so they’re going to hold a court of inquiry over +Lillian and me, are they? Well, we’ll be ready for them. After I’ve made +up my mind what to say, and after I’ve told Lillian what she’s to say, +they may begin as soon as they like. I’ll go over and see her now, and I +rather think we’ll defer that announcement this afternoon. We’ll have a +lot of fun out of this thing.” + +As he left the house, Lincoln was just coming from the stables in his +automobile. “Take me in,” said his father. “Where are you going?” + +“Over to the Hastings house,” said Lincoln. “Where do you want to go?” + +“That’s where I want to go. I wish you’d leave me there and then do an +errand for me down in the village.” + +“But I was going to take Miss Hastings for a ride.” + +“All right. You can come back and get her after you do this errand for +me. I want to send a wire to New York. Here it is. I have written it +down.” + +Lincoln tucked the paper in his pocket. “All right,” he said; “I’ll be +back in half an hour.” + +While the telegraph operator waited, Lincoln read the message his father +had given him. It ran: + +“No message for New York. Just want to be rid of you for a few minutes.” + +“There’s some mistake here,” said Lincoln to the operator. “I have +brought the wrong paper. I’ll see you again later.” + +“Phew!” he said. “Dad’s coming it rather strong. To think of his sending +me on a kid’s errand like that! But I’ll be even with him yet!” + +When he reached the Hastings house he found his father and his hoped-for +stepmother apparently wrapped in the deepest gloom. They sat far apart +on the veranda and appeared to be dejected beyond power of words. As he +drew up, his father said, “I believe you were to take Miss Hastings for +a drive. She is quite ready to go. I will walk on home.” + +“Just as well take you over, Dad!” + +“No, thank you. I prefer to walk.” + +After a very slight exchange of courtesies with Lillian, which Lincoln +had no idea was part of a carefully prearranged plan, George Washington +Dodd walked away, inwardly chuckling, but displaying great gravity of +demeanor. + +“That telegram scheme was an inspiration,” he said to himself. “Now if +Lillian only does exactly as I told her to, and I think she will, that +young hopeful of mine will have a ripping report to take home to his +fellow conspirator. As for the fellow conspirator herself, I will see to +it that she has a report equally hair-raising.” + + + + + XVII + + + A quarrel, but nothing wherefore.—_King Lear_, ii, 3. + +Delighted with the little comedy he had devised, Mr. Dodd walked on +toward home. At the gate he was joined by Jean. + +“Why are you looking so particularly pleased?” she asked. + +“I was thinking about a friend of mine who is very, very happy.” + +“What made him so?” demanded Jean. + +“He has just become engaged to a very beautiful young lady.” + +“Oh,” she replied; “I thought you were looking happy on your own +account.” + +“No, no, indeed; far from it. On my own account I am deeply, desperately +dismal.” + +“What are you going to do about it?” + +“I don’t know. What would you do?” + +“When I feel like that I always go to Miss Esther and she talks to me.” + +“Good. I will go straight to Miss Esther, and somehow I have a feeling +that she will talk to me.” + +“Do,” said Jean. + +By this time the two had reached the East porch, where, as usual, Putnam +was reading in the hammock. + +“How do you do,” said Jean. “Where’s Miss Esther?” + +“I think she’s in the library,” said Putnam. “Shall I call her?” + +“No,” replied Jean; “Mr. Dodd wants to see her; don’t you, Mr. Dodd?” + +“Oh, I do want to see her. I want to see her dreadfully.” + +“What’s the matter with Dodd?” asked Putnam, as that gentleman went into +the house. + +“I don’t know,” said Jean; “but he’s got the blues something fearful. +I’m so sorry for him.” + +“Be sorry for me, won’t you?” said Putnam; “I’ve got the blues, too.” + +“Why do you have the blues?” + +“So you’ll be sorry for me.” + +“But I’m always sorry for you.” + +“Why?” + +“Because you have such a dreadful disposition.” + +“Yes, I have, haven’t I?” said Putnam, placidly. + +“Yes, you have; and the worst of it is you don’t care a bit.” + +“Do _you_ care?” + +“No, indeed—why should I?” + +Jean tossed her head, and Putnam observed, coolly, “If you bob your head +about like that, you’ll lose that very beautiful pink rose out of your +hair, which you have arranged with such accuracy and precision.” + +“I don’t care if I do!” + +“If you don’t care for the rose, then give it to me.” + +“Indeed I won’t. I wouldn’t give you a rose for anything.” + +“Why not?” + +“Oh, because it’s so silly and sentimental.” + +“Oh, I didn’t mean it in a sentimental way. I never thought of that. I +just saw a beautiful rose, and wanted you to give it to me.” + +“Oh, well, if you want it that way, then take it!” Jean snatched the +rose from her hair, and threw it on the table between them. + +“Give it to me,” said Putnam, dictatorially. + +“I’ve given it to you just as much as I intend to. If you want it, take +it.” + +“I do want it, but I won’t take it, and you _shall_ give it to me.” + +“I won’t do any such thing! You are altogether too domineering. It was +all very well when you were an invalid, and ought to be read to, and +coddled, and fussed over, but you needn’t think you can keep on ruling +everybody who comes anywhere near you.” + +“I don’t mean to rule you—” + +“You’d better not,” she interrupted. + +“But I’m going to ask you once more to give me the rose.” + +“I have given it to you,” said Jean, stubbornly. “If you don’t take it, +it’s because you don’t want it.” + +“I only want it if you’ll give it to me,” said Putnam, more gently than +he had spoken before. + +“Nothing of the sort! You only want to have your own way. You’re a +horrid, dictatorial, arrogant, overbearing, conceited man! and I _hate_ +you!” + +Jean ran down the steps and across the lawn toward her own home. + +Putnam got up lazily from the hammock, and taking the rose from the +table, smiled as he put it carefully away in his pocket-book. + +“I did tease her,” he said, “but ’twas worth it!” And he smiled again. + +Having held the session of the court of inquiry in the library, Miss +Esther, after leaving Mr. Dodd, was in no mood to receive the shock +which awaited her on the East porch. + +“Where’s Jean?” she asked, when she saw Putnam alone. + +“She got mad at me,” said Putnam, “and ran away home.” + +“One of her usual playful jests, I suppose.” + +“No,” said Putnam, “this time she seemed very much in earnest.” + +“Oh, she doesn’t mean anything, Putnam. Don’t take her too seriously.” + +“I’m not sure that I shall take her at all,” said Putnam. “She’s a +little spitfire.” + +Miss Esther, clasping her hands in despair, was about to speak, when +Nora announced that Mr. Brewster was on the front veranda. + +Brewster’s dejected air was quite in harmony with Miss Esther’s mood, +but she was unprepared for the news he brought her. + +“I am going away,” he said, “and I have come to say good-bye.” + +By a whimsical association of ideas, Miss Esther suddenly realized +exactly how Chub felt when she indulged in her favorite trick of sitting +flat down on the ground and squealing. The elder lady did not squeal, +but had circumstances permitted it, she would have been glad to do so. +All in the same day her three clients had disappointed her hopes. She +wrung her hands, tragically. “One woe doth tread upon another’s heels, +so fast they follow!” she exclaimed. + +“Yes, I, too, am sorry to go,” said Brewster. “I have had a very happy +summer, and you have been very kind to me, Miss Esther.” + +“But you are leaving us very suddenly.” + +“I know it; but there are reasons—good reasons.” + +“But Helen—Miss Fairbanks—does she know you’re going?” + +“Oh, yes, she knows. I have just come from there.” + +“And doesn’t she care?” + +“No, I think not,” said Brewster, with his calm dignity. + +“Oh, Mr. Brewster,” cried Miss Esther, “I wish she did care.” + +“I wish so, too,” he replied. + +“But have you made allowances for Helen’s excessive pride?” + +“She hasn’t made allowances for mine,” said Brewster. + +“Hullo, you people,” cried Lincoln Dodd, as he rushed up the driveway in +his automobile; “is tea ready? I’m nearly starving.” + +“Not quite,” said Miss Esther; “but it soon will be. Come on in.” + +For the first time that summer, none of the girls came over to tea. +Obliged to do all the honors herself, Miss Esther rose to the occasion +nobly, and presided with her usual grace, her unruffled calm giving no +hint of the perturbation of spirit beneath. But late that evening when a +meeting of the conspirators was held in the library, Miss Esther +confided to Abraham Lincoln Dodd her doubts of the final success of her +Matrimonial Bureau. + +“To think,” she said, “of that stupid Jean having a fight, a real fight +with Putnam!” + +“Oh, they’re always squabbling,” said Lincoln. + +“Yes, but this time it’s serious. Putnam told me so. And now Helen has +offended Mr. Brewster and he’s going away, and Lillian’s case is equally +hopeless.” + +“Why, what did you find out from father?” + +“Why, it’s the strangest thing, and I’m not sure that I ought to tell +you.” + +“And I’m not sure, either, that I ought to tell you what Lillian said.” + +“Well, I must know what you learned, so I’ll tell you what I found out. +Your father was awfully nice, and he said that he was very much in love +with Lillian,—very much; and he thinks she cares for him. And he wants +to marry her, but he thinks you wouldn’t like it if he did.” + +“Me!” exclaimed Dodd; “why of course I want him to marry her, and I’ll +tell him so so that he will understand it!” + +“No, no,” said Miss Esther; “he said not to let you know anything about +it. He didn’t even want to suggest the idea to you for fear you’d be +displeased.” + +“Well, if that doesn’t beat all! Lillian said just the same thing about +you. She didn’t say right out, you know, that she was fond of the +Governor, but she said that even if she were she couldn’t marry him, for +she felt sure that you wouldn’t approve of the match.” + +“Me!” cried Miss Esther; “why of course I want her to marry him, and +I’ll tell her so so that she will understand it.” + +“No, don’t say a word. She expressly said that she didn’t want you to +know she had ever had such a thought, for fear it would displease you.” + +“Good gracious!” cried Miss Esther, exasperated beyond all endurance. +“Was there ever such a lot of intractable men and ridiculous girls.” + +“Why don’t you give them up?” suggested Lincoln. + +“Never! I’m going to carry this thing through and you’re going to help +me as you agreed. I haven’t brought these six people together and looked +after them all summer, and brought them all to the very verge of +success, to have my plans fail now. Jean and Putnam shall be persuaded +to make up; though I don’t know how it will be accomplished, for he’s +stubbornness itself and she’s just as bad. Helen and Brewster must be +reconciled, and that’s harder yet, for she’s as proud as Lucifer and +he’s more so. As to your father and Lillian—” + +“Oh,” interrupted Dodd, “if they care for each other, surely they can be +brought around.” + +“Oh, I don’t know—Lillian is a perverse little witch; but anyhow, it +shall be done. On that I am resolved, and if I don’t succeed I will be +the first Adams who ever failed in a great undertaking.” + +“And you will succeed,” said Dodd, carried away by her eloquence. + +“I certainly shall,” said Miss Esther. + + + + + XVIII + + + With a solemn earnestness, more than indeed belonged to such a + trifle.—_Othello_, v, 2. + +When Brewster left Miss Esther’s house, after telling her good-bye, he +met Jack Remington. + +“Hullo, Mr. Brewster,” exclaimed Jack; “I thought you had gone away.” + +“I am going early in the morning,” replied Brewster; “and I won’t forget +the book I promised to send you.” + +Jack turned and walked along by Brewster’s side. “I’m sorry you’re +going,” he said; “we’ve been good chums, haven’t we?” + +“Yes, we have,” said Brewster, heartily; and then somehow the +conversation seemed to flag. Jack was dimly conscious of this and tried +to relieve the situation. + +“I’ve just been over to Cousin Helen’s house,” he said, +conversationally. + +“Have you?” said Brewster, with an unexpected exhibition of interest in +his tone. + +“Yes, and she gave me this,” said Jack, producing a knife from his +pocket; “see, it has a saw-blade and a screw-driver and a lot of +things.” + +“So it has,” said Brewster, looking at Jack’s treasure critically. “It’s +much better than the one I gave you last week.” + +“Yes, it is; and what do you think, Cousin Helen traded with me. She +gave me this and I gave her that one you gave me.” + +“You did? What made you think she wanted it?” + +“Why, she asked me for it. She said if I’d give her that one she’d give +me this.” + +“What did she want of an old knife like that?” + +“I don’t know. I was showing it to her and she said she wanted it, and +so we traded.” + +“Did she know I gave it to you?” + +“Yes, I told her it was an old one of yours; and besides she saw your +initials on it, but she didn’t mind that.” + +“Oh, she didn’t!” Brewster walked on in silence for a moment. “Jack,” he +said, “it’s lucky you have that new knife. It is just what we want to +use in working on the ship. I’ll come over to-morrow and we can finish +it all up.” + +“To-morrow!” exclaimed Jack; “I thought you were going away in the +morning.” + +“I’ve changed my mind,” said Brewster. + +If Jack was surprised at Brewster’s sudden change of plans, Helen was +none the less so when the next afternoon she saw him walk in at her +gate. + +“How do you do,” she said, in her calm, sweet way. “I thought you had +left us.” + +“No,” said Brewster, easily; “I’ve decided to stay a while longer.” + +He dropped naturally into his accustomed place at the end of the +veranda. He had been at the Fairbanks house a great deal that summer and +in consequence had assumed the air of a privileged guest. + +“It’s a beautiful day,” said Brewster, gazing affably into the +atmosphere. + +“Yes,” said Helen, agreeingly. “It is a good day for reading aloud; and +as you are going to stay longer, we may have time to finish the book we +were reading yesterday.” + +This was a distinct concession on Helen’s part, and Brewster accepted it +as such. The book in question had been the cause of a violent argument +the day before, which had resulted in his sudden determination to leave +Whitfield. The immediate theme of the discussion had been certain +ethical propositions which Brewster upheld and which seemed to him the +very mainsprings of masculine action, but which Helen had denounced with +a scornful pride that acknowledged no exceptions. So positive had been +her assertions that he had been unable to escape the conviction that, +knowing his views, she had deliberately intended to arraign him +personally. + +Helen had not meant this personal application—at least not to the +extent that Brewster assumed. With all her uncompromising positivism and +her insistence upon theoretical perfection, she was more than willing in +individual cases to ignore shortcomings, even in important directions, +for the sake of the things which she found good. But Brewster did not +know this, and when she had so specifically condemned traits which he +knew he possessed, he was forced to believe that her opinion of him was +unfavorable and unchangeable. And as he was conscious of his own growing +regard for her, it seemed to him that the only thing to do was to go +away at once. + +The trifling episode of the penknife had changed all this. It seemed to +prove that Helen’s well-defined laws were capable of being at least +slightly affected by the personal element. If she had cared enough for +his old penknife to secure it for herself, then she had shown that there +was a vulnerable point in her armor, and Brewster was not lacking in +courage. + +It was characteristic of him that the slight favorable indication should +impart to his attitude an air of assured success. His exultation, which +was out of all proportion to its cause, was evident. This was a mistake +on Brewster’s part, for Helen saw it and resented it. And so he defeated +his own ends; for the girl, especially sensitive to Brewster’s moods, +was annoyed at his mysterious air of triumph. + +“Certainly,” he said, most amiably; “I should be more than glad to read +the book to you if I may; but this afternoon we are all going over to +the Crossways Inn to supper. I have just come from Miss Esther’s, who +sent your invitation by me.” + +“Is everybody going?” asked Helen. + +“Yes, in Lincoln’s automobile.” + +“Oh, we’re all going together. Yes; certainly I will go.” + +“I thought I would drive you over myself,—may I?” + +“Thank you, no. I prefer to go with the others.” + +“Very well,” said Brewster; “we’ll go with them, then.” + + * * * * * + +Chub crawled through the hedge and trotted across the lawn to the Adams +house. Finding nobody on the East porch, she wandered aimlessly about +the grounds and finally found herself on the path which led down to the +brook. This was forbidden territory, and Chub had not forgotten it, but +this afternoon she was in an irresponsible frame of mind and paid no +heed to the unwelcome voice of conscience. Besides, where the bridge was +there grew some wonderful scarlet blossoms, and these the young explorer +desired for her very own. Even from the edge of the lawn she could see +them, but beyond, where the wood began, there was darkness. The +temptation to go down there was irresistible, so on the baby went. + +The scarlet blossoms were achieved without mishap, and then, lured by +the fascinations of the unknown, she strayed a little further into the +wood. + +“I don’t thee any puthy willowth,” she said, “but Uncle Linkum thaid +they lived here. I’ll wait a li’le while and p’rapth I’ll hear thome +mew.” + +She sat down in the shade of a big tree to wait. She did not hear the +mewing of the pussy-willows, but she found plenty of things to interest +her. A butterfly came. A black beetle labored with a leaf at her very +feet, and she asked him questions concerning the welfare of his family. +A squirrel chattered from a tree-top, and she scolded back at him. A +bird perched on a dead twig and sang his very best song right at her. +Then she sang—and then she went to sleep, the scarlet blossoms tightly +clutched in her arms. + +Chub’s propensity for getting lost was recognized by the members of her +family. As she explained it, she “just losed herself,” and if she had +thought of it, she might have added that the losing process was no part +of her prearranged plans. All was well, and presently she was lost. Then +people came and found her, and all was well again. It had never failed. +She knew that somebody would eventually find her. + +But on this occasion there was no conscious feeling of being lost. She +slept peacefully, and the butterfly came back and hovered over the +scarlet blossoms in her arms. The squirrel, with the insistent curiosity +of his kind, came down from his tree and looked at the baby at close +range. The bird still continued his song—a sort of lullaby now—and +Chub slept, while the people up at her home and at the Adams house began +the search. + +It was Putnam who found her, and he picked her up, still fast asleep, +and carried her toward the house. Jean met him near the bridge. It was +the first time he had seen her since the episode of the rose, and he +wondered what attitude she would assume toward him. + +“Where did you find her?” she asked. + +“In the woods—asleep,” he replied, shortly. + +Jean turned and walked beside him toward Chub’s home. Neither spoke. +Presently the baby wakened. The scarlet flowers were still clasped +tightly in her dimpled hand—crushed, perhaps, but they were none the +less effective for all that. + +She looked sleepily up into Putnam’s eyes. + +“For you,” she said, offering the wilted blossoms. + +“Did you pick them for me?” said Putnam. + +“I don’t know; but I will give them to you becauth I love you.” + +Putnam took the flowers. “Thank you, sweetheart,” he said; but he looked +squarely at Jean. + +Jean stared straight ahead, but she saw his expression. + +“Do you care for flowers?” she asked. + +“Yes, when they are given to me.” + +“Not otherwise?” + +“Never but once otherwise.” + +“When was that?” + +“Oh, long ago.” + +“Before you knew me?” + +“Well, it was before I knew you as well as I do now.” + +“Tell me about it,” said Jean. + +“I don’t think you’d be interested in the story.” + +“Yeth,” said Chub, “tell me thtory.” + +“Well,” began Putnam, “once upon a time there was a little girl.” + +“A very pretty little girl,” said Jean. + +“And she had a rose,” continued Putnam, “and a man—” + +“A perfectly horrid man,” said Jean. + +“Asked her for it,” Putnam went on; “and what do you think?” + +“She gave it to him,” said Chub, “becauth she loved him.” + +“So she did,” said Putnam, “and he carried it with him always after +that.” + +“Ith he got it yet?” asked Chub. + +“Yes,” said Putnam; “he has it yet.” + +“What for?” questioned Chub; “it mutht be all dead.” + + * * * * * + +When the truant had been returned to her anxious family, Putnam and Jean +went back to Miss Esther’s. + +“Had you finished the story of the rose?” she asked. + +“Why, would you like to hear more of it?” + +“Not particularly; but I would like to have some one care enough for my +roses to carry them always and always.” + +Without a word Putnam produced his pocket-book and took from it a +withered rose. + +“This is the one you gave me,” said he. + +“So it is,” said Jean, complacently; “I knew you’d keep it.” + + + + + XIX + + + She is beautiful and therefore to be woo’d.—_1 Henry VI_, v, 3. + +The horse had seen better days—better in the sense that he had been in +his earlier youth a better horse. Grown old in the service of a livery +stable in the town of Farmington—the next one to Whitfield on the left +as you go from Utica—he still maintained a sort of dignity and absolute +safety which made him a valuable asset when his owner had a request from +timid women for what is technically known as a “rig.” + +He drew a phaeton of the type built on the lines of Central New York +styles of carriage building—distinctly unattractive and ungraceful. +Driving the horse was a young woman whose impetuosity urged her steed to +greater efforts in the matter of speed. The horse wore no “blinders,” +and when his driver told him to get up, and beat him gingerly with a +whip, he glanced casually back at her over his shoulder, as who should +say, “If I go faster I may be very dangerous.” So he strolled on, and +Julia Fowler’s efforts, directed toward swifter locomotion, met with no +response from him. He knew his business. He was a safe horse, and he did +not propose to risk his reputation by any undue exertion. + +Miss Fowler herself was of a type distinctly different from that +represented by her equipage. She could by no chance have been the +product of Central New York. Possibly her ancestors might have been, but +she was urban to her finger tips. Suburbanity had no accent on her +appearance. Her beauty was of a spectacular order. She was the type of +the twentieth century—its best expression—and she had come to +Farmington to rest at the boarding-house of one Mrs. Moore. She had +tired of it in a week, and her excursion to Whitfield was for the +purpose of finding a place which might prove more attractive to her +exacting demands. + +She had been told that a certain Mrs. Hemingway in Whitfield conducted a +boarding-house, and she was in search of this establishment when she +caught sight of the Adams house. This seemed an ideal place to spend a +few weeks, and being by no means timid, Miss Fowler concluded to make +the attempt to induce the owner of the place to take her in for a time. +She turned in at the gate, and when she saw Miss Esther on the veranda +she was quite positive that she had found exactly what she was looking +for. + +Miss Esther watched the stranger as she jumped out of the phaeton, ran +up the steps, and without invitation seated herself in one of the large +rocking-chairs. + +“Don’t mind me,” she said, pleasantly. “I always come in like that. I am +Julia Fowler, and I am staying over in Farmington, but I don’t like it +there, and somebody told me that Whitfield was lovely, and that Mrs. +Hemingway kept a very nice boarding-house. I was on my way there when I +noticed this house, and I thought I should like it here a great deal +better. So won’t you please take me for a couple of weeks? I’m awfully +good-natured and I won’t make a bit of trouble.” + +Miss Esther looked at her visitor and came to the conclusion that she +was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. + +It was not only a beauty of feature and coloring; but the vivacity and +charm of Julia Fowler were of a degree which exceeded anything Miss +Esther had ever known. Though her manner was gay and informal to the +verge of sauciness, yet it was tinged with a delightful deference, and +Miss Esther proved herself no exception to the rule that whoever met +Julia Fowler fell immediately under the spell of her wonderful charm. + +“Nonsense, child,” said Miss Esther, smiling at her pretty visitor; “I +don’t take boarders, but you will like it at Mrs. Hemingway’s, I’m sure. +She can make you very comfortable.” + +“But I like this house so much better,” said Julia, coaxingly; “and I’m +sure you have room enough.” + +“Yes, of course, there are rooms enough in the Adams house, but we never +take boarders.” + +“Oh, is this the Adams house?” asked Julia; “and are you Miss Adams, +Miss Esther Adams? I have often heard of you in Farmington.” + +“Yes, I am the one,” and Miss Esther smiled graciously. Somehow people +always smiled graciously on Miss Fowler. + +“Oh, then do let me stay. I have heard so much about your house and your +library; and I’ll keep to myself when you don’t want me around, and I’ll +be jolly good company when you do. You live alone, don’t you?” + +Like a flash Miss Esther realized what it would be to have a young woman +with such compelling attractions in her house, or, indeed, for that +matter, in Whitfield at all. The three affairs which she was managing +seemed to be complicated enough as it was, without an additional +disturbing element. Putnam, she knew, would rave over her. Lincoln Dodd +would flirt desperately, and she felt sure that Winthrop Brewster must +also inevitably succumb to this bewitching beauty. It was apparent, +then, to Miss Esther that it would never do to have Miss Fowler remain +in Whitfield. + +Miss Esther’s three girls were sweet and attractive, but she well knew +that they would not shine by comparison with this exquisite and +experienced woman of the world. Though probably not older in years, Miss +Fowler was far more sophisticated than the Whitfield girls, and her own +personality, helped by her social training, gave her a fascination which +could not otherwise be attained. + +The imminent danger of this catastrophe almost stunned Miss Esther. +Something must be done, and that quickly, to prevent Miss Fowler’s +staying in Whitfield. In consequence her attitude towards her visitor +changed instantly. + +“Yes, I live alone,” she said, “and it is from preference. I have small +need for company, for I am never lonely, and I could not think of taking +a boarder even for a short time. Pray do not ask me again.” + +“Indeed, I shall ask you again,” said Julia, with one of her most +ingratiating smiles. “I shall keep on coaxing until I persuade you to +say yes.” + +Had circumstances been otherwise, nothing would have pleased Miss Esther +better than to have granted the request and taken this most attractive +young woman into her house for a fortnight. This fact made it difficult +for her to continue her refusals; but, awake to the seriousness of the +situation, she answered decidedly, “No, I shall never say yes. I am not +of a vacillating nature, and rarely change my mind. It is quite +impossible for me to take you. Now that I think of it, I don’t believe +that you would be satisfied at Mrs. Hemingway’s, either. They are plain +people, and live very plainly.” + +“That would just suit me,” said Julia. “I came up here for rest and +quiet, and I love a simple country home.” + +“But it is very dull in Whitfield,” continued Miss Esther. “There are no +gayeties of any sort.” + +“That would just suit me, too. I have a surfeit of gayety at home in the +winter.” + +Baffled at every turn, and determined to accomplish her end, Miss Esther +deliberately drew upon her imagination. “There are five little children +at Mrs. Hemingway’s, and they are a most spoiled, disagreeable lot. I am +sure they’d make your life a burden there.” + +“That alters the case,” said Julia, decidedly. “I detest spoiled +children. How old are they?” + +“I don’t know,” said Miss Esther, a little vaguely, which was only +natural, considering the fact that there were really no children at the +Hemingway house. “About four or five years old, I think.” + +“Oh, I don’t mind such little children,” said Julia, airily; “but I +dislike them when they get to be about ten years old.” + +“Oh, there are several as old as that, too,” declared Miss Esther, whose +imagination was equal to juveniles of any age. + +“Then I won’t go there,” said Julia. “I’m surprised that she has any +boarders. I think you might let me stay here.” + +“I asked you not to mention that again,” said Miss Esther, with a sudden +exhibition of the Adams dignity; “but if you really want country home +life, there is a very delightful place at Westfield that I am sure would +please you.” + +“Where is Westfield?” + +“About eight miles the other side of Farmington.” + +“I’ll drive over there to-morrow,” said Julia, “and look at the place, +and if I don’t like it I’ll come back here.” + +This bit of bravado was accompanied by such a winning smile that Miss +Esther could not respond as sternly as she would have liked to do. + +“Will you have tea on the veranda or on Lieutenant Adams’s porch?” asked +Nora, appearing at the door. + +“On the East porch,” said Miss Esther, shortly. + +“Oh, mayn’t I stay to tea?” exclaimed Julia. “Please let me. I’ll be +very good, and go away immediately after.” + +“Excuse me one moment,” said Miss Esther, without answering her guest’s +question. + +She went to the East porch where she knew Lincoln Dodd was reading. He +was the only one of her guests at home. + +“Lincoln,” she exclaimed, “come to my rescue, and come quick. What under +the sun am I going to do?” + +“What in the world’s the matter?” asked Dodd. + +“Oh, it’s dreadful. The most beautiful girl in the world is on the front +veranda.” + +“Command my services,” said Lincoln, rising with alacrity. “What makes +her so dreadful? Is she a maniac?” + +“No, indeed. I only wish she were. She’s perfectly charming.” + +“What am I to do for you? Do you want me to marry her?” + +“Don’t be foolish. But don’t you see I expect the people home to tea at +any minute now, and if any of those men see that raving beauty, they’ll +fall in love with her on the spot.” + +“Of course they will,” said Dodd. “Give her to me. I’ll take her off to +a desert island.” + +“No, but I want you to take her home in your automobile. That’s the only +way I can get rid of her.” + +“Where is her home? How did she come?” + +“She came in a forlorn old gig, but I can let Michael take that home for +her. And mind, now, you’re not to make yourself too entertaining, or ask +her to come again, or let her know that I have any young men staying +here. She’s the most dangerous thing I’ve ever seen. You get your +machine and come around in front just as if you were going out for a +drive, and I’ll do the rest.” + +“All right,” said Dodd. “I’ll go, but I don’t know when I’ll be back. +Don’t wait tea for me.” + +[Illustration: “_Suppose you take Miss Fowler home._”] + +“Now don’t go scouring all over the country with her. She lives in +Farmington, and you can go there and back in an hour.” + +“Perhaps I can and perhaps I can’t,” said Dodd, as he ran down the +steps. + +“And hurry,” called Miss Esther after him. “There’s no time to be lost.” + +Miss Esther returned to the veranda, and in a few moments Lincoln came +whirling up from the stables. + +“Ah, Mr. Dodd,” called Miss Esther, “are you going anywhere in +particular?” + +“No,” said Lincoln, pleasantly; “just out for a little spin.” + +“Well, then, suppose you take Miss Fowler home. My dear,” she said, +turning to the young lady, “you’d like to drive over with Mr. Dodd, +wouldn’t you?” + +“Oh, ever so much,” cried Julia, showing her most engaging dimples and +laughing down at Dodd. “But what will become of my fractious steed?” + +“Michael can drive him home for you,” said Miss Esther. “Run along +quick, now. Mr. Dodd doesn’t like to wait.” + +As the pair disappeared, Miss Esther drew a long breath of relief. Her +manœuvre had been accomplished none too quickly, for they were hardly +out of sight before Brewster, Putnam, and George Washington Dodd came +strolling in to tea. + +“That was a narrow escape,” she thought. “The times would have been very +much out of joint if I had not set them right. I have rescued the +Matrimonial Bureau from the jaws of one more danger.” + + + + + XX + + + Make feasts, invite friends and proclaim the banns.—_Taming of + the Shrew_, iii, 2. + +The three men came up to the East porch where Miss Esther gave them +their tea. She was plainly in a mood of the utmost complacency. Nor were +her guests less complacent. George Washington Dodd, with the knowledge +that he had arranged his little comedy quite to his liking, was placidly +awaiting its working out. Brewster was in a seventh heaven. The trifling +affair of the penknife was to him a wind-proving straw, and, always +self-confident, he felt now not the slightest doubt of his ability to +win Helen Fairbanks. + +However, as time went on and the three girls did not appear, the edge of +Miss Esther’s complacency was dulled, and she grew more and more +perturbed. + +“I don’t see what can be keeping them,” she said. “They said they’d come +over for tea, and then we would all start for the Crossways together.” + +“Where’s Lincoln?” said his father. + +“He went off to do an errand for me,” said Miss Esther, casually. “He’ll +be back very soon. I told him particularly not to dawdle by the way. If +we start by six we’ll have plenty of time.” + +But at half-past five Dodd had not returned, nor had any of the girls +come. Miss Esther began to show signs of nervousness. Putnam’s brow +clouded, and the senior Dodd began to fidget. + +At twenty minutes to six a decided gloom had settled upon the whole +party, and at ten minutes of six, consternation was palpably apparent. + +“I can’t imagine why those girls don’t come,” said Miss Esther. + +“At least one of them,” said Putnam. “She said she’d be here at five.” + +Miss Esther smiled happily at her cousin; but her face clouded again as +she said, “I wish Lincoln would come, then we could start and pick up +the girls on the way.” + +Six o’clock struck, and still there were no signs of the expected ones. + +“I believe I’ll go over to Miss Fairbanks’s,” said Brewster, “and see +why they don’t come.” + +“I’ll go with you,” said Putnam. “I hope nothing has happened to her.” + +“Your pronoun is ambiguous,” said Dodd, “but never mind; we understand.” + +Before the investigating party could start, the automobile came romping +up the driveway, and in it were Lincoln Dodd and the three girls. They +all seemed to be in unusually good spirits. + +“We’ve had the loveliest ride,” cried Jean. “We’ve been over to +Farmington!” + +“What!” cried Miss Esther. + +“Yes,” began Helen; “we went with Mr. Dodd and the loveliest—” + +“Yes, yes,” interrupted Miss Esther, “I’ve no doubt you had a lovely +time.” + +“She’s certainly a peach,” said Lincoln, winking at Miss Esther. + +“Oh, you mean your automobile. Has she acted well to-day? She certainly +is a beauty,” said Miss Esther, fearful lest he refer more explicitly to +Julia Fowler. + +“Yes, she certainly is a beauty,” replied Dodd; “and she acted very +well.” + +“Come, come,” said Miss Esther, still a bit nervously; “we must be +starting.” + +“All right,” said Lillian; “and on the way I’ll tell you how Mr. Dodd +picked us girls up and took us over to Farmington. As a traveling +companion we had the most beautiful—” + +“Do you consider Lincoln Dodd such a raving beauty,” said Miss Esther, +looking at him critically. + +“Oh, I didn’t mean him,” replied Lillian; “I—” + +“Oh, then you mean Helen? We all acknowledge her beauty.” + +“I wish she had meant me,” said Helen; “but she meant—” + +“She meant me!” cried Jean, whose quick wit perceived that Miss Esther +did not care to discuss Julia Fowler. + +“You would be a beautiful traveling companion,” said Putnam, judicially, +“if your hat were on straight and that bunchy fluff which is supposed to +decorate the back of your neck hadn’t twisted itself around under one +ear.” + +“That’s where it belongs,” said Jean. “That’s where they’re wearing them +now, and my hat is at the very latest fashionable angle. I’m not one of +those women who get all disheveled just because they take a little +automobile ride.” + +“We’re obliged to believe your statement,” said Lincoln Dodd; “but you +are certainly giving a very good imitation of the type.” + +“Well, I don’t look a bit more tumbled than your friend Julia did. Her +veil hung by one pin.” + +“Julia who?” asked Putnam, looking up. + +Jean caught Miss Esther’s bothered look, and good-naturedly helped her +out. “I don’t mean Julia, exactly,” she said. “I mean—er—Alice.” + +“Alice who?” inquired the elder Dodd. + +“Alice Ben Bolt,” said Miss Esther, shortly. + +“Oh, that one? By the way, did anybody ever remember her? I always hear +people tunefully inquiring.” + +“I didn’t know she wore an automobile coat,” said Lincoln, doubtfully. +“At any rate, her costume must have been awfully queer.” + +“How do you know what she wore?” said Lillian. “Have you ever seen her +picture?” + +“No, but the song says they fitted a slab of granite so gray; it must +have been a very superior tailor that could do it.” + +“All women look well in gray,” said Brewster, glancing approvingly at +Helen. + +“Do you know, I like green best,” said George Washington Dodd, staring +at Lillian’s crisp linen costume. + +“This isn’t green; it’s reseda,” said Lillian, scornfully; “and if I’d +known you’d like it, I wouldn’t have worn it.” + +When Dodd admired Lillian’s gown Miss Esther looked distinctly pleased, +but when that young lady spoke so rudely in reply her hopes fell again. +Dodd, however, realized that she was reminding him of his almost +forgotten rôle, and taking his cue, he replied, “I don’t like it. I said +I liked green.” + +“Huh!” said Lillian. + + * * * * * + +Crossways Inn is one of the few survivals of that class of hostelry that +had its beginnings in the eighteenth century. Around many of them +hamlets sprang up,—some grew into cities. In the stage-coach days they +were the resting places of the weary travelers. When the railroads came +the travelers rushed by in trains, and the inns were forgotten. + +No hamlet had sprung up about Crossways. Standing at the intersection of +two country roads it had held its own through a century and a half of +varying fortunes. There was little travel thereabouts, until the +automobiles came. Then, after a time, the drivers of the machines came +to understand that at Crossways there was to be had a dinner like +grandmother used to cook, and now scarcely a day went by without some +merry party from Richfield Springs, Farmington, or even Utica, making a +pilgrimage in the direction of the fried chicken and green corn in the +season. + +It was at a dinner of this sort that the Matrimonial Bureau entertained +its clients. If gayety be a proof of appreciation, then were the +clients, though unsuspecting of their claim to that title, deeply +appreciative. + +“This would be a fine place to establish a rest-cure,” said Lillian. “It +is the quietest place I ever saw.” + +“If you’ll establish one,” said George Washington Dodd, “I’ll be press +agent for you. I’ll engage to get you a lot of patients.” + +“I’ll do better than that,” said Lincoln; “I’ll be a patient.” + +“Good idea,” said Putnam; “you need a rest-cure.” + +“He does,” said his father; “he certainly needs to be cured of the +resting habit. It has become chronic with him.” + +“What will be your course of treatment?” asked Helen. + +“At first I shall only have the patients stop resting three times a +day,” said Lillian, consideringly. + +“For meals?” suggested Lincoln. + +“Yes; and then after that, oftener, until they can go without resting +for an hour at a time.” + +“A whole hour?” asked Jean. + +“Yes; and if they show signs of a relapse I shall make them work.” + +“Work!” exclaimed Lincoln; “then I withdraw my application.” + +“Oh,” said Lillian, “I don’t mean manual labor; I mean brain work.” + +“Oh, that would be the same to me as resting. My brain works +automatically without any exertion on my part.” + +“I’ve often thought so,” observed Putnam. + +“Yes,” said Lincoln; “it’s a great convenience. I just set it going and +then I go off and leave it.” + +“Where did you leave it to-night?” asked Jean, innocently. + +“I left it at home, working out a great problem. You see, Miss Esther +and I—” + +“This is good pie,” said Miss Esther, hurriedly. + +“It is,” said Lincoln. “As I was saying, Miss Esther and I are very much +worried—” + +“This is good pie,” said Miss Esther, glaring at him. + +“Yes, I said it was,” said Lincoln. “Miss Esther and I are trying very +hard—” + +“This is good pie,” remarked Miss Esther, determinedly. + +“That speech is getting to be a habit with you, Cousin Esther,” said +Putnam. “Why don’t you take something for it?” + +“Well,” said Lincoln’s father, “if you have quite finished that exciting +story about yourself and Miss Esther, I will tell you a little story. +Miss Hastings and I—” + +“This is good pie,” said Lillian, blushing furiously. + +“It seems to have gone to your head,” remarked Jean, looking at Lillian, +inquiringly. + +“Miss Hastings and I,” went on Dodd, “are engaged to be married.” + +To say that Miss Esther’s face beamed with delight, would be an +inadequate expression of the illumination that took place on her +countenance. She fairly radiated happiness and coruscated with joy. + +“One home, and two on bases,” cried Lincoln, exultantly; but no one +heard him in the tumult and the shouting consequent upon the +announcement. + +As is usual with the inspirers of great movements, Miss Esther was +entirely forgotten at the moment of final triumph. Oblivious to this, +however, she sat in silent rapture, gloating over her first and +irrevocable success. + +“Ah! King John,” she said, though not aloud, “at last Victory doth perch +upon one of my dancing banners; and as to the other two, I am Sir +Oracle, and when I ope my mouth, let no dog bark!” + + + + + XXI + + + A contract of true love to celebrate.—_The Tempest_, iv, 1. + +Whitfield’s observance of holidays was in the nature of a religious +rite. The patriotism of the Fourth of July, as shown in the firing of +the anvil in the early morning, the speeches in the grove, and the +reading of the Declaration of Independence, invariably by Dr. Bushnell, +was all that the Father of his Country could have desired. Christmas and +Thanksgiving had lost none of their original character. The flippant +might have observed the groaning of boards from one end of the town to +the other. May Day was a triumph of maidens crowned with wilted wild +flowers holding court in rickety bowers. Other days had their +importance; in fact any holiday which had any excuse for being was +seized upon and made much of by the Whitfield citizens. + +But above and beyond all others, in the hearts of the countrymen, was +Circus Day. For the days intervening between the posting of the bills +announcing its coming and the fateful day of its arrival, there were +fierce debates at the post-office and at the blacksmith shop concerning +the relative merits of the hippopotamus and the other animals. The +postmaster himself averred that the man-eating tiger and the +hippopotamus, whose wide-opened jaws showed glistening teeth of vast +size, were much more fearsome beasts than the Behemoth of Holy Writ, and +although this staggered the ultra-orthodox, yet were they fain to +believe it. + +The fact that the people of Whitfield had seen for many successive years +the same posters representing the same gaudily attired ladies whose +skirts were the soul of wit itself, poised on toe-tip upon the same +madly careering charger, in no way interfered with their interest in +them. + +This interest perennially expressed itself in long and deep arguments, +embracing various views which resolved themselves finally into a +generally commendatory condemnation. + +The laws of the Medes and Persians were laxly obeyed in comparison with +the unwritten but traditional law which demanded that every citizen take +his or her nearest child relative to see the show. Census reports, +however, showed the proportion of about one child to seventeen grown +people. But this rather aided than hindered the law-abiding citizens, +and uncles, aunts, and cousins cheerfully accompanied their particular +portion of the juvenile audience. + +The fact that there were no children in the Adams house in no wise +disconcerted Miss Esther and her guests. They appropriated Jack and +Chub, and days before the circus, had arranged to escort them. Jack +announced that he had already been invited to attend the function by Dr. +Bushnell, but this, of course, made no difference. Chub, being +unattached, graciously signified her willingness to attend. + +“I have theen the thircuth,” Chub announced. “It ith on the big, high +fenth. There are lionth and ’pottymutheth and a beauty horth with a +lovely lady on it—oh, a lovely lady, jutht like Couthin Helen.” + +“I noticed the picture,” said Brewster. “It is indeed just like Miss +Fairbanks.” + +“But that isn’t the real circus,” explained Helen. “Those are only the +pictures of what you are going to see when you get there.” + +“Oh,” said Chub; “and will you weally wide on the horth on your +tippy-toeth?” + +“If she doesn’t, somebody else will,” said Brewster. + +Another traditional law required that the country people for miles +around, as well as the villagers, should assemble at the railway station +to see the circus train come in. As its arrival was inconsiderately +timed at four in the morning, this necessitated early rising. But this +necessity was cheerfully met, the more so in that it made Circus Day +just that much longer. + +At the Adams house all the traditions were strictly observed. +Alarm-clocks were set for half-past three, and after a hasty cup of +coffee Lincoln hustled Miss Esther, his father, and Putnam into the +automobile, picked up Brewster and the three girls, and they reached the +station just in time for the first act of the day’s play. + +To the men of the party the sight was a novel one, and not +uninteresting. The sun was rising much as usual, although George +Washington Dodd remarked that he thought the sun was always up a few +feet in the morning. He was not given to getting up solely to see the +spectacle, and though he had a dim idea that there were such things as +sunrises, raved over by poets and such persons, he found the +picturesqueness of the real thing of a character to call forth approving +remarks from him. “Pretty good work for such a young sun,” he said, +looking at the long streaks of light that shot across the fields and +made a spectacular gathering of the otherwise commonplace crowd that +swarmed over the railroad tracks. Into this crowd the locomotive puffed +and snorted, and children shrieked with delight, while their +elders—though hardly less vociferous, were no less eager. Vehicles of +all descriptions lined the roadway. Luncheon baskets were in evidence in +the democrat wagons. There was a superfluity of whiskers of varying +shades of color and cut, and alpaca dresses, still showing the wrinkles +of long-time packing, gave evidence that the holiday spirit was rampant +in the hearts, even of the staid grandmothers and the mothers. + +“I’ll bet,” said Lincoln, “that every one of them is possessed of some +haircloth chairs, and is distinctly proud of a certain bunch of wax +fruit under a glass bell in the parlor.” + +The small boys stood about, ecstatically rubbing bare foot against bare +leg, and letting off sympathetic grunts of helpfulness as the men of the +circus train pushed and shoved and lifted the big wagons and other +paraphernalia off the cars. From one of the closed cages came the roar +of a lion. Little girls clutched their mothers’ hands in an agony of +fear and delight. These sounds were the foretaste of the joys to come. + +The people who had come from the surrounding country prepared to make a +full day of it camped under the trees in the grove near the circus +grounds. The men sat about and discussed the outlook for the crops, +while the women prepared a breakfast. The children stared, +wide-open-eyed, at the closed cages, from which from time to time there +issued strangely fascinating growlings of wild beasts. The circus men +laid out the ring and raised the tent, and the side-show men, being +quick in action, insistently proclaimed the presence of the bearded +lady, the educated pig, the living skeleton, and the strong man who +could shiver rocks with his fist. From the top of the big tent-pole a +wire was stretched, and from the dizzy height a wonderful woman, clad in +tightly fitting pink, slid boldly to the ground. This was in the nature +of a daring advertisement of the wonderful, magnificent, marvelous, +myriad of startling feats to be seen during the performance. + +“Well, I swan!” exclaimed an elderly man, with whiskers of an ancient +design; “I should think she’d of fell off’n that slim wire.” + +But the villagers, not being obliged to camp under the trees, returned +to their homes for breakfast. In celebration of Circus Day, and +incidentally because it might materially assist her plans, Miss Esther +had a house-party, and the clients of her Bureau made merry at the Adams +house breakfast. + +“We’ll see the morning parade,” said George Washington Dodd, “from the +front fence.” + +“I choose to sit on the gate-post,” said Jean. + +“You can have one gate-post,” said Mr. Dodd, “but I want the other +myself.” + +“One is enough,” said Jean. “I rarely use two at once.” + +“And then this afternoon we’ll take the children and Dr. Bushnell to the +performance, and this evening we’ll go by ourselves.” + +“And stay to the concert,” said Helen. + +“And then we’ll all walk home in the moonlight,” continued Dodd. “My +fiancée is very romantic.” + +“It must be very nice to have a romantic fiancée,” said Putnam. + +“You never will have,” said Jean. “No romantic girl could possibly +accept you.” + +“This is good pie,” said Lincoln, gazing off into space. + +“Do they have nice circuses in Europe?” asked Lillian. + +“Yes,” replied Dodd, instructively; “they have a very large one in Rome, +and Paris is a good deal of a circus all by itself, as you shall see.” + +“Yes,” said Lillian, happily; “I’m so glad I’m going. I’ve always loved +a circus, and if Paris is anything like it, I know I shall like that +city.” + +“People always take their little boys to the circus,” said Lincoln, +plaintively, “and I think you might take me—Ma-ma!” + +“All right, son, you shall go if you want to—the next time we go,” +replied Lillian, kindly. + +“Oh, that’s what I meant,” said Lincoln. “Of course I’d be a bother this +time.” + +“Indeed you would,” said his father. “We’re going for pleasure.” + +“When do you sail?” asked Brewster. + +“I’ve tickets for the fifteenth,” said Dodd. + +“So soon?” said Brewster, in surprise. + +“Yes; isn’t it lovely,” said Lillian. “I always did like to get married +in a hurry.” + +“I don’t care how soon you get married,” said Jean, “so long as you wait +till after this year’s Circus Day, and come home before the next one.” + +“Next Circus Day you may be away on your own wedding trip,” said Miss +Esther. + +“No,” said Jean; “I’d never marry anybody who would take me away from +Whitfield on Circus Day.” + +“January would be a safe month,” said Putnam, musingly. + +Jean’s only reply to this sally was a glance which was meant to be +withering, but somehow it turned into a vivid blush. + +“Do you know the address of a good flagmaker in the city, Governor?” +said Lincoln. “I want to telegraph an order for some banners.” + +“Do!” said Miss Esther. + + + + + XXII + + + Was ever woman in this humour woo’d?