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A Country Christmas
By
Louisa May Alcott
A
Country Christmas
"A handful of good life is worth a bushel=
of
learning."
"Dear Emily,--I have a brilliant idea, an=
d at
once hasten to share it with you. Three weeks ago I came up here to the wil=
ds
of Vermont to visit my old aunt, also to get a little quiet and distance in
which to survey certain new prospects which have opened before me, and to
decide whether I will marry a millionnaire and become a queen of society, or
remain 'the charming Miss Vaughan' and wait till the conquering hero comes.=
"Aunt Plumy begs me to stay over Christma=
s,
and I have consented, as I always dread the formal dinner with which my
guardian celebrates the day.
"My brilliant idea is this. I'm going to =
make
it a real old-fashioned frolic, and won't you come and help me? You will en=
joy
it immensely I am sure, for Aunt is a character. Cousin Saul worth seeing, =
and
Ruth a far prettier girl than any of the city rose-buds coming out this sea=
son.
Bring Leonard Randal along with you to take notes for his new books; then it
will be fresher and truer than the last, clever as it was.
"The air is delicious up here, society
amusing, this old farmhouse full of treasures, and your bosom friend pining=
to
embrace you. Just telegraph yes or no, and we will expect you on Tuesday.
"Ever yours,
"SOPHIE VAUGHAN."
"They will both come, for they are as tir=
ed
of city life and as fond of change as I am," said the writer of the ab=
ove,
as she folded her letter and went to get it posted without delay.
Aunt Plumy was in the great kitchen making pie=
s; a
jolly old soul, with a face as ruddy as a winter apple, a cheery voice, and=
the
kindest heart that ever beat under a gingham gown. Pretty Ruth was chopping=
the
mince, and singing so gaily as she worked that the four-and-twenty immortal
blackbirds could not have put more music into a pie than she did. Saul was
piling wood into the big oven, and Sophie paused a moment on the threshold =
to
look at him, for she always enjoyed the sight of this stalwart cousin, whom=
she
likened to a Norse viking, with his fair hair and beard, keen blue eyes, and
six feet of manly height, with shoulders that looked broad and strong enoug=
h to
bear any burden.
His back was toward her, but he saw her first,=
and
turned his flushed face to meet her, with the sudden lighting up it always
showed when she approached.
"I've done it, Aunt; and now I want Saul =
to
post the letter, so we can get a speedy answer."
"Just as soon as I can hitch up,
cousin;" and Saul pitched in his last log, looking ready to put a gird=
le
round the earth in less than forty minutes.
"Well, dear, I ain't the least mite of
objection, as long as it pleases you. I guess we can stan' it ef your city
folks can. I presume to say things will look kind of sing'lar to 'em, but I
s'pose that's what they come for. Idle folks do dreadful queer things to am=
use
'em;" and Aunt Plumy leaned on the rolling-pin to smile and nod with a
shrewd twinkle of her eye, as if she enjoyed the prospect as much as Sophie
did.
"I shall be afraid of 'em, but I'll try n=
ot
to make you ashamed of me," said Ruth, who loved her charming cousin e=
ven
more than she admired her.
"No fear of that, dear. They will be the
awkward ones, and you must set them at ease by just being your simple selve=
s,
and treating them as if they were every-day people. Nell is very nice and j=
olly
when she drops her city ways, as she must here. She will enter into the spi=
rit
of the fun at once, and I know you'll all like her. Mr. Randal is rather the
worse for too much praise and petting, as successful people are apt to be, =
so a
little plain talk and rough work will do him good. He is a true gentleman in
spite of his airs and elegance, and he will take it all in good part, if you
treat him like a man and not a lion."
"I'll see to him," said Saul, who had
listened with great interest to the latter part of Sophie's speech, evident=
ly
suspecting a lover, and enjoying the idea of supplying him with a liberal a=
mount
of "plain talk and rough work."
"I'll keep 'em busy if that's what they n=
eed,
for there will be a sight to do, and we can't get help easy up here. Our
darters don't hire out much. Work to home till they marry, and don't go gad=
din'
'round gettin' their heads full of foolish notions, and forgettin' all the
useful things their mothers taught 'em."
Aunt Plumy glanced at Ruth as she spoke, and a
sudden color in the girl's cheeks proved that the words hit certain ambitio=
us
fancies of this pretty daughter of the house of Basset.
"They shall do their parts and not be a
trouble; I'll see to that, for you certainly are the dearest aunt in the wo=
rld
to let me take possession of you and yours in this way," cried Sophie,
embracing the old lady with warmth.
Saul wished the embrace could be returned by
proxy, as his mother's hands were too floury to do more than hover
affectionately round the delicate face that looked so fresh and young beside
her wrinkled one. As it could not be done, he fled temptation and "hit=
ched
up" without delay.
The three women laid their heads together in h=
is
absence, and Sophie's plan grew apace, for Ruth longed to see a real noveli=
st
and a fine lady, and Aunt Plumy, having plans of her own to further, said
"Yes, dear," to every suggestion.
Great was the arranging and adorning that went=
on
that day in the old farmhouse, for Sophie wanted her friends to enjoy this
taste of country pleasures, and knew just what additions would be indispens=
able
to their comfort; what simple ornaments would be in keeping with the rustic
stage on which she meant to play the part of prima donna.
Next day a telegram arrived accepting the
invitation, for both the lady and the lion. They would arrive that afternoo=
n,
as little preparation was needed for this impromptu journey, the novelty of
which was its chief charm to these blase people.
Saul wanted to get out the double sleigh and s= pan, for he prided himself on his horses, and a fall of snow came most opportune= ly to beautify the landscape and add a new pleasure to Christmas festivities.<= o:p>
But Sophie declared that the old yellow sleigh,
with Punch, the farm-horse, must be used, as she wished everything to be in
keeping; and Saul obeyed, thinking he had never seen anything prettier than=
his
cousin when she appeared in his mother's old-fashioned camlet cloak and blue
silk pumpkin hood. He looked remarkably well himself in his fur coat, with =
hair
and beard brushed till they shone like spun gold, a fresh color in his chee=
k,
and the sparkle of amusement in his eyes, while excitement gave his usually
grave face the animation it needed to be handsome.
Away they jogged in the creaking old sleigh,
leaving Ruth to make herself pretty, with a fluttering heart, and Aunt Plum=
y to
dish up a late dinner fit to tempt the most fastidious appetite.
"She has not come for us, and there is not
even a stage to take us up. There must be some mistake," said Emily
Herrick, as she looked about the shabby little station where they were set
down.
"That is the never-to-be-forgotten face of
our fair friend, but the bonnet of her grandmother, if my eyes do not decei=
ve
me," answered Randal, turning to survey the couple approaching in the
rear.
"Sophie Vaughan, what do you mean by maki=
ng
such a guy of yourself?" exclaimed Emily, as she kissed the smiling fa=
ce
in the hood and stared at the quaint cloak.
"I'm dressed for my part, and I intend to
keep it up. This is our host, my cousin, Saul Basset. Come to the sleigh at
once, he will see to your luggage," said Sophie, painfully conscious of
the antiquity of her array as her eyes rested on Emily's pretty hat and man=
tle,
and the masculine elegance of Randal's wraps.
They were hardly tucked in when Saul appeared =
with
a valise in one hand and a large trunk on his shoulder, swinging both on to=
a
wood-sled that stood near by as easily as if they had been hand-bags.
"That is your hero, is it? Well, he looks=
it,
calm and comely, taciturn and tall," said Emily, in a tone of approbat=
ion.
"He should have been named Samson or Goli=
ath;
though I believe it was the small man who slung things about and turned out=
the
hero in the end," added Randal, surveying the performance with interest
and a touch of envy, for much pen work had made his own hands as delicate a=
s a
woman's.
"Saul doesn't live in a glass house, so s=
tones
won't hurt him. Remember sarcasm is forbidden and sincerity the order of the
day. You are country folks now, and it will do you good to try their simple,
honest ways for a few days."
Sophie had no time to say more, for Saul came =
up
and drove off with the brief remark that the baggage would "be along r=
ight
away."
Being hungry, cold and tired, the guests were
rather silent during the short drive, but Aunt Plumy's hospitable welcome, =
and
the savory fumes of the dinner awaiting them, thawed the ice and won their
hearts at once.
"Isn't it nice? Aren't you glad you
came?" asked Sophie, as she led her friends into the parlor, which she=
had
redeemed from its primness by putting bright