—_Richard III_, i, 2. + +Although the afternoon performance was scheduled for three o’clock, Jack +and Chub, anxious to be in time, arrived at the Adams house while Miss +Esther and her guests were still at breakfast. + +“We’re all weddy,” announced Chub, consciously patting down her starched +white ruffles, and turning her back to give a better view of her pink +sash bows. + +Jack, no less conscious of his new sailor suit, but striving manfully +not to call undue attention to it, remarked, casually, “I s’pose we’re a +little early, but we’ll wait till you’re ready to go.” + +“How fortunate,” said Lincoln; “then you’ll be here to help us watch the +morning parade go by.” + +“Yeth,” said Chub; “we’re going to thit on the gate-potht, and you can +hold uth on.” + +“Huh,” said Jack; “I don’t need to be held on. I wasn’t last year, and I +didn’t fall off but once, and that was when the elephant hollered.” + +“I will be held on,” said Chub, “by Uncle Linkum.” + +“You’ll have to sit backward, Chub, so the folks in the parade can see +that big sash of yours.” + +Chub said nothing, but after a few moments’ deep thought began tugging +at her pink sash so effectively that she finally landed the big bow +exactly in front. + +“There!” she said, with a satisfied sigh. + +By eleven o’clock the children were on their respective gate-posts, Miss +Esther and Dr. Bushnell occupying large arm-chairs in the gateway +between them. The rest of the party were ranged along the fence on +either side like birds on a telegraph wire. + +Rocking amiably, his finger tips together in an attitude of judicial +consideration, Dr. Bushnell filled the hour of waiting with pleasant +discourse. Whitfield always expected to wait an hour after the scheduled +time for the arrival of the circus parade, and in this it was never +disappointed. + +“It has gratified me to note,” the Doctor said, “that the proprietors of +this exhibition have among their collected animals a fine specimen of +the wombat.” + +“Whath a wombat?” asked Chub. + +“A wombat,” went on Dr. Bushnell, with the air of imparting information +to a large audience,—“a wombat is simply a _Phascolomys ursinus_. It is +fond of hay—” + +“We’ll take some hay along for the wombat,” said Lincoln, kindly. + +“—which he bites into short pieces with his knife-edged teeth. As the +poet has it, + + Let dogs delight to bark and bite, + For ’tis—for ’tis—” + +“Their nature to,” put in Miss Esther, involuntarily. + +“True,” continued Dr. Bushnell; “and it is the wombat’s nature to +excavate the earth until it forms a deep tunnel. The wombat is by no +means an active animal, but trudges along with a heavy, rolling waddle, +like the gait of a very fat bear.” + +“I have always admired the gait of a very fat bear,” said Brewster, +dispassionately. “There is something peculiarly attractive and +exceedingly graceful about it.” + +Dr. Bushnell was a trifle ruffled by this slighting allusion to his +favored animal, and went on with some asperity. + +“A wombat, my dear sir, is far from being an ungraceful animal. I take +it you have never seen one on its native heath. Indeed, a perfect +wombat, a perfect wombat—” + +“Nobly planned,” said Miss Esther, helpfully. + +At this Lincoln Dodd fell off the fence. + +“Ho!” said Chub; “Uncle Linkum wath going to hold me on, and now he’th +felled off himthelf!” + +Except that Lincoln was nearly choked to death by Chub in her exuberance +over the little white ponies, the parade passed without accident. Dr. +Bushnell gazed eagerly at the open cages, and disappointedly at the +closed ones, hoping to see the promised wombat. He philosophically met +his failure to find it by an unshaken confidence in its appearance at +the show proper. + + * * * * * + +At the afternoon performance Lincoln took especial charge of Chub. This +proved to be a more arduous undertaking than he had anticipated. Twice +he pulled her out from under the seats, and once he rescued her from +apparent instant death at the feet of the elephant. He was also obliged +to temper generosity with wisdom in the matter of pink lemonade and +peanuts. + +Miss Esther had started under the mistaken impression that she was +taking charge of Jack, but he soon made it evident that his +understanding of the case was that she was in his charge. He grandly +offered her prize packages of gum. He bought for her a complete +programme of the whole show, and carefully scrutinized the numbers on +their tickets and seats to make sure that they corresponded. + +Miss Esther herself was enjoying the afternoon. Aside from the +entertainment provided by the circus troupe, she was delightedly +entertained by the performances of her own immediate circle. Lillian and +Mr. Dodd were a most exemplary engaged couple. Jean and Putnam, if not +announced allies, were at least preserving an armed truce. As for Helen +and Brewster, the more she saw them together, the more she thought that +they were born for each other, and she felt confident that soon they +would realize this for themselves. In consequence of this, it seemed to +Miss Esther that the last cloud was dissipated and that the intents of +her Matrimonial Bureau were practically the same as fulfilled. + +To the exclusion of the startlingly incredible feats in the ring, Miss +Esther’s thoughts were entirely concentrated on the pleasant outcome of +her plans. It was with an expression of blank surprise, and a half +conscious realization of impending disaster, that she looked up suddenly +and saw Julia Fowler coming toward her along the aisle. Her first +impulse was to stay the invader’s advance at any cost. Involuntarily, +she half rose from her seat and glared at the intruder. Her unwelcoming +expression was entirely lost on Miss Fowler, who rushed up to her and +shook her warmly by both hands. + +“I’m so glad to see you again!” she cried. + +“How do you do?” said Miss Esther, perfunctorily, and with a frigidity +of manner that would have repelled a less volatile personage than Julia +Fowler. + +“Isn’t the circus perfectly lovely!” she exclaimed. “I’m enjoying it so +much, and when I saw your party I flew right over here, and Lieutenant +Adams has asked me to go home to dinner with you all, and come back to +the show to-night—and may I go?” + +However much she may have wanted to, Miss Esther’s ideas of hospitality +would not allow her to say no. “Certainly,” she said; and if the +invitation was not noticeably heartfelt, Julia seemed to overlook any +lack of enthusiasm. Of course, Miss Esther still realized, and more +emphatically than ever as she looked at Julia, the dangers involved. Mr. +Dodd was out of the running. Lincoln’s heart interests were not her +affair; but Putnam was decidedly susceptible, and her ideas of +Brewster’s intentions toward Helen were as yet so unauthorized that she +was by no means certain that they might not be easily swerved. Still, +the mischief was done; the blow had fallen, and as a consequence, the +Adams pluck rose triumphant. + +But Miss Esther had crossed her bridge before she came to it. At dinner +that night Julia was a decided acquisition, and charmed everybody. But +the two men for whom Miss Esther had feared the most were not unduly +interested in the fair visitor. Indeed, the only one who surrendered at +sight was Lincoln Dodd. This state of mind, however, on Lincoln’s part +was not necessarily a permanence, as Miss Esther well knew. Putnam, of +course, showed the courteous deference and gentle consideration which +all women received from him, but there was no apparent undercurrent of +personal interest; Brewster maintained his usual attitude of polite +indifference, which, however, had in it no lack of civility, but neither +did it show any trace of a special attraction. + +Although Whitfield went to the afternoon performance ostensibly for the +benefit of its juvenile element, in the evening it attended the show +frankly and openly for its own amusement. Following this precedent the +Adams house-party at eight o’clock again bundled into the automobile and +started for the tent. The men vowed that it was the hardest day’s work +they had ever done in their lives, but the girls took the day as a +matter of course, and would not hear of omitting any part of the +regulation programme. + +Miss Esther’s complacency was restored by the turn affairs had taken, +and her mind was relieved regarding Julia’s invasion. Therefore, she +started off in the same high spirits that had marked the early +afternoon. + +The circus managers, desirous of saving every possible scrap of time, +had facilitated the midnight moving of their paraphernalia by taking the +roof off the tent before the beginning of the evening performance. After +sunset, and if the weather permitted, they always did this. The plan was +acceptable to the audience, and the general effect of the crowded tent, +open to the starry heavens, appealed especially to Brewster as a +picturesquely humorous situation. Desirous of seeing it all from the +best possible viewpoint, he asked Helen to sit with him in the top row +of seats. The rest preferred seats nearer the ground, Lincoln devoting +himself to Julia, and Miss Esther, supremely satisfied, listening +willingly to Dr. Bushnell’s oratorical periods. + +“What a curious picture,” said Helen, as she took her seat. + +“Yes,” replied Brewster; “I never saw anything just like it before.” + +“I have seen this every year,” said Helen, “but it always impresses me +anew. The incongruity of the tawdry, noisy glitter of the scene below, +compared to the calm beauty of the stars above, is—” + +“Is, perhaps, the ultimate contrast?” + +“Yes, that is exactly what I mean. Why is it, I wonder, that I can’t +express myself as I want to? You always seem to know just what word to +use.” + +“Perhaps I know more words than you do.” + +“No, I know words enough, but I never can command them at the time I +want them, though they often come to me when it is too late to use +them.” + +“Like Thackeray’s cab wit,” suggested Brewster. + +“Yes, I can quite picture him, disconsolate in his cab, saying to +himself the bright things which he ought to have said an hour before. I +have done the same thing.” + +“You should have a preceptor, one who could teach you to say the right +thing at the right time.” + +“It would have to be one who would not only understand my moods, but be +in thorough sympathy with them; some one of—” + +“Quick perception,” said Brewster. + +“Yes; and gentle—” + +“Instincts.” + +“Yes; and a way of teaching that would not make me self-conscious or +embarrassed.” + +“That goes without saying if the teacher be of a true perception and +sympathy.” + +“_It might as well be you!_” sang a sextette of clowns through six +megaphones in the ring. + +“So it might,” said Brewster; “in fact it might much better be me than +anybody else. I think I will begin now.” + +“I wish you would,” said Helen; “I do, honestly, but I’m afraid you will +find it a hopeless task. There are so many things that you know so much +more about than I do—” + +“_There are a few_,” came bellowing up from the megaphone sextette. + +“The megaphone men seem inclined to help out,” said Brewster. + +“Yes, and I am grateful to any one who will help me.” + +“May I try, Helen, though gratitude is not the return I ask?” + +“_I may love you too well to let you go_,” vociferated the insistent +megaphones. + +Helen looked at Brewster. “The megaphone men _are_ helping,” she said. + +“Would you have said that if you had thought of it in time?” he asked. + +“Yes,” said Helen. + + + + + XXIII + + + And certainly a woman’s thought runs before her actions.—_As + You Like It_, iv, 1. + +“Where’s Putnam?” asked Miss Esther, coming out on the East porch the +next morning. + +“Don’t know,” said Lincoln. “I haven’t seen him since breakfast.” + +Chub, seated on a low stool directly in front of Lincoln, regarding him +with worshiping eyes, volunteered the information that she “thaw him +picking a lot of wotheth,” and that he had afterward gone out of the +gate and walked rapidly up the street. + +“Ah,” said Miss Esther, with a satisfied smile, “I suppose he has gone +over to Jean’s.” + +“I thuppothe tho,” Chub acquiesced. + +But when, a little later, Jean came over to the Adams house, Miss Esther +looked at her aghast. “Where’s Putnam?” she said, sternly. + +“That’s what I want to know,” said Jean. “He asked me to play tennis +with him this morning.” + +“Why, I don’t see where he can be,” said Miss Esther; “but he’ll +probably be back in a few minutes. Chub said he went up the road—” + +“Oh, _up_ the road,” said Jean. + +Jean sat down by Chub. “I did want to play tennis this morning,” she +said. “I think somebody else might take Lieutenant Adams’s place.” + +“If that very obscure hint is aimed at all in my direction,” said +Lincoln, “I refuse to act upon it. When I play tennis I must have a +foeman worthy of my skill. Why don’t you ask Chub to play with you?” + +Chub, taking this as an invitation, rose and began a search for Putnam’s +racket. “I will play with Couthin Jean,” she said, kindly, “becauthe bad +old Uncle Putnam hath ranned away, and ithn’t never coming back to play +with you.” + +Although Miss Esther was used to Chub’s romancing, this oracular +utterance gave her a sudden but unmistakable shock. “Don’t mind what the +baby says,” she said. + +“Couthin Jean doethn’t care if Couthin Putnam doethn’t never come back,” +insisted Chub. + +“Oh, yes, she does, Chub,” said Lincoln; “we all love Cousin Putnam.” + +“Yeth,” said Chub, who always agreed with Lincoln; “we all love Couthin +Putnam.” + +“Do you?” asked Miss Esther, looking pointedly at Jean. + +“Yes, I love him a lot. I began worshiping at his shrine the very day he +arrived. He seems to compel that sort of thing.” + +“He’s an all-round good fellow,” said Lincoln. + +“He is, indeed,” said Miss Esther, earnestly. “I don’t know what I shall +do without him. He says he can’t stay more than a fortnight longer. I +wonder where he is now? I thought he was over at your house.” + +“I know where he ith,” said Chub, with the air of one who is possessed +of a state secret. + +“Where?” + +“I don’t think Uncle Putnam wanth me to tell.” + +“Well, don’t tell if it’s a secret,” said Lincoln. + +“It ith a thecret,” said Chub, “and I won’t tell, becauthe he don’t want +anybody to know he wath going to Farmington.” + +“What did he go to Farmington for?” asked Miss Esther. + +“I don’t know, but I gueth he wath going to thell wotheth.” + +“There ought to be a good market for roses in Farmington,” said Lincoln, +reflectively. + +“Well,” exclaimed Miss Esther; “if Putnam is carting roses over to Julia +Fowler—” + +“Oh, maybe she likes roses,” remarked Jean, casually. + +“Oh,” said Miss Esther, softening a little; “if you say it’s all right, +I suppose it is.” + +“Of course it’s all right,” said Lincoln. “Whatever Putnam does is +right.” + +“What an enviable reputation,” said Helen, appearing suddenly in the +doorway. “I wish people would say that whatever I did was always right.” + +“But, my dear girl,” said Miss Esther, “you couldn’t expect to be looked +up to as such a paragon of all the virtues as my cousin is. Of course, +though, you’re always right—as far as you go.” + +“I’ve gone pretty far this time,” said Helen. + +“I thought as much,” said Jean. “When did it happen?” + +“Last night—at the circus,” replied Helen, serenely. + +“Good for you!” said Lincoln. + +“What did Couthin Helen do at the thircuth?” asked Chub, with interest. + +“She went and engaged herself to Mr. Brewster,” said Jean. + +“What!” exclaimed Miss Esther. “Winthrop Brewster!” + +“He’s the only Mr. Brewster I know,” said Helen, apologetically. + +“He’s all right,” said Lincoln. “He’s the best Brewster going. I think +it’s great.” + +Jean said nothing, but flew at Helen and bestowed upon her a few dozen +of that particular variety of kisses which are supposed to mean a +congratulatory acknowledgment of tidings such as these, and taking +possession of her, marched her down the steps and across the lawn. + +“As President of the Matrimonial Bureau,” said Lincoln, +enthusiastically, “you are certainly making a screaming success of +yourself.” + +“Yes,” said Miss Esther, still looking a little bewildered, “but I am so +surprised.” + +“Why, you planned it yourself.” + +“Yes, I know, but I thought my plans had all fallen through. Helen was +so haughty and Mr. Brewster was so reserved. I wasn’t half so surprised +when Lillian announced her engagement. I wish Helen would come back. I +want to ask her more about it.” + +“Oh, she’s engaged all right—just as much as Lillian. Now that makes +two, and you only have Jean left on your books.” + +“Yes,” said Miss Esther, complacently. “And she’s all right, too, for +I’m just as sure Putnam means to marry her as if he had said so. +Sometimes I think she’s engaged now.” + +“Perhaps she is,” said Lincoln. + +When Helen and Jean reached the gate they turned naturally in the +direction of Lillian’s house. They found her on the veranda, but when +she saw the excited visitors she jumped to the conclusion that the +exigencies of the occasion could only be met in the studio. + +“Come on up,” she cried; “what is the matter?” + +“Ask Helen,” said Jean. + +“Well, you see,” began Helen, “you said that Miss Esther said that she +thought I ought to marry Mr. Brewster, and so—” + +“And so she feels that she must,” interrupted Jean. + +“How perfectly lovely,” cried Lillian; “I am so glad.” + +“On the principle that misery loves company?” suggested Jean. + +“Yes—on that principle, of course; but I don’t believe we call it +misery, do we, Helen?” + +“Not yet,” said Helen. + +“May I come in?” said a voice from the doorway; and without waiting for +a reply Miss Esther walked in. “I couldn’t wait another minute,” said +she; “I just had to see Helen and hear more about this affair.” + +“Helen says it’s all your doing, anyway,” said Lillian. + +“Well, I didn’t say exactly that,” replied Helen. + +“Well, what did you say, then?” demanded Lillian. + +“Why, I don’t know that I said anything.” + +“Then it’s time you began,” said Jean; “and you’ve got to tell us every +single thing about it right straight away.” + +“It was just this way,” said Helen; “Mr. Brewster said if I wanted to +marry him I could, and I said I did, and that was all there was about +it.” + +“What a kind man he is,” remarked Lillian, reflectively. + +“Did he tell you anything about his castle?” asked Jean. + +“Yes, he described it at length. It has the most modern and approved +automatic drawbridges and an electric moat—” + +“Is that anything like an electric motor?” asked Jean. + +“Same thing,” replied Helen; “and it has a portcullis and scullions and +castellated turrets and—” + +“And a Prince?” said Lillian. + +“Yes; a very beautiful Prince, too.” + +“Yes, Helen, he is,” said Miss Esther, “and I am very much pleased. He +seems to come pretty near realizing the ideals which you were discussing +last spring.” + +“Yes,” said Helen, disdainfully; “Winthrop goes far beyond any ideals I +had then.” + +“Well,” exclaimed Jean, “for a driveling idiot, give me a girl who has +been engaged something less than twenty-four hours!” + +“I think so, too,” agreed Lillian; “I’ve been engaged most a week, and +I’m as sensible as a judge.” + +“I wonder how I’d act if I were engaged,” said Jean, reflectively. + +“Aren’t you?” said Miss Esther. + +“When I am,” said Jean, “you shall be the first to know of it.” + +“Of course I shall,” said Miss Esther; “I made Putnam promise that he’d +tell me the very first one.” + +“Well, you keep right on asking him every day,” said Jean, “and perhaps +you’ll find out.” + +“Just to think,” said Miss Esther, “only last spring we were discussing +the futures of you three girls, and now you are all practically settled. +Helen has her ideal Prince, Lillian has her fairy godfather, and Jean—” + +“Jean isn’t engaged yet,” said Lillian. + +“When I see how it affects you two girls,” said Jean, “I am not sure +that I want to be.” + +“Sour grapes,” said Helen. + +“Nothing of the sort,” said Miss Esther. “Jean can be engaged any minute +she wants to.” + +“Well, I wish she’d hurry up, then,” said Lillian. “It makes me +embarrassed to have her left out.” + +“Could you give me till to-morrow?” asked Jean, meekly. + + + + + XXIV + + + I am in haste; go along with me: I’ll tell you all.—_Merry + Wives of Windsor_, v, 1. + +Miss Esther was more than delighted when Putnam came to her in the +library that evening and said that he had something to tell her. + +“Perhaps I can guess what it is,” she said. + +“You’re pretty clever if you can,” he replied, “for I didn’t know it +myself until to-day.” + +“No,” said Miss Esther, smiling; “you didn’t know it yourself until +eleven o’clock this morning.” + +“No, I didn’t,” said Putnam, honestly. “In fact it came over me rather +suddenly, and I thought you’d like it if I told you first.” + +“Are you really engaged?” asked Miss Esther. + +“Oh, no; I haven’t spoken to her yet about anything like that.” + +“Well, why don’t you?” said Miss Esther, with a slight show of +impatience. + +“I don’t know how she’d take it,” said Putnam, with the first indication +of diffidence that Miss Esther had ever seen in her cousin. + +“There’s only one way to find out.” + +“Oh, of course, I shall ask her sometime, but not yet.” + +“Well, don’t wait too long. I am very glad you have told me this. I +think you and she were made for each other.” + +“So do I. I never before believed in love at first sight, but it +certainly is what has happened to me. She is the most beautiful girl I +ever saw.” + +“Perhaps not beautiful,” said Miss Esther, “but she is certainly very +pretty.” + +“More than pretty. I think she is a raving beauty.” + +“You’re probably prejudiced,” said Miss Esther, comprehendingly, “but +I’m glad you do admire her so much. She is a good-hearted little thing +with all her whimsical temper; but I feared you might think her perhaps +too countrified and unsophisticated.” + +“Well!” exclaimed Putnam, “I never should call Julia Fowler +unsophisticated. To my mind she stands for everything that represents +the best and highest type of a cultured woman of the world. That kind of +a woman, Cousin Esther, is the kind that appeals most strongly to me. It +is the type I like best and Miss Fowler is the perfection of that type, +just as little Jean Richards is the perfection of the peach-blossom +type, or Chub is the perfection of winsome babyhood, and it’s a great +thing to meet at last the highest possible expression of the type one +most desires. I have a great deal of the Adams clannishness in me, and I +am glad you so thoroughly approve my choice.” + +“Putnam,” said Miss Esther, looking at her cousin desperately, “go to +bed!” + +Left to herself, Miss Esther faced the situation. Her worst fears were +verified. The invasion of Julia had proved as disastrous as she had +anticipated. Not only were her own plans defeated, but she realized the +appalling wrong she had done to Jean by assisting to bring about a state +of affairs that now she knew must inevitably break the child’s heart. + +“It seems,” she thought, “that this glorious summer of mine is like to +be turned into a winter of discontent. Not that I care so much for +myself: the Matrimonial Bureau is not yet at the end of its rope. I +could, of course, find another Prince for Jean, but the trouble is, I’m +sure she has set her heart on Putnam, notwithstanding her apparent +antagonism, and after what she said this morning I feel sure I am right. +I think she expected him to tell her so to-night, and now—well, I will +do what I can. Patience, and shuffle the cards—perhaps there’ll be a +way out of it yet. But I can’t see a ray of hope for my poor little +Jean.” + + * * * * * + +But if Miss Esther had seen her poor little Jean at that moment she +would have been obliged to confess that at least one ray of hope was +illuminating her darksome horizon. + +As a matter of fact she was spinning along with Lincoln Dodd in his +automobile, quite as contented as though there were no Putnam Adams in +existence. + +“You see,” Dodd was saying, “I would have gone, but I had reasons for +not wanting to go.” + +“I don’t see,” insisted Jean, “what reasons you could possibly have for +not wanting to go on a lovely yachting trip like that—way up the coast +to Labrador—to be gone for weeks, and with such a lovely party—they +are lovely, aren’t they?” + +“Yes; the people are nice enough,” said Lincoln. + +“And a crew all in white duck, with beautiful gilt buttons—aren’t +they?” + +“Yes; the crew is good enough.” + +“And beautiful ladies, in gorgeous clothes, sitting around in wicker +arm-chairs on the deck! Aren’t they?” + +“Oh, yes; the women’s gowns are good enough.” + +“And then, whenever they stop anywhere, there would be gala nights, with +flowers and music, and dances on deck and Japanese lanterns and flags +flying and banners waving! Oh, I think it would be heavenly! I wish I +could go!” + +“Come on, and go—with me!” + +“Oh,” cried Jean, “I wish I could! But I’m not invited.” + +“My wife is invited wherever I am.” + +“I didn’t know you had a wife,” said Jean, with an air of polite +interest. + +“I haven’t,” said Dodd, “but I will have in about twenty minutes.” + +Lincoln turned the wheel and the huge machine swung around with reckless +speed. + +“Where are you going to get her?” asked Jean. + +“Now, listen,” said Lincoln, as they flew along the road, “and think +fast. If we go on this yachting party,—you and I,—we’ve got to catch +that twelve forty-five train from Utica.” + +“What!” gasped Jean. + +“It will take us about twenty minutes to get to Dr. Bushnell’s; about +twenty more to get married. That leaves us two hours to get over to the +Utica station, and I guess this old machine will do it.” + +“You’re talking nonsense,” said Jean. + +“Yes, I know,” said Lincoln, cheerfully; “but never mind that now. I +told you you had to think fast. Now you’ve got all the way from here to +Dr. Bushnell’s parsonage to make up your mind, and if you don’t want to +go on, say the word and I’ll turn around.” + +As they stopped at Dr. Bushnell’s gate, Jean said, “I think we’d better +turn around.” + +“Too late now,” said Lincoln, lifting her out. + +“I thought it would be,” said Jean, softly. + +In response to Lincoln’s imperative ring at the doorbell, Dr. Bushnell +appeared and looked with surprise at his two late visitors. + +“Come in,” he said, blandly; “come in.” + +“Thank you, we will,” said Lincoln. + +Mrs. Bushnell rose to greet the pair as they entered the pastor’s study. +She was Jean’s aunt, and as Jean’s mother had been dead for many years, +Mrs. Bushnell had always exercised more or less authority over her +willful, high-spirited niece. Mr. Richards, Jean’s father, was away in a +distant Western city on a business trip, and so Mrs. Bushnell considered +Jean her special property for the time being. + +“You must excuse us if we seem rather hurried,” said Lincoln, with a +more business-like air than he often showed. “We are sailing to-morrow +morning, and we must catch the twelve forty-five train out of Utica. We +want you to marry us, and you’ve got just twenty minutes to do it in.” + +“Is that time enough?” asked Jean, anxiously. + +“My dear young friends,” began Dr. Bushnell, “you must realize the grave +importance of the step you propose to take. The responsibilities of—” + +“What are you two children talking about?” broke in Mrs. Bushnell. + +“Never mind what we are talking about,” said Lincoln, hurriedly. “We’ll +tell you some other time—we’ll write to you—but now we want you to +marry us—” + +“But,” said Mrs. Bushnell, “have you thought this thing all over?” + +“Indeed I have,” said Jean; “I had twenty minutes, and I thought fast. +You see, it’s this way, Aunt Serena; I’m going to marry Lincoln, anyway, +and if I marry him to-night and catch that twelve forty-five train, we +can go on the most beautiful yachting trip you ever heard of. Way up to +Labrador, and the ladies have the most beautiful clothes, and Japanese +lanterns and flowers—and everything.” + +“But, Jean—” began her aunt. + +“Yes, I know, Aunt Serena, but we’ve only got twenty minutes, you +know—and, Auntie, the yacht is the loveliest thing—it’s all white and +brass and shining—” + +“Ah, yes,” said Dr. Bushnell, “as the poet so effectively puts it, ‘A +painted ship—a painted ship’—” + +“Now hold on, Dr. Bushnell,” said Lincoln; “as I told you, we’ve only +got twenty minutes—five are gone already. As Jean says, she’s going to +marry me, anyway; so you may as well let us go on that yachting trip and +send us off with your blessing.” + +“You’re the only one that can do it, Uncle Isaiah,” said Jean; “and +please do, ’cause I would love that trip!” + +“But, Jean,” said Mrs. Bushnell, “does Miss Esther know about this?” + +“No, and that makes me downright sorry; but I can’t help it, Aunt +Serena. You tell her to-morrow, won’t you? and I’ll write to her. But we +must catch that twelve forty-five train.” + +“So you must,” said Dr. Bushnell, rising to the occasion, “so you must. +Serena, my dear, if you will call the parlor maid—her name has for the +moment escaped me, but you will doubtless remember it—if you will call +her for a second witness we will proceed with the ceremony.” + +“Her name is Martha,” said Mrs. Bushnell, still hesitating. + +“Call Martha,” said Lincoln, decisively. + +“Are you sure,” began Mrs. Bushnell, “that—” + +“Call Martha,” said Jean. + + + + + XXV + + + Those men are happy; and so are all are near her.—_Henry_ VIII, + iv, 1. + +After she had dismissed Putnam, Miss Esther sat disconsolately in her +library, worrying over the imminent breaking of Jean’s heart. She was +fully convinced that Jean’s interest in Putnam was very real, and she +feared the effect on her emotional nature when she should discover +Putnam’s attitude toward Julia Fowler. + +Possibly Miss Esther had taken too much for granted. Neither Jean +herself nor Putnam had told her definitely of any intention that either +had in relation to the future happiness or unhappiness of the other. But +still, Miss Esther had observed the drifting of the straws, and being +used to the drawing of conclusions from seemingly unimportant premises, +she had decided in her own mind at least, that there was only one +conclusion to be drawn. This was one which pleased her very much. + +On the whole, Miss Esther, up to this time, had thought that the plans +which had been so whimsically made in the beginning had been brought to +a conclusion that was not only quite to her liking, but which was +entirely fitting from every point of view. + +And now, just as she had dreamed that beside being the architect of the +fortunes of her beloved girls, she had helped, too, in the detailed +drawings of the plans for Putnam’s future, he had come in with the +startling announcement that the design was not at all satisfactory, and +that he had decided upon using some home-made affair that she knew was +not drawn to a proper scale. + +Somehow, though, even in spite of the fact that one of her pet plans had +apparently failed, Miss Esther believed that she should win. Nor was it +in a sense of winning that she thought of it. Rather, she believed that +now that two of her protégées had found what she chose to call their +Fates, the other one of the three should, sometime, come to a place +where there should be the proverbial happy ending of the chapter. How it +was all to come about she did not know. Her faith was secure in the fact +that she knew what she knew. She had said long ago that the Adams pluck +would ultimately win, and while the mere planning of the summer had been +begun in the same spirit of romantic whimsicality which made her as a +child play with the people of her dreams—on the stairs, on the lawns, +and through the severe old halls of the Adams house—and which later had +made her make these same heroes and heroines of her dreams her playmates +through a life that would have been otherwise very lonely—“Ah,” she +said, “some dreams come true; and after all, the jesting word is not so +often false but that it may be true.” + +Perhaps Miss Esther did not realize that the whole summer had been a +living of the dream which, though built of the flimsiest of fabrics in +the beginning, had proved, at the last, to be constructed of very solid +materials. + +Begun, as it was, it seemed that the summer, after all, had shaped +itself with a sort of seriousness of which Miss Esther had not dreamed. +She cared too much for the girls to play with them—and particularly she +would not have played a game that would bring to them anything but the +most perfect happiness. In planning it all, she had believed that it was +rather a bit of a game—such as she played with her characters in the +plays in the old volumes in her library—hers and her father’s—and +before that the father’s father’s—and even his father before him—they +had all lived and dreamed among the books which had been to Esther Adams +an inspiration and a delight which had lasted through the years of her +life. + +That these dreams, in some subtle fashion, had really carried out the +mental suggestion of a mere advertisement in a Sunday newspaper, brought +to her notice in a way that was little short of providential—all this +entered not at all into the calculations of the woman who now faced a +condition which was far from being merely theoretical. + +So far as two of her girls were concerned, she was satisfied. Not that +she—in thinking it all over—would admit to herself that she had +deliberately brought Helen and Brewster together, or that she had thrown +Lillian in the face of George Washington Dodd—far from it. That she was +satisfied, there could be no doubt. But, as she put it to herself, “It +was fortunate that Mr. Brewster came to visit Dr. Bushnell, and it was +fortunate that Mr. Dodd came to visit his son.” + +Still—and this is the perversity of reasoning—she felt that Putnam’s +failure to carry out a cherished plan of her own was something for which +she was directly responsible—not alone because of the fact that she +felt that he would fail to do as she wished—and she disliked +antagonism, like all the Adamses—but she felt, too, that somehow she +was responsible to Jean in having brought her to the place where she +might by any chance fall in love with a man who was fickle enough to be +drawn away by the first pretty face that rose above the horizon. + +There was in it all something which was altogether too like the +suggestion of failure to appeal to Miss Esther. A battle fairly +fought—won or lost—it didn’t matter, so long as it was in the open: +this was her delight. But to make an attempt, under cover, with however +good intentions, and then fail—that was a sting, and one which made her +feel that it would have been better never to have tried. Logic entered +into the discussion not at all. She would not admit that she had tried +to accomplish anything. And yet, behind it all, there was the haunting +shadow of a failure. + +She was as much annoyed as surprised when at that late hour Dr. Bushnell +called upon her. + +“How do you do,” she said, with a perfunctory politeness. “What is the +charity this time?” + +“Ah, Miss Esther, you will have your little joke,” said her visitor, +blandly, “but it is not a charity this time. I come upon a far different +errand. I bring news that will surprise you—ay, that will surprise you +greatly. I come as winged messenger—as winged messenger—the quotation +has escaped me.” + +“But what is your important news?” + +“It is indeed important news. Mr. Dodd—Mr. Lincoln Dodd—” + +“Has anything happened to Lincoln?” broke in Miss Esther. + +“I do not know that ‘happened’ is the term which I should use, but +certainly something has occurred. Something has occurred to Mr. Lincoln +Dodd. But a half hour since, I married Mr. Lincoln Dodd to my niece, +Miss Jean Richards.” + +“What!” exclaimed Miss Esther, excitedly. “What! Jean married!” + +“Yes,” continued Dr. Bushnell, calmly, “they are married. My wife and I +were very much surprised, as you are; but Jean is impulsive, you know, +and Mr. Dodd said that it was absolutely necessary for them to catch the +twelve forty-five train from Utica—” + +“From Utica,” gasped Miss Esther; “have they gone?” + +“Yes, they have gone, and Mr. Dodd begged me to offer you his deepest +apologies for seeming to leave you thus suddenly. But he said he would +write.” + +“Write!” exclaimed Miss Esther; “I should think he’d better! I never +heard of such a performance. Jean! Lincoln!” + +Whistling blithely, George Washington Dodd came through the hall. + +“_Will_ you come in here!” called out Miss Esther. “What _do_ you +think!” + +“What has happened,” inquired Mr. Dodd, as he came smilingly into the +library. + +“Tell him, Dr. Bushnell,” said Miss Esther. + +“Prepare yourself, my dear sir,” began Dr. Bushnell, “for a great +surprise. As I was seated in my study this evening—” + +“Lincoln took Jean over there and married her,” broke in Miss Esther. + +“Exactly so,” agreed Dr. Bushnell; “exactly so.” + +“Lincoln!” said Mr. Dodd, bewilderedly, “and Jean! Are you sure you mean +Lincoln?” + +“Yes,” said Dr. Bushnell; “he came in his automobile. I am sure it was +Mr. Lincoln Dodd.” + +“Yes,” said Mr. Dodd, reflectively; “it must have been he. On the whole, +I am rather pleased than otherwise.” + +“Pleased!” cried Miss Esther, “pleased! It’s glorious. It’s perfectly +magnificent.” + +“I am glad you feel that way, Miss Esther,” said Dr. Bushnell, +cheerfully. “As Shakespeare—as Shakespeare says—” + +“As Shakespeare says,” said Miss Esther, interrupting him, “‘O, rejoice +beyond a common joy! and set it down with gold on lasting pillars.’” + + * * * * * + +Lincoln’s promised letter came. Miss Esther read it in the library. A +part of it ran thus: + +“Although my most abject apologies are due for running away as I did, +with apparent ingratitude for your hospitality, I maintain that the +exigencies of the plans of the Matrimonial Bureau demanded quick action. +As Chairman of the Executive Committee and President of the Advisory +Board, I felt the responsibilities of my position, and I trust you will +approve and ratify my action in the matter. + +“Your orders, when I enlisted in your service, I have carried out in +spirit if not in letter. You may remember that the first duty you +required of me was to marry one of your clients. This I have done, and +being thus disqualified for further assistance in your noble work, I am +forced regretfully to offer you my resignation. + +“If I may be pardoned for referring to one small favor I was happily +enabled to grant, I will say, in connection with the fact of my bringing +my father to Whitfield, that my great regret is that I have only one +father to lay at the feet of the Matrimonial Bureau.” + +“One was enough,” said Miss Esther, placidly. “I think I may +congratulate myself on the unqualified success of my plans. Fortune +brings in some boats that are not steered, and though I steered some +myself, Fortune played into my hands.” + +“What are you doing, Couthin Ethter?” cried Chub, dancing into the room +with her arms full of flowers. + +“I’m winding up the affairs of the Matrimonial Bureau,” replied Miss +Esther, taking the baby up in her lap. + +“Whath that mean?” demanded Chub. + +“It was an effort to make some people happy, which succeeded beyond +anything I ever dreamed of.” + +“Thath nithe,” said Chub, contentedly. “Did it make _you_ happy?” + +“Very happy,” said Miss Esther. + +[Illustration] + + + + + TRANSCRIBER NOTES + +Misspelled words and printer errors have been corrected. Where multiple +spellings occur, majority use has been employed. + +Punctuation has been maintained except where obvious printer errors +occur. + +Illustrations have been relocated due to using a non-page layout. + + [The end of _The Matrimonial Bureau_ by Carolyn Wells and Harry Taber] + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79028 *** diff --git a/79028-h/79028-h.htm b/79028-h/79028-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3343c91 --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/79028-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8641 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> + <title>The Matrimonial Bureau | Project Gutenberg</title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg"/> + <meta name="cover" content="images/cover.jpg" /> + <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Carolyn Wells"/> + <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Harry Persons Taber"/> + <meta name="DC.Illustrator" content="Charles M. 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} + h1 { font-size: 1.5em; } + div.lgc { margin-top:.5em; margin-bottom:.5em } + hr.tbk { border:none; border-bottom:1px solid white; + width:30%; margin-left:35%; margin-right:35%; + margin-top: 1.0em; margin-bottom: 1.0em; } + p { margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:0em; } + </style> + </head> + + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79028 ***</div> + +<hr class='pbk'/> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='Book cover' id='iid-0000' style='width:95%;height:auto;'/> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk'/> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:50%'> +<img src='images/cupid1.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0001' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk'/> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<img src='images/title.jpg' alt='The Matrimonial Bureau by Carolyn Wells and Harry Persons Taber Houghton Mifflin & Company 1905' id='iid-0002' style='width:95%;height:auto;'/> +</div> + +<div><h1 class='nobreak'>The<br/> Matrimonial Bureau</h1></div> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> +<p class='line'>by</p> +<p class='line'>Carolyn Wells</p> +<p class='line'>and</p> +<p class='line'>Harry Persons Taber</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line'>BOSTON•AND•NEW•YORK</p> +<p class='line'>Houghton Mifflin & Company</p> +<p class='line'>THE•RIVERSIDE•PRESS•CAMBRIDGE</p> +<p class='line'>1905</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='lgc' style='margin-top:3em;margin-bottom:3em;'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<p class='line'>COPYRIGHT 1905 BY CAROLYN WELLS AND HARRY PERSONS TABER</p> +<p class='line'>ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line'><span class='it'>Published April 1905</span></p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<hr class='pbk'/> + +<div class='lgc' style='margin-top:3em;margin-bottom:3em;'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<p class='line'>TO NANCY</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<hr class='pbk'/> + +<table id='tab1' summary='' class='center'> +<colgroup> +<col span='1' style='width: 3.5em;'/> +<col span='1' style='width: 22.5em;'/> +</colgroup> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tab1c1-col2 tdStyle0' colspan='2'>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'> </td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'><a href='#img01'>1.</a></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'>“I’M NOT A SPOILED CHILD”</td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'> </td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'><a href='#img02'>2.</a></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'>TEA ON THE EAST PORCH</td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'> </td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'><a href='#img03'>3.</a></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'>IN THE BROILING SUN, OBLIVIOUS OF THE HEAT</td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'> </td></tr> +<tr><td class='tab1c1 tdStyle1'><a href='#img04'>4.</a></td><td class='tab1c2 tdStyle2'>“SUPPOSE YOU TAKE MISS FOWLER HOME”</td></tr> +</table> + +<h2>I</h2> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:50%'> +<img src='images/cupid2.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0003' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +</div> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Think you there was, or might be such a man as this +I dreamed of?—<span class='it'>Antony and Cleopatra.</span></p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>It all happened in the most curious fashion +to begin with. If Lieutenant Adams had not +sent to Miss Esther the particularly heavy +box which contained some sort of a plaster +cast which he had picked up somewhere, +and which necessitated a great deal of packing-stuff +to keep it from breaking, Tekla +never would have found the paper. Then, +too, she never would have found the paper +if Michael had been about the place on the +afternoon the box came. But he wasn’t, and +Miss Esther was impatient. The box had to +be unpacked, so she and Tekla, armed with +a hatchet, a screw-driver, and a monkey-wrench, +went at it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I expect it’s broken,” said Miss Esther, +after the protecting boards had been removed, +with that lack of dexterity but determined +effectiveness which characterizes the +carpenter work of the average woman; “I +have no doubt it’s broken all to pieces.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes’m, I suppose it is; they always are,” +said Tekla, cheerfully, as she pulled out the +bunches of paper which were stuffed about +the cast.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was packed carefully enough,” said +Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, indeed, ma’am. They must have +used all the papers they had saved up for +housecleaning time. I don’t know what +they’ll have left to put on their pantry +shelves.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m glad they did; this is a specially fine +cast, and I do hope it isn’t broken. It looks +as if it were, though.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther took hold of the end of the +cast and tried to lift it out. She succeeded +in extricating it from the mass of papers and +carried it off in triumph.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla brought a basket and began picking +up the crumpled papers from the kitchen +floor. Some large figures on one bit caught +her eye.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“ ‘Circulation yesterday, 840,327,’ ” she +read; “must have used ’em all.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She went on picking up the papers, carefully +smoothing out those pieces which she +believed might be of use for such purposes +as suggest themselves to the careful housewife. +“I wish,” she thought, “that they +hadn’t crumpled these things up so much. +They might just as well have left them flat. +We could have used them then.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At the very bottom of the box she found +several voluminous Sunday newspapers that +apparently had never been opened. “At +least here’s a few smooth ones,” she continued +with a satisfied air.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As she laid them aside, a conspicuous +picture attracted her attention. “That,” said +Tekla, after a long, steady stare at it, “is the +kind of place I’m going to live in. There +should be cows—yes—like those,” and she +held the picture at arm’s length. “Chickens—yes—and +dogs. Some calves, maybe, and +pigeons and pigs, the same like those! Ah!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Again she held the picture out before her +and gazed at it. “It is all there, all—but +the man—not!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Taking down the big shears from their +nail, Tekla cut out the picture and pinned +it up above the kitchen table. “But I will +have the cow-sheds nearer the house,” she +said as she turned away. “They are not +handy, so.”</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>In the household of Miss Esther Adams, +a Sunday newspaper was almost an unknown +quantity. To Tekla the discovery of three +or four complete sheets, with all the various +“sections” carefully put together, was an +event of thrilling importance. She hurried +through her work, and sat down that evening +to enjoy without interruption the unexpected +windfall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>By a slow and laborious process of elimination +she laid aside the primarily colored +pages, the reproduced photographs, the +editorial sections, and other interesting but +unbelievable stories, and reserved only the +advertisements.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>These she read eagerly, marking with +her pencil such pictured glories of feminine +apparel as appealed to her somewhat barbaric +taste.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Idly scanning one of the more uninteresting +looking pages, she chanced upon a sort +of advertisement which seemed to her to be +wholly new. Nothing like it had ever fallen +under her observation.</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>SPINSTERS ATTENTION!</p> + +<p class='noindent'>Why remain unappropriated blessings? Why +waste your sweetness on the desert air? +Somewhere there is a heart that beats for +you alone. He may be on our list. We +have bankers, brokers, clergymen, lawyers, +merchants, farmers,—</p> + +</div> + +<p class='noindent'>“Farmers!” said Tekla, thoughtfully.</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='noindent'>—machinists, carpenters, masons, and others. +Every one of our clients is a worthy, honorable +gentleman who wants a wife. If you +will send $1 and your photograph, we will +enter your name upon our records.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla read and re-read this advertisement. +“Only a dollar,—that is not so much. +And they said farmers.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She raised her eyes to the picture she +had pinned up on the wall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A farm—and a farmer, and some cows +yet, and chickens. A house like that, and +two pigs and two horses and a kitchen all +over white paint—with a yellow floor—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She hesitated, looked at the picture again +doubtfully, and continued. “It stands in the +advertisement that there should be a farmer. +I will do it! I will send yet one dollar.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla had lived under the influence of +Miss Esther so long that whatever she +did was more or less tinged with the old-fashioned +fineness which characterized +her large-hearted, gentle-minded mistress. +Therefore, after a considerable amount of +earnest effort, she produced this letter:</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:2em;'><span class='sc'>Whitfield</span>, June 8th.</p> + +<p class='pindent'><span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>,—I have read your advertisement +and would say that I inclose herewith +one dollar. Please enter my name on your +records, and I would like a farmer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The farm must contain many acres, also +many cows, pigs, sheep, and a donkey. But +there must be no bees, as I do not enjoy +stinging.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>I have never lived on a farm, but I have +a picture of one, and I am sure it will be +good. I have lived with Miss Esther for +seven years and she has trusted me with the +care of her large house, and she says I am +too good for James, who drives for the +Doctor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So please, Dear Sir, if among your worthy +and honorable gentlemen there is a farmer +with a farm which I have described, I +should be glad to hear from you by return +of post.</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:9em;'>Yours to Command,</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:13em;'><span class='sc'>Tekla Klein</span>.</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line'> </p> + +<p class='pindent'>P. S.—My Mother is dead.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla carefully copied the address given +in the advertisement, folded her letter, and +inclosed it in the envelope. Then she took +from the top drawer of the old dresser, which +stood in the kitchen closet, a new dollar bill, +which Major Bradford had given her on his +last visit. That was the day, Tekla remembered, +when she had taken particular pains +with the brushing of his uniform—it was +the day of the dedication of the soldiers’ +monument. She regarded the new bill with +real affection. She had had it more than a +year. For a moment she hesitated. What if +the farmer were not forthcoming in response +to her request? But before her hung the +picture of the farmhouse, the horses, cows, +chickens—not one single bee was visible.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla’s sense of justice was such that she +felt a certain responsibility to Miss Esther +for the spending of her wages, but surely, +she thought, with this particular dollar she +had every right to do as she chose.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Therefore, trusting that the end would +justify the means, she neatly folded the bill +and placed it carefully with the letter in +the already stamped and addressed envelope, +and sealed it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And so, as we said at first, if Lieutenant +Adams had not sent the cast to his cousin, +and if Michael had not been absent the day +it came, and if Miss Esther had not in her +impatience insisted upon Tekla’s opening the +box, the little German girl would not have +seen the picture of her farm, the letter would +not have been written, Adolf Hecksher would +never have come to Whitfield, this story +would never have been written—and what +would you have done then?</p> + +<h2>II</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>This green plot shall be our stage, this hawthorn brake +our tyring-house; and we will do it in action.—<span class='it'>Midsummer +Night’s Dream.</span></p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>How the town came to be named Whitfield +nobody who was fortunate enough to live +there could remember, even if ever there +had been any accurate information on the +subject. The town was as old as those +others in central and southern New York +which are still worrying along under the +burden of names bestowed upon them by +that band of surveyors who, fresh from the +schools where they had learned much of +the history of ancient cities, had christened +the still unpopulated quarter sections with +the names of classic heroes, states, and battles. +Utica, Syracuse, Troy, Palmyra, Cicero, +Manlius, Sparta, Homer, Ovid, Ithaca,—these +towns, it had been hoped by their +sponsors in baptism, might grow up to be +a credit to their distinguished namesakes. +Whitfield may have been named for an +eminent Methodist clergyman. Or possibly +not. And it didn’t matter anyway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Whitfield was like a hundred other towns +of its sort. One may find the sort in almost +any state except perhaps Arizona. It had +an escape about three miles wide from +being on the railroad, and in consequence +there was little manufacturing. There was +a long street which ran out at both ends of +the town and got lost somewhere in the +country. This street was cut at right angles +by another of less pretension. Both streets +were bordered by great old trees, maples +and elms and an occasional hickory, which +had been left from the days when there had +been a forest thereabouts. Looking at the +town from the surrounding hillsides, these +trees shut out all view of the houses, but +when the casual visitor arrived in the village +he found that they merely shaded them, and +they were grateful. There were other streets +in the village, and according to the census +reports Whitfield had a population of 896, +but that was before the Henderson twins +were born, and before the Richardsons—eight +of them—had moved into the Bradley +house. Of course, this increase had been +offset somewhat by the death of Kirk Buckley, +who in a moment of temporary inebriety +had walked one dark night into Deacon +Wilson’s stone quarry, with a fatal result.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So Whitfield had remained for some years +practically stationary as to population. It was +a quiet, orderly, rather dignified town. Its +officials took it seriously. Casual visitors, +who were entirely unsympathetic because +they had been born in cities, were apt to +smile a little at its peculiarities, which were +not peculiarities, but only the natural outpourings +of a heart interested in the doings +of whosoever came within the line of vision. +That was, and is to this day, the Whitfield +of this story.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At one corner of the long street and the +shorter one which intersected it stood the +Adams house. When it had been built, a +century before, the Putnam Adams who +built it had called the place Elmwood, but +the name had been forgotten. The house +itself showed that essential severity which +characterized the Adamses, and was the pride +of all Whitfield. It reproduced, as well as +wood and white paint could do so, the development +of the classic impulse which had +its beginnings in eastern New York at the +time when Sir William Johnson was made +colonel of the Six Nations.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The broad, low pediment set squarely +upon four Ionic columns, the wide stone +veranda and massive stone steps were as +much a part of the landscape as the historic +Whitfield elms. The interior of the house +reflected the Adams attitude of mind and +action. There were few curves in the decorations. +The white-painted panels were +uncompromisingly square. The mahogany +balustrade ran straight up from the broad +hall, and the stairs opened frankly at the +top into the wide corridor which cut the +upper floor into two halves,—five rooms +on one side, five on the other, all precisely +similar in size and shape. Every line which, +architecturally, had to do with the making +of the house, was straight up and down or +straight across. There were no angles but +right ones. There were no curves except +those of the Ionic columns, and Colonel +Adams had said after the house was built +that he even wished he had made these +square. But it was too late, and to-day in +Whitfield these same columns stand, a lasting +monument to the one weakness of decision +in the character of Colonel Putnam +Adams, of His Majesty’s forces in the +Colonies.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But there was one other monument—the +library.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>While the library as it exists now could +not, in the very nature of things, have been +built entire by the first Putnam Adams, +yet he laid the foundation for it; and when +he was sent to America by the king, and +found a place where he was to build his +home, he fetched with him from England +the library which he had collected in France +and Italy and Germany. Begun with little +thought as to its ultimate fate, this collection +of books had grown with the changing tastes +of the young soldier. There were the classics +in original and translation; much Greek +poetry, a wonderful edition of Horace, picked +up in Rome, and bound in leather and gold, +which bore the magic signature, deeply +wrought, of Leonardo da Vinci. Then there +was a Machiavelli and the stories of his +wars and his methods of statesmanship; +there was the story of the Life, which Benvenuto +Cellini himself had written, and this +book the Colonel had caused to be inclosed +in a case of silver which bore upon its cover +the arms of the House of the Cenci. This +book he worshiped with a worship which +was little short of idolatry. In the long +evenings, when the Indians were at rest +and the messages from Sir William were +such as to allow him some freedom, he +would shut himself in his rooms—wherever +he might be—and sit the whole night +through, living again with the Benvenuto +those fearsome hours when he fought his +way through the streets of Florence, leaving +in his wake a line of fourteen dead men’s +bodies—but rushing on to his Art and his +Love.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Perhaps, after all, that was why Colonel +Putnam Adams decided on the curves for the +capitals of the columns which guarded the +entrance to the home which he had built for +Margery, the daughter of the governor of +Plymouth Colony.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The second Putnam Adams inherited his +father’s tastes and spent much of his time +among the books, eagerly adding to the +shelves such volumes as his somewhat +limited opportunities made possible.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther’s father, the third Putnam +Adams, enlarged the collection still further, +for in his time the flood of literature which +marked the Victorian era had already begun. +He acquired not only valuable classics, as +had his ancestors, but also contemporary +fiction, essays, and poetry.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The wife of the third Putnam Adams died +when Esther was a baby, and the child grew +up in the great house with only her father +for guide, counselor, and friend. He was +a silent man,—not stern with his little +daughter, but maintaining the uncompromising +dignity of the Adams family. He +spent his days in the library, and Esther was +allowed to stay there only on condition that +she should not speak to him when he was +reading. Often the child would stand wistfully +waiting until he should lay down his +book. But often he would do so only to take +up another, and Esther would turn hopelessly +away to amuse herself. Her amusements +were peculiarly her own, and were not those +which would have been considered entertaining +by most children. She invented her +own games. For the lonely child there was +a certain fascination about a crowd of people, +and her games always included certain +strange individuals, who, though invisible +to others, were very real to her. She peopled +the stairs with vast armies marching valiantly +up the hill and down again; she crowded +the parlors with squires and dames of high +degree, who danced minuets of great intricacy, +bowing gallantly and languidly waving +feathered fans.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The old Adams stables she filled with +palfreys and milk-white steeds, and the barnyard +with peacocks and falcons. In the grass +plot in front of the house Esther could see +a sun-dial where she fully expected in some +year to come to hold tryst with a lover +who should wear a velvet cloak and a curling +feather, and who would say “Parting is +such sweet sorrow, that I could say good-night +till it be morrow,” and then would +kiss her hand—just as Romeo did in the +wonderful old engraving in the Gilbert +Shakespeare.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Thus Esther Adams grew up. She went +through the Whitfield school as a matter of +course, but her tasks were easily learned and +her school life was casual and perfunctory +and quite outside the sentient part of her +being. She lived in “that land where Rosalind +and Imogen are—a Paradise apart.” +The woodland about the old place was the +Forest of Arden. The bank of the brook +formed the shores of Illyria where the musicians +played before the duke, and where +Esther played the part—yes, lived the part—of +Viola, and told to the wondering birds +how she was letting concealment feed on her +damask cheek.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Instead of these fancies passing away, later +years brought to Esther Adams a stronger +sense of reality in her dreams, and she but +the more thoroughly identified herself with +the creatures which her imagination had +appropriated. Through girlhood to womanhood +she lived Romance, sometimes as Rosalind, +sometimes as Iseult, and sometimes, +when in desperate mood, as Catherine of +Medici.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But though the grass plot and the stairs +had certain advantages of stage-setting, yet +it was in the library that Esther gave her +fancy fullest rein. The reason for this was +too subtle to be understood by the child; +but she had an inexplicable, intangible +sense of the atmosphere of the books. As +she grew older, this became clear to her, +and she enjoyed her library with the definite +knowledge of the satisfaction to be derived +from the actual physical presence of +books.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>For forty-five years she had enjoyed this +library, as she believed, as much as was +possible for her, without quite realizing that +there was a sense of restraint in the presence +of her father. Though she adored the silent +man and gladly submitted to his mandates, +the restrictions placed upon her as a child +were never removed until the day of her +father’s death, and it was not until after that +event that she came to know what freedom +from even unconsciously obeyed authority +meant. And in the ten years since she had +invested the room with more of her own +personality, and instead of being as it had +been before, merely a library, it was now +her home.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Although always surrounded by her unreal +associates, for the last seven years Miss +Esther’s only human companion had been +Tekla, the maid, and Tekla was very human. +When she came to live at the Adams house, +Miss Esther was shocked at her deplorable +ignorance, and immediately began to teach +her at least the rudiments of an education. +The good lady consciously and laboriously +taught her charge reading and writing, but +far more easily yet, she unwittingly instilled +in Tekla’s mind a romantic sort of fancy not +unlike her own. And that’s how it happened +that Tekla’s stolidly practical German adaptation +of Miss Esther’s ideas clothed the +problematical farmer with a reality only +second to Miss Esther’s Romeos.</p> + +<h2>III</h2> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<div class='stanza-inner'> +<p class='line0'>But where is Kate? where is my lovely bride?</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line0' style='text-align:right;margin-right:2em;'>—<span class='it'>Taming of the Shrew.</span></p> +</div> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>Not that Miss Esther had preferred imaginary +Romeos. Imagination was all very well +in its place, but she would have gladly welcomed +a hero who could have spoken his +own lines. Although she had never consciously +or definitely wished for a husband, +yet she had often felt the lack of that companionship +which she knew could only be +afforded by association with one whose mentality +was equal to her own, whose tastes +were congenial, and whose temperament was +similar.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Without reflection upon her own sex, but +with total indifference to the lack of feminine +comradeship, Miss Esther preferred masculine +society. During their long and somewhat +lonely life together, her association +with her father had been a real friendship; +and though not a whit mannish, indeed +being herself the essence of femininity, men’s +traits and characteristics appealed strongly +to Esther Adams.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>More than this, she had, and knew she +had, the capability to be a great deal to some +one man. Responsive, tactful, loyal, and possessed +of an instant perception, she demanded +these qualities in the man she could love.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>No one in Whitfield had ever qualified.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The young men who had entered into Miss +Esther’s girlhood life were not of inferior +mental calibre, in the opinion of the best +Whitfield society, but owing to Esther’s +possibly unfortunate fastidiousness, they did +not come up to her standards. Her mentally +intimate association with Galahad, Romeo, +and The Admirable Crichton had made her +exacting. It is not that she was unreasonable, +nor did she complain; her demeanor toward +the young men of Whitfield was marked by +a gentle courtesy and frank good comradeship. +Whitfield society did not understand +her attitude, and could not have done so had +she explained it to them—which she did +not. Indeed, so misleading was her apparent +acceptance of their attentions, that more than +one young man had put himself in a position +to receive her gracious but decided refusal.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Through her girlhood years Miss Esther +had thought it not impossible that she might +yet meet a man who would be the realization +of her ideals. But no strangers ever came +to Whitfield, and her filial sense of duty +would not allow her to leave her father +alone, so she could not accept invitations to +visit elsewhere, which would otherwise have +given her great pleasure. Major Adams was +so deeply occupied with his books that it +never occurred to him that his daughter +needed a change, or recreation of any sort +other than that which was offered at home, +although had she asked to go he would have +gladly given consent. It had never occurred +to him, either, but that she would sometime +make a choice among the men of Whitfield, +for he knew nothing of his daughter’s ideals +and was himself amply content with the +society of his native town.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Once, when Whistler was shooting at a +Scotch country place, he deliberately shot +a dog which was standing near by. Because, +as he afterward explained, the dog was out +of drawing. He should have been twenty +feet further to the left, if in the landscape at +all. And so it seemed to Miss Esther that +the men who had come into her life had been +“out of drawing.” She did not shoot them, +but she put them out of her life as completely +as if they had been shot.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This state of things, however, did not +leave Miss Esther’s life as empty as might +have been expected. The very qualities +which induced this lack brought with them +their own means of fulfilling it. Although +without any definite acceptance of these +facts, Miss Esther went on from day to day, +living in the way which seemed to her to +offer the best possible selection from all that +life had to offer. The Romeos and Galahads +of her happy fancies came nearer the perfection +of her standards than did the men of +Whitfield, and her dream-life with them +was happier in its ideality than any real life +she had seen. This play-life was begun +by Esther Adams, sitting in prim frocks, +silent, her foot tucked comfortably under her +on the straight-backed sofa of her father’s +library. It continued through the girlhood +days when she was still known as Esther +Adams; and now, after many years, when, +a woman of fifty, she was called Miss Esther +by everybody in Whitfield, the gentle, gray-haired +lady still found in the atmosphere of +her wonderful old books the realization +of the ideals which had been denied her +elsewhere.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And so this is the explanation of why +Miss Esther Adams never married.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>One morning Miss Esther sat in her broad-armed +veranda chair with her hands idly +folded in her lap. She rocked slowly as she +gazed across the lawn at the riotous rose-garden.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ay, ’tis as thou sayest, Rosalind; the +blossoms be o’er-blown. They ought to have +been cut earlier. They are really of no use +now except to make potpourri. Heigh-ho, +Rosalind, I wonder if your roses in the +Forest of Arden ever bothered you as much +as mine do me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther’s attention was attracted from +the roses by a stranger within her gates. +This was an unusual occurrence; even more +so in that this stranger was a man. And he +was big and broad and black-bearded, and +distinctly of Teutonic origin. His air was +assured, yet deferential, and he approached +the house with the look of one who was +certain of a waiting welcome.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He looks like Thor,” said Miss Esther, +critically, “but I never saw a brunette Thor +before.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With the pleasant manner of childlike +confidence characteristic of the people of +his country, he said:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is this Tekla Klein’s house?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,—not exactly—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That is too bad. I wished to marry +her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is that so?” said Miss Esther, with +interest. “In that case perhaps I had better +call her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you will be so kind.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The big man seated himself on the lowest +of the stone steps, removed his wide-brimmed +hat, and calmly wiped his forehead with +a huge handkerchief.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther looked at her brunette Thor +steadily, with a dawning appreciation that +here at last she was confronted by a dramatic +situation quite to her taste. She went into +the house and into the library. She rang the +bell and in a moment Tekla appeared.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There is a person inquiring for you at +the front door,” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, ma’am,” said Tekla.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The stranger had not moved since Miss +Esther went into the house, but at the sound +of a footstep behind him he rose and went +up the steps to where Tekla Klein stood by +one of Putnam Adams’s fluted pillars.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He took a letter from his pocket, and she +saw that it was the one which she had written +in answer to the advertisement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have come,” he said, simply.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla looked at him critically, and then +with an air of satisfaction she said, “It is +good. And you have the farm?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, a half-section, many—three hundred +and twenty acres—one hundred +wheat, one hundred corn, one hundred and +twenty in pasture.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is it in America?” asked Tekla.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is in Nebraska,” he replied.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh! I would rather it had been in +America. But it does not matter. I will +go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Again the pleased smile broke over the +big, good-natured face.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I was born near Breslau. I am a German. +I have lived in America fifteen years—ten +years in Nebraska. I own my farm +there, and my cattle. I am thirty-five years +old. My name is Adolf Hecksher.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Adolf is a nice name,” said Tekla.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, it is a good name. It was my +father’s. Can you go soon?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, soon; but first I must tell Miss +Esther. She will not be pleased.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She will miss you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I have lived with her for seven +years, and she has been very kind to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But she will let you go?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes; I will go. Come with me and +we will tell her together.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Leading her big captive, Tekla went +straight to the library. Miss Esther smiled at +the pair as they entered, and said indulgently, +“Well?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He has come to marry me,” said Tekla.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So he told me,” said Miss Esther. +“Who is he?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am Adolf Hecksher—” began the +accepted suitor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And he has three hundred and twenty +acres,” interrupted Tekla, “and he wants to +marry me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I understand that,” said Miss Esther, +“but where did you find him or where did +he find you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was an advertisement,” said Tekla, +“and—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What!” exclaimed Miss Esther, “you +answered an advertisement? a matrimonial +advertisement!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was in one of those papers Lieutenant +Adams sent with the cast,” asserted Tekla, +“and it cost but a dollar.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther smiled. “He’s big enough +to be worth it,” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, ma’am,” and Tekla looked at the +giant beside her, “he is.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I don’t understand,” pursued Miss +Esther. “Did that dreadful matrimonial +agency send this man to you? Have you +ever seen him before? Do you know who +he is?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Tekla; “he is Adolf Hecksher.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You are a little fool,” said Miss Esther. +“Leave the room and I will talk with your +Adolf Hecksher myself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Tekla left the room, smiling. Miss Esther +invited her guest to be seated, and in the +next half hour satisfied herself from the credentials +which he produced in the shape of +savings-bank books, deeds of property, and +a draft which he had received from the last +lot of cattle which had been shipped to +Chicago, that he was at least in a position +to take care of a wife. She promised to +communicate with the people whom he had +named as references in the little Nebraska +town where he lived. This matter being +disposed of, Miss Esther again rang the bell +for Tekla. “It is all right,” she said, “and +you may ask Mr. Hecksher to stay to dinner +with you if you wish.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, ma’am,” said Tekla.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As Miss Esther passed through the kitchen +shortly before dinner, Tekla showed her +the picture she had cut from the paper.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That is what my farm will be like,” she +said. “There will be cows and sheep and +many, many acres—and Adolf.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther returned to the veranda. “It +is very nice for them,” she thought; “but +where can I find another Tekla?”</p> + +<h2>IV</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Did you ever see the picture of we three?—<span class='it'>Twelfth Night.</span></p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>After several trials Miss Esther succeeded +in obtaining a maid who, while she was not +another Tekla, seemed capable of following +in her footsteps. In most respects the new +maid was competent and satisfactory, but in +the matter of afternoon tea Miss Esther had +found some difficulty in having her instructions +rightly carried out. Afternoon tea was +rather unusual in Whitfield, except as a +special function. It was only at the Adams +house that tea was served every afternoon +at five o’clock, whether guests were present +or not, but the custom appealed to Miss +Esther because in the English novels she had +read it had been such an attractive feature. +Consequently tea was served every day at +five o’clock—in winter in the library, and +in summer on the veranda.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The mistress of the house was punctilious +as to the appointments of her tea service, and +Tekla, who was after all but a reflection of +Miss Adams, had found no difficulty in +pleasing her. But Nora, the new maid, +had not yet learned to appreciate the vital +importance of synchronizing the time and +the tea.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As a consequence of this, Miss Esther had +sometimes to arrange or rearrange her own +tea-table. And so when Jean Richards came +flying across the lawn one warm afternoon, +she found Miss Esther fussing over her +alcohol lamp with her usual calm a little +bit ruffled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tea ready?” she called out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, it is not. That good sister in the +kitchen is making a bondmaid and a slave of +me. She hasn’t toasted the muffins.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Let me take them out and toast them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, you can’t. They’re already buttered.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, well, never mind. We’ll eat them +as they are. What are you playing to-day, +Miss Esther?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To-day I am Katherine. Nora is enough +to make a shrew of anybody.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I’m sure you’re Bonny Kate, and +not Kate the Curst. May I take this chair or +is Petruchio sitting in it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He has already risen, that you may have +it. Sit down.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean sat down suddenly, as she always did +everything, and took her cup of tea from +Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is the very nicest part of the day’s +work,” she said, “drinking tea here with +you. I wonder if the other girls are coming.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope so,” said Miss Esther; “I haven’t +seen Helen for a week.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Helen’s got the blues,” said Jean. “She’s +had ’em for three days.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What’s the matter this time?” asked +Miss Esther; “or is she just having the blues +from a sense of duty?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s it,” said Jean, cheerfully. “It’s +her make-up, you know. She has to have +the blues about once in so often to live up to +that temperament of hers. I’m glad I haven’t +any.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes. It is a fearful thing to have to +entertain a temperament. Don’t ever acquire +one, Jeanie.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, ma’am,” said Jean, submissively; “I +wouldn’t have one of the ridiculous things. +People don’t like people with temperaments.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense,” replied Miss Esther; “everybody +likes Helen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not as much as they like me,” said Jean, +comfortably sipping her tea.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if they don’t,” said Miss Esther, +stoutly, “it is Helen’s own fault. She likes +so few people.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s just what I said; and that’s the +fault of her everlasting temperament.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean leaned back in her chair and happily +munched her untoasted muffin.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now just look at the two of them,” +she said, as two girls came in at the gate. +“Couldn’t you tell at a glance which one has +the blues? Helen looks as though she owned +all the indigo mines in India, or wherever it +comes from. Anybody could see, though, +that Lillian hasn’t a blue to her name.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But if Helen Fairbanks had the blues they +were certainly rather becoming to her than +otherwise. As she approached the house, +trailing her parasol listlessly along the walk, +she was apparently paying no attention to +her companion, who was pointing enthusiastically +toward the distant landscape.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Helen Fairbanks’s sponsors in baptism had +disagreed as to the child’s name. Her father +had insisted on Pearl, but her mother had +finally carried the day, and had given to her +daughter the only name which absolutely +fitted her. Tall, fair, graceful, statuesque, +Helen Fairbanks’s beauty was of that classic +perfection which is inevitably associated with +the name of Helen. Her large, calm, gray +eyes which had never yet lived up to the +possibilities of their dark lashes, her golden +hair which she wore a bit too smooth, her +mouth which showed all too seldom the +little curves at its corners, were trustworthy +indexes of her beautiful but cold nature. Miss +Esther had said of Helen that she reminded +her of Cassius:</p> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>“Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sort,</p> +<p class='line0'>As if he mock’d himself, and scorn’d his spirit</p> +<p class='line0'>That could be mov’d to smile at any thing.”</p> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>As for Lillian Hastings, she was as unlike +Helen as Helen was unlike Jean. But the +three were united in their friendship for each +other and their admiration of Miss Esther, +which amounted almost to adoration. Lillian +was an artist; that is, she was by every +implication of her being, by every wish and +desire of her soul, and by every intent of her +strong and somewhat stubborn character. +The mere fact that owing to limited opportunities +she had not as yet achieved much +on canvas, in no way contradicts the statement +that she was an artist. She had spent +two blessed weeks one summer at Shinnecock, +and there fallen under the direction of +Chase and his associates. There the impulse +had its beginnings—possibly from the inspiration +of the instructors, possibly because +of the fact that she met there other girls +who, so they had told her, could paint no +better than she did when they began, but +who now, after three years of work, had had +the distinction of really selling a picture. So +her ambition formed itself into an absolute +mania for definite accomplishment.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>During those two weeks a great artist +had asked her to pose for him, and he had +painted her portrait. “Gad!” he had said +to his friends, afterward, “she’s built like a +greyhound. Her figure is the figure of a girl +of eight—grown up. Her hair is Burne-Jones’s +ladies’ hair, and her complexion—well, +I tried to paint it here, but I haven’t +got the transparency of it yet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who is this paragon?” his friends had +asked him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“By George!” he exclaimed, “I forgot +to ask her name. She was just a painter +girl, working with the others down there on +Peconic Bay.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And so Lillian had kept on painting. She +had a studio which was an honest workroom, +without draperies, plaster casts, or +cosy corners, and here she worked doggedly, +perseveringly, and without a moment’s doubt +as to her ultimate success. She understood +herself. She had no false or flattering opinions +of her own ability, but she was sure that +intelligent effort, properly directed, would +lead her eventually to the Roman Road.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Confide in us, Helen, dear,” cried Jean +as the two came up the steps. “Why so blue +and wan, fair lady? Is it your doll or tea-set +that’s broken to-day?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Neither,” said Helen, briefly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps it’s her heart,” suggested Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not Helen’s,” returned Jean; “she +hasn’t any heart.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Helen sat down on the wicker settee +beside Miss Esther, with a look of patient +exasperation.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s nothing,” she said, “only another +proposal; that’s all.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s a perfect shame,” said Miss Esther, +“the way those men bother you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is,” said Jean. “Why don’t you hang +out a sign, ‘No Others Need Apply’?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think it’s awfully hard on Helen,” said +Lillian, sympathetically; “she’s so kind-hearted, +she hates to say ‘no’ to a goose.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And yet they keep her saying it most of +the time,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who is it this time?” asked Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mr. Walker,” said Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The young man who is staying at Bradstreet’s?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, that pretty boy with the glasses,” +said Jean. “He came here for health, and +he found Helen, and now he wants to take +them both back to New York.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you’ve always said you’d like to +live in New York, Helen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Miss Esther, but I didn’t mean with +Mr. Walker.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why not?” asked Miss Esther, straight-forwardly. +“Why don’t you like Mr. +Walker?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Because there’s nothing to like about +him. He has no more to recommend him +than—than—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Than any of the Whitfield men who +have asked you to marry them?” queried +Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean, Jeanie, +as nobody knows better than you do.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Jean, with an exaggerated +sigh. “I, too, have my troubles. It’s a fearful +thing, girls, to be belles of society, with +no society to be belles of.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And who are you, my girl,” asked Miss +Esther, “that you scorn Whitfield society? +Pray what sort of people would you like, if +given your choice?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, a lot of gay people,” said Jean, “at +some kind of a summery place, with lovely +clothes, and hops, and bathing-suits. And +beautiful men in white flannels, and automobiles, +and—and—everything!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Modest child! With such easily gratified +tastes, it’s a pity they cannot be realized.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, they will be, sometime,” said Jean. +“What would you choose, Lillian?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I don’t care for a lot of people, but +if I just had one—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A nearer one still, and a dearer one?” +asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, what I mean is some fairy godmother +or grandmother or great-grandmother who +would take me abroad and let me see pictures—and +paint them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s your turn next, Helen,” said Miss +Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I,” said Helen, slowly, “want nothing +more nor less than a castle in Spain, but it +must be the largest and handsomest castle +there is in Spain, and it must be my own.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Anybody there with you?” asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I think so; one of Miss Esther’s +best Galahads or Romeos.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope you’ll find your castle,” said Miss +Esther, looking at Helen with keen appreciation. +“You would make an admirable +châtelaine.”</p> + +<h2>V</h2> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>Love, lend me wings to make my purpose swift,</p> +<p class='line0'>As thou hast lent me wit to plot this drift.</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +</div> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>—<span class='it'>Two Gentlemen of Verona.</span></p> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>In her library that evening Miss Esther’s +thoughts came back to Helen and her castle +in Spain.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She ought to have one,” she thought. +“She’s just the girl for a castle in Spain,—no, +not exactly in Spain,—a Joyous Gard +would suit her better. There should be a +maze and a pleasaunce, and a mailed knight +should come on his charger to beg for her +glove, that he might joust for it in the Field +of the Cloth of Gold. She would have made +a wonderful Iseult, with a touch of Morgan +le Fay. She is wonderful enough as it is, and +it is a shame that there are no available +Apollos or Abelards or Aucassins who want +châtelaines for their castles.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It is clearly to be seen that Miss Esther +fully appreciated the fact that the ultimate +ambition of the eternal feminine is the +individual interpretation of that ubiquitous +architectural structure known as a castle in +Spain. This is distinctly opposed to the masculine +attitude of mind which looks only for +the Princess at the Window.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Though not definitely conscious of this +differentiation, Miss Esther was building in +her imagination various castles for Helen, +when it suddenly occurred to her that the +Prince would provide the castle, could she +but find the Prince.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tekla found her Prince for herself,” +thought Miss Esther, smiling as she remembered +the big brunette Thor; “but one +could scarcely imagine Helen applying to a +matrimonial agency. I might apply for her, +select a suitable Prince, and deposit him on +her doorstep the way that Adolf man was +dropped here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The whimsical idea pleased Miss Esther’s +fancy, and she went into it in detail. “While +I’m about it,” she thought, “I may as well +select Princes for Jean and Lillian, too. This +thing is not without precedent. Petruchio +was brought and dropped at Katherine’s feet +by outside influences. If I can help Helen, +I’m going to do it. If she wants a castle, +she’s going to have it, and if, as Tekla’s +experience seems to prove, a matrimonial +bureau is a necessary factor in the case—I’ll +<span class='it'>be</span> one!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The beauty of the plan grew upon Miss +Esther. The possibilities widened as she +thought about it, and she grew so excited +that she found herself walking about the +library, peering into the bookcases and making +quick, explosive remarks to her friends:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You, Henry the Eighth, you ought to +appreciate what I’m doing! You were +nothing but a matrimonial bureau yourself!” +and she shook her fist at the worn, leather-backed +volume. “And you, Don Quixote, +if you had applied to a matrimonial bureau, +you would have found your old Dulcinea +without any trouble, and you wouldn’t have +had to fight those ridiculous windmills.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I’ll be a matrimonial bureau—a +first-class one, and I’ll apply to myself for +Princes for those three girls—and I’ll get +them, too!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Dr. Isaiah Bushnell,” announced Nora, +appearing at the library door; “do you want +to see him?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course she does,” said the Reverend +Doctor Bushnell, affably, as, rubbing his +hands, he walked past Nora into the room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you do, Dr. Bushnell. Pray be +seated. You find me very busy to-night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, yes, my dear Miss Adams, ’tis a +busy world; but work is a blessing; as one +of our poets has it, ‘ ’Tis better to have—better +to have—’ but there, I have no doubt +you know the quotation. You are so familiar +with the flowers of poesy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I fear I cannot place the quotation you +refer to,” replied Miss Esther, a little coldly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, well, ’tis no matter, ’tis no matter. +How often our memory fails us just as +we need it most. It was only yesterday that +I intended to approach you in reference to +a most unfortunate affair which has been +brought recently to my attention. But, ah, +that fickle memory again. The little errand +entirely escaped my mind, but to-night, as +I was passing your beautiful home, and +remembered that here dwelt the most charitable +of women, I said to myself, ‘I will ask +her!’ That, my dear Miss Adams, is my +errand.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is it?” said Miss Esther; “and how +much money do you want?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Please do not be so abrupt, dear lady. +Let me state the case. Let me tell you of +the destitution—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Never mind the destitution, Dr. Bushnell, +I will contribute to your cause, but as +I said, I am extremely busy this evening.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, yes indeed, yes indeed! and can +I not help you? The benefit of my wider +experience is yours for the asking. Let me +advise and assist.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do,” said Miss Esther, with sudden +cordiality. “I should be glad of your help. +Does your wide experience embrace the +organization of a matrimonial agency?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, you jest,” said Dr. Bushnell, a little +stiffly; “surely you cannot mean to resort to +such methods. You, who are destined to fill +so nobly the niche in which Providence has +placed you!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The matter being presented to her in this +light, Miss Esther perceived a certain humor +in the situation that had not appealed to her +before.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, if you advise against it, I will drop +all thought of such a thing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I do, my dear Miss Adams,” said Dr. +Bushnell, earnestly. “Trust to my maturer +judgment. It would be a mistake to take +any such step, I do assure you. As I was +reading yesterday, in my collection of famous +poetry, ‘ ’Twas ever thus—’ ah, again +the flowing numbers have escaped me. But +you know—doubtless you know the lines. +Now, as you were saying, my dear Miss +Adams, every little counts, and your contribution +will be gladly welcomed not only +by myself, but by the worthy people whom +we are endeavoring to assist. If you will +pardon my abrupt departure, I will, upon +the receipt of your beneficence, take my +leave.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Once again by herself, Miss Esther’s mind +returned to her daring scheme.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Let me see,” she thought, “young Putnam +Adams must be about thirty now, and +the Adamses are good enough Princes for +anybody. I wonder how he would do for +Helen. But no. A lieutenant in the regular +army would never be able to provide the +kind of a castle that ambitious girl insists +upon. He would suit Jean better. She loves +uniforms and a gay life; her happy disposition +would be a fair match for his. In fact, +the more I think of it, the more appropriate +it seems. But I haven’t seen Putnam of late. +The last time I saw him was when he was +graduated at West Point, and that was six +years ago. Since then he has been stationed +in Manila, and goodness knows where else. +Now all this may have made a man of him, +and then, again, it may not, but he is an +Adams, and he has won his shoulder-straps +since he went away, so I think the boy must +be all right. At any rate, I will invite him +up here. I wonder if he will come.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Having satisfactorily settled Jean’s future, +Miss Esther turned her attention to the next +name on the records of her matrimonial +agency.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lillian,” she thought, “is so different +from Jean. She takes everything so seriously—even +that ridiculous art of hers. Well, +perhaps ridiculous isn’t the word, for Lillian +is not the sort that paints calla-lilies on a +black background. She goes only so far, but +every step she takes is just right; the trouble +is that’s as far as she goes, and she never +will get far enough to know that she can’t +go any farther. A woman has no business +with art, anyway. There never was one that +did anything really worth while. I’m glad +nobody’s here to say George Eliot at me, +or Rosa Bonheur, or Chaminade. Sporadic +instances count for nothing except to prove +the rule. And I think that Lillian would be +much happier married to some good, kind +fairy godfather than going to Europe with +some fairy godmother.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But Putnam Adams would never do for +Lillian—no, he is better for Jean. Lillian +should have an older man—I don’t know +why, for Lillian is no older than Jean, and +yet it seems to me that the man who would +be just the one for Lillian Hastings would be +a kind, wise, staid sort of man—who would +guide, counsel, and befriend her, and then if +he thought she ought to go on with her art +work, I’m sure I’d be perfectly willing. +Then the responsibility of that girl would be +off my mind. Now all I’ve got to do is to +find that man. I wish there had been one in +Whitfield, but as there isn’t, I must get him +somewhere else. It’s positively maddening +to think that there are probably hundreds +of them in the world, if I only knew their +addresses.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther possessed an absurd but +absolutely unshakable belief in the way-pointing +possibilities of the nearest available +piece of printed matter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She calmly picked up the morning paper +with the certainty that she would find in it +some indicating arrow pointing toward the +material manifestation of the man whose +image she had so clearly in her mind. It +was part of her method to accept the first +hint that could by any possibility be made +available for her use as an accomplished +fact.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This will do nicely,” she said:—</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>A PHILANTHROPIC BEQUEST</p> + +<p class='noindent'>Hiram Briggs Founds an Art School—The +Wealthy Button Manufacturer Dedicates His +New Edifice—Cost $500,000—A Memorial +to His Late Wife.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='noindent'>—“That’s the one,” said Miss Esther, decidedly. +“I need look no further. A man who +is loving enough to erect such a memorial to +his dead wife, and who is rich enough to spend +$500,000 on it, and who is clever enough to +have got rich on buttons, and who is sensible +enough to be named Hiram Briggs, is +just the man to take care of that artistic temperament +of Lillian Hastings. He will act +as a blender to her sharply colored views of +life. Where does this altogether desirable +man live? I will write to him to-night. Of +course, Lillian may object to the buttons, +but when she realizes Mr. Briggs’s devotion +to Art, she will see the matter in its right +light, I am sure.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther skimmed through the article +quickly and discovered that Mr. Briggs was +a citizen of Nashua, New Hampshire. This +was entirely satisfactory, and the further +details of the story also confirmed her good +opinion of the man.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He ought to get my letter by the day +after to-morrow,” she thought, “which will +give him ample time to take Lillian abroad +this summer. They ought to sail by the +fifteenth of August, I should think. And +I shall give her one of those lovely traveling-bags +furnished with any number of silver +things. It must be such fun to find out +what they’re all for, and I should think her +honeymoon would just about give her +time enough.”</p> + +<h2>VI</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard.—<span class='it'>Othello</span>, +iii, 7.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>The Matrimonial Bureau had proved +successful in meeting the demands of two +of its clients, but the third name on its +records still baffled Miss Adams. It seemed +to her that the only possible mate for Helen +Fairbanks was a being so far above and +beyond the ordinary mortal that it would +be impossible to find him outside the glass +doors of her mahogany bookcases.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He might be in there,” she thought, +looking toward a favorite corner where the +fairy books were, “or even in there,” she +added, as she glanced at the Thackeray +shelf; “but one thing is certain, he never +would be in a newspaper, so there’s no +use looking there. I suppose he’s in the +directory, but I don’t know what letter his +name begins with, so I can’t find him there. +I don’t know how I shall find him. I don’t +believe there are many of that type of men +in the world. The only one I ever knew +was a woman. Cousin Emily Westcott—of +the Chester Adams branch—is just the +kind of person I mean. It’s a pity she is a +woman, though of course she is too old for +Helen. Let me see,—Cousin Emily must +be sixty by now; she had four boys, and +nice, well-behaved young chaps they were. +I wonder if they are all married. I remember +sending Roger his piece of the old +Adams silver two years ago, and Emily +wrote that Hugh was engaged. Still, that +leaves two, and if they take after their +mother they’re just the kind of men I want. +I will write to her, too, and I’m sure one of +them will be all right for Helen. They’re +Adamses, anyway.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The president of the Matrimonial Bureau +now resigned the chair in favor of the secretary, +and Miss Esther began the clerical +work. She wrote first to Lieutenant Putnam +Adams and invited him to spend his vacation +with her that summer. “I do not +know,” she wrote, “whether the state of +the country is such as to allow officers of +the army anything like vacations, but if +there is any for you this summer, please +come up and visit your old cousin. I haven’t +seen a real live Adams for a long time, and +I want to thank you for the cast. Even if +your visit must be a short one, I hope you +can come, and come soon.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>To her cousin Emily Westcott Miss Esther +wrote very frankly, saying that Lieutenant +Putnam Adams was coming to visit her, +and asking that one of the two younger +Westcott boys come at the same time. She +informed Mrs. Westcott that she wished her +to send the one who was most distinctly an +Adams, and said further that she would trust +the mother’s judgment in the matter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But they’re <span class='it'>all</span> Adams—both of +them!” exclaimed Mrs. Westcott, as she +read this letter. “I’ll have to send them +both!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther’s letter to Hiram Briggs, the +philanthropist of Nashua, was a more trying +ordeal. For once in her life she found it +difficult to express herself, and it was nearly +midnight when she completed the following +business-like if unconventional epistle:—</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:2em;'><span class='sc'>Whitfield</span>, June 22.</p> + +<p class='noindent'><span class='sc'>Mr. Hiram Briggs, Nashua, N. H.</span></p> + +<p class='pindent'><span class='sc'>Dear Sir</span>,—I have just read in the +morning paper an account of the art school +which you have founded. I have been thinking +the matter over, for I am much interested +in such philanthropic movements, and +I have a special reason for a peculiarly personal +interest in this one.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It is apparent, from the facts stated in the +account of your worthy undertaking, that +you are an art patron, and are therefore +alive to the possibilities in the development +of the artistic effort. I am quite certain that +a man with the name of Hiram Briggs, and +who is the proprietor of a button manufactory, +must be possessed of sound common +sense and fully able to appreciate and understand +the proposition which I am about to +make.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>I have a young girl friend who believes +that she is well on the way toward becoming +a great artist, and who certainly has the +artistic temperament. Her ambition is to go +abroad for the study of art, but at present +she has not the means to do this.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>From the fact that the praiseworthy memorial +which you have built must have taken +several years to complete, I assume that +Mrs. Briggs must have long since been laid +to rest. My young friend is eminently fitted +to assist in the carrying out of the plans +which you have evidently made for this +great work which you have begun, and further, +her education and accomplishments +are such as to enable her to take her place +in any social sphere.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>I trust, my dear Mr. Briggs, that you will +receive this communication in the spirit +in which it is written, and if at any time +you wish to call on me I should be pleased +to welcome you to my home in Whitfield.</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:9em;'>Most sincerely yours,</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:13em;'><span class='sc'>Esther Adams</span>.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>The next morning Miss Esther was favored +with a visit from her young neighbor, +Jack Remington. Jack was a social character +and often dropped in, apparently for +no particular reason. These fortuitous calls +were liable to happen on baking days, or +when he felt the need of Miss Esther’s moral +support in his seasons of tribulation. Ten +years old, sturdily built, stolidly minded, he +was of the stuff of which Lincolns are made, +rather than Michael Angelos or Robert +Brownings. Miss Esther had been obliged +to recognize this fact, but she still hoped to +train his young ideas into grooves of her +own choosing. Though as yet no visible +progress had been made, she did not despair, +but continued in a course which gave her +much pleasure and did not bother Jack.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The boy had a passion for battle-ships, and +his highest ambition was to build one. He +had already begun it, but obstacles often +confronted him, and he depended on Miss +Esther both for advice and for more material +assistance. She did not know much +about battle-ships, but her elementary knowledge +was supplemented by furtive consultations +of the encyclopedia between Jack’s +visits. Afterward, she conversed on these +subjects with much erudition, and Jack’s +admiration grew, for she was the only +woman of his acquaintance who even knew +on which end of a ship the bow was placed. +Miss Esther really cared very little about +the technical construction of any ship, but +she was fond of the boy and had her own +notions as to his future career. Of these +notions Jack was entirely aware, but since, +in his opinion, they were totally unnecessary +to a builder of ships, he ignored them with +the superiority of a ten-year-old.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With a view to gracious influences, the +would-be architect of Jack’s fortunes had +endeavored to induce a friendship between +him and a golden-haired siren of four, who +was her neighbor on the other side. Her +name was Amabel, but for obvious reasons +she was known as Chub. Miss Esther’s +efforts toward the foundation of this friendship +had resulted disastrously. On their first +introduction the children had cordially approved +of each other, and Amabel had not +changed her mind. But just as the friendship +was ripening, Jack discovered Chub’s calamitous +ignorance concerning the necessity for +guns on battle-ships. She had promised to +sail with him on his to the great naval battle +which he assured her was imminent. More, +she had promised to assist in any capacity +in the working of the ship, when, in an impulsive +burst of generosity, Jack responded +that she might man one of the guns.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Gunth!” and Chub suddenly sat down +on the floor and shrieked. Her terror-stricken +squeals brought Miss Esther to the +scene. She looked from the screaming baby +on the floor to the disdainful ship-builder, +who stood with his legs apart and his hands +in his pockets, surveying the disturbance +with an expression of absolute disgust.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If she yells like that when I say guns,” +said he, contemptuously, “I wonder what +she’ll do when the shooting begins.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Thooting!” exclaimed Chub, her demonstrations +checked for the moment, “who +we going to thoot?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The enemy,” said Jack, tersely.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Won’t it hurt ’em?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’ll <span class='it'>kill</span> ’em!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Chub’s wails began again with redoubled +force. “Take her away,” said Jack. He +turned to continue the building of his warship +with the fixed resolve that henceforth +and forever womankind should have no +part or parcel in his life.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But the young misanthrope made an exception +of Miss Esther Adams. He relied +implicitly upon her knowledge and judgment, +not only in nautical matters, but regarding +all the vicissitudes which beset his +somewhat strenuous existence. His mother +always accompanied the application of court-plaster +with a reproof. When Miss Esther +bound up his wounds, a delectable doughnut +added largely to the healing qualities of her +ministrations.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On this particular morning, however, the +doughnut was of minor importance. He ate +it, and even abstractedly took a second one, +but without enthusiasm. Not observing any +necessity for sticking-plaster, Miss Esther +concluded the distress was mental and +awaited developments.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jack wriggled into one of the big veranda +chairs opposite Miss Esther, and with his +elbows on his knees and his chin in his +hands stared moodily into space. Miss +Esther waited.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I got to be a minister,” he said at last.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Have you, dear? When?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Soon’s I’m big enough. ’Tain’t fair, +jes’ ’s I got my ship most done, and was +goin’ to be a sailor like Dewey or somebody, +and now I got to be an old minister; +mother told me so las’ night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But perhaps you’ll like being a minister,” +suggested Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No sirree! I bet I won’t. I know the +stunt. I was over to Dr. Bushnell’s jes’ now, +and I asked him what a fellow had to do to +be a minister, but he said, don’t be ’reverent, +little boy, and I wasn’t. But I know my +own self what they got to do. Preach and +bury people and marry ’em and baptize +kids and have prayer-meetin’s and donations +and wear high hats and never smoke nor go +to circuses nor go in swimmin,’—least I +never seen Dr. Bushnell in,—and where’s +any fun in all that, I’d like to know. But +they was another man there a-visitin’ the +minister, and he asked me what I wanted to +be, and I told him a sailor and he said ’s +that so. And I told him you and me was +a-buildin’ a battle-ship and asked him to +come over ’n see it and he said he would +and he’s comin’ to-morrow mornin’ and he +give me this card with his name on it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The name on the card was</p> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend=';' --> +<p class='line'><span class='sc'>Theodore Winthrop Brewster.</span></p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>Although the surname meant nothing to +Miss Esther, she remembered that there had +been a Theodore Winthrop in her mother’s +line. “Possibly he may be of that family,” +she thought.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish mother’d let me be a sailor,” went +on Jack, wistfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, wait until Mr. Brewster comes +over here to-morrow,” said Miss Esther, +“and we’ll see what he thinks about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jack, much comforted at the thought of +a possible escape from the reverend calling, +went whistling to the kitchen, where he +enjoyed another doughnut with an appetite +unhampered by a depressed mentality.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It would be strange,” said Miss Esther, +still looking at the card she held, “if this +man were one of our Winthrops. I don’t +remember the Brewster connection, but I’ll +look it up in the book.”</p> + +<h2>VII</h2> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>My noble and well warranted cousin.</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +</div> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>—<span class='it'>Measure for Measure</span>, v, 1.</p> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>When a telegram arrived announcing that +Lieutenant Adams accepted his cousin’s +invitation, Miss Esther was greatly pleased, +and at once began a pleasant flurry of preparation +for his reception. A letter following +the next day told how exceedingly welcome +her invitation had been, and how it was +necessary for him to leave Fort Monroe on +sick leave for a time. “Your letter,” he +wrote, “could not have reached me at a +time when the prospect of a few weeks in +the country was more attractive. In working +out on the ramparts where we have been +taking down the old guns, I slipped, and +broke my leg. I had planned to go into the +mountains of Virginia. I have changed my +plans. I am coming to you. All I want is +rest in a quiet place where my foolish leg +can get well. I have already telegraphed, +and I may reach Whitfield on the same day +with this letter, for I am going north to-night. +I can get about on crutches fairly +well. Thank you again for the inspiration +which led you to ask me to come.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther was pleased rather than otherwise +at her cousin’s misfortune, for she was +a born nurse and dearly loved to fuss over +an invalid, and, moreover, she could keep +him longer and use him to better advantage +in the accomplishment of her fell project.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther knew, however, that a broken +leg did not necessarily affect a man’s appetite, +so she enjoyed stocking her larder with +the lavishness which always characterized +her hospitality. It was in the midst of +these preparations that a letter arrived from +Nashua.</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:2em;'><span class='sc'>Nashua</span>, N. H., June 24.</p> + +<p class='noindent'><span class='sc'>Miss Esther Adams</span>,</p> + +<p class='pindent'><span class='sc'>Dear Madam</span>,—Mr. Briggs received +your letter yesterday, and wishes me to +thank you for your kind words. He especially +appreciates your commendation of +his philanthropic efforts, and wishes all +success to your young friend in her pursuit +of art.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He regrets his inability to accept your +kind invitation to call on you at Whitfield, +and assures you that he received your proposition +quite in the spirit in which it was +written.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Mr. Briggs and myself have just returned +from our wedding trip, and unite in sending +you hearty good wishes for the future success +of your own philanthropic plans. I am, +my dear Miss Adams,</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:9em;'>Very sincerely yours,</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:13em;'><span class='sc'>Emmeline Fisher Briggs</span>,</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:left;margin-left:13em;'>(<span class='sc'>Mrs. Hiram Briggs</span>.)</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just returned from their wedding journey!” +exclaimed Miss Esther. “I should +have written Mr. Briggs at least two months +ago. Well,” she went on, cheerfully, “I +must get somebody else for Lillian. And +it’s just as well, too, for ‘Lillian Briggs’ +wasn’t a very pretty name; but I did want +her to sail in August. I shall have to hurry. +Let me see what I can do—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hullo, Aunt Esther,” called Jack from +the driveway, “I’ve got Mr. Brewster to +come to see the ship.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther rose to greet the big blond +man who accompanied Jack, and shook his +hand cordially.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am assured,” began Mr. Brewster, “by +my young friend, Mr. Remington, that any +friend of his is welcome at the Adams +house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not only that,” said Miss Esther, graciously, +“but I have reason to think that your +family and mine are connected, and that I +may welcome you as a sort of relative. You +are a Winthrop?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My mother was a Winthrop,” said Mr. +Brewster, “of the Gideon Winthrop branch.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And my mother,” said Miss Esther, “was +a Winthrop of the Wingate Winthrops. But +of course, a few generations back they were +identical, and I claim you as a relative.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am very glad to be claimed,” responded +Mr. Brewster, with a touch of foreign-mannered +courtesy which Miss Esther afterward +discovered was characteristic of the man.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Providential,” thought Miss Esther. +“Here is Mr. Briggs’s substitute ready-made +to my hand.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then, Aunt Esther,” interrupted Jack, +“that makes Mr. Brewster my uncle, don’t +it? And now can he go see our ship?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther acquiesced, and Mr. Brewster +and Jack went at once to the large room on +the second floor which had been given over +to the young ship-builder.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Then Nora brought the tea-table, and Miss +Esther supervised the arrangement of her +beloved cups and saucers, and when the two +enthusiasts returned from the inspection of +the ship, they found the hostess surrounded +by three chattering girls.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hullo, Jean!” cried Jack, “come on up +and see my ship.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is the rudder working properly yet?” +the young lady inquired, but before he could +answer, Miss Esther presented Mr. Brewster +to Helen, Lillian, and Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad to meet you, Mr. Brewster,” +exclaimed Jean. “I’ve been longing to meet +you all day—ever since I saw you at the +post-office this morning with Dr. Bushnell; +but I didn’t know you knew Miss Adams.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t until half an hour ago, but she, +too, has been kind enough to say that she +was glad to meet me; though she didn’t +say she had been longing for it all day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But she didn’t see you at the post-office,” +said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Miss Esther, “but if I had I +shouldn’t have waited for an introduction +until now, for he is one of our own Winthrops.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I bet that’s Cousin Putnam coming now,” +exclaimed Jack, watching a carriage turning +in at the gate.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Who’s Cousin Putnam?” asked Jean, as +Miss Esther hurried down the steps.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” explained Jack, ecstatically, “he’s +Aunt Esther’s cousin and he’s a lieutenant +in the army with a uniform and a sword and +he knows all about war and navies and ships +and he was in Cuba with General Kent and +he was in Manila after Dewey was there, and +he saw Dewey once, ’cause he wrote Aunt +Esther so, and he’s had fights with natives +and things and he’s going to tell me all about +the ships, ’cause Aunt Esther said she’d +make him, and he fell on a fort where he +lives down South somewheres and he bust +his leg and he’s come here to get well—and +everything.” Jack paused for want of further +breath as the carriage drove up, when he +flew down the steps exclaiming, “Hello, +Cousin Putnam! Why didn’t you wear your +uniform?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Seeing Lieutenant Adams’s crutches, Mr. +Brewster followed Jack and offered his assistance.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Notwithstanding Lieutenant Adams’s ability +to manage his crutches, he was glad of +Brewster’s support. Miss Esther had scarcely +more than spoken to her cousin when she +was surprised by seeing another carriage +closely following the first.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“More company!” cried Jack. “Who is +it, Aunt Esther?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As the second carriage stopped, two young +men jumped out, exclaiming, “Here we are. +Mother sent us. She said you wanted us. +You’re our Cousin Esther, aren’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Goodness! are you Emily’s boys? and +what are the two of you doing here?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why you sent for us, didn’t you? Mother +telegraphed us to stop here on our way home. +Didn’t you get our telegram saying we’d be +here to-day?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I didn’t; but I’m just as glad to see +you. Come right in. Which of you is Kenneth?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am. I am Kenneth Adams Westcott, +and he is Mark Adams Westcott. He’s a +little older than I am, but I’m a whole lot +nicer than he is.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You look like the Adamses,” said Miss +Esther, as she led the way up the steps and +straight to the group around the tea-table.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When Brewster reached the veranda with +Lieutenant Adams, he suddenly realized that +the responsibility of the hospitality of the +house of Adams devolved upon him. He +presented the newcomer to the young ladies +and Jean promptly shared the honors with +Mr. Brewster. She appropriated the bronzed +invalid, and impressing Brewster into her +service, she ordered from him successive +relays of tea and muffins with which to regale +her newly acquired subject, when she saw +Miss Esther approaching with what seemed +like two new worlds to conquer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther introduced the Westcott boys +to Lillian and Helen, and then bringing them +over to Jean, begged her to make tea for +them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This effervescent young woman was in +her element. With four newly made and +evidently admiring acquaintances, she fairly +bubbled with excitement, and wondered +how Helen and Lillian could take it all so +calmly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s a funny thing,” said Miss Esther, +looking proudly at the four young men, “to +think that for years not a single one of my +cousins has visited me, and now they come +not single spies, but in battalions.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think battalions are very nice things,” +said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So do I,” replied Miss Esther; “I only +wish all my cousins were here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There are something like two hundred +of them, I believe,” said Lieutenant Adams.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I don’t care; I would put up tents +on the lawn.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Won’t you have to put up tents for us as +it is?” inquired Kenneth Westcott. “You +seem to have had an unexpected avalanche +of relatives to-day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no, indeed,” replied Miss Esther. +“The Adams house has plenty of room, and, +too, Mr. Brewster is not staying here. He’s +a guest of Dr. Bushnell.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is this a surprise party to you as well as +to us, Miss Esther?” asked Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>I</span> was expected,” said Lieutenant Adams; +“these other scions of the house of Adams +are base interlopers, but Cousin Esther wrote +me that she specially wanted me to come, +and I wrote her that I was coming to-day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And mother telegraphed us that Cousin +Esther specially wanted us to come,” said +Mark, “and we telegraphed that we were +coming to-day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Here comes the telegram now,” said +Lillian, as the boy from the telegraph-office +rode slowly up the driveway on a bicycle.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hello, Mercury!” said Jean, as he dismounted +from his wheel.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, gwan!” said the boy, gallantly, as +he remounted and rode away.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther read the message. “I learn +from this,” she said, “that my two Westcott +cousins are coming to-day to make me a +visit.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then we’re not interlopers any more?” +asked Kenneth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not at all. You are honored and expected +guests, and I hope you will stay all +summer.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I hope so, too,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When Brewster and the three girls went +away, Lieutenant Adams said, “Do you +often have such tea-parties as this, Cousin +Esther?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nearly every afternoon,” replied Miss +Adams.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then we’ll all stay all summer,” exclaimed +the Lieutenant.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I want you to, anyway, Putnam; and at +least one of you other boys,” said Miss +Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why can’t my little brother stay, too?” +asked Mark.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, let’s all stay,” said the Lieutenant, +“and I have a friend who’s awfully anxious +to come to Whitfield for the summer with +me, and he’s an all-round good fellow, too; +besides, he has barrels of money, and he can +sing and paint and everything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Send for him,” said Miss Esther, in a +sudden enthusiastic burst of hospitality.</p> + +<h2>VIII</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>And wears upon his baby brow the round and top of sovereignty.—<span class='it'>Macbeth</span>, +iv, 1.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Not only because her Cousin Putnam was +an Adams, but also because he was a soldier +and an invalid, he was invested to Miss +Esther’s mind with a certain halo of romance. +The mere incidental fact that his injury had +not been received on the field of battle, but +in the more commonplace pursuit of supervising +the moving of certain heavy guns +from the ramparts of Fort Monroe on a +peaceful June afternoon, made no difference +in her attitude toward it. She felt that a +dearth of woman’s tears was just as pathetic +in an accident of this sort as in the case of +an Algiers hero, and she was resolved that +there should be no lack of woman’s nursing +if she had her way about it. Since he had +decided on the career of a soldier and left +home for West Point, Putnam Adams had +seen enough of woman’s tears, for they were +not an unknown commodity in Cuba and the +Philippines, but he had had but little experience +with the woman’s nursing part of the +problem. His work had been cut out for +him from the very day of his graduation, and +when he was finally ordered home and to +service at the artillery school at Fort +Monroe there had been no thought but the +accurate carrying out of the general and +special orders of his commanding officer, +with, back of it, the firm resolve to take his +place at the very front rank of the profession +which he loved with that love which comes +through generations of trained soldiers—fighters.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And now in one of Miss Esther’s dimity-curtained +bedrooms he was receiving the +gentle motherly care which he had never +had since his boyhood years. She did not +fuss over him, or at least, if she did, it was +with that practical, sensible fussing which +carried conviction and brought a sense of +absolute peace and rest.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The Westcotts were more easily disposed +of. Miss Esther sent them off to bed +as unceremoniously as she would have done +ten years earlier had they visited her then. +Their rooms boasted as many dimity-curtains +and the wall-paper as many pink roses +as were to be found in Putnam Adams’s +room across the hall. But these details were +entirely lost upon these two healthy young +cubs whose physical prowess far outstripped +their artistic instinct. They fell asleep without +appreciating that the drapery of their +couches was the traditional lavender-scented +Adams linen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Having said good-night to her cousins, +Miss Esther returned to her library. The +immediate success of her plans had surpassed +all her expectations. Within four +days she had gathered under her own roof +four eligible candidates for the hands of +the unconscious clients of her Matrimonial +Bureau. To be sure, she had only three +clients, but it was well to have an extra +man in case another client presented herself.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It seems to me, Portia,” she said, “that +I have managed this thing quite as well as +even you could have done it. I have laid +my plans carefully, and I feel sure that they +will work out successfully. Putnam Adams +is a dear, and, as I thought, he is just the +one for Jean. Winthrop Brewster I am not +so sure of. He must be the one for Lillian, +for he came almost the very moment after +I received the refusal from Hiram Briggs. +And Mr. Brewster is apparently very intellectual, +though he doesn’t seem to have +any special leaning toward art. The Westcott +boys are all right. Either of them is +good enough for Helen, and she can take +her choice. I don’t suppose they have very +large castles as yet; but the Westcott fortune +is great and there is plenty of time. +Yes, things are certainly working out well. +The Matrimonial Bureau has already proved +its right to existence, and I shall be glad to +see my girls married and settled.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With the feeling of satisfaction that comes +from an achieved purpose, Miss Esther +turned out the library lights and went slowly +up the stairs. As she passed Jack’s shipyard, +she smiled happily. “And after the +weddings are all over,” she said, “Jack and +I will go on with the building of the ship.”</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>On the east side of the Adams house was +a square porch which had been built by +Miss Esther’s father in order that he might +have an out-of-door reading-room when the +days of summer made it too warm to remain +comfortably in the library. This was now +inclosed in vines,—wistaria, honeysuckle, +and crimson ramblers,—which gave the +place a frisky appearance quite in contrast +to the stately effect of the stone-floored, +white-columned front porch.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After breakfast next morning Miss Esther +formally transferred this desirable bit of +property to the boys, and especially to Putnam. +For his especial benefit she had arranged +a big wicker lounging-chair with +a convenient table by its side. Then there +were rugs and hammocks, ash-trays, and +other things supposed to be necessary to the +comfort of the average man. Lieutenant +Adams, who found himself after his tiresome +journey provokingly helpless, dropped +gratefully into his pillow-filled chair, but the +Westcott boys promptly upset the orderly +scheme of things which Miss Esther had so +happily arranged during the early morning +hours. Kenneth picked up a large palm in +a pot which he summarily deposited on the +lawn outside. Mark pitched the pillows out +of the hammocks. “There’s no place for +my feet,” he said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Much as Miss Esther had enjoyed arranging +these things for the comfort of her +guests, she enjoyed still more their high-handed +demolishing of that arrangement. +“Now have you everything you want?” +she asked, beaming on the twelve-feet-six +of Westcott humanity that was festooned +end to end across the porch.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All but one thing,” said Kenneth, “and +that’s some fishing-tackle. I want to go +fishing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But there’s no place to fish.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That doesn’t make any difference. I +don’t want to fish; I just want to go fishing, +and so I want some tackle and bait and +a creel and a pair of hip-boots.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There is a little bit of a brook that runs +through the east meadow,” said Miss Esther, +thinking hard in her endeavor to provide +what was wanted. “But there are no fish +in it that I know of.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That will do nicely, thank you. Of +course, I would have preferred something +with tarpon in it; but a brook is a brook, +after all. Where are the things?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Father used to have all those things. +They’re in the big attic now. I’ll go and +get them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not on your life you won’t!” And Kenneth +bounced out of the hammock, picked +Miss Esther up bodily and carefully deposited +her in his place, tucking some pillows +about her feet. “I’ll get them myself. You +stay right there. Watch her, fellows!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The screen door slammed behind him +and Kenneth went in search of his fishing-tackle. +He returned triumphantly with the +hip-boots and much other paraphernalia +which he scattered over the floor, chairs, +and also over his hostess, whom he decorated +with red and yellow trout flies. Even +after the good lady had escaped and unwillingly +obeyed Nora’s summons to the kitchen, +Kenneth was still fussing with his flies.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“By Jove!” exclaimed Putnam, looking +down across the lawn, “what a picture!” +Kenneth paused, and, looking through a vine-framed +opening, saw an exceeding fat baby +propelling herself on all-fours through a too-small +aperture in the boxwood hedge. Halfway +through she had paused perforce and +beamed contentedly. Then redoubling her +efforts she wriggled through the rest of the +way, stood upright and carefully brushed the +dirt from her tiny skirts, and started toward +the house. She walked deliberately, as one +with a set purpose. At a rose-bush a few +feet from the hedge she stopped, kissed +one of the roses, patted another lovingly, +clasped her fat little hands and stood for +a moment in rapt adoration of the flowers. +Then she turned and trotted on toward the +house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>A small toad hopped in front of her. The +baby gave a little squeal, and putting her +hands over her eyes, she walked carefully +and deliberately around the toad, leaving +plenty of room between them. Contentedly +then she came slowly on.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hullo, Yellowtop!” called out Mark, +who with the others had watched the eventful +journey across the lawn.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At this the baby looked up, saw the three +strange men, and with a sudden absolute +collapse she dropped to the ground where +she stood, sitting squarely down, her chubby +fingers outstretched on either side of her, and +her feet sticking up in front. For a moment +she stared blankly at the awful sight before +her, and then, opening her mouth wide, there +came forth a wail of terror and indignant surprise +such as never was on land or sea.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Bless your baby heart!” said Kenneth, +“what in the world’s the matter?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The response to this was another yell, +more prolonged and terrified than the first. +This brought Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you doing to Chub?” she +exclaimed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing,” said Kenneth, honestly; “she’s +hollering at me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll get her,” said Mark, helpfully, and +bounding down the steps he picked up the +tumultuous morsel of humanity. Pausing in +the vocal demonstration of her temper, she +resorted to effective pugilism and pounded +Mark with her dimpled fists, her blue eyes +flashing with the indignation of outraged +dignity.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t hit him so hard, Baby,” laughed +Putnam; “you’ll kill him!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Will I?” asked Chub, pausing in her +warlike enterprise, and looking straight into +Mark’s eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course you will,” said Mark, reproachfully. +“I’m almost dead now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wath goin’ to thtop anyway,” said +Chub with a final thump on his chest. Then +she threw her arms around him as far as they +would go and beamed adoringly at him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>From that moment Mark bent his neck to +Chub’s yoke. Her monarchy was absolute. +Anything less than instantaneous obedience +occasioned blood-curdling yells that always +reduced Mark to sudden subjection, not only +in self-defense but for the sake of suffering +humanity. By the time Mark had reached the +porch Chub had reached a state of intermittent +calm, and submitted with a fine air of +condescension to the introductions thrust +upon her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She greeted Lieutenant Adams and Kenneth +Westcott pleasantly at Miss Esther’s +bidding, but allowed it plainly to be seen +that she very much preferred Mark’s society.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther, seeing that Chub was peacefully +settled, turned to enter the house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t go,” called Lieutenant Adams +after her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I must,” said Miss Esther; “I have a lot +of things to attend to.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They can wait; I want you. I wish +you’d get one of the new magazines and read +me a story.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther went into the house and soon +returned with several magazines. “Here +are the books,” she said, “but I can’t read +to you. I have a hundred things to do this +morning.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Putnam looked at her calmly. “You are +not going to do any of them,” he said; “you +are going to stay right straight here with me—and +read to me. Sit down in that chair.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther sat down, and Putnam +regarded her with a look of entire satisfaction. +“Any story will do,” he said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She turned the pages, hunting for the +most interesting story.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Her mind was slightly distracted by the +novel sensation of submitting to irresistible +authority. The feeling was distinctly pleasant.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Romeo couldn’t have done that,” she +thought. “A lover is more condoling, but +my chief humor is for a tyrant. Well, I’ve +certainly found one in this dominating cousin +of mine.”</p> + +<h2>IX</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>I pr’ythee, pretty youth, let me be better acquainted with +thee.—<span class='it'>As You Like It</span>, iv, 1.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Kenneth started on his fishing expedition. +The road which passed the Adams house +wandered aimlessly off toward a woodland, +and at the edge of this there was a brook. +Here was shade, and fallen trees which +offered particularly comfortable seats. As +Miss Esther had said, there were no fish +now. There had been one once—a very +large one—which had been caught, but that +was in the days when Miss Esther’s father +used to fish there. This lack, however, did +not cause the least worry to Kenneth. His +mood was rather for the manner than the +matter in hand. He wanted to fish—not to +catch fish, and his mother’s pail, had there +been nothing else available, would have +suggested to him those essential ideas which +are of the Waltonian impulse. He wanted +to think, and there is nothing more subtly +conducive to the reflective frame of mind +than sitting on a log, dangling a fish-line in +a brook. If one catches fish, then there is +immediate business in hand which spoils +a train of thought. Your true philosopher, +therefore, desires no fish—he simply wants +to sit and think. That is the secret of fishing, +and Kenneth Westcott knew it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean Richards, from behind the vines of +her own veranda, had watched Kenneth’s +departure from the Adams house and his subsequent +progress toward the brook. “How +absurd,” she thought, as she noted the rod +and creel. “He can’t catch anything in that +brook. I’ll go down and tell him so. I rather +like those boys of Miss Esther’s. I think I’ll +cultivate them—the brothers I mean; that +lame lieutenant is a prig, I’m sure, but the +Westcott boys seem quite worth while. Yes, +I’ll go down there. He’ll be glad of somebody +to amuse him when he finds he can’t +catch any fish.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean waited until she thought that Kenneth +had had time to discover the fishlessness of +the brook, and then leisurely proceeded along +the same path he had taken.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She came upon him suddenly. Seated on +the ground, his back against a fallen log, his +hands clasped behind his head, and his fish-line +trailing in the brook, Kenneth was staring +vacantly toward the blue of the sky.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Good gracious, how you scared me!” +cried Jean. “I didn’t know you were here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m going away in a minute,” he replied, +as, after a disinterested glance at the intruder, +he went on with his sky-gazing.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, of <span class='it'>all</span> things!” exclaimed Jean. +“May I sit here until you go? I’m awfully +tired.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly, sit down if you like. It isn’t +my log.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean sat down. Kenneth continued to gaze +at the sky.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you doing?” she asked at +last.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Cleaning my automobile.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Papa has just got a new buggy,” said +Jean, ingratiatingly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Has he?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My father is the manager of the Whitfield +Flour and Feed Company.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is he?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, he is. He thinks I’m nice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Does he?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean rested her chin in her hand and regarded +the young man steadily for some +moments. “Do you know, I rather like +you? Nobody ever talked to me like that +before.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you like to be talked to that way?” +Kenneth glanced critically at his fishing-rod, +and moved his position a trifle.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; who are you, anyway?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You know my name.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, what are you, then?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m a fairy prince.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you doing?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m hunting a fairy princess.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How fortunate I happened along just +now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Kenneth rose, picked up his rod, walked +a little way and leaned it against a tree.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, are you going?” asked Jean. “Good-bye!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I’m not going. I’m coming back +to sit on the log and talk to you; but I see +an interruption approaching in the shape of +two able-bodied men. One of them is our +friend, Mr. Brewster.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And the other is Dr. Bushnell, the minister. +Mr. Brewster is staying at his house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The two newcomers accepted the hospitality +offered by the occupants of the log, +Brewster throwing himself at full length on +the grass, and Dr. Bushnell, carefully selecting +an available place, seated himself with +great dignity. “What a poetic spot,” he +said. “It reminds me of that wonderful line +of Mrs. Hemans’s, ‘Men may come and +men may go, but I go on forever.’ That is +a beautiful thought. It is well said that there +are sermons in running brooks.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why don’t you pick one out for next +Sunday, Dr. Bushnell?” inquired Jean, with +an air of seriousness.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think I will. I think I will. That is by +no means a bad idea. I thank you, my dear +young lady, for suggesting it to me. From +a brook one may draw many—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Fish,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not from this brook,” said Kenneth. +“I’ve been fishing all the morning and +haven’t caught a thing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I referred to sermons, not fish,” remarked +Dr. Bushnell, mildly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I didn’t have any sermon bait.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And haven’t you really caught anything?” +inquired Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Only a fairy princess,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And that without any bait,” retorted +Kenneth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I knew he wouldn’t catch any fish, +so I came down to amuse him. We were +playing fairy prince and princess.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Was this log your castle?” asked Brewster, +interestedly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed,” replied Jean. “I think +the fairy prince was going to build a real +air-castle, with moats and dungeons and +things.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t think that kind of a castle would +suit you,” said Kenneth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What kind would suit me?” asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A more modern one,” said Brewster. +“A brownstone front on Fifth Avenue, for +instance.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That would suit me exactly,” she replied, +“but it isn’t a castle.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Wouldn’t you rather be suited exactly +than to have a castle?” said Brewster, quizzically.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I would,” said Jean, honestly. +“Helen is the one for the castle. You know +Miss Fairbanks,—you met her yesterday. +She has set her heart upon a real castle with +turrets and drawbridges and moats.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She ought to have it, too,” said Brewster. +“She would grace it perfectly.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am grieved to learn,” said Dr. Bushnell, +“that Miss Helen has set her heart on anything +so far beyond her reach. It seems to +me not only the height of folly, but almost +a sin to aspire to something that one may +never hope to gain.”</p> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>“ ‘Ah, but a man’s reach should exceed his grasp,</p> +<p class='line0'>Or what’s a heaven for?’ ”</p> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='noindent'>quoted Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Heaven, my dear sir, is quite another +matter. We may all hope to attain that blessed +state.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“True,” said Brewster, in such a bland +tone of acquiescence that Jean giggled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is not a matter for flippancy,” said +Dr. Bushnell, with his most ministerial air. +“Ambition, rightly directed, and not having +its source in a prideful desire for vainglory, +is admirable and praiseworthy in all. But +ambition that is selfish and based on a desire +for vulgar ostentation and display—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Helen Fairbanks is not vulgar or ostentatious,” +broke in Jean. “She doesn’t want +a castle for show. What she wants and what +she ought to have is the sort of thing represented +by a moated castle. She would fit +right into a picture of that kind, and she +knows it, and so, naturally, she longs intensely +for it. But she isn’t miserable over +it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course,” said Brewster; “I have +only met Miss Fairbanks once, and she +certainly gives a stranger the impression of +the Haughty Princess. One would hardly +imagine her longing intensely for anything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s only because you don’t know +her,” said Jean. “Her likes and dislikes are +extreme. It is not the material castle that +she cares for, either. It is simply that she +wants to realize her tremendous ideals.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just as I said,” interposed Dr. Bushnell. +“Her ideals are so tremendous that I fear +they can never be realized, and therefore I +say that it is wrong for her to hold them. It +is better to be like you, my dear young lady—contented +with your lot and cherishing no +overweening ambitions.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is that so?” said Kenneth, with much +interest. “Do I really see before me an +absolutely contented individual?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You do not!” said Jean, indignantly, +as if content were a thing to be ashamed of. +“I have fully as many ideals as Helen, though +they are quite different ones.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What is the chief one?” asked Kenneth; +“a fairy prince?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed; I have dozens of fairy princes +who await but my nod. My chief desire this +morning is for a white chiffon parasol and +a maltese kitten.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They are not exactly in line with the +ideals you attribute to Miss Fairbanks,” said +Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Dr. Bushnell, “but they are +within the possibilities, and so show a more +admirable trait of character, in that your +desires are subservient to your probable +attainments. Yours is a disposition to be +envied.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll tell Helen that,” said Jean. “I would +like to have her envy me. It would be such +a pleasant change.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, do you envy her?” asked Kenneth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I do, indeed. She is so beautiful and +stately, and so great-hearted under her apparent +calm indifference, and so unswerving +in her aims, and so—so fond of kittens.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you are that,” said Kenneth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, but the kittens are fond of her in +return—that’s Helen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If Miss Helen would confine her ambitions +to kittens,” said Dr. Bushnell, “it +would be so much wiser and better for her. +She is a dear girl, but it occasions me much +serious thought when I observe her mistaken +tendencies. Does it not seem to you, +Mr. Brewster—I ask you now in a general +way—does it not seem to you that our extravagant +desires, which in the very nature +of things are impossible of fulfillment, should +be curbed—nay, should be rooted out by +the kind hand of friendly counsel?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am sorry that I do not agree with you, +Dr. Bushnell,” replied Brewster, “but I’m +afraid I must confess to a deep sympathy +with Miss Fairbanks, for I myself am a victim +of unattainable and often even incomprehensible +ideals.”</p> + +<h2>X</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>If he fail, yet go we under our opinion still that we have +better men.—<span class='it'>Troilus and Cressida</span>, i, 3.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>After thinking it all over seriously, Miss +Esther had concluded that Mark Westcott +and Theodore Winthrop Brewster were the +most suitable candidates yet entered on the +books of her Matrimonial Bureau for the +hand of her artist-client, Lillian Hastings. It +had been difficult to choose between them, +for they were both distinctly eligible, but +after two or three days’ acquaintance, she had +discovered that Mark possessed more of the +traits which might develop into the character +of the traditional fairy godfather. In pursuance +of her plans, the wily lady one afternoon +invented an errand for one unsuspecting +youth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mark,” she said, ingratiatingly, “wouldn’t +you like to go over to Lillian Hastings’s for +me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, are you over there?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t be saucy. I assumed that you could +understand English. I’ll try again. Cousin, +or, fair cousin, I would wish you, or, I would +request you, or, I would entreat you, not to +fear, not to tremble: but to go, or, to walk, +or, to amble withal, to the house, or the +home, or the studio of Miss Lillian Hastings, +and there with deep diplomacy acquaint thyself +with that which I desire. This having +done, I bid thee tell me true that which with +subtle art thou hast discovered.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Sure, I’ll go; but what is this tremendous +mission?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lillian is painting a picture, and I want +to know if it is finished yet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But where does the diplomacy come +in?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You see, I don’t want her to know that +I want to know, but when the picture is +finished, I’m going to have a party or something +for her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What is the picture? How am I to +know it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s a great big field with a cow in the +middle.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right. I can tell it by the cow, but +how am I to know if it is finished?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s where you must use your +ingenuity. Take your time and lead the +conversation around by devious by-paths +until you find out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right; put me up a little luncheon +and I’ll stay all day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You haven’t any diplomacy,” said Kenneth. +“I’ll go along with you and manage +the ingenious part.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, no! You can’t go, Kenneth. I want +you this afternoon. I want you to take me +driving.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you can’t go driving, Cousin Esther,” +broke in Lieutenant Adams. “You promised +to stay with me. I’ve got to have you. +Clear out, you two boys, and stay as long as +you like.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In the few days of Putnam Adams’s stay +it had come about that the household obeyed +him unquestioningly. Miss Esther realized +that Kenneth’s going would interfere with +her plans, yet there was no escape from the +inevitable, and she docilely remained with +Putnam and watched the brothers as they +sauntered across the lawn.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>They found Lillian at her easel, at work on +a large landscape.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s the picture, now,” exclaimed +Mark, diplomatically.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I told you you hadn’t any ingenuity,” +said Kenneth, “and besides that can’t be the +picture. There isn’t any cow in it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There was a cow—” began Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How did it get away?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I painted it out,” replied the artist.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then that’s the picture. I knew it was,” +said Mark.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What picture?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We can’t tell you. We’re diplomats. +When will it be finished?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s almost finished now. I think it will +be done by Saturday.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then that’s all right. I’ll tell Cousin +Esther,” said Mark.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What does she want to know for?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We can’t tell you. That’s a surprise. +How can people be diplomats if other people +ask them questions all the time?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hullo, who painted this head?” Kenneth +had discovered a portrait among a lot of +sketches.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“By Jove!” exclaimed Mark, “that looks +like the girls.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What girls?” asked Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Our girls,” said Kenneth. “We’re engaged +to them, you know. Want to see ’em?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, indeed. Where are they?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The boys simultaneously drew from their +pockets two thin gold cases each containing +a miniature of a young woman.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, these are pictures of the same +girl,” said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not exactly,” explained Kenneth. +“We’ve each got one. You see they’re +twins.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I should think they were twins. I never +saw anything so much alike in my life. +How do you tell them apart?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We can’t,” said Mark. “At least we can +tell the girls apart, but not the pictures. +They got mixed up once and we’ve never +known which is which since. But it doesn’t +matter. They can tell us apart.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, of course, they can tell which of +you they are engaged to.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Kenneth, “we have to depend +on them to sort us out. But sometimes +I think they fool us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know they do,” said Mark. “They +think it’s a great joke.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you to be married soon?” asked +Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, there’s to be a double wedding in the +fall. Great time—I wish you’d come to it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’d love to go. Is Miss Esther going?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I guess so. She came on to Roger’s +wedding, but she hasn’t said anything +about ours.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’re awfully pretty girls. What are +their names?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Butler—Edna and Edwina. We call +them Ed for short.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do they know which one you +mean?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, according to who says it. I +wouldn’t call Edna ‘Ed.’ ”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’d better not,” said Mark. “I’d +pound you if you did.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where are they now?” asked Lillian, +interestedly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They are going on with mother this +week from Boston to the Adirondacks, and +Mark and I are to join them there later.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Just then Brewster and Helen Fairbanks +came into the studio.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ve been walking miles and miles,” +said Helen, “and we’re going over to Miss +Esther’s for a cup of tea, and we want you +to come with us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right,” said Mark, “we’ll go. Just +wait a few minutes till Miss Hastings paints +a cow into her picture.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, the cow can wait till to-morrow,” +said Lillian; “but won’t you show Miss +Fairbanks those two miniatures, or one at +least?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The boys produced the lockets and +handed them to Helen. “What a beautiful +girl,” she said. “Is she your sister?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No—she isn’t one girl, she’s twins, +and she’s engaged to these two brothers +here,” said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Which is which?” asked Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Merciful powers!” exclaimed Kenneth, +“you haven’t mixed them up again, have +you? We just got them sorted out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why these are the Butler twins,” said +Brewster as he looked at the pictures. +“I’ve known them all their lives;—this is +Edna and this is Edwina.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How can you tell?” asked Mark, admiringly; +“but give me Edwina quick, while +you know.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now I’m ready,” said Lillian, sticking +her brushes into an already crowded ginger +jar. “Come on, let’s go. It’s almost five.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On the way to the Adams house they +passed Dr. Bushnell’s. Brewster turned in +at the gate. “Go on,” he said, “I’ll get the +book I promised Miss Fairbanks, and catch +you before you get to Miss Esther’s.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>That afternoon had proved an eventful +one for Miss Adams, and had completely +disarranged her Matrimonial Bureau.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She had been sitting on the east porch +with Putnam, when Nora announced the +arrival of three ladies.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, Emily Westcott!” exclaimed +Miss Esther, “I’m so glad to see you. +Where under the sun did you come from?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m on my way to Saranac, and just +stopped over for the night to see you and to +show you my new daughters. This is Edwina +Butler and this is Edna Butler. Where +are the boys?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m very glad to see you—all of you. +But why do you call these young ladies +your daughters?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, they’re engaged to Mark and +Kenneth. Haven’t they told you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mark and Kenneth?” said Miss Esther, +“Mark and Kenneth! but which of you is +which? How can they tell you apart?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They can’t,” said Edna Butler. “We +tell them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther sat down. “Well, of <span class='it'>all</span> +things!” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why are you so surprised?” asked Mrs. +Westcott. “The boys are old enough. +Mark is twenty-five—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, yes, I know. And I’m very much +pleased,—very much pleased. I am sure,” +she added, turning to the young ladies, +“that you must be twins. You are, aren’t +you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, we are; I am Edwina. There’s no +way to tell us apart except by our first +names. Mark is my special property.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And Kenneth is mine,” said Edna. +“He has written so much about you and +this beautiful place that we’re perfectly delighted +to be here. He told us, too, about +numbers of new cousins he had found here. +Mayn’t we see them?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, indeed,” said Miss Esther. “At +least we have one of them on exhibition. +Your boys have gone calling somewhere, +but one of the new cousins—Lieutenant +Adams—is on the east porch, laid up with +a broken leg. Come out and amuse him for +a while.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She took the Butler twins to the east +porch, presented Lieutenant Adams, and +then returned to Mrs. Westcott. “Those +young people can take care of themselves,” +she said, “and you and I can have a good +old-time chat.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ve come out to get acquainted,” +announced Edna. “You may not know it, +but you are to be one of our new cousins, +Lieutenant Adams.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m very glad to hear that,” he said; +“but if I’m your cousin, you must call me +Putnam. What’s your name?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mine’s Edna, and hers is Edwina. You +may use them, if you like.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know how I can remember which +belongs to which. Your gowns are exactly +alike. You ought to have some distinguishing +mark.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right. Give me one of your gilt +buttons,” said Edna, “and I’ll wear it on +my chain.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course,” said Lieutenant Adams, cutting +off a button from his white duck coat, +which Edna gleefully attached to her long +chain.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I want one, too,” said Edwina, “to put +on my chain.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course. Here’s one for you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Edwina strung the button on her chain. +“Now shut your eyes,” she said, “and count +ten.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>During the counting Putnam heard an +ostentatious rustle and two very similar +giggles. Then he announced “Ten!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now look at us,” said one of them. +“Which am I?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s dead easy; you’re Edwina.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How can you tell?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, because one of you is so much +prettier than the other.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Which?” cried the twins together.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Both,” said Putnam, gallantly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if that doesn’t look like Winthrop +Brewster,” said Edwina, as she saw +a tall man in white flannels crossing the +lawn.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is,” said her sister.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course it is,” said Putnam. “Do you +know him?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, known him all our lives. Hullo, +Winthrop!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, Peaches Butler!” exclaimed Brewster +as he came up the steps. “How did you +get here? You see,” he explained to Putnam, +“that when I address these young +women together I have to refer to them in +the plural. When I meet only one of them +I call her Peach.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>From the library window Miss Esther +could hear the laughter on the east porch. +She had left Mrs. Westcott in her room, after +hearing from her the details of the boys’ +engagements.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mark and Kenneth both out of it,” she +thought. “To be sure, I only needed one +of them, but I can’t have either, it seems. +I think the Jean and Putnam affair will turn +out as I have planned. Then, of course, +I must give Winthrop Brewster to Lillian. +That still leaves Helen. She is certainly +my most troublesome client. This being +a Matrimonial Bureau is harder work than +I thought it would be.”</p> + +<h2>XI</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>He well may be a stranger, for he comes to an honored +triumph.—<span class='it'>Pericles</span>, ii, 2.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>After leaving Brewster at Dr. Bushnell’s, +Mark explained to his companions that he +had forgotten to go to the post-office as +he had promised Miss Esther he would do. +They all went with him. When they reached +the Adams house there was no one on the +front veranda.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’re late,” said Helen, “and yet I +don’t see any appearance of tea-things. I +wonder where everybody is?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Some fearful accident must have happened +in this well-regulated family to have +interfered with the tea routine,” said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” exclaimed Kenneth, “the fearful +accident is Putnam Adams. He has regulations +of his own, and he has hypnotized +Cousin Esther into thinking that they are +hers. He’s probably having tea in that +padded cell of his.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“From the racket, I should say he had +a whole tea-party,” said Mark.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll invite ourselves to it,” said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>They sauntered slowly toward the porch, +Lillian and Mark ahead, and Helen following +with Kenneth.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s Mark’s laugh,” said Edwina. +“The boys are coming, Ed.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The Butler twins flew to the vine-framed +window and looked out to see Mark and +Kenneth apparently very much interested +in two merry young women. At the same +moment Lillian spied the twin faces in the +leafy frame. “There,” she cried, “are the +girls out of your lockets!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Edwina Butler!” yelled Mark, dropping +in an astonished heap on the grass. “Whichever +one of you belongs to me, come out +here—quick!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, you come up here. Aren’t you +awful glad to see us? We’re a surprise +party,” said Edwina.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You certainly are,” said Kenneth, bounding +up the steps. “What are you doing +here, anyway?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian and Helen followed Kenneth, and +Brewster introduced them to the Butler +twins. Just as Mark rose to go, too, Jean +came around the corner of the house. +“Where’s everybody?” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Up in Putnam’s porch,” replied Mark. +“Come on up.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Here comes Mark with another girl,” +said Edwina to Brewster. “Is he making +a collection?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I think he is,” replied Brewster; +“and I admire his taste in gems.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“His latest acquisition seems to be a +sparkling one.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She’s all of that,” said Brewster. “Jean +Richards is a witch; but I’m not sure that +I would call her Mark’s acquisition.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is she yours?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, not that either. Lieutenant Adams—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Just at this moment Mark came up and +Edwina lost interest in Brewster’s sentence.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mark has good taste,” thought Brewster, +glancing at Miss Butler, “but for myself—” +He deliberately walked across the porch +and seated himself beside Helen Fairbanks.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther and Mrs. Westcott appeared +at the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The Mother!” shrieked Kenneth, and +sprang to meet her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What a lot of people for tea,” said Miss +Esther. “We must all go out on the front +veranda right away. Everything is ready.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We are going to have tea here to-day,” +said Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He looked at Miss Esther with that air +of absolute finality which she had already +learned meant ultimate acquiescence on +her part; and while she felt it necessary to +parley a little, if only for a compromise with +her own dignity, yet she was secretly pleased +with the positive knowledge that she would +capitulate at last. In a word, she enjoyed +Putnam’s despotism.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But we always have it on the front veranda. +We’ll have to go out there,” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Putnam; “it is to be served +here. Sit down.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther sat down.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now, Miss Richards,” began Putnam, +“you will kindly ask Nora to superintend +moving all that tea baggage out here, and you +Westcott boys get busy and do the boosting.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Usually Putnam’s orders were carried out +to the letter, but when Jean reached the +front veranda, she was surprised to see a +strange young man sitting there. He was +a fat little man, who looked as though he +might be merry in favoring circumstances. +But just now he sat in an attitude of deep +dejection, his round face showing a most +woe-begone expression.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t cry!” said Jean. “It’s all right. +What’s the matter?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Somebody’s broke the doorbell, and I +can’t get in. Sit down, won’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean sat down beside him. “I really must +be going,” she said; “they’re waiting for +me inside.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Can’t I go in, too? I’m expected. I +am Abraham Lincoln Dodd.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean regarded him critically. “You don’t +look like Abraham Lincoln,” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No; I favor the Dodds. We are the +Dodds of Lawrence. We spell our name +D-o-double-d. It is pronounced Dodd—the +final d is silent.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How interesting,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, isn’t it? Putnam Adams wrote +for me to come down here. He said that +his Cousin Esther said I might. Are you +his Cousin Esther?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no. Miss Adams is a lady of about +fifty.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, so Putnam said.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where are you, Miss Richards?” called +Mark from the doorway.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Here I am. Come out and meet Mr. +Dodd.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly,” said Mark, dropping down +on the top step. “Did Putnam tell you to +keep Mr. Dodd out here?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We can’t get in,” said Abraham Lincoln +Dodd. “Nobody answered my ring, and +I can’t find Putnam.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What’s up?” asked Kenneth, coming +out after more teacups.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve found a stranger,” said Jean, “and +I took him in. Want to see him?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She hasn’t taken me in <span class='it'>yet</span>,” said Dodd, +cheerfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She will, though,” said Kenneth, sitting +down beside his brother. “It’s a happy +little faculty Miss Richards possesses. But +you’re not a stranger. Putnam expected +you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Miss Adams was kind enough to +invite me. They said to come as soon as +I could, and so I came right away. I drove +over from Richfield Springs in my automobile.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You did?” cried Jean. “Have you got +an automobile? Will you take me out in +it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right,” replied Dodd. “Get your +hat.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s a riot on the east porch,” said +Brewster, appearing suddenly. “<span class='it'>Where</span> is +that tea-table?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Never mind the tea,” exclaimed Jean. +“Here’s Mr. Dodd, and he’s got an automobile! +Come out and see him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is it?” asked Brewster, joining +the group.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why,” said Dodd, “it was most unfortunate. +Just as I was coming through the +village it had a pain, so I left it at the blacksmith’s. +It will be all right by to-morrow.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can go to-morrow,” said Jean. “We’ll +all go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How many are there of us?” asked +Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, there’s a lot of us,” replied Jean. +“There’s Miss Esther—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, here’s Miss Esther,” said that lady +coming through the hall. “What is going +on? Are you going to keep these boys here +all the afternoon?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why,” said Jean, “I’m entertaining your +company. Mr. Dodd is here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Putnam’s Mr. Dodd?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your Mr. Dodd, if you will have me,” +said Abraham Lincoln, rising.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly I will. Consider yourself one +of my adopted boys. I have a great many. +Won’t you come in?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve been trying to get in, but Miss +Richards has kept me out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She is quite capable of it. You’re a bad +girl, Jean. Go back to the east porch at +once. Putnam wants you. Also, I left two +girls weeping for the Westcott boys. Mr. +Brewster, tell Putnam that Mr. Dodd is here. +I’ll bring him out there directly.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was right down good of you to ask me +over here, Miss Adams,” said Dodd as they +were left alone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am glad to have you. Any friend of +Putnam’s is welcome. I am very fond of that +boy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, he’s an all-round good fellow. +I’m sorry he’s laid up, but this is certainly +an ideal spot to be laid up in. The country +is beautiful, and I’m glad I brought my +sketching-traps.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes. Putnam told me you painted. +I’m so glad.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You won’t be when you see my pictures. +I don’t paint very well.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you take an interest in art?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes. I like pictures and I like people +who like pictures.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was with great satisfaction that Miss +Esther showed Abraham Lincoln Dodd to +his room. When she came down stairs she +paused a moment in the library. “It’s nothing +short of providential,” she thought. +“Just when I had to give up all hopes of +one of those Westcott boys for Lillian, here +comes along an even better candidate. He +is not only available along the art lines, but +Putnam says he is rich and so, of course, he +could take Lillian abroad or anywhere she +wants to go. I really think he’ll do very +well. Dodd isn’t a much prettier name than +Briggs, and I did want Westcott; but I must +not sit too long on trifles. It is working out +admirably. There does seem to be a special +providence that waits on Matrimonial Bureaus. +If all goes well, Lillian can sail by +the middle of August after all.”</p> + +<h2>XII</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>My chief humor is for a tyrant.—<span class='it'>Midsummer Night’s +Dream</span>, i, 2.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Putnam’s tea on the east porch proved a +decided success. Abraham Lincoln Dodd +was an acquisition, and Miss Esther viewed +the entire group with a secret elation that at +last she had secured a stage-setting such as +she wanted, and furthermore had brought +her actors all together upon the scene.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It seemed to her the perfected realization +of her attempt to model a situation after +those described in her favorite English +novels. The wicker tea-table and its complete +appointments, the pretty girls in their +light summer frocks, the jolly, careless men +with their unostentatious thoughtfulness for +Putnam, the blue sky, the green, close-cut +grass, and even the sweep of the graveled +driveway, along which Miss Esther’s imagination +could see Lady Rose’s daughter rolling +in her victoria,—all these filled her +heart with joy. This joy was not expressed +in words, but its manifestation was evident +in her demeanor and made her, appropriately +enough, a fitting central figure for the +picture. She looked at the three girls she +was so fond of, she looked at her recently +acquired collection of cousins, and then she +looked curiously at Mr. Dodd and wondered. +“I think he will do,” she thought, “and he +seems to like Lillian already.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As a matter of fact, Mr. Dodd seemed to +like not only Lillian but all of Miss Esther’s +guests, and apparently the regard was mutual. +The centre of an admiring group, he +was telling of some exciting experience +which befell him when he was young. “It +wasn’t so bad, then, but after I grew up—” +he began.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you didn’t grow very far,” interrupted +Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not up, no; but I grew a lot cross-wise. +I think Nature intended me for a +sphere.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She accomplished her purpose admirably,” +said Putnam.</p> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:80%'> +<img src='images/ill002.jpg' alt='Group of men and women partaking in tea time' id='img02' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +<p class='caption'><span class='it'>Tea on the east porch.</span></p> +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“The minister was telling me the other +day,” said Jean, “that I ought to find my +sphere. I wonder if you’re it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Miss Esther, involuntarily. +“That is, I mean,” she went on hurriedly, +“I won’t have anybody calling my guests +spheres or any other geometrical solids. +And by the way, Mr. Dodd, what am +I to call you? You see, all these other +adopted boys of mine I call by their first +names.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But Mr. Dodd’s first name is so ponderous,” +said Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is,” said Dodd, hopelessly. “But,” he +added, brightening, “they used to call me +Little Sunshine.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I shall call you Lincoln,” said Miss +Esther, decidedly. “It suits you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am very glad to hear that somebody +has at last realized my essential Lincolnic +attributes. I have always wanted to issue a +proclamation. I am a born proclaimer, and +if I could only emancipate somebody from +something, I could die happy. I am Lincolnian +to the backbone. I was cut out for +a great fighter.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you’re talking about fighters,” said +Mark, “Fitzsimmons is my choice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, call me Fitz if you like. I might +just as well have been named after him, if +he had done his fighting as early as Lincoln +did. He’s another kind of fighter, to be +sure, but if a man fights to win, what’s the +odds whether he fights men or conditions?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see why men like to fight so +much,” said Lillian. “I should think you +would rather be something nice. A painter, +for instance, like Sir Joshua Reynolds.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I am a painter, and you may call me +Sir Josh if you like.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you really a painter?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I am. I’m a big painter. My last +picture was a scene up Gloucester way, and +covered the whole coast, all the shore from +Rocky Neck to Cape Ann.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All on one canvas?” asked Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I wanted it for a certain space, but +somehow I got the thing too long, and when +I got it home it wouldn’t fit.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What did you do then?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I had to take a tuck in it,—up and +down, you know. It didn’t make any difference. +It only cut out a few miles between +the DeCamp cottage and the hotels on the +eastern shore. That stretch is uninteresting, +anyway.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m awfully glad you paint,” said Lillian; +“I paint some, too. If you paint better +than I do, you can teach me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I will, with pleasure, and if you paint +better than I do, you can teach me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther smiled. Mr. Dodd was certainly +a most tractable man. If she had told +him just what she wanted, he couldn’t have +fallen in with her plans better. She foresaw +a friendship that should begin over the paint +tubes, and should lead straight to the deck +of the European steamer. “Perhaps I am +not exactly the god in the machine,” she +thought, while apparently listening to Mrs. +Westcott’s periphrases, “but I am the machinist, +and I must set the god to work. And +if ’t were done when ’t is done, then ’twere +well ’twere done quickly.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther regarded Lillian with the +expression a chess-player would bestow upon +an idle pawn. She decided to make a move +upon her matrimonial chessboard. “Lillian,” +she said, transparently diplomatic, +“wouldn’t you like to take Mr. Dodd over +to your studio and let him advise you about +that new picture of yours?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian did want to, but not feeling sure +of Mr. Dodd’s state of mind on the subject, +she looked at him, inquiringly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing I should like better,” said he, +jumping up. “As an adviser I am a great +success. I make a specialty of advising. I +have noticed that nowadays it is the thing to +be a specialist.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I thought specialists were surgeons +or doctors,” said Edwina Butler. “Are you +a doctor?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I am. I administer advice in capsules +to my patients, and they’re not always +sugar-coated, either.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then sometimes they are hard to take,” +said Lillian. “I hope you’ll sugar-coat +mine.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” Dodd returned. “I +haven’t seen your picture yet, and I don’t +know what kind you’ll need.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Advise her to put her cow back in the +pasture,” said Mark.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is she now?” asked Dodd. “Do +you allow your cow to paint on your pictures, +Miss Hastings, while you’re away?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, it was only a painted cow upon a +painted picture, and I unpainted her, because—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Because she wouldn’t moo,” interrupted +Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you are a realist?” asked Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes. I want to paint cows that can +moo,” replied Lillian, “although I may not +hear them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’d scare you to death if they did,” +said Jean. “I never knew anybody so afraid +of cows as you are.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, go on,” said Miss Esther. “I’ve +no doubt if you meet any cows on the way +Mr. Dodd will—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Paint them out,” supplemented Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We will,” said Dodd as he walked down +the steps with Lillian; “but remember that +sometimes it requires a good deal of courage +to paint out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian gave him a glance of admiring +appreciation. Miss Esther caught it, and +smiled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Pursuing her rôle of a zealous and very +active fate, Miss Esther next proceeded to +clear the stage for the more prominent actors +in her comedy-drama. “Girls,” she said to +the Butler twins, “wouldn’t you like to see +something of the place? Why don’t you ask +that pair of Westcotts of yours to take you +down where Kenneth was fishing the other +day? That’s a most romantic spot.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, we’re not so romantic as all that,” +said Edwina, “or at least if we are, we have +plenty of opportunities for romance; but it +isn’t often that we get a chance at such a +lovely afternoon tea as this is, and we want +to stay to it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is my tea,” said Putnam, “and I +can manage it any way I like. Now I’ll +interrupt it right here, and you kids go down +to the brook. We’ll begin the tea again +when you come back.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Miss Esther, delighted that +her necessary acquiescence with Putnam’s +views should coincide so perfectly with her +wishes, “run along at once. Stay as long +as you like, and be sure to be here at seven +o’clock for dinner.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’ll never get back by that time,” +said Mrs. Westcott. “You don’t know that +quartette as well as I do. They have no idea +of time. You ought not to let them go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, she’s sending us,” cried Edna. “I +don’t care a snip about going.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, go along,” said her hostess, “you’ll +be back in time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The four ran laughing down the steps and +crossed the lawn in the direction of the +woodland. Elated by her success so far, +Miss Esther proceeded to dispose of Helen +and Mr. Brewster, for her ultimate plan was +nothing less than to leave Jean and Lieutenant +Adams in undisturbed possession of +the east porch. But Theodore Winthrop +Brewster was not so easily managed as the +Westcott boys. She made several unsuccessful +attempts. “Mr. Brewster,” she said, +finally, “have you seen Jack’s ship since he +has painted it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have, indeed,” said Brewster, cheerfully; +“in fact I helped him paint it yesterday.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But he put on another coat this morning, +and it really looks very different. Take +Helen up to see it. She’s so interested in +Jack’s ship.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m the one that is interested in Jack’s +ship,” broke in Jean; “let me go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Stay where you are,” said Putnam, dictatorially; +“you weren’t invited. Miss Fairbanks +was.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I don’t want to go,” said Helen. +“I am very comfortable here;” and she +leaned back in her lounging-chair with one +of her best expressions of reposeful content.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You always exasperate me when you +look like that,” said Jean. “I wish Miss +Esther would make you go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t,” said Miss Esther. “I can make +some people do some things some of the +time, but I know better than to order Helen +Fairbanks around. Besides, Putnam is the +only one here who can make anybody do +anything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Try it,” said Helen, looking over at Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not I. I should be proud to have you +give me orders, but I should never dream of +commanding Miss Helen Fairbanks.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your decision is a wise one, as my family +could tell you. Collectively and individually +they have tried to make me mind, +but without any very startling success.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come with me, Miss Fairbanks,” said +Brewster. “There are some interesting details +about Jack’s ship that I would like to +show you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Helen rose smilingly, and with an evident +unconsciousness that she was obeying +dictation, she walked into the house with +Brewster. Putnam caught Miss Esther’s +glance across the porch and threw back an +amused smile of comprehension.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After Helen and Mr. Brewster left them, +Miss Esther diplomatically contrived an exit +for herself and Mrs. Westcott. “If you will +come into the library with me, Emily,” she +said, “I will look up those papers and we +will settle those disputed genealogical questions.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, there’s no hurry about it,” said +Mrs. Westcott, “I shall be here two or three +days.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come now,” said Miss Esther, “I’m +just in the mood for it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She held the door open with such an air +of compulsion that Mrs. Westcott reluctantly +went in.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Left alone with Putnam on the veranda, +Jean, for some unaccountable reason, felt +vaguely embarrassed. “I must take these +things out to Nora,” she said, as she began +rather aimlessly to fuss with the teacups.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Stay where you are,” said Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you see,” said Jean, “I really must +look after these things. It’s Nora’s afternoon +out—at least I think it is—and Miss +Esther always depends on me to look after +things for her—especially if she has company—and +so, you see, I really must—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Sit down,” said Putnam.</p> + +<h2>XIII</h2> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>And I for no woman.—<span class='it'>As You Like It</span>, v, 2.</p> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>“I won’t sit down,” said Jean. “You can +boss Miss Esther as much as you like, but +you needn’t think that I’m going to do +exactly as you say. I am in the habit of doing +the ordering myself. That is the divine right +of an only child.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“An only child needn’t be a spoiled +child,” said Putnam, lazily.</p> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:80%'> +<img src='images/ill001.jpg' alt='Woman talks to man in chair' id='img01' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +<p class='caption'>“<span class='it'>I’m not a spoiled child!</span>”</p> +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m not a spoiled child,” and Jean’s eyes +flashed; “nobody ever said that before!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t object to being a pioneer. The +rôle has always appealed to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, don’t indulge your proclivities in +this undiscovered country.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why not?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Putnam regarded Jean deliberately, and +with an expression of amused curiosity. He +was an unusually handsome man, and his +magnificent physique gave an impression of +resolute power to a degree rare, even in a +soldier. This impression was in no way lessened, +but was rather accented by his present +condition of physical helplessness. Stretched +at full length in a steamer-chair, and consequently +incapable of active exertion, he still +showed unmistakable evidence of an immense +amount of reserve force. It was this +air of indolently conscious superiority which +proved so excessively tantalizing to Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She sat down in a low chair beside him, +and resting her chin in her hands, gazed +straight into his eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why not?” repeated Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Because I won’t stand it. You’re the +spoiled child yourself. You always have +your own way, irrespective of what anybody +else wants, and it makes me furious to have +you think that you can order me about as +you do others. You shan’t do it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why not?” said Putnam again.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He still looked at her quizzically with the +added provocation of a slight patronizing +smile. Jean flushed angrily. Putnam +changed his position, but with difficulty, and +the expression of pain which came into his +eyes roused all Jean’s instincts of helpfulness. +Without realizing what she was doing, she +rose and took a pillow from the hammock. +This she placed under Putnam’s shoulder, +and with quick, deft touches patted it into +exactly the right position.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Thank you,” he said, with a grave courtesy +quite at variance with his former teasing +mood. Jean flushed again, but this time it +was not with anger. She could not have analyzed +the reason even if she had tried. It +was simply the charm of Putnam Adams’s +personality. Splendid physical strength and +an iron will, with a calm, consummate indifference, +born of unqualified self-confidence, +make the most attractive combination possible +in a man, and he possessed these qualities +in their perfection. Possibly the consciousness +of this had added to his manner a +little too great a touch of autocracy, but this +was always forgiven him, because, when +necessary, Putnam Adams commanded forgiveness +with the same assurance that he +commanded everything else.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And so this personality appealed to Jean, +not only because of its effectiveness with all +women, but because this was the first time +that a man of this stamp had come within +her experience. She was a little bewildered +by it, and in consequence lost much of her +self-confident ability to hold her own against +any odds.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Indeed, it was otherwise inexplicable that +she, the high-handed dispenser of begged-for +favors, should, not only without invitation, +but without volition, have bestowed upon an +outrageously indifferent beneficiary a favor +which, however casual it might seem, was +really a tribute to his masterfulness. She +was conquered, although she didn’t know it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Putnam Adams knew it, but he did not +tell her.</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>After a few weeks of rest and Miss +Esther’s care, Putnam’s condition improved +to such an extent that he was able to get +about without his crutches, and was able to +take his place in the sextette which had many +excursions by automobile and otherwise in +the surrounding country about Whitfield.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The Westcott party had gone on to the +Adirondacks, after promising to stop at Miss +Esther’s on the way back. After Mark’s departure, +Chub had transferred her affections +to Abraham Lincoln Dodd, whom she called +Linkum, and whom she alternately petted +and tyrannized over.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>One morning Dodd lay on his back on the +lawn, looking up at a very blue sky, and Chub +amused herself by piling leaves upon his face.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m a wobin,” she said, gleefully, “and +you’re my Babeth in the Woodth.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I knew a robin once,—” began Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A nither wobin than me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, not nicer than you, except that that +robin didn’t put sand in my eyes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Wath it a weally wobin?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, a really robin, with feathers. We +were great friends.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have a friend—he’th a chipmuk; and +I have ’nother friend, and he’th a tagger; +and I have ’nother friend, and he’th a—a—a—Bear—a +awful big Bear; and I had +’nother friend, and he wath a little kittypillar—but +he ranned away.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is your bear a really bear?” asked +Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yeth; a big live bear with featherth, +and he livth wight over there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With a comprehensive sweep of her dimpled +arm, Chub vaguely indicated the habitat +of the bear.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lovely!” said Dodd. “And do the tiger +and chipmunk live there, too?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yeth, we all live there, and we have +thupper together and the tagger eath bread +and milk, and the chipmuk eath cuthtard, +and the bear—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Eats the caterpillar?” questioned Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, he didn’t. The little kittypillar +ranned away, cauth the bear theen him go, +and he ranned acroth the woad and acroth +the brook and acroth the fenth, he ranned +awful fatht.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did you run after him?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yeth, and I felled in the brook and got +all drownded up, and the chipmuk come +’long and he felled in the brook, and the tagger +come ’long and he felled in the brook, +and the bear come ’long and he felled in the +brook, and the chipmuk come ’long and he +felled in the brook, and—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you had the chipmunk in the brook +before.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yeth, but he felled in two timeth; and +the bear come ’long—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But the end of this thrilling tale was lost +to history, and so far as we know authoritatively, +the animals are still in the brook, for +just at this moment Chub’s nurse appeared +and carried the baby off for her morning nap.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Dodd rose, brushed off the leaves and wisps +of grass with which Chub had favored him, +and went into the house in search of Miss +Esther. When he reached the hall he saw +her in the library.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As he entered the room, she said, apparently +to nobody, “They are all doing beautifully, +except Winthrop Brewster. I cannot +understand, Cassius,” she said, “what is the +matter with that man. I’m sure he cares a +lot about Helen, and last night I managed to +leave them alone on the East porch, and,” +seeing Dodd in the doorway, “if you’ll believe +me, Lincoln Dodd, nothing came of it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You don’t mean it!” said Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I do, and I was just telling Cassius—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I heard you address Cassius. Is he a +dog?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I mean Caius Cassius. I often talk +to my books—especially when I want advice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you often get it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Always, if I ask the right ones.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you know who are the right +ones?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My intuitions tell me, and just now they +tell me that you are the one.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m a good adviser,” said Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I believe you are, and that is why +I’m going to ask you seriously about a very +important matter.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do,” he replied. “I’ve been wanting +excitement of some kind.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, this will be exciting enough, I +promise you. It’s nothing more nor less +than that you are to get married,—sooner +than you expect to.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To you? All right!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No. Don’t be foolish. Not to me. But +really, a rich young man like you are, and +a good man, and a kind man, ought to make +some girl happy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But perhaps it wouldn’t make me +happy,” said Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, don’t attempt to be coy with me. +I understand perfectly how the land lies, and +I am thoroughly pleased, I can assure you. +Lillian Hastings is one of the dearest girls +I know, and—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Good Heavens! Miss Esther, what in +the world are you talking about?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, anybody can see with half an eye +that you’re in love with her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I’m not. I’m not a bit in love with +Miss Hastings or with any other lady, and +I never wish to marry or be given in marriage.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re not in love with Lillian Hastings!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther dropped onto the sofa. She +looked the picture of woe.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Et tu, Brute!” she said. “Another candidate +defeated!”</p> + +<h2>XIV</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Here’s a small trifle of wives.—<span class='it'>Merchant of Venice</span>, ii, 2.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian’s studio was peculiarly fitted for +confidences. It was away up in the top of +a house which had been constructed in the +time when gingerbread formed a part of the +architectural impulse of Central New York. +Still, up in the attic there had been left an unfinished +room—garret, with rafters and other +things dear to the heart of those who were +born in Central New York in the middle +seventies. This room the young woman had +adapted to her own uses. She had impressed +the men from the Whitfield Planing Mill +and Agricultural Works, and she had directed +them to construct a ceiling of matched +lumber—though she did not know what +matched lumber meant.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After it was finished she discovered that +it was simply a ceiling of boards closely +fitted together, and that by no possibility +could the boards be said to match—so far +as her eye for color could discover. Still, +she was satisfied, for she had covered the +whole affair with a coat of burlap, and over +this she had put a coat of paint—dark green, +with splashes of gold in it—and when it was +done she sat down and thought it all out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They thought it was matched lumber,” +she said. “I have made it match.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>That, in effect, was the attitude which +Lillian Hastings, she of the artistic temperament, +held toward life.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This point of view had been questioned +by Jean, but Helen understood it. “It’s this +way,” said she, as they discussed it for the +thousandth time. “Very often Lillian’s +lumber doesn’t match, but she covers it up +with a bit of decorative drapery and is perfectly +satisfied.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Lillian, “but the decoration, +if it is of my own choosing, pleases me so +much that I forget the unmatchedness of the +lumber.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just in the same way, I suppose,” said +Jean, “that you have forgotten the ugliness +of that picture which you have so cleverly +covered with that square of Turkish embroidery.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Exactly that. As it is, I forget that the +ugliness is behind, and see only the beautiful. +To me the ugliness is not there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Helen, “I know it. Now to +me the ugliness is not only there, but is all +the more visible to me from the fact that +I try to cover it up.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s foolishness,” said Jean. “There’s +no sense in seeing ugly things because they’re +covered up; but then, there’s no sense in +having them there, anyway. If a thing is ugly, +why not take it away, or else go somewhere +else yourself?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian went about the work of the studio +thoughtfully. “There are some uglinesses,” +she said, presently, “that one cannot get +away from. If they are there, and are put +there by those who put things there for us +in the beginning—then why not either +accept them or get away from them, or—cover +them up? The system is complicated. +Not all can be escaped. Not all can be accepted—but +all of them can be covered up +to a greater or less degree, and the mere fact +that we are conscious of them ourselves +need not make them visible to those who +happen to come under the influence of the +beautiful things with which we cover the +uglinesses—Bah! the very idea of exploiting +all our guilty consciences and all our ugly +little ideas before everybody that may come +along! It is disgusting. We know they are +there. We know the spots on the wall-paper, +and we know that there is a worn place in +the carpet, and these mean either carelessness +or something else. Whatever they +mean, we back a chair up against the spot +on the wall and we put a rug over the carpet’s +shortcomings—just exactly as we put +figurative chairs and rugs over the spots on +our consciences. We know they are there—but +the other people do not, maybe, and +if they don’t, then they are not offended by +the sight. They haven’t got to fight the +thing out. If we have—then we can do it +after they have gone away. We will have to +do it alone, anyway.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am more glad than ever that I haven’t +the artistic temperament,” said Jean, “if you +have to reason things out as deeply as that. +I don’t see the use of paying any attention +to ugly things. It’s all I can do to find time +enough for all the beautiful things there are +in the world.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Much you know about the world!” flung +in Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Mr. Brewster says,” remarked Helen, +“that nothing is ugly, <span class='it'>per se</span>.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I always did wonder what <span class='it'>per se</span> meant,” +said Jean; “but it seems to me, Helen, that +Mr. Brewster’s opinions mean an awful lot +to you of late.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s because his opinions are valuable +<span class='it'>per se</span>.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now you see, Jean,” said Lillian, “what +<span class='it'>per se</span> means. It means to Helen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if he expresses his opinions to me +more than he does to you girls, it’s because +I listen with some serious attention, and you—well, +you never seem to be around when +he’s talking.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s gratitude for you!” exclaimed +Jean. “After we have purposely kept out +of your way and tried our best to give you +opportunities for hearing opinions—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And for serious attentions,” broke in +Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You needn’t have troubled yourselves,” +said Helen, “for your kind efforts were not +even noticed, let alone appreciated.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Speak for yourself,” said Jean; “speak +for Mr. Brewster too, if you like; but I can +tell you that Miss Esther understood and +appreciated our delicate little unattentions.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Helen looked at Jean—blankly at first, +and then with a slow-dawning realization of +her meaning. “Am I to understand,” she +said, “that you think Miss Esther thinks that +I am trying to attract Mr. Brewster’s attentions?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not so much that,” remarked Lillian, +“but that Miss Esther is trying to attract +them for you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed,” said Helen; “do you imagine +for a minute that I—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Helen,” interrupted Jean, “take off +that haughty Princess air. Have you ever +seen anywhere one who fitted the rôle of +Prince for your castle better than this same +man whose opinions you have been quoting?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, if you are going to be serious about +the matter,” said Helen, “I am quite willing +to admit that Mr. Brewster comes nearer to +my ideal than any other man I have ever +met.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He ought to appreciate that compliment,” +said Lillian; “that is, if he knows +what your ideals are.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He does know,” said Helen, slowly. +“I have told him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Wasn’t he scared, then?” asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course he was,” replied Helen. “He +was so scared that he ran away and I haven’t +seen him since.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You can see him right away, if you like,” +cried Jean, who was sitting on the broad +window-seat. “Mr. Brewster!” she called +loudly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The automobile stopped. Brewster got +out and came toward the house, smiling up +at Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The machine, with Miss Esther and Lincoln +Dodd as the only occupants, went puffing +on along the country road.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am glad of this opportunity to talk to +you alone, Lincoln,” began Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, you said you wanted to talk to +me about something; that’s why I brought +you out this afternoon. I thought we’d +manage to drop Brewster somewhere.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you know, I was perfectly astounded +when you told me the other day that you +were not in love with Lillian Hastings!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I told you only the truth. I was not, +I am not, and I am positive that I shall +not be. But I have no reason to think that if +I were, it would particularly please Miss +Hastings.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That does not make any difference,” +said Miss Esther, impatiently. “It would +please me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You know, Miss Esther,” said Lincoln, +“I would do anything in the world to please +you, and if you are sure that Miss Hastings—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, will you, really? I do want you to +fall in love with Lillian, and I want you +to be married by the middle of August and +then take her abroad to study art.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, that is certainly a delightful programme +you have mapped out for us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad you think so. I knew that +when you came to understand them fully, +you would agree to my plans.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Have you many plans of this sort?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Three,” said Miss Esther, very seriously. +“But the other two are all right. It was only +you that I was worried about. I am very +much obliged to you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Look here, Miss Esther, what in the +world are you talking about? You surely +are not in earnest?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I believe I’ll tell you all about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If I’m to be married in August, I think +it’s about time that I knew something definite.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With an enthusiasm born of her deep +interest in the cause, supplemented by her +success with Lincoln Dodd, Miss Esther +detailed to him the plans of her Matrimonial +Bureau. She told him of the inception of +the plan, and how happy Tekla was in her +Nebraska home. She told him, too, of the +dearth of suitable material for her protégées +in Whitfield, and she told it all with a +quaintness of argument that carried conviction. +She enumerated instances which +proved conclusively that Lieutenant Adams +was interested in Jean; she confessed that +the affair between Helen and Brewster was +not progressing quite as rapidly as she desired, +but looked forward with a cheerful +confidence to what she hoped was inevitable. +“And now,” she said, “that I feel +assured of your regard for Lillian, I cannot +help flattering myself that perhaps my seemingly +unusual methods have not been employed +altogether in vain.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But, my dear Miss Esther,” cried Dodd, +“now that I grasp your meaning as one +having inside information, let me hasten to +tell you that although I must refuse to be +a candidate, even for the hand of any one +of your charming protégées, I shall be more +than glad to remain upon the executive +committee, and I promise to help you in +every way that I possibly can.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther was of a buoyant nature; she +was persevering, even persistent, and it took +a pretty hard blow to daunt her, and now +the blow had fallen. A week before Lincoln +Dodd had discouraged her. He had refused +to fall in with her plans. But to-day she had +thought he was more tractable, even to the +point of acquiescence; and to have her hopes +ruthlessly crushed to earth, even though sure +they would rise again, made her feel for the +moment absolutely discouraged. “I don’t +see,” she said, “how you can help me in any +other way.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, there are lots of other ways, my +dear Miss Esther. For one thing, I might +provide a substitute. I know a man who +I am sure would admire your Lillian Hastings. +He is a most kind and estimable +gentleman, admirably fitted for the rôle of +loving fairy godfather. He is intensely +interested in art and would enjoy nothing +better than a honeymoon trip to Europe on +the fifteenth of August. Is that a sailing-day? +I never can be sure of what day a +steamer sails.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That doesn’t matter,” said Miss Esther; +“who is the man?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He is my father,” said Dodd.</p> + +<h2>XV</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Pray thee, let it serve for table talk.—<span class='it'>Merchant of Venice</span>, +iii, 5.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>It was certainly surprising that when Dodd’s +father accepted Miss Esther’s invitation and +came to the Adams house, the gayety of that +particular nation was increased rather than +diminished. The young people most interested +had felt that the advent of an elderly +gentleman might prove an obstacle to the +careless fun and frolic which they had enjoyed +all summer. Instead of which, Mr. +George Washington Dodd, father of Abraham +Lincoln Dodd, proved himself not only +ready to follow the leader, but to lead the +followers. He not only fell in with their +plans, but he proposed plans of his own and +insisted upon their being carried out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The plans were usually impracticable, but +he insisted just the same, and the attempts +at them were just as much fun as if they had +been successful. He had not been in the +house twenty-four hours before he had +turned the East porch inside out. “I think +the hammocks would be more comfortable +out under the trees,” he said, and out the +hammocks went.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Michael was instructed how to trim the +box-hedges, and the cook was inducted into +the mysteries of a salad dressing which had +chives—and not too many. He persuaded +all the clocks in the house to strike together, +and painted the chicken-coops red because +he liked them better so.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He reconstructed Jack’s battle-ship upon +more approved models and showed him the +distinctive difference between a brig and a +brigantine. As for Chub, he proved himself +to be an adept in the quelling of the ebullient +fits of temper which manifested themselves +so often. Her most theatrical pose +was to sit down and yell with much enthusiasm, +as she did when she first discovered +the young men on the East porch. +When George Washington Dodd saw this +exhibition for the first time, he approached +Chub casually, put his hand over her mouth, +and said “Stop that!” whereupon Chub immediately +stopped. Though often repeated, +this process continued efficacious.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In a word Mr. Dodd became a power in +the house. Not just such a power as was +Lieutenant Adams. Putnam’s masterfulness +was actuated by motives which would be +considered rules under the Army Regulations, +and, so far as he was concerned, they +made law. They were reasonable and—well, +when he wanted a thing done, he +wanted it done instantly. They have that +habit of demanding obedience in the Army. +Dodd, on the contrary, had the wayward +whims of a spoiled child, but carried them +out with an unflinching determination before +which even Putnam Adams went down.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther pondered deeply over this +difference in the characters of the two men. +She realized that she implicitly obeyed Putnam, +and she enjoyed doing so. She assisted +in the carrying out of Mr. Dodd’s plans, as +they all did, compelled by the sheer force +of his whimsical, inconsequent personality.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s like a child,” she thought, “a great, +big, overgrown boy; and he’s just made +to be humored. If Lillian can only learn to +humor him, she can have her own way as +much as she likes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was at this point in her meditations that +Miss Esther was interrupted by Lincoln +Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Didn’t I tell you Father would admire +your Lillian Hastings?” he said, dropping +astride of the first chair he came to.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Does he?” said Miss Esther, eagerly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Does he! I should say so. Just look at +them now!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther looked and saw Dodd Senior +and Lillian Hastings sitting on the lawn +deeply interested in a game of mumble-peg. +Although Lillian’s discarded parasol lay only +a few feet away, the players sat in the broiling +sun, apparently oblivious of the heat.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Coming on all right, isn’t it?” said +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes. I hope so—I think so; but he +hasn’t said anything definite.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you know he hasn’t?” asked +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I’m sure Lillian would have told +me if he had.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps he hasn’t had a chance.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, if that’s the case, let’s make a chance +for them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lincoln entered into the spirit of the game +with enthusiasm. “Let’s ask Lillian to stay +to tea,” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She’ll stay anyway,” replied Miss +Esther; “and besides, that won’t give them +a chance alone.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, ask her to stay to dinner, and Dad +can take her home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That will do,” said Miss Esther; “and +it’s a lovely moonlight night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So the conspiracy succeeded, and Lillian +stayed to dinner.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Am I the only guest?” asked Lillian, +when dinner was announced.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Miss Esther; “that doesn’t +embarrass you, does it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I was afraid it might,” said Putnam, +“so I’ve sent for Jean. Stay the proceedings, +Cousin Esther; she’ll be here in a +minute.”</p> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:80%'> +<img src='images/ill003.jpg' alt='Man and woman relax under shade of a tree' id='img03' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +<p class='caption'><span class='it'>In the broiling sun, oblivious of the heat.</span></p> +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean came flying in, becomingly flushed +after her run across the field. “I came across +lots,” she exclaimed, “because I was in such +a hurry to get here. Thank you, so much, +Miss Esther, for sending Jack for me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, I didn’t send him,” said Miss +Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But he said that you said that I must +come because you were going to have strawberry +shortcake for dinner.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How ridiculous,” said Miss Esther. “I +never sent any message at all by Jack, and +besides, there aren’t any strawberries now. +It’s too late.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I never thought of that,” said Jean, looking +a little blank. “I was so glad to come,” +she explained, ingenuously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I sent the message myself,” said Putnam, +calmly. “I knew you wouldn’t come unless +I sent an invitation from Cousin Esther. And +of course, I didn’t mean real strawberry +shortcake.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps you didn’t mean for me really +to come,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I meant I really wanted you to come.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If I had known that you sent the invitation +I wouldn’t have come.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not if you knew that I really wanted +you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At this, Lincoln, who was behind the +speakers, nudged Miss Esther’s arm, and +rolled up his eyes ecstatically. Miss Esther +looked like a beneficent Machiavelli, and +folded her hands with an air of intense complacency.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course,” said Jean, “you always succeed +in getting what you want;—that’s +your way. But in this case—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“In this case,” said Putnam, provokingly, +“I succeeded in getting you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed you haven’t succeeded in getting +me!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if I haven’t, I will,” said Putnam, +as he rose to go to dinner.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This speech so pleased the conspirators, +that Lincoln Dodd seized Miss Esther’s +hands, and the two fairly danced down the +long hall toward the dining-room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hang out our banners on the outward +walls,” sang Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What for?” asked Lillian, who, accompanied +by Mr. Dodd, had joined the procession.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So people can see them, of course,” said +Lincoln. “It’s foolish to hide your banners +under a bushel.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>With what Miss Esther deemed a masterpiece +of generalship, she arranged that +Lillian should sit next to Mr. Dodd. Lillian, +willfully misunderstanding instructions, took +the chair on the side of the table where Lincoln +stood.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, she doesn’t mean me,” he exclaimed +in dismay. “She means the Ancient.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you?” asked Putnam; “the +Honorable?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think,” said Lillian, “that the young +Mr. Dodd looks older than the old Mr. +Dodd.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s quite as bad,” said Putnam, “to +say ‘the old Mr. Dodd,’ as to say ‘the Ancient.’ ”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I have to distinguish them in some +way, and I don’t see that either one looks +older than the other.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You might call me George,” suggested +Mr. Dodd, casually.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m afraid if I did, you would call me +Lillian.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Very likely,” said Mr. Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Let’s order some more banners,” whispered +Lincoln to Miss Esther. “I think +we’ll need them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you talking about?” said Jean. +“What are these banners?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A banner,” said the Ancient, instructively, +“is one who or that which bans.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What does ban mean?” asked Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A ban,” said the Ancient, still instructively, +“is a thing you put things under.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought it meant to get married,” said +Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s when it’s plural,” explained the +Ancient, kindly. “It takes two banns to get +married.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“May I interrupt your very wise discourse,” +said Putnam, “long enough to request +you to pass me the salt?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now that’s always the way,” said the +Ancient in an exasperated tone; “the conventional +dinner-table appointments are +sadly at fault. One never gets fairly started +on a logical sequence of ideas, but one is +interrupted by a request to pass the salt. +I use the term advisedly. The passing of +the salt is but a type of the things which we +are made to do at the time when we do not +want to do them. There should be a remedy +for all this. Invention, as it stands to-day, +is deplorably neglectful of our minor needs. +Invention, after all, is but the application of +some well-known force or principle to a new +use.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Here the Ancient produced from his +pocket a small mechanical toy. It was a tiny +automobile, made of tin and painted red, and +when wound up would run by itself for +several minutes. Turning it upside down, he +proceeded to wind it; then reversing it, and +holding the wheels tightly, he emptied into +it the contents of Miss Esther’s salt-cellar. +Starting it in the direction of Putnam, he +released the wheels and the machine moved +slowly along the table.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You see,” he observed, “how easy it is +to apply mechanical power in a way which +will do the most good. If every dinner-table +were supplied with this simple contrivance, +it would do away with the passing of the +salt. Consequently, there would be no interruption +in one’s flow of conversation.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“With <span class='it'>one’s</span> flow of conversation!” said +Jean. “And pray, when would the other five +get a chance to speak?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They wouldn’t,” said the Ancient.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see why any one wants to interrupt,” +said Lillian, “when the conversation +is so instructive and entertaining as Mr. +Dodd’s is.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Banners!” said Lincoln, aside to Miss +Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But later in the evening there was reason +to bring in the banners from the outward +walls, or at least it seemed so. Miss Esther’s +deep-laid scheme for sending the elder Mr. +Dodd home with Lillian seemed in imminent +peril. When Lillian announced that it was +time for her to go, Putnam suggested that as +he was about to go home with Jean, Lincoln +and Lillian could go with them, and they +would all walk around by the brook. Miss +Esther was not present at the moment, and +though three people strongly objected to the +arrangement, as Putnam’s suggestions were +looked upon as commands, none of them +dared question it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lincoln Dodd did not wish to appear +ungallant; Washington Dodd was not quite +sure that his escort was desired, and Lillian +naturally hesitated to express her preference.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lincoln Dodd rushed into the house, ostensibly +to fetch his hat, but really to find +Miss Esther. He almost ran over that lady +in the hall, and whispered tragically, “Haul +in the banners! Awful things are happening! +Putnam says I’ve got to go home with Lillian.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Putnam, indeed!” cried Miss Esther. +“I’ll fix Putnam.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She hurried out on the veranda.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lincoln can’t go home with you, Lillian,” +she said. “I want him myself this +evening. He promised to—transplant some +bulbs for me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“They’re night-blooming cereus,” said +Lincoln, “and they always have to be moved +at night.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Miss Esther; “and so, Mr. +George Dodd, will you please escort Miss +Hastings home?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly, if Miss Hastings doesn’t object +to the transfer,” said Mr. Dodd; but he +spoke without enthusiasm.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, all Dodds look alike to me,” said +Lillian, flippantly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther looked the picture of despair, +as, after this speech, Lillian and her apparently +unwilling escort walked silently down +the path.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Honestly,” said Miss Esther, “from the +depths of your heart, tell me truly what you +think; tell me by the light of your greater +experience, and by the knowledge you have +of your father’s affections; tell me,” she +continued, tragically, “<span class='it'>will</span> those two hearts +find each other?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She hung on his words with the air of +a doomed prisoner awaiting sentence.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” said Dodd.</p> + +<h2>XVI</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Conspirant ’gainst this ’high-illustrious prince.—<span class='it'>King +Lear</span>, v, 3.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“I suppose,” said George Washington Dodd, +indulgently, as they went out the gate, “that +you, being possessed of youth, beauty, and +a romantic temperament, would prefer to go +home around by the brook.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Lillian, “I would, and I am +going that way. But if you, not being possessed +of those very desirable qualities, +prefer to go the other way, you may.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, we’ll both go around by the brook,” +said Dodd, airily; “for those qualities are +as much mine as yours. Beauty is entirely +a matter of opinion, and my own opinion is +that I am very beautiful. Youth is a matter +of comparison, and by some standards I am +exceedingly young; and as to my romantic +temperament—give me a chance.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your beauty of its kind, I will admit, +though perhaps it is not equal to my own,” +said Lillian, consideringly; “your romantic +temperament is an unknown quantity—it +may be like mine; but surely I am not quite +as old as you are.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m not sure about that,” Dodd replied. +“Of course, you are young, but then so am +I. The gods love me, and I shall never grow +old.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But,” objected Lillian, “those whom +the gods love die young.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That is, I admit, the accepted intent of +the quotation, but its real meaning is that +those whom the gods love are young when +they die, for the simple reason that they +never grow old. That makes me just the +same age as you, and I shall always stay so.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right,” said Lillian; “then we’ll go +around by the brook.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And now,” said Dodd, as they walked +along the path to the brook, “since you have +conceded my youth and beauty, I will proceed +to convince you of my romantic temperament. +Just now it is wildly enthusiastic +over the beauty of the night. To me, the +moon is a beautiful golden boat, sailing +away over blue waters. And that reminds +me, I shall sail myself next month, I am +going abroad.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To study art?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, not that, although I mean to buy +a few pictures that I’ve had my eye on for +some years. By the way, I want you to go +with me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To advise you about the pictures?” said +Lillian, delightedly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, as my wife.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What!” exclaimed Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You heard me,” said Dodd. “It may +seem precipitate, but I am a man of quick +decisions. I always decide quickly when +I find what I want—whether it’s a picture +or you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you sure you want me?” asked +Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I’m sure. I was sure the moment +I saw you. I want you, and I want you now. +I want you to marry me and go abroad with +me next month.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And then may I study art?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You may not. There’s to be no more +of this art foolishness. We will look at pictures +together, and we will buy pictures +together, but you have painted your last +picture. Will you go with me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, for a girl with a confessedly romantic +temperament, this is about the most +unromantic proposal I ever heard of; and +from a man, too, who boasted of his own +romantic temperament.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Never you mind that. Once you have +answered my question in the way I want +you to, my romantic temperament is at your +disposal for the rest of your life; but just +now I am in earnest.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You seem to be in earnest,” said Lillian, +“but if ever I want an exhibition of your +romantic temperament, it is at a time like +this. Unless you can—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I can ask you in more romantic +terms, if that’s what you want.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Dodd dropped on one knee, struck his +breast melodramatically, and began—</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Queen Regent of my heart, may I supplicate—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, not that way,” interrupted Lillian. +“That’s foolish. I don’t believe your romantic +temperament is the real thing at +all.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, it is—truly, it is. I’ll try again.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He put his arm around Lillian, and began +with an impassioned, “My darling—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, that won’t do at all—that’s too +familiar.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is it?” said Dodd, composedly, but he +did not release her. “Well, then, I’ll tell +you what. I’ll just say in plain English, +‘Will you be my wife?’ and you just say, +‘Yes,’ and then to-morrow I’ll make a study +of this and write it out in a sort of an essay. +We’ll write it together. Now then, will +you marry me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian was helpfully silent.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Say Yes,” he prompted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lillian said yes.</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>The next day George Washington Dodd +wandered around the house in a sort of +beatific daze quite contrary to his usual alert +activity.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He and Lillian had planned to announce +their engagement that afternoon at tea, and +they anticipated a truly exciting occasion. +After luncheon Mr. Dodd strolled into the +darkened library and lay down upon a couch +in a remote corner, where he promptly fell +asleep. A little later he was wakened by +voices in the room.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish I knew,” said Miss Esther, “exactly +how the situation stands. Do you think +there’s any hope?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” said Lincoln. “Dad +thinks an awful lot of her, but don’t believe +she cares for him much; and it’s awfully +soon, anyway. Give them time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I think Lillian is very fond of your +father,” said Miss Esther; “but somehow he +doesn’t seem to have a very high opinion of +her art work.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He hasn’t,” said Lincoln, honestly. +“But he has a high opinion of her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, that will do just as well, if only +he will come to the point soon. I wish you’d +ask him what he means to do, for if Lillian +sails by the fifteenth of August something +must be done soon.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Me ask him!” exclaimed Dodd; “he’d +tell me to go about my business. No, you +ask him, or at least with your clever tact +find out from him. I’d rather ask Lillian.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, then, you do that,” said Miss +Esther; “and find out what you can and +we’ll compare notes. You meet me here +in the library to-night and tell me what +you’ve learned, and in the mean time I’ll +find out what I can from your father. And +another thing that’s bothering me is this, +I’m afraid Helen is not going to accept +Mr. Brewster.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Has he asked her?” said Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” replied Miss Esther; “but it’s +because she won’t give him a chance. She is +so proud and reserved, and she snubs him +far more than she realizes. I don’t wonder +that he doesn’t like it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Can’t you reason with her?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No; the more you reason with Helen +Fairbanks, the worse she is. The only girl +who is acting just right is Jean, and Putnam +is a dear. That affair is going on just as +I want it to.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>George Washington Dodd, on the sofa, +suddenly realized that he was deliberately +listening to the deep-laid plans of a desperate +conspiracy, but as he had not made his +presence known in the first place, he certainly +could not do so now, and it was with +a decided feeling of relief that he saw the +conspirators leave the room, quite unaware +of his eavesdropping presence.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Huh!” he exclaimed; “so they’re going +to hold a court of inquiry over Lillian and +me, are they? Well, we’ll be ready for +them. After I’ve made up my mind what +to say, and after I’ve told Lillian what she’s +to say, they may begin as soon as they like. +I’ll go over and see her now, and I rather +think we’ll defer that announcement this +afternoon. We’ll have a lot of fun out of +this thing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As he left the house, Lincoln was just +coming from the stables in his automobile. +“Take me in,” said his father. “Where are +you going?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Over to the Hastings house,” said Lincoln. +“Where do you want to go?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s where I want to go. I wish +you’d leave me there and then do an errand +for me down in the village.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I was going to take Miss Hastings +for a ride.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right. You can come back and get +her after you do this errand for me. I want +to send a wire to New York. Here it is. +I have written it down.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lincoln tucked the paper in his pocket. +“All right,” he said; “I’ll be back in half +an hour.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>While the telegraph operator waited, Lincoln +read the message his father had given +him. It ran:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No message for New York. Just want +to be rid of you for a few minutes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s some mistake here,” said Lincoln +to the operator. “I have brought the +wrong paper. I’ll see you again later.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Phew!” he said. “Dad’s coming it +rather strong. To think of his sending me +on a kid’s errand like that! But I’ll be even +with him yet!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When he reached the Hastings house he +found his father and his hoped-for stepmother +apparently wrapped in the deepest +gloom. They sat far apart on the veranda +and appeared to be dejected beyond power +of words. As he drew up, his father said, +“I believe you were to take Miss Hastings +for a drive. She is quite ready to go. I will +walk on home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just as well take you over, Dad!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, thank you. I prefer to walk.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>After a very slight exchange of courtesies +with Lillian, which Lincoln had no idea was +part of a carefully prearranged plan, George +Washington Dodd walked away, inwardly +chuckling, but displaying great gravity of +demeanor.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That telegram scheme was an inspiration,” +he said to himself. “Now if Lillian +only does exactly as I told her to, and I +think she will, that young hopeful of mine +will have a ripping report to take home to +his fellow conspirator. As for the fellow +conspirator herself, I will see to it that she +has a report equally hair-raising.”</p> + +<h2>XVII</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>A quarrel, but nothing wherefore.—<span class='it'>King Lear</span>, ii, 3.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Delighted with the little comedy he had +devised, Mr. Dodd walked on toward home. +At the gate he was joined by Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why are you looking so particularly +pleased?” she asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I was thinking about a friend of mine +who is very, very happy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What made him so?” demanded Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He has just become engaged to a very +beautiful young lady.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” she replied; “I thought you were +looking happy on your own account.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, no, indeed; far from it. On my +own account I am deeply, desperately dismal.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you going to do about it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know. What would you do?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When I feel like that I always go to Miss +Esther and she talks to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Good. I will go straight to Miss Esther, +and somehow I have a feeling that she will +talk to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>By this time the two had reached the East +porch, where, as usual, Putnam was reading +in the hammock.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you do,” said Jean. “Where’s +Miss Esther?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think she’s in the library,” said Putnam. +“Shall I call her?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” replied Jean; “Mr. Dodd wants to +see her; don’t you, Mr. Dodd?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I do want to see her. I want to see +her dreadfully.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What’s the matter with Dodd?” asked +Putnam, as that gentleman went into the +house.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” said Jean; “but he’s got +the blues something fearful. I’m so sorry +for him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Be sorry for me, won’t you?” said Putnam; +“I’ve got the blues, too.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why do you have the blues?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So you’ll be sorry for me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I’m always sorry for you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Because you have such a dreadful disposition.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I have, haven’t I?” said Putnam, +placidly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, you have; and the worst of it is you +don’t care a bit.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do <span class='it'>you</span> care?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed—why should I?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean tossed her head, and Putnam observed, +coolly, “If you bob your head about +like that, you’ll lose that very beautiful pink +rose out of your hair, which you have arranged +with such accuracy and precision.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t care if I do!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you don’t care for the rose, then give +it to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed I won’t. I wouldn’t give you +a rose for anything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why not?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, because it’s so silly and sentimental.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I didn’t mean it in a sentimental +way. I never thought of that. I just saw +a beautiful rose, and wanted you to give it +to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, well, if you want it that way, then +take it!” Jean snatched the rose from her +hair, and threw it on the table between +them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Give it to me,” said Putnam, dictatorially.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve given it to you just as much as I intend +to. If you want it, take it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I do want it, but I won’t take it, and you +<span class='it'>shall</span> give it to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I won’t do any such thing! You are +altogether too domineering. It was all very +well when you were an invalid, and ought +to be read to, and coddled, and fussed over, +but you needn’t think you can keep on ruling +everybody who comes anywhere near +you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t mean to rule you—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’d better not,” she interrupted.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I’m going to ask you once more to +give me the rose.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have given it to you,” said Jean, stubbornly. +“If you don’t take it, it’s because +you don’t want it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I only want it if you’ll give it to me,” +said Putnam, more gently than he had +spoken before.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing of the sort! You only want to +have your own way. You’re a horrid, dictatorial, +arrogant, overbearing, conceited man! +and I <span class='it'>hate</span> you!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean ran down the steps and across the +lawn toward her own home.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Putnam got up lazily from the hammock, +and taking the rose from the table, smiled as +he put it carefully away in his pocket-book.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I did tease her,” he said, “but ’twas +worth it!” And he smiled again.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Having held the session of the court of +inquiry in the library, Miss Esther, after +leaving Mr. Dodd, was in no mood to receive +the shock which awaited her on the East +porch.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where’s Jean?” she asked, when she +saw Putnam alone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She got mad at me,” said Putnam, “and +ran away home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“One of her usual playful jests, I suppose.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Putnam, “this time she seemed +very much in earnest.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, she doesn’t mean anything, Putnam. +Don’t take her too seriously.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m not sure that I shall take her at all,” +said Putnam. “She’s a little spitfire.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther, clasping her hands in despair, +was about to speak, when Nora announced +that Mr. Brewster was on the front veranda.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Brewster’s dejected air was quite in harmony +with Miss Esther’s mood, but she was +unprepared for the news he brought her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am going away,” he said, “and I have +come to say good-bye.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>By a whimsical association of ideas, Miss +Esther suddenly realized exactly how Chub +felt when she indulged in her favorite trick +of sitting flat down on the ground and squealing. +The elder lady did not squeal, but had +circumstances permitted it, she would have +been glad to do so. All in the same day her +three clients had disappointed her hopes. +She wrung her hands, tragically. “One woe +doth tread upon another’s heels, so fast they +follow!” she exclaimed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I, too, am sorry to go,” said Brewster. +“I have had a very happy summer, +and you have been very kind to me, Miss +Esther.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But you are leaving us very suddenly.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know it; but there are reasons—good +reasons.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But Helen—Miss Fairbanks—does she +know you’re going?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, she knows. I have just come +from there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And doesn’t she care?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I think not,” said Brewster, with +his calm dignity.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, Mr. Brewster,” cried Miss Esther, +“I wish she did care.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish so, too,” he replied.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But have you made allowances for +Helen’s excessive pride?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She hasn’t made allowances for mine,” +said Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hullo, you people,” cried Lincoln Dodd, +as he rushed up the driveway in his automobile; +“is tea ready? I’m nearly starving.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not quite,” said Miss Esther; “but it +soon will be. Come on in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>For the first time that summer, none of the +girls came over to tea. Obliged to do all +the honors herself, Miss Esther rose to the +occasion nobly, and presided with her usual +grace, her unruffled calm giving no hint of +the perturbation of spirit beneath. But late +that evening when a meeting of the conspirators +was held in the library, Miss Esther +confided to Abraham Lincoln Dodd her +doubts of the final success of her Matrimonial +Bureau.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To think,” she said, “of that stupid Jean +having a fight, a real fight with Putnam!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, they’re always squabbling,” said +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, but this time it’s serious. Putnam +told me so. And now Helen has offended +Mr. Brewster and he’s going away, and +Lillian’s case is equally hopeless.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, what did you find out from father?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, it’s the strangest thing, and I’m +not sure that I ought to tell you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And I’m not sure, either, that I ought to +tell you what Lillian said.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I must know what you learned, so +I’ll tell you what I found out. Your father +was awfully nice, and he said that he was +very much in love with Lillian,—very much; +and he thinks she cares for him. And he +wants to marry her, but he thinks you +wouldn’t like it if he did.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Me!” exclaimed Dodd; “why of course +I want him to marry her, and I’ll tell him so +so that he will understand it!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, no,” said Miss Esther; “he said not +to let you know anything about it. He didn’t +even want to suggest the idea to you for fear +you’d be displeased.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, if that doesn’t beat all! Lillian +said just the same thing about you. She +didn’t say right out, you know, that she was +fond of the Governor, but she said that even +if she were she couldn’t marry him, for she +felt sure that you wouldn’t approve of the +match.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Me!” cried Miss Esther; “why of course +I want her to marry him, and I’ll tell her so +so that she will understand it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, don’t say a word. She expressly +said that she didn’t want you to know she +had ever had such a thought, for fear it +would displease you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Good gracious!” cried Miss Esther, +exasperated beyond all endurance. “Was +there ever such a lot of intractable men and +ridiculous girls.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why don’t you give them up?” suggested +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Never! I’m going to carry this thing +through and you’re going to help me as you +agreed. I haven’t brought these six people +together and looked after them all summer, +and brought them all to the very verge of +success, to have my plans fail now. Jean and +Putnam shall be persuaded to make up; +though I don’t know how it will be accomplished, +for he’s stubbornness itself and she’s +just as bad. Helen and Brewster must be +reconciled, and that’s harder yet, for she’s as +proud as Lucifer and he’s more so. As to +your father and Lillian—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” interrupted Dodd, “if they care for +each other, surely they can be brought +around.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I don’t know—Lillian is a perverse +little witch; but anyhow, it shall be done. +On that I am resolved, and if I don’t succeed +I will be the first Adams who ever failed in +a great undertaking.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And you will succeed,” said Dodd, carried +away by her eloquence.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I certainly shall,” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<h2>XVIII</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>With a solemn earnestness, more than indeed belonged to +such a trifle.—<span class='it'>Othello</span>, v, 2.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>When Brewster left Miss Esther’s house, +after telling her good-bye, he met Jack +Remington.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Hullo, Mr. Brewster,” exclaimed Jack; +“I thought you had gone away.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am going early in the morning,” replied +Brewster; “and I won’t forget the book I +promised to send you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jack turned and walked along by Brewster’s +side. “I’m sorry you’re going,” he +said; “we’ve been good chums, haven’t +we?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, we have,” said Brewster, heartily; +and then somehow the conversation seemed +to flag. Jack was dimly conscious of this and +tried to relieve the situation.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve just been over to Cousin Helen’s +house,” he said, conversationally.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Have you?” said Brewster, with an +unexpected exhibition of interest in his +tone.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, and she gave me this,” said Jack, +producing a knife from his pocket; “see, it +has a saw-blade and a screw-driver and a lot +of things.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So it has,” said Brewster, looking at +Jack’s treasure critically. “It’s much better +than the one I gave you last week.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, it is; and what do you think, Cousin +Helen traded with me. She gave me this +and I gave her that one you gave me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You did? What made you think she +wanted it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, she asked me for it. She said if I’d +give her that one she’d give me this.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What did she want of an old knife like +that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know. I was showing it to her +and she said she wanted it, and so we +traded.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did she know I gave it to you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I told her it was an old one of yours; +and besides she saw your initials on it, but +she didn’t mind that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, she didn’t!” Brewster walked on in +silence for a moment. “Jack,” he said, “it’s +lucky you have that new knife. It is just +what we want to use in working on the ship. +I’ll come over to-morrow and we can finish +it all up.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“To-morrow!” exclaimed Jack; “I +thought you were going away in the morning.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve changed my mind,” said Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>If Jack was surprised at Brewster’s sudden +change of plans, Helen was none the less so +when the next afternoon she saw him walk +in at her gate.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you do,” she said, in her calm, +sweet way. “I thought you had left us.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Brewster, easily; “I’ve decided +to stay a while longer.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He dropped naturally into his accustomed +place at the end of the veranda. He had been +at the Fairbanks house a great deal that +summer and in consequence had assumed +the air of a privileged guest.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It’s a beautiful day,” said Brewster, +gazing affably into the atmosphere.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Helen, agreeingly. “It is a +good day for reading aloud; and as you are +going to stay longer, we may have time to +finish the book we were reading yesterday.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This was a distinct concession on Helen’s +part, and Brewster accepted it as such. The +book in question had been the cause of a +violent argument the day before, which had +resulted in his sudden determination to leave +Whitfield. The immediate theme of the discussion +had been certain ethical propositions +which Brewster upheld and which seemed +to him the very mainsprings of masculine action, +but which Helen had denounced with +a scornful pride that acknowledged no exceptions. +So positive had been her assertions +that he had been unable to escape the conviction +that, knowing his views, she had deliberately +intended to arraign him personally.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Helen had not meant this personal application—at +least not to the extent that Brewster +assumed. With all her uncompromising +positivism and her insistence upon theoretical +perfection, she was more than willing in individual +cases to ignore shortcomings, even +in important directions, for the sake of the +things which she found good. But Brewster +did not know this, and when she had so +specifically condemned traits which he knew +he possessed, he was forced to believe that +her opinion of him was unfavorable and unchangeable. +And as he was conscious of his +own growing regard for her, it seemed to him +that the only thing to do was to go away at +once.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The trifling episode of the penknife had +changed all this. It seemed to prove that +Helen’s well-defined laws were capable of +being at least slightly affected by the personal +element. If she had cared enough for +his old penknife to secure it for herself, then +she had shown that there was a vulnerable +point in her armor, and Brewster was not +lacking in courage.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was characteristic of him that the slight +favorable indication should impart to his +attitude an air of assured success. His exultation, +which was out of all proportion to its +cause, was evident. This was a mistake on +Brewster’s part, for Helen saw it and resented +it. And so he defeated his own ends; +for the girl, especially sensitive to Brewster’s +moods, was annoyed at his mysterious air of +triumph.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Certainly,” he said, most amiably; “I +should be more than glad to read the book +to you if I may; but this afternoon we are +all going over to the Crossways Inn to supper. +I have just come from Miss Esther’s, +who sent your invitation by me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is everybody going?” asked Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, in Lincoln’s automobile.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, we’re all going together. Yes; +certainly I will go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought I would drive you over myself,—may +I?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Thank you, no. I prefer to go with the +others.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Very well,” said Brewster; “we’ll go +with them, then.”</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>Chub crawled through the hedge and +trotted across the lawn to the Adams house. +Finding nobody on the East porch, she wandered +aimlessly about the grounds and finally +found herself on the path which led down to +the brook. This was forbidden territory, and +Chub had not forgotten it, but this afternoon +she was in an irresponsible frame of mind +and paid no heed to the unwelcome voice +of conscience. Besides, where the bridge +was there grew some wonderful scarlet blossoms, +and these the young explorer desired +for her very own. Even from the edge of +the lawn she could see them, but beyond, +where the wood began, there was darkness. +The temptation to go down there was irresistible, +so on the baby went.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The scarlet blossoms were achieved without +mishap, and then, lured by the fascinations +of the unknown, she strayed a little +further into the wood.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t thee any puthy willowth,” she +said, “but Uncle Linkum thaid they lived +here. I’ll wait a li’le while and p’rapth I’ll +hear thome mew.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She sat down in the shade of a big tree +to wait. She did not hear the mewing of +the pussy-willows, but she found plenty +of things to interest her. A butterfly came. +A black beetle labored with a leaf at her very +feet, and she asked him questions concerning +the welfare of his family. A squirrel chattered +from a tree-top, and she scolded back +at him. A bird perched on a dead twig and +sang his very best song right at her. Then +she sang—and then she went to sleep, the +scarlet blossoms tightly clutched in her +arms.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Chub’s propensity for getting lost was +recognized by the members of her family. +As she explained it, she “just losed herself,” +and if she had thought of it, she might have +added that the losing process was no part +of her prearranged plans. All was well, and +presently she was lost. Then people came +and found her, and all was well again. It +had never failed. She knew that somebody +would eventually find her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But on this occasion there was no conscious +feeling of being lost. She slept peacefully, +and the butterfly came back and hovered +over the scarlet blossoms in her arms. +The squirrel, with the insistent curiosity of +his kind, came down from his tree and looked +at the baby at close range. The bird still +continued his song—a sort of lullaby now—and +Chub slept, while the people up at +her home and at the Adams house began the +search.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was Putnam who found her, and he +picked her up, still fast asleep, and carried +her toward the house. Jean met him near +the bridge. It was the first time he had seen +her since the episode of the rose, and he +wondered what attitude she would assume +toward him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where did you find her?” she asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“In the woods—asleep,” he replied, +shortly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean turned and walked beside him toward +Chub’s home. Neither spoke. Presently +the baby wakened. The scarlet flowers +were still clasped tightly in her dimpled hand—crushed, +perhaps, but they were none the +less effective for all that.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She looked sleepily up into Putnam’s eyes.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“For you,” she said, offering the wilted +blossoms.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did you pick them for me?” said +Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know; but I will give them to +you becauth I love you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Putnam took the flowers. “Thank you, +sweetheart,” he said; but he looked squarely +at Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean stared straight ahead, but she saw his +expression.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you care for flowers?” she asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, when they are given to me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not otherwise?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Never but once otherwise.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When was that?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, long ago.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Before you knew me?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, it was before I knew you as well +as I do now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell me about it,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t think you’d be interested in the +story.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yeth,” said Chub, “tell me thtory.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well,” began Putnam, “once upon a +time there was a little girl.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A very pretty little girl,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And she had a rose,” continued Putnam, +“and a man—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A perfectly horrid man,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Asked her for it,” Putnam went on; +“and what do you think?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She gave it to him,” said Chub, “becauth +she loved him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So she did,” said Putnam, “and he carried +it with him always after that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ith he got it yet?” asked Chub.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Putnam; “he has it yet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What for?” questioned Chub; “it mutht +be all dead.”</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>When the truant had been returned to her +anxious family, Putnam and Jean went back +to Miss Esther’s.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Had you finished the story of the rose?” +she asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, would you like to hear more of +it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not particularly; but I would like to +have some one care enough for my roses to +carry them always and always.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Without a word Putnam produced his +pocket-book and took from it a withered +rose.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is the one you gave me,” said he.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So it is,” said Jean, complacently; “I +knew you’d keep it.”</p> + +<h2>XIX</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>She is beautiful and therefore to be woo’d.—<span class='it'>1 Henry VI</span>, +v, 3.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>The horse had seen better days—better +in the sense that he had been in his earlier +youth a better horse. Grown old in +the service of a livery stable in the town +of Farmington—the next one to Whitfield +on the left as you go from Utica—he +still maintained a sort of dignity and absolute +safety which made him a valuable asset +when his owner had a request from timid +women for what is technically known as +a “rig.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>He drew a phaeton of the type built on the +lines of Central New York styles of carriage +building—distinctly unattractive and ungraceful. +Driving the horse was a young +woman whose impetuosity urged her steed +to greater efforts in the matter of speed. +The horse wore no “blinders,” and when +his driver told him to get up, and beat him +gingerly with a whip, he glanced casually +back at her over his shoulder, as who should +say, “If I go faster I may be very dangerous.” +So he strolled on, and Julia Fowler’s efforts, +directed toward swifter locomotion, met with +no response from him. He knew his business. +He was a safe horse, and he did not +propose to risk his reputation by any undue +exertion.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Fowler herself was of a type distinctly +different from that represented by her +equipage. She could by no chance have +been the product of Central New York. +Possibly her ancestors might have been, but +she was urban to her finger tips. Suburbanity +had no accent on her appearance. Her +beauty was of a spectacular order. She was +the type of the twentieth century—its best +expression—and she had come to Farmington +to rest at the boarding-house of one +Mrs. Moore. She had tired of it in a week, +and her excursion to Whitfield was for the +purpose of finding a place which might +prove more attractive to her exacting demands.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She had been told that a certain Mrs. +Hemingway in Whitfield conducted a boarding-house, +and she was in search of this +establishment when she caught sight of the +Adams house. This seemed an ideal place +to spend a few weeks, and being by no +means timid, Miss Fowler concluded to +make the attempt to induce the owner of the +place to take her in for a time. She turned +in at the gate, and when she saw Miss +Esther on the veranda she was quite positive +that she had found exactly what she was +looking for.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther watched the stranger as she +jumped out of the phaeton, ran up the steps, +and without invitation seated herself in one +of the large rocking-chairs.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t mind me,” she said, pleasantly. “I +always come in like that. I am Julia Fowler, +and I am staying over in Farmington, but +I don’t like it there, and somebody told me +that Whitfield was lovely, and that Mrs. +Hemingway kept a very nice boarding-house. +I was on my way there when I +noticed this house, and I thought I should +like it here a great deal better. So won’t +you please take me for a couple of weeks? +I’m awfully good-natured and I won’t make +a bit of trouble.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther looked at her visitor and came +to the conclusion that she was the most +beautiful woman she had ever seen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was not only a beauty of feature and +coloring; but the vivacity and charm of Julia +Fowler were of a degree which exceeded +anything Miss Esther had ever known. +Though her manner was gay and informal +to the verge of sauciness, yet it was tinged +with a delightful deference, and Miss Esther +proved herself no exception to the rule that +whoever met Julia Fowler fell immediately +under the spell of her wonderful charm.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nonsense, child,” said Miss Esther, +smiling at her pretty visitor; “I don’t take +boarders, but you will like it at Mrs. Hemingway’s, +I’m sure. She can make you very +comfortable.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But I like this house so much better,” +said Julia, coaxingly; “and I’m sure you +have room enough.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, of course, there are rooms enough +in the Adams house, but we never take +boarders.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, is this the Adams house?” asked +Julia; “and are you Miss Adams, Miss +Esther Adams? I have often heard of you +in Farmington.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I am the one,” and Miss Esther +smiled graciously. Somehow people always +smiled graciously on Miss Fowler.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, then do let me stay. I have heard +so much about your house and your library; +and I’ll keep to myself when you don’t +want me around, and I’ll be jolly good +company when you do. You live alone, +don’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Like a flash Miss Esther realized what +it would be to have a young woman with +such compelling attractions in her house, or, +indeed, for that matter, in Whitfield at all. +The three affairs which she was managing +seemed to be complicated enough as it was, +without an additional disturbing element. +Putnam, she knew, would rave over her. +Lincoln Dodd would flirt desperately, and +she felt sure that Winthrop Brewster must +also inevitably succumb to this bewitching +beauty. It was apparent, then, to Miss +Esther that it would never do to have Miss +Fowler remain in Whitfield.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther’s three girls were sweet and +attractive, but she well knew that they would +not shine by comparison with this exquisite +and experienced woman of the world. +Though probably not older in years, Miss +Fowler was far more sophisticated than the +Whitfield girls, and her own personality, +helped by her social training, gave her a +fascination which could not otherwise be +attained.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The imminent danger of this catastrophe +almost stunned Miss Esther. Something +must be done, and that quickly, to prevent +Miss Fowler’s staying in Whitfield. In consequence +her attitude towards her visitor +changed instantly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I live alone,” she said, “and it is +from preference. I have small need for +company, for I am never lonely, and I +could not think of taking a boarder even +for a short time. Pray do not ask me +again.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed, I shall ask you again,” said +Julia, with one of her most ingratiating +smiles. “I shall keep on coaxing until I +persuade you to say yes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Had circumstances been otherwise, nothing +would have pleased Miss Esther better +than to have granted the request and +taken this most attractive young woman +into her house for a fortnight. This fact +made it difficult for her to continue her +refusals; but, awake to the seriousness of +the situation, she answered decidedly, “No, +I shall never say yes. I am not of a vacillating +nature, and rarely change my mind. It +is quite impossible for me to take you. Now +that I think of it, I don’t believe that you +would be satisfied at Mrs. Hemingway’s, +either. They are plain people, and live very +plainly.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That would just suit me,” said Julia. +“I came up here for rest and quiet, and +I love a simple country home.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But it is very dull in Whitfield,” continued +Miss Esther. “There are no gayeties +of any sort.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That would just suit me, too. I have +a surfeit of gayety at home in the winter.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Baffled at every turn, and determined to +accomplish her end, Miss Esther deliberately +drew upon her imagination. “There +are five little children at Mrs. Hemingway’s, +and they are a most spoiled, disagreeable +lot. I am sure they’d make your life a +burden there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That alters the case,” said Julia, decidedly. +“I detest spoiled children. How old +are they?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know,” said Miss Esther, a little +vaguely, which was only natural, considering +the fact that there were really no children +at the Hemingway house. “About +four or five years old, I think.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I don’t mind such little children,” +said Julia, airily; “but I dislike them when +they get to be about ten years old.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, there are several as old as that, +too,” declared Miss Esther, whose imagination +was equal to juveniles of any age.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then I won’t go there,” said Julia. “I’m +surprised that she has any boarders. I think +you might let me stay here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I asked you not to mention that again,” +said Miss Esther, with a sudden exhibition +of the Adams dignity; “but if you really +want country home life, there is a very +delightful place at Westfield that I am sure +would please you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is Westfield?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“About eight miles the other side of +Farmington.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll drive over there to-morrow,” said +Julia, “and look at the place, and if I don’t +like it I’ll come back here.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This bit of bravado was accompanied by +such a winning smile that Miss Esther could +not respond as sternly as she would have +liked to do.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Will you have tea on the veranda or on +Lieutenant Adams’s porch?” asked Nora, +appearing at the door.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“On the East porch,” said Miss Esther, +shortly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, mayn’t I stay to tea?” exclaimed +Julia. “Please let me. I’ll be very good, +and go away immediately after.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Excuse me one moment,” said Miss +Esther, without answering her guest’s question.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She went to the East porch where she +knew Lincoln Dodd was reading. He was +the only one of her guests at home.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lincoln,” she exclaimed, “come to my +rescue, and come quick. What under the +sun am I going to do?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What in the world’s the matter?” asked +Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, it’s dreadful. The most beautiful +girl in the world is on the front veranda.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Command my services,” said Lincoln, +rising with alacrity. “What makes her so +dreadful? Is she a maniac?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, indeed. I only wish she were. +She’s perfectly charming.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What am I to do for you? Do you want +me to marry her?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t be foolish. But don’t you see I +expect the people home to tea at any minute +now, and if any of those men see that +raving beauty, they’ll fall in love with her +on the spot.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course they will,” said Dodd. “Give +her to me. I’ll take her off to a desert +island.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, but I want you to take her home in +your automobile. That’s the only way I can +get rid of her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where is her home? How did she +come?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She came in a forlorn old gig, but I can +let Michael take that home for her. And +mind, now, you’re not to make yourself too +entertaining, or ask her to come again, or +let her know that I have any young men +staying here. She’s the most dangerous +thing I’ve ever seen. You get your machine +and come around in front just as if +you were going out for a drive, and I’ll do +the rest.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right,” said Dodd. “I’ll go, but I +don’t know when I’ll be back. Don’t wait +tea for me.”</p> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:80%'> +<img src='images/ill004.jpg' alt='Man talks to two women' id='img04' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +<p class='caption'>“<span class='it'>Suppose you take Miss Fowler home.</span>”</p> +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now don’t go scouring all over the +country with her. She lives in Farmington, +and you can go there and back in an +hour.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps I can and perhaps I can’t,” said +Dodd, as he ran down the steps.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And hurry,” called Miss Esther after +him. “There’s no time to be lost.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther returned to the veranda, and +in a few moments Lincoln came whirling +up from the stables.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, Mr. Dodd,” called Miss Esther, “are +you going anywhere in particular?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Lincoln, pleasantly; “just out +for a little spin.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, then, suppose you take Miss +Fowler home. My dear,” she said, turning +to the young lady, “you’d like to drive over +with Mr. Dodd, wouldn’t you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, ever so much,” cried Julia, showing +her most engaging dimples and laughing +down at Dodd. “But what will become of +my fractious steed?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Michael can drive him home for you,” +said Miss Esther. “Run along quick, now. +Mr. Dodd doesn’t like to wait.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As the pair disappeared, Miss Esther drew +a long breath of relief. Her manœuvre had +been accomplished none too quickly, for +they were hardly out of sight before Brewster, +Putnam, and George Washington Dodd +came strolling in to tea.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That was a narrow escape,” she thought. +“The times would have been very much out +of joint if I had not set them right. I have +rescued the Matrimonial Bureau from the +jaws of one more danger.”</p> + +<h2>XX</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Make feasts, invite friends and proclaim the banns.—<span class='it'>Taming +of the Shrew</span>, iii, 2.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>The three men came up to the East porch +where Miss Esther gave them their tea. She +was plainly in a mood of the utmost complacency. +Nor were her guests less complacent. +George Washington Dodd, with the +knowledge that he had arranged his little +comedy quite to his liking, was placidly +awaiting its working out. Brewster was in +a seventh heaven. The trifling affair of the +penknife was to him a wind-proving straw, +and, always self-confident, he felt now not +the slightest doubt of his ability to win Helen +Fairbanks.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>However, as time went on and the three +girls did not appear, the edge of Miss Esther’s +complacency was dulled, and she grew more +and more perturbed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see what can be keeping them,” +she said. “They said they’d come over for +tea, and then we would all start for the Crossways +together.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where’s Lincoln?” said his father.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He went off to do an errand for me,” +said Miss Esther, casually. “He’ll be back +very soon. I told him particularly not to +dawdle by the way. If we start by six we’ll +have plenty of time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But at half-past five Dodd had not returned, +nor had any of the girls come. Miss Esther +began to show signs of nervousness. Putnam’s +brow clouded, and the senior Dodd +began to fidget.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At twenty minutes to six a decided gloom +had settled upon the whole party, and at ten +minutes of six, consternation was palpably +apparent.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I can’t imagine why those girls don’t +come,” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“At least one of them,” said Putnam. +“She said she’d be here at five.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther smiled happily at her cousin; +but her face clouded again as she said, “I +wish Lincoln would come, then we could +start and pick up the girls on the way.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Six o’clock struck, and still there were no +signs of the expected ones.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I believe I’ll go over to Miss Fairbanks’s,” +said Brewster, “and see why they +don’t come.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll go with you,” said Putnam. “I hope +nothing has happened to her.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your pronoun is ambiguous,” said Dodd, +“but never mind; we understand.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Before the investigating party could start, +the automobile came romping up the driveway, +and in it were Lincoln Dodd and the +three girls. They all seemed to be in unusually +good spirits.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ve had the loveliest ride,” cried Jean. +“We’ve been over to Farmington!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What!” cried Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” began Helen; “we went with Mr. +Dodd and the loveliest—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, yes,” interrupted Miss Esther, “I’ve +no doubt you had a lovely time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She’s certainly a peach,” said Lincoln, +winking at Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, you mean your automobile. Has +she acted well to-day? She certainly is +a beauty,” said Miss Esther, fearful lest he +refer more explicitly to Julia Fowler.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, she certainly is a beauty,” replied +Dodd; “and she acted very well.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come, come,” said Miss Esther, still a +bit nervously; “we must be starting.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right,” said Lillian; “and on the way +I’ll tell you how Mr. Dodd picked us girls +up and took us over to Farmington. As a +traveling companion we had the most beautiful—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you consider Lincoln Dodd such a +raving beauty,” said Miss Esther, looking at +him critically.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, I didn’t mean him,” replied Lillian; +“I—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, then you mean Helen? We all acknowledge +her beauty.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish she had meant me,” said Helen; +“but she meant—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She meant me!” cried Jean, whose quick +wit perceived that Miss Esther did not care +to discuss Julia Fowler.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You would be a beautiful traveling companion,” +said Putnam, judicially, “if your +hat were on straight and that bunchy fluff +which is supposed to decorate the back of +your neck hadn’t twisted itself around under +one ear.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s where it belongs,” said Jean. +“That’s where they’re wearing them now, +and my hat is at the very latest fashionable +angle. I’m not one of those women who get +all disheveled just because they take a little +automobile ride.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’re obliged to believe your statement,” +said Lincoln Dodd; “but you are +certainly giving a very good imitation of the +type.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I don’t look a bit more tumbled +than your friend Julia did. Her veil hung +by one pin.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Julia who?” asked Putnam, looking up.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean caught Miss Esther’s bothered look, +and good-naturedly helped her out. “I don’t +mean Julia, exactly,” she said. “I mean—er—Alice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Alice who?” inquired the elder Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Alice Ben Bolt,” said Miss Esther, +shortly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, that one? By the way, did anybody +ever remember her? I always hear people +tunefully inquiring.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t know she wore an automobile +coat,” said Lincoln, doubtfully. “At any +rate, her costume must have been awfully +queer.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you know what she wore?” +said Lillian. “Have you ever seen her picture?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, but the song says they fitted a slab +of granite so gray; it must have been a very +superior tailor that could do it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All women look well in gray,” said +Brewster, glancing approvingly at Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you know, I like green best,” said +George Washington Dodd, staring at Lillian’s +crisp linen costume.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This isn’t green; it’s reseda,” said Lillian, +scornfully; “and if I’d known you’d +like it, I wouldn’t have worn it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When Dodd admired Lillian’s gown Miss +Esther looked distinctly pleased, but when +that young lady spoke so rudely in reply her +hopes fell again. Dodd, however, realized +that she was reminding him of his almost +forgotten rôle, and taking his cue, he replied, +“I don’t like it. I said I liked green.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Huh!” said Lillian.</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>Crossways Inn is one of the few survivals +of that class of hostelry that had its beginnings +in the eighteenth century. Around +many of them hamlets sprang up,—some +grew into cities. In the stage-coach days +they were the resting places of the weary +travelers. When the railroads came the +travelers rushed by in trains, and the inns +were forgotten.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>No hamlet had sprung up about Crossways. +Standing at the intersection of two +country roads it had held its own through +a century and a half of varying fortunes. +There was little travel thereabouts, until the +automobiles came. Then, after a time, the +drivers of the machines came to understand +that at Crossways there was to be had a +dinner like grandmother used to cook, and +now scarcely a day went by without some +merry party from Richfield Springs, Farmington, +or even Utica, making a pilgrimage +in the direction of the fried chicken and +green corn in the season.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>It was at a dinner of this sort that the +Matrimonial Bureau entertained its clients. +If gayety be a proof of appreciation, then +were the clients, though unsuspecting of +their claim to that title, deeply appreciative.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This would be a fine place to establish +a rest-cure,” said Lillian. “It is the quietest +place I ever saw.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If you’ll establish one,” said George +Washington Dodd, “I’ll be press agent for +you. I’ll engage to get you a lot of patients.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll do better than that,” said Lincoln; +“I’ll be a patient.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Good idea,” said Putnam; “you need +a rest-cure.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He does,” said his father; “he certainly +needs to be cured of the resting habit. It +has become chronic with him.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What will be your course of treatment?” +asked Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“At first I shall only have the patients +stop resting three times a day,” said Lillian, +consideringly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“For meals?” suggested Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; and then after that, oftener, until +they can go without resting for an hour at +a time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A whole hour?” asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; and if they show signs of a relapse +I shall make them work.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Work!” exclaimed Lincoln; “then I +withdraw my application.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” said Lillian, “I don’t mean manual +labor; I mean brain work.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, that would be the same to me as +resting. My brain works automatically without +any exertion on my part.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve often thought so,” observed Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Lincoln; “it’s a great convenience. +I just set it going and then I go +off and leave it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where did you leave it to-night?” asked +Jean, innocently.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I left it at home, working out a great +problem. You see, Miss Esther and I—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is good pie,” said Miss Esther, +hurriedly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is,” said Lincoln. “As I was saying, +Miss Esther and I are very much worried—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is good pie,” said Miss Esther, +glaring at him.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I said it was,” said Lincoln. “Miss +Esther and I are trying very hard—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is good pie,” remarked Miss Esther, +determinedly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That speech is getting to be a habit with +you, Cousin Esther,” said Putnam. “Why +don’t you take something for it?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well,” said Lincoln’s father, “if you +have quite finished that exciting story about +yourself and Miss Esther, I will tell you +a little story. Miss Hastings and I—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is good pie,” said Lillian, blushing +furiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It seems to have gone to your head,” +remarked Jean, looking at Lillian, inquiringly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Miss Hastings and I,” went on Dodd, +“are engaged to be married.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>To say that Miss Esther’s face beamed +with delight, would be an inadequate expression +of the illumination that took place +on her countenance. She fairly radiated +happiness and coruscated with joy.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“One home, and two on bases,” cried Lincoln, +exultantly; but no one heard him in +the tumult and the shouting consequent upon +the announcement.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As is usual with the inspirers of great +movements, Miss Esther was entirely forgotten +at the moment of final triumph. Oblivious +to this, however, she sat in silent +rapture, gloating over her first and irrevocable +success.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah! King John,” she said, though not +aloud, “at last Victory doth perch upon one +of my dancing banners; and as to the other +two, I am Sir Oracle, and when I ope my +mouth, let no dog bark!”</p> + +<h2>XXI</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>A contract of true love to celebrate.—<span class='it'>The Tempest</span>, iv, 1.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Whitfield’s observance of holidays was in +the nature of a religious rite. The patriotism +of the Fourth of July, as shown in the +firing of the anvil in the early morning, the +speeches in the grove, and the reading of the +Declaration of Independence, invariably by +Dr. Bushnell, was all that the Father of his +Country could have desired. Christmas and +Thanksgiving had lost none of their original +character. The flippant might have observed +the groaning of boards from one end of the +town to the other. May Day was a triumph +of maidens crowned with wilted wild flowers +holding court in rickety bowers. Other days +had their importance; in fact any holiday +which had any excuse for being was seized +upon and made much of by the Whitfield +citizens.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But above and beyond all others, in the +hearts of the countrymen, was Circus Day. +For the days intervening between the posting +of the bills announcing its coming and +the fateful day of its arrival, there were fierce +debates at the post-office and at the blacksmith +shop concerning the relative merits of +the hippopotamus and the other animals. +The postmaster himself averred that the man-eating +tiger and the hippopotamus, whose +wide-opened jaws showed glistening teeth +of vast size, were much more fearsome beasts +than the Behemoth of Holy Writ, and although +this staggered the ultra-orthodox, +yet were they fain to believe it.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The fact that the people of Whitfield had +seen for many successive years the same +posters representing the same gaudily attired +ladies whose skirts were the soul of wit +itself, poised on toe-tip upon the same madly +careering charger, in no way interfered with +their interest in them.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>This interest perennially expressed itself +in long and deep arguments, embracing +various views which resolved themselves +finally into a generally commendatory condemnation.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The laws of the Medes and Persians were +laxly obeyed in comparison with the unwritten +but traditional law which demanded +that every citizen take his or her nearest +child relative to see the show. Census reports, +however, showed the proportion of +about one child to seventeen grown people. +But this rather aided than hindered the +law-abiding citizens, and uncles, aunts, and +cousins cheerfully accompanied their particular +portion of the juvenile audience.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The fact that there were no children in +the Adams house in no wise disconcerted +Miss Esther and her guests. They appropriated +Jack and Chub, and days before the +circus, had arranged to escort them. Jack +announced that he had already been invited +to attend the function by Dr. Bushnell, but +this, of course, made no difference. Chub, +being unattached, graciously signified her +willingness to attend.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have theen the thircuth,” Chub announced. +“It ith on the big, high fenth. +There are lionth and ’pottymutheth and +a beauty horth with a lovely lady on it—oh, +a lovely lady, jutht like Couthin +Helen.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I noticed the picture,” said Brewster. +“It is indeed just like Miss Fairbanks.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But that isn’t the real circus,” explained +Helen. “Those are only the pictures of +what you are going to see when you get +there.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” said Chub; “and will you weally +wide on the horth on your tippy-toeth?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If she doesn’t, somebody else will,” said +Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Another traditional law required that the +country people for miles around, as well as +the villagers, should assemble at the railway +station to see the circus train come in. As +its arrival was inconsiderately timed at four +in the morning, this necessitated early rising. +But this necessity was cheerfully met, the +more so in that it made Circus Day just that +much longer.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At the Adams house all the traditions +were strictly observed. Alarm-clocks were +set for half-past three, and after a hasty cup +of coffee Lincoln hustled Miss Esther, his +father, and Putnam into the automobile, +picked up Brewster and the three girls, and +they reached the station just in time for the +first act of the day’s play.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>To the men of the party the sight was +a novel one, and not uninteresting. The sun +was rising much as usual, although George +Washington Dodd remarked that he thought +the sun was always up a few feet in the +morning. He was not given to getting up +solely to see the spectacle, and though he +had a dim idea that there were such things +as sunrises, raved over by poets and such +persons, he found the picturesqueness of the +real thing of a character to call forth approving +remarks from him. “Pretty good work +for such a young sun,” he said, looking at +the long streaks of light that shot across the +fields and made a spectacular gathering of +the otherwise commonplace crowd that +swarmed over the railroad tracks. Into this +crowd the locomotive puffed and snorted, +and children shrieked with delight, while +their elders—though hardly less vociferous, +were no less eager. Vehicles of all +descriptions lined the roadway. Luncheon +baskets were in evidence in the democrat +wagons. There was a superfluity of whiskers +of varying shades of color and cut, and alpaca +dresses, still showing the wrinkles of long-time +packing, gave evidence that the holiday +spirit was rampant in the hearts, even of the +staid grandmothers and the mothers.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ll bet,” said Lincoln, “that every one of +them is possessed of some haircloth chairs, +and is distinctly proud of a certain bunch of +wax fruit under a glass bell in the parlor.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The small boys stood about, ecstatically +rubbing bare foot against bare leg, and letting +off sympathetic grunts of helpfulness +as the men of the circus train pushed and +shoved and lifted the big wagons and other +paraphernalia off the cars. From one of the +closed cages came the roar of a lion. Little +girls clutched their mothers’ hands in an +agony of fear and delight. These sounds +were the foretaste of the joys to come.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The people who had come from the surrounding +country prepared to make a full +day of it camped under the trees in the grove +near the circus grounds. The men sat about +and discussed the outlook for the crops, while +the women prepared a breakfast. The children +stared, wide-open-eyed, at the closed +cages, from which from time to time there +issued strangely fascinating growlings of +wild beasts. The circus men laid out the +ring and raised the tent, and the side-show +men, being quick in action, insistently proclaimed +the presence of the bearded lady, +the educated pig, the living skeleton, and the +strong man who could shiver rocks with his +fist. From the top of the big tent-pole a wire +was stretched, and from the dizzy height +a wonderful woman, clad in tightly fitting +pink, slid boldly to the ground. This was in +the nature of a daring advertisement of the +wonderful, magnificent, marvelous, myriad of +startling feats to be seen during the performance.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I swan!” exclaimed an elderly +man, with whiskers of an ancient design; +“I should think she’d of fell off’n that slim +wire.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But the villagers, not being obliged to +camp under the trees, returned to their +homes for breakfast. In celebration of Circus +Day, and incidentally because it might +materially assist her plans, Miss Esther had +a house-party, and the clients of her Bureau +made merry at the Adams house breakfast.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll see the morning parade,” said +George Washington Dodd, “from the front +fence.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I choose to sit on the gate-post,” said +Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You can have one gate-post,” said Mr. +Dodd, “but I want the other myself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“One is enough,” said Jean. “I rarely +use two at once.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And then this afternoon we’ll take the +children and Dr. Bushnell to the performance, +and this evening we’ll go by ourselves.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And stay to the concert,” said Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And then we’ll all walk home in the +moonlight,” continued Dodd. “My fiancée +is very romantic.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It must be very nice to have a romantic +fiancée,” said Putnam.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You never will have,” said Jean. “No +romantic girl could possibly accept you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“This is good pie,” said Lincoln, gazing +off into space.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do they have nice circuses in Europe?” +asked Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” replied Dodd, instructively; “they +have a very large one in Rome, and Paris is +a good deal of a circus all by itself, as you +shall see.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Lillian, happily; “I’m so glad +I’m going. I’ve always loved a circus, and +if Paris is anything like it, I know I shall +like that city.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“People always take their little boys to +the circus,” said Lincoln, plaintively, “and +I think you might take me—Ma-ma!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“All right, son, you shall go if you want +to—the next time we go,” replied Lillian, +kindly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, that’s what I meant,” said Lincoln. +“Of course I’d be a bother this time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed you would,” said his father. +“We’re going for pleasure.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When do you sail?” asked Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve tickets for the fifteenth,” said Dodd.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So soon?” said Brewster, in surprise.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; isn’t it lovely,” said Lillian. “I +always did like to get married in a hurry.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t care how soon you get married,” +said Jean, “so long as you wait till after this +year’s Circus Day, and come home before +the next one.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Next Circus Day you may be away on +your own wedding trip,” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Jean; “I’d never marry anybody +who would take me away from Whitfield +on Circus Day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“January would be a safe month,” said +Putnam, musingly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean’s only reply to this sally was a glance +which was meant to be withering, but somehow +it turned into a vivid blush.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you know the address of a good +flagmaker in the city, Governor?” said Lincoln. +“I want to telegraph an order for some +banners.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do!” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<h2>XXII</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Was ever woman in this humour woo’d?—<span class='it'>Richard III</span>, i, 2.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Although the afternoon performance was +scheduled for three o’clock, Jack and Chub, +anxious to be in time, arrived at the Adams +house while Miss Esther and her guests +were still at breakfast.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’re all weddy,” announced Chub, +consciously patting down her starched white +ruffles, and turning her back to give a better +view of her pink sash bows.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jack, no less conscious of his new sailor +suit, but striving manfully not to call undue +attention to it, remarked, casually, “I s’pose +we’re a little early, but we’ll wait till +you’re ready to go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How fortunate,” said Lincoln; “then +you’ll be here to help us watch the morning +parade go by.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yeth,” said Chub; “we’re going to thit +on the gate-potht, and you can hold uth +on.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Huh,” said Jack; “I don’t need to be +held on. I wasn’t last year, and I didn’t +fall off but once, and that was when the +elephant hollered.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I will be held on,” said Chub, “by Uncle +Linkum.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’ll have to sit backward, Chub, so +the folks in the parade can see that big sash +of yours.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Chub said nothing, but after a few moments’ +deep thought began tugging at her +pink sash so effectively that she finally +landed the big bow exactly in front.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There!” she said, with a satisfied sigh.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>By eleven o’clock the children were on +their respective gate-posts, Miss Esther and +Dr. Bushnell occupying large arm-chairs in +the gateway between them. The rest of the +party were ranged along the fence on either +side like birds on a telegraph wire.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Rocking amiably, his finger tips together +in an attitude of judicial consideration, Dr. +Bushnell filled the hour of waiting with +pleasant discourse. Whitfield always expected +to wait an hour after the scheduled +time for the arrival of the circus parade, and +in this it was never disappointed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It has gratified me to note,” the Doctor +said, “that the proprietors of this exhibition +have among their collected animals a fine +specimen of the wombat.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Whath a wombat?” asked Chub.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A wombat,” went on Dr. Bushnell, with +the air of imparting information to a large +audience,—“a wombat is simply a <span class='it'>Phascolomys +ursinus</span>. It is fond of hay—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“We’ll take some hay along for the +wombat,” said Lincoln, kindly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“—which he bites into short pieces +with his knife-edged teeth. As the poet +has it,</p> + + + <div class='poetry-container' style=''> + <div class='lgp'> <!-- rend=';' --> +<div class='stanza-outer'> +<p class='line0'>Let dogs delight to bark and bite,</p> +<p class='line0'>For ’tis—for ’tis—”</p> +</div> +</div></div> <!-- end poetry block --><!-- end rend --> + +<p class='pindent'>“Their nature to,” put in Miss Esther, involuntarily.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“True,” continued Dr. Bushnell; “and it +is the wombat’s nature to excavate the earth +until it forms a deep tunnel. The wombat is +by no means an active animal, but trudges +along with a heavy, rolling waddle, like the +gait of a very fat bear.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have always admired the gait of a very +fat bear,” said Brewster, dispassionately. +“There is something peculiarly attractive +and exceedingly graceful about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Dr. Bushnell was a trifle ruffled by this +slighting allusion to his favored animal, and +went on with some asperity.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“A wombat, my dear sir, is far from +being an ungraceful animal. I take it you +have never seen one on its native heath. +Indeed, a perfect wombat, a perfect wombat—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nobly planned,” said Miss Esther, helpfully.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>At this Lincoln Dodd fell off the fence.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ho!” said Chub; “Uncle Linkum wath +going to hold me on, and now he’th felled +off himthelf!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Except that Lincoln was nearly choked +to death by Chub in her exuberance over the +little white ponies, the parade passed without +accident. Dr. Bushnell gazed eagerly at +the open cages, and disappointedly at the +closed ones, hoping to see the promised +wombat. He philosophically met his failure +to find it by an unshaken confidence in its +appearance at the show proper.</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>At the afternoon performance Lincoln took +especial charge of Chub. This proved to be +a more arduous undertaking than he had +anticipated. Twice he pulled her out from +under the seats, and once he rescued her +from apparent instant death at the feet of the +elephant. He was also obliged to temper +generosity with wisdom in the matter of pink +lemonade and peanuts.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther had started under the mistaken +impression that she was taking charge +of Jack, but he soon made it evident that +his understanding of the case was that she +was in his charge. He grandly offered her +prize packages of gum. He bought for her +a complete programme of the whole show, +and carefully scrutinized the numbers on +their tickets and seats to make sure that they +corresponded.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther herself was enjoying the afternoon. +Aside from the entertainment provided +by the circus troupe, she was delightedly +entertained by the performances of her own +immediate circle. Lillian and Mr. Dodd +were a most exemplary engaged couple. +Jean and Putnam, if not announced allies, +were at least preserving an armed truce. +As for Helen and Brewster, the more she +saw them together, the more she thought +that they were born for each other, and she +felt confident that soon they would realize +this for themselves. In consequence of this, +it seemed to Miss Esther that the last cloud +was dissipated and that the intents of her +Matrimonial Bureau were practically the +same as fulfilled.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>To the exclusion of the startlingly incredible +feats in the ring, Miss Esther’s thoughts +were entirely concentrated on the pleasant +outcome of her plans. It was with an expression +of blank surprise, and a half conscious +realization of impending disaster, that she +looked up suddenly and saw Julia Fowler +coming toward her along the aisle. Her +first impulse was to stay the invader’s advance +at any cost. Involuntarily, she half +rose from her seat and glared at the intruder. +Her unwelcoming expression was entirely +lost on Miss Fowler, who rushed up to her +and shook her warmly by both hands.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m so glad to see you again!” she +cried.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you do?” said Miss Esther, +perfunctorily, and with a frigidity of manner +that would have repelled a less volatile personage +than Julia Fowler.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Isn’t the circus perfectly lovely!” she +exclaimed. “I’m enjoying it so much, and +when I saw your party I flew right over here, +and Lieutenant Adams has asked me to go +home to dinner with you all, and come back +to the show to-night—and may I go?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>However much she may have wanted to, +Miss Esther’s ideas of hospitality would not +allow her to say no. “Certainly,” she said; +and if the invitation was not noticeably heartfelt, +Julia seemed to overlook any lack of +enthusiasm. Of course, Miss Esther still +realized, and more emphatically than ever +as she looked at Julia, the dangers involved. +Mr. Dodd was out of the running. Lincoln’s +heart interests were not her affair; but Putnam +was decidedly susceptible, and her ideas +of Brewster’s intentions toward Helen were +as yet so unauthorized that she was by no +means certain that they might not be easily +swerved. Still, the mischief was done; the +blow had fallen, and as a consequence, the +Adams pluck rose triumphant.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But Miss Esther had crossed her bridge +before she came to it. At dinner that night +Julia was a decided acquisition, and charmed +everybody. But the two men for whom +Miss Esther had feared the most were not +unduly interested in the fair visitor. Indeed, +the only one who surrendered at sight was +Lincoln Dodd. This state of mind, however, +on Lincoln’s part was not necessarily a permanence, +as Miss Esther well knew. Putnam, +of course, showed the courteous +deference and gentle consideration which all +women received from him, but there was no +apparent undercurrent of personal interest; +Brewster maintained his usual attitude of +polite indifference, which, however, had in +it no lack of civility, but neither did it show +any trace of a special attraction.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Although Whitfield went to the afternoon +performance ostensibly for the benefit of its +juvenile element, in the evening it attended +the show frankly and openly for its own +amusement. Following this precedent the +Adams house-party at eight o’clock again +bundled into the automobile and started for +the tent. The men vowed that it was the +hardest day’s work they had ever done in +their lives, but the girls took the day as +a matter of course, and would not hear of +omitting any part of the regulation programme.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther’s complacency was restored +by the turn affairs had taken, and her mind +was relieved regarding Julia’s invasion. +Therefore, she started off in the same high +spirits that had marked the early afternoon.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>The circus managers, desirous of saving +every possible scrap of time, had facilitated +the midnight moving of their paraphernalia +by taking the roof off the tent before the +beginning of the evening performance. After +sunset, and if the weather permitted, they +always did this. The plan was acceptable +to the audience, and the general effect of the +crowded tent, open to the starry heavens, +appealed especially to Brewster as a picturesquely +humorous situation. Desirous of +seeing it all from the best possible viewpoint, +he asked Helen to sit with him in +the top row of seats. The rest preferred +seats nearer the ground, Lincoln devoting +himself to Julia, and Miss Esther, supremely +satisfied, listening willingly to Dr. Bushnell’s +oratorical periods.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What a curious picture,” said Helen, as +she took her seat.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” replied Brewster; “I never saw +anything just like it before.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I have seen this every year,” said Helen, +“but it always impresses me anew. The +incongruity of the tawdry, noisy glitter of the +scene below, compared to the calm beauty +of the stars above, is—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is, perhaps, the ultimate contrast?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, that is exactly what I mean. Why +is it, I wonder, that I can’t express myself +as I want to? You always seem to know +just what word to use.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps I know more words than you +do.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I know words enough, but I never +can command them at the time I want them, +though they often come to me when it is too +late to use them.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Like Thackeray’s cab wit,” suggested +Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I can quite picture him, disconsolate +in his cab, saying to himself the bright +things which he ought to have said an hour +before. I have done the same thing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You should have a preceptor, one who +could teach you to say the right thing at the +right time.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It would have to be one who would not +only understand my moods, but be in +thorough sympathy with them; some one +of—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Quick perception,” said Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; and gentle—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Instincts.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; and a way of teaching that would +not make me self-conscious or embarrassed.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That goes without saying if the teacher +be of a true perception and sympathy.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>It might as well be you!</span>” sang a sextette +of clowns through six megaphones in +the ring.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So it might,” said Brewster; “in fact it +might much better be me than anybody else. +I think I will begin now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wish you would,” said Helen; “I do, +honestly, but I’m afraid you will find it +a hopeless task. There are so many things +that you know so much more about than +I do—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>There are a few</span>,” came bellowing up +from the megaphone sextette.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“The megaphone men seem inclined to +help out,” said Brewster.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, and I am grateful to any one who +will help me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“May I try, Helen, though gratitude is +not the return I ask?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>I may love you too well to let you go</span>,” +vociferated the insistent megaphones.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Helen looked at Brewster. “The megaphone +men <span class='it'>are</span> helping,” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Would you have said that if you had +thought of it in time?” he asked.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Helen.</p> + +<h2>XXIII</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>And certainly a woman’s thought runs before her actions.—<span class='it'>As +You Like It</span>, iv, 1.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where’s Putnam?” asked Miss Esther, +coming out on the East porch the next +morning.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Don’t know,” said Lincoln. “I haven’t +seen him since breakfast.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Chub, seated on a low stool directly in +front of Lincoln, regarding him with worshiping +eyes, volunteered the information +that she “thaw him picking a lot of wotheth,” +and that he had afterward gone out of +the gate and walked rapidly up the street.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah,” said Miss Esther, with a satisfied +smile, “I suppose he has gone over to +Jean’s.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thuppothe tho,” Chub acquiesced.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>But when, a little later, Jean came over +to the Adams house, Miss Esther looked at +her aghast. “Where’s Putnam?” she said, +sternly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“That’s what I want to know,” said Jean. +“He asked me to play tennis with him this +morning.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, I don’t see where he can be,” said +Miss Esther; “but he’ll probably be back +in a few minutes. Chub said he went up the +road—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, <span class='it'>up</span> the road,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean sat down by Chub. “I did want to +play tennis this morning,” she said. “I +think somebody else might take Lieutenant +Adams’s place.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If that very obscure hint is aimed at all +in my direction,” said Lincoln, “I refuse +to act upon it. When I play tennis I must +have a foeman worthy of my skill. Why don’t +you ask Chub to play with you?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Chub, taking this as an invitation, rose +and began a search for Putnam’s racket. “I +will play with Couthin Jean,” she said, kindly, +“becauthe bad old Uncle Putnam hath ranned +away, and ithn’t never coming back to play +with you.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Although Miss Esther was used to Chub’s +romancing, this oracular utterance gave her +a sudden but unmistakable shock. “Don’t +mind what the baby says,” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Couthin Jean doethn’t care if Couthin +Putnam doethn’t never come back,” insisted +Chub.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes, she does, Chub,” said Lincoln; +“we all love Cousin Putnam.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yeth,” said Chub, who always agreed +with Lincoln; “we all love Couthin Putnam.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Do you?” asked Miss Esther, looking +pointedly at Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I love him a lot. I began worshiping +at his shrine the very day he arrived. +He seems to compel that sort of thing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s an all-round good fellow,” said +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He is, indeed,” said Miss Esther, earnestly. +“I don’t know what I shall do without +him. He says he can’t stay more than a +fortnight longer. I wonder where he is now? +I thought he was over at your house.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I know where he ith,” said Chub, with +the air of one who is possessed of a state +secret.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t think Uncle Putnam wanth me +to tell.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, don’t tell if it’s a secret,” said +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It ith a thecret,” said Chub, “and I won’t +tell, becauthe he don’t want anybody to know +he wath going to Farmington.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What did he go to Farmington for?” +asked Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know, but I gueth he wath going +to thell wotheth.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There ought to be a good market for +roses in Farmington,” said Lincoln, reflectively.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well,” exclaimed Miss Esther; “if +Putnam is carting roses over to Julia Fowler—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, maybe she likes roses,” remarked +Jean, casually.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” said Miss Esther, softening a little; +“if you say it’s all right, I suppose +it is.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course it’s all right,” said Lincoln. +“Whatever Putnam does is right.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What an enviable reputation,” said +Helen, appearing suddenly in the doorway. +“I wish people would say that whatever I +did was always right.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But, my dear girl,” said Miss Esther, +“you couldn’t expect to be looked up to +as such a paragon of all the virtues as +my cousin is. Of course, though, you’re +always right—as far as you go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’ve gone pretty far this time,” said +Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought as much,” said Jean. “When +did it happen?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Last night—at the circus,” replied +Helen, serenely.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Good for you!” said Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What did Couthin Helen do at the thircuth?” +asked Chub, with interest.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“She went and engaged herself to Mr. +Brewster,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What!” exclaimed Miss Esther. “Winthrop +Brewster!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s the only Mr. Brewster I know,” +said Helen, apologetically.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“He’s all right,” said Lincoln. “He’s +the best Brewster going. I think it’s +great.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Jean said nothing, but flew at Helen and +bestowed upon her a few dozen of that particular +variety of kisses which are supposed +to mean a congratulatory acknowledgment +of tidings such as these, and taking possession +of her, marched her down the steps and +across the lawn.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“As President of the Matrimonial Bureau,” +said Lincoln, enthusiastically, “you are +certainly making a screaming success of +yourself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Miss Esther, still looking a +little bewildered, “but I am so surprised.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, you planned it yourself.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I know, but I thought my plans had +all fallen through. Helen was so haughty +and Mr. Brewster was so reserved. I wasn’t +half so surprised when Lillian announced +her engagement. I wish Helen would come +back. I want to ask her more about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, she’s engaged all right—just as +much as Lillian. Now that makes two, and +you only have Jean left on your books.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Miss Esther, complacently. +“And she’s all right, too, for I’m just as +sure Putnam means to marry her as if he had +said so. Sometimes I think she’s engaged +now.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps she is,” said Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>When Helen and Jean reached the gate +they turned naturally in the direction of +Lillian’s house. They found her on the +veranda, but when she saw the excited visitors +she jumped to the conclusion that the +exigencies of the occasion could only be +met in the studio.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come on up,” she cried; “what is the +matter?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ask Helen,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, you see,” began Helen, “you said +that Miss Esther said that she thought I ought +to marry Mr. Brewster, and so—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And so she feels that she must,” interrupted +Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How perfectly lovely,” cried Lillian; “I +am so glad.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“On the principle that misery loves company?” +suggested Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes—on that principle, of course; but +I don’t believe we call it misery, do we, +Helen?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Not yet,” said Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“May I come in?” said a voice from the +doorway; and without waiting for a reply +Miss Esther walked in. “I couldn’t wait +another minute,” said she; “I just had to see +Helen and hear more about this affair.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Helen says it’s all your doing, anyway,” +said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I didn’t say exactly that,” replied +Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, what did you say, then?” demanded +Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Why, I don’t know that I said anything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Then it’s time you began,” said Jean; +“and you’ve got to tell us every single thing +about it right straight away.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was just this way,” said Helen; “Mr. +Brewster said if I wanted to marry him I +could, and I said I did, and that was all there +was about it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What a kind man he is,” remarked +Lillian, reflectively.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Did he tell you anything about his +castle?” asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, he described it at length. It has +the most modern and approved automatic +drawbridges and an electric moat—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is that anything like an electric motor?” +asked Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Same thing,” replied Helen; “and it has +a portcullis and scullions and castellated turrets +and—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And a Prince?” said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; a very beautiful Prince, too.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, Helen, he is,” said Miss Esther, +“and I am very much pleased. He seems to +come pretty near realizing the ideals which +you were discussing last spring.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Helen, disdainfully; “Winthrop +goes far beyond any ideals I had +then.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well,” exclaimed Jean, “for a driveling +idiot, give me a girl who has been engaged +something less than twenty-four hours!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I think so, too,” agreed Lillian; “I’ve +been engaged most a week, and I’m as +sensible as a judge.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I wonder how I’d act if I were engaged,” +said Jean, reflectively.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Aren’t you?” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When I am,” said Jean, “you shall be +the first to know of it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Of course I shall,” said Miss Esther; “I +made Putnam promise that he’d tell me the +very first one.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, you keep right on asking him +every day,” said Jean, “and perhaps you’ll +find out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Just to think,” said Miss Esther, “only +last spring we were discussing the futures +of you three girls, and now you are all +practically settled. Helen has her ideal +Prince, Lillian has her fairy godfather, and +Jean—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Jean isn’t engaged yet,” said Lillian.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“When I see how it affects you two +girls,” said Jean, “I am not sure that I want +to be.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Sour grapes,” said Helen.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Nothing of the sort,” said Miss Esther. +“Jean can be engaged any minute she wants +to.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, I wish she’d hurry up, then,” said +Lillian. “It makes me embarrassed to have +her left out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Could you give me till to-morrow?” +asked Jean, meekly.</p> + +<h2>XXIV</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>I am in haste; go along with me: I’ll tell you all.—<span class='it'>Merry +Wives of Windsor</span>, v, 1.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>Miss Esther was more than delighted +when Putnam came to her in the library that +evening and said that he had something +to tell her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps I can guess what it is,” she said.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re pretty clever if you can,” he replied, +“for I didn’t know it myself until +to-day.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No,” said Miss Esther, smiling; “you +didn’t know it yourself until eleven o’clock +this morning.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, I didn’t,” said Putnam, honestly. +“In fact it came over me rather suddenly, +and I thought you’d like it if I told you +first.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you really engaged?” asked Miss +Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, no; I haven’t spoken to her yet +about anything like that.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, why don’t you?” said Miss Esther, +with a slight show of impatience.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t know how she’d take it,” said +Putnam, with the first indication of diffidence +that Miss Esther had ever seen in her cousin.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“There’s only one way to find out.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, of course, I shall ask her sometime, +but not yet.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well, don’t wait too long. I am very +glad you have told me this. I think you and +she were made for each other.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So do I. I never before believed in love +at first sight, but it certainly is what has +happened to me. She is the most beautiful +girl I ever saw.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Perhaps not beautiful,” said Miss Esther, +“but she is certainly very pretty.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“More than pretty. I think she is a raving +beauty.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re probably prejudiced,” said Miss +Esther, comprehendingly, “but I’m glad you +do admire her so much. She is a good-hearted +little thing with all her whimsical +temper; but I feared you might think her +perhaps too countrified and unsophisticated.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Well!” exclaimed Putnam, “I never +should call Julia Fowler unsophisticated. +To my mind she stands for everything that +represents the best and highest type of a +cultured woman of the world. That kind of +a woman, Cousin Esther, is the kind that +appeals most strongly to me. It is the type +I like best and Miss Fowler is the perfection +of that type, just as little Jean Richards is +the perfection of the peach-blossom type, or +Chub is the perfection of winsome babyhood, +and it’s a great thing to meet at last the +highest possible expression of the type one +most desires. I have a great deal of the +Adams clannishness in me, and I am glad +you so thoroughly approve my choice.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Putnam,” said Miss Esther, looking at +her cousin desperately, “go to bed!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Left to herself, Miss Esther faced the situation. +Her worst fears were verified. The +invasion of Julia had proved as disastrous as +she had anticipated. Not only were her own +plans defeated, but she realized the appalling +wrong she had done to Jean by assisting +to bring about a state of affairs that now +she knew must inevitably break the child’s +heart.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It seems,” she thought, “that this glorious +summer of mine is like to be turned into +a winter of discontent. Not that I care so +much for myself: the Matrimonial Bureau is +not yet at the end of its rope. I could, of +course, find another Prince for Jean, but the +trouble is, I’m sure she has set her heart on +Putnam, notwithstanding her apparent antagonism, +and after what she said this morning +I feel sure I am right. I think she expected +him to tell her so to-night, and now—well, +I will do what I can. Patience, and shuffle +the cards—perhaps there’ll be a way out +of it yet. But I can’t see a ray of hope for +my poor little Jean.”</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>But if Miss Esther had seen her poor little +Jean at that moment she would have been +obliged to confess that at least one ray of +hope was illuminating her darksome horizon.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As a matter of fact she was spinning along +with Lincoln Dodd in his automobile, quite +as contented as though there were no Putnam +Adams in existence.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You see,” Dodd was saying, “I would +have gone, but I had reasons for not wanting +to go.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I don’t see,” insisted Jean, “what reasons +you could possibly have for not wanting +to go on a lovely yachting trip like that—way +up the coast to Labrador—to be +gone for weeks, and with such a lovely +party—they are lovely, aren’t they?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; the people are nice enough,” said +Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And a crew all in white duck, with +beautiful gilt buttons—aren’t they?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes; the crew is good enough.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And beautiful ladies, in gorgeous clothes, +sitting around in wicker arm-chairs on the +deck! Aren’t they?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh, yes; the women’s gowns are good +enough.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“And then, whenever they stop anywhere, +there would be gala nights, with flowers and +music, and dances on deck and Japanese lanterns +and flags flying and banners waving! +Oh, I think it would be heavenly! I wish +I could go!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come on, and go—with me!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Oh,” cried Jean, “I wish I could! But +I’m not invited.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My wife is invited wherever I am.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I didn’t know you had a wife,” said Jean, +with an air of polite interest.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I haven’t,” said Dodd, “but I will have +in about twenty minutes.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Lincoln turned the wheel and the huge +machine swung around with reckless speed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Where are you going to get her?” asked +Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now, listen,” said Lincoln, as they flew +along the road, “and think fast. If we go on +this yachting party,—you and I,—we’ve +got to catch that twelve forty-five train from +Utica.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What!” gasped Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It will take us about twenty minutes to +get to Dr. Bushnell’s; about twenty more +to get married. That leaves us two hours +to get over to the Utica station, and I guess +this old machine will do it.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re talking nonsense,” said Jean.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I know,” said Lincoln, cheerfully; +“but never mind that now. I told you you +had to think fast. Now you’ve got all the +way from here to Dr. Bushnell’s parsonage +to make up your mind, and if you don’t want +to go on, say the word and I’ll turn around.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>As they stopped at Dr. Bushnell’s gate, +Jean said, “I think we’d better turn +around.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Too late now,” said Lincoln, lifting her +out.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I thought it would be,” said Jean, softly.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>In response to Lincoln’s imperative ring +at the doorbell, Dr. Bushnell appeared +and looked with surprise at his two late +visitors.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Come in,” he said, blandly; “come in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Thank you, we will,” said Lincoln.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Mrs. Bushnell rose to greet the pair as +they entered the pastor’s study. She was +Jean’s aunt, and as Jean’s mother had been +dead for many years, Mrs. Bushnell had always +exercised more or less authority over +her willful, high-spirited niece. Mr. Richards, +Jean’s father, was away in a distant Western +city on a business trip, and so Mrs. Bushnell +considered Jean her special property for the +time being.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You must excuse us if we seem rather +hurried,” said Lincoln, with a more business-like +air than he often showed. “We are +sailing to-morrow morning, and we must +catch the twelve forty-five train out of Utica. +We want you to marry us, and you’ve got +just twenty minutes to do it in.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Is that time enough?” asked Jean, anxiously.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“My dear young friends,” began Dr. +Bushnell, “you must realize the grave importance +of the step you propose to take. +The responsibilities of—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you two children talking +about?” broke in Mrs. Bushnell.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Never mind what we are talking about,” +said Lincoln, hurriedly. “We’ll tell you +some other time—we’ll write to you—but +now we want you to marry us—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But,” said Mrs. Bushnell, “have you +thought this thing all over?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Indeed I have,” said Jean; “I had twenty +minutes, and I thought fast. You see, it’s +this way, Aunt Serena; I’m going to marry +Lincoln, anyway, and if I marry him to-night +and catch that twelve forty-five train, we can +go on the most beautiful yachting trip you +ever heard of. Way up to Labrador, and the +ladies have the most beautiful clothes, and +Japanese lanterns and flowers—and everything.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But, Jean—” began her aunt.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, I know, Aunt Serena, but we’ve +only got twenty minutes, you know—and, +Auntie, the yacht is the loveliest thing—it’s +all white and brass and shining—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, yes,” said Dr. Bushnell, “as the poet +so effectively puts it, ‘A painted ship—a +painted ship’—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Now hold on, Dr. Bushnell,” said Lincoln; +“as I told you, we’ve only got twenty +minutes—five are gone already. As Jean +says, she’s going to marry me, anyway; so +you may as well let us go on that yachting +trip and send us off with your blessing.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“You’re the only one that can do it, Uncle +Isaiah,” said Jean; “and please do, ’cause I +would love that trip!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But, Jean,” said Mrs. Bushnell, “does +Miss Esther know about this?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“No, and that makes me downright sorry; +but I can’t help it, Aunt Serena. You tell +her to-morrow, won’t you? and I’ll write to +her. But we must catch that twelve forty-five +train.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“So you must,” said Dr. Bushnell, rising +to the occasion, “so you must. Serena, my +dear, if you will call the parlor maid—her +name has for the moment escaped me, but +you will doubtless remember it—if you will +call her for a second witness we will proceed +with the ceremony.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Her name is Martha,” said Mrs. Bushnell, +still hesitating.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Call Martha,” said Lincoln, decisively.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Are you sure,” began Mrs. Bushnell, +“that—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Call Martha,” said Jean.</p> + +<h2>XXV</h2> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p class='pindent'>Those men are happy; and so are all are near her.—<span class='it'>Henry</span> +VIII, iv, 1.</p> + +</div> + +<p class='pindent'>After she had dismissed Putnam, Miss +Esther sat disconsolately in her library, +worrying over the imminent breaking of +Jean’s heart. She was fully convinced that +Jean’s interest in Putnam was very real, and +she feared the effect on her emotional nature +when she should discover Putnam’s attitude +toward Julia Fowler.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Possibly Miss Esther had taken too much +for granted. Neither Jean herself nor Putnam +had told her definitely of any intention +that either had in relation to the future happiness +or unhappiness of the other. But +still, Miss Esther had observed the drifting +of the straws, and being used to the drawing +of conclusions from seemingly unimportant +premises, she had decided in her own mind +at least, that there was only one conclusion +to be drawn. This was one which pleased +her very much.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>On the whole, Miss Esther, up to this +time, had thought that the plans which had +been so whimsically made in the beginning +had been brought to a conclusion that was +not only quite to her liking, but which was +entirely fitting from every point of view.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>And now, just as she had dreamed that +beside being the architect of the fortunes of +her beloved girls, she had helped, too, in +the detailed drawings of the plans for Putnam’s +future, he had come in with the startling +announcement that the design was not +at all satisfactory, and that he had decided +upon using some home-made affair that she +knew was not drawn to a proper scale.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Somehow, though, even in spite of the +fact that one of her pet plans had apparently +failed, Miss Esther believed that she should +win. Nor was it in a sense of winning that +she thought of it. Rather, she believed that +now that two of her protégées had found +what she chose to call their Fates, the other +one of the three should, sometime, come to +a place where there should be the proverbial +happy ending of the chapter. How it was +all to come about she did not know. Her +faith was secure in the fact that she knew +what she knew. She had said long ago that +the Adams pluck would ultimately win, and +while the mere planning of the summer had +been begun in the same spirit of romantic +whimsicality which made her as a child play +with the people of her dreams—on the +stairs, on the lawns, and through the severe +old halls of the Adams house—and which +later had made her make these same heroes +and heroines of her dreams her playmates +through a life that would have been otherwise +very lonely—“Ah,” she said, “some +dreams come true; and after all, the jesting +word is not so often false but that it may be +true.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Perhaps Miss Esther did not realize that +the whole summer had been a living of the +dream which, though built of the flimsiest +of fabrics in the beginning, had proved, at +the last, to be constructed of very solid +materials.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Begun, as it was, it seemed that the summer, +after all, had shaped itself with a sort +of seriousness of which Miss Esther had not +dreamed. She cared too much for the girls +to play with them—and particularly she +would not have played a game that would +bring to them anything but the most perfect +happiness. In planning it all, she had believed +that it was rather a bit of a game—such +as she played with her characters in +the plays in the old volumes in her library—hers +and her father’s—and before that the +father’s father’s—and even his father before +him—they had all lived and dreamed among +the books which had been to Esther Adams +an inspiration and a delight which had lasted +through the years of her life.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>That these dreams, in some subtle fashion, +had really carried out the mental suggestion +of a mere advertisement in a Sunday newspaper, +brought to her notice in a way that +was little short of providential—all this +entered not at all into the calculations of the +woman who now faced a condition which +was far from being merely theoretical.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>So far as two of her girls were concerned, +she was satisfied. Not that she—in thinking +it all over—would admit to herself that she +had deliberately brought Helen and Brewster +together, or that she had thrown Lillian +in the face of George Washington Dodd—far +from it. That she was satisfied, there +could be no doubt. But, as she put it to +herself, “It was fortunate that Mr. Brewster +came to visit Dr. Bushnell, and it was fortunate +that Mr. Dodd came to visit his son.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Still—and this is the perversity of reasoning—she +felt that Putnam’s failure to +carry out a cherished plan of her own was +something for which she was directly responsible—not +alone because of the fact +that she felt that he would fail to do as she +wished—and she disliked antagonism, like +all the Adamses—but she felt, too, that +somehow she was responsible to Jean in +having brought her to the place where +she might by any chance fall in love with +a man who was fickle enough to be drawn +away by the first pretty face that rose above +the horizon.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>There was in it all something which was +altogether too like the suggestion of failure +to appeal to Miss Esther. A battle fairly +fought—won or lost—it didn’t matter, so +long as it was in the open: this was her delight. +But to make an attempt, under cover, +with however good intentions, and then fail—that +was a sting, and one which made her +feel that it would have been better never to +have tried. Logic entered into the discussion +not at all. She would not admit that +she had tried to accomplish anything. And +yet, behind it all, there was the haunting +shadow of a failure.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>She was as much annoyed as surprised +when at that late hour Dr. Bushnell called +upon her.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“How do you do,” she said, with a perfunctory +politeness. “What is the charity +this time?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Ah, Miss Esther, you will have your +little joke,” said her visitor, blandly, “but it +is not a charity this time. I come upon a far +different errand. I bring news that will surprise +you—ay, that will surprise you greatly. +I come as winged messenger—as winged +messenger—the quotation has escaped +me.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“But what is your important news?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It is indeed important news. Mr. Dodd—Mr. +Lincoln Dodd—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Has anything happened to Lincoln?” +broke in Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I do not know that ‘happened’ is the +term which I should use, but certainly something +has occurred. Something has occurred +to Mr. Lincoln Dodd. But a half hour since, +I married Mr. Lincoln Dodd to my niece, +Miss Jean Richards.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What!” exclaimed Miss Esther, excitedly. +“What! Jean married!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” continued Dr. Bushnell, calmly, +“they are married. My wife and I were +very much surprised, as you are; but Jean +is impulsive, you know, and Mr. Dodd +said that it was absolutely necessary for +them to catch the twelve forty-five train +from Utica—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“From Utica,” gasped Miss Esther; “have +they gone?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes, they have gone, and Mr. Dodd +begged me to offer you his deepest apologies +for seeming to leave you thus suddenly. But +he said he would write.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Write!” exclaimed Miss Esther; “I +should think he’d better! I never heard of +such a performance. Jean! Lincoln!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Whistling blithely, George Washington +Dodd came through the hall.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“<span class='it'>Will</span> you come in here!” called out Miss +Esther. “What <span class='it'>do</span> you think!”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What has happened,” inquired Mr. Dodd, +as he came smilingly into the library.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Tell him, Dr. Bushnell,” said Miss +Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Prepare yourself, my dear sir,” began +Dr. Bushnell, “for a great surprise. As I +was seated in my study this evening—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lincoln took Jean over there and married +her,” broke in Miss Esther.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Exactly so,” agreed Dr. Bushnell; “exactly +so.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Lincoln!” said Mr. Dodd, bewilderedly, +“and Jean! Are you sure you mean Lincoln?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Dr. Bushnell; “he came in +his automobile. I am sure it was Mr. Lincoln +Dodd.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Yes,” said Mr. Dodd, reflectively; “it +must have been he. On the whole, I am +rather pleased than otherwise.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Pleased!” cried Miss Esther, “pleased! +It’s glorious. It’s perfectly magnificent.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I am glad you feel that way, Miss Esther,” +said Dr. Bushnell, cheerfully. “As Shakespeare—as +Shakespeare says—”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“As Shakespeare says,” said Miss Esther, +interrupting him, “ ‘O, rejoice beyond a +common joy! and set it down with gold on +lasting pillars.’ ”</p> + +<hr class='tbk'/> + +<p class='pindent'>Lincoln’s promised letter came. Miss +Esther read it in the library. A part of it ran +thus:</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Although my most abject apologies are +due for running away as I did, with apparent +ingratitude for your hospitality, I maintain +that the exigencies of the plans of the Matrimonial +Bureau demanded quick action. As +Chairman of the Executive Committee and +President of the Advisory Board, I felt the +responsibilities of my position, and I trust +you will approve and ratify my action in the +matter.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Your orders, when I enlisted in your +service, I have carried out in spirit if not in +letter. You may remember that the first +duty you required of me was to marry one +of your clients. This I have done, and being +thus disqualified for further assistance in +your noble work, I am forced regretfully to +offer you my resignation.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“If I may be pardoned for referring to one +small favor I was happily enabled to grant, +I will say, in connection with the fact of my +bringing my father to Whitfield, that my +great regret is that I have only one father to +lay at the feet of the Matrimonial Bureau.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“One was enough,” said Miss Esther, +placidly. “I think I may congratulate myself +on the unqualified success of my plans. +Fortune brings in some boats that are not +steered, and though I steered some myself, +Fortune played into my hands.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“What are you doing, Couthin Ethter?” +cried Chub, dancing into the room with her +arms full of flowers.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“I’m winding up the affairs of the Matrimonial +Bureau,” replied Miss Esther, taking +the baby up in her lap.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Whath that mean?” demanded Chub.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“It was an effort to make some people +happy, which succeeded beyond anything +I ever dreamed of.”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Thath nithe,” said Chub, contentedly. +“Did it make <span class='it'>you</span> happy?”</p> + +<p class='pindent'>“Very happy,” said Miss Esther.</p> + +<div class='figcenter' style='width:50%'> +<img src='images/cupid3.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0004' style='width:99%;height:auto;'/> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk'/> + +<h3>TRANSCRIBER NOTES</h3> + +<p class='pindent'>Misspelled words and printer errors have been corrected. Where multiple spellings occur, majority use has been employed.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Punctuation has been maintained except where obvious printer errors occur.</p> + +<p class='pindent'>Illustrations have been relocated due to using a non-page layout.</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>[The end of <span class='it'>The Matrimonial Bureau</span> by Carolyn Wells and Harry Taber]</p> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 79028 ***</div> +</body> +<!-- created with fpgen.py 4.67d on 2026-07-05 16:08:47 GMT --> +</html> diff --git a/79028-h/images/cover.jpg b/79028-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b20c849 --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/cupid1.jpg b/79028-h/images/cupid1.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1eee89d --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/cupid1.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/cupid2.jpg b/79028-h/images/cupid2.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c6d5c1f --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/cupid2.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/cupid3.jpg b/79028-h/images/cupid3.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..162de0b --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/cupid3.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/ill001.jpg b/79028-h/images/ill001.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bcb4c90 --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/ill001.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/ill002.jpg b/79028-h/images/ill002.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..bd037e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/ill002.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/ill003.jpg b/79028-h/images/ill003.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..cf1138c --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/ill003.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/ill004.jpg b/79028-h/images/ill004.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..910684c --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/ill004.jpg diff --git a/79028-h/images/title.jpg b/79028-h/images/title.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d2a492d --- /dev/null +++ b/79028-h/images/title.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6c72794 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. 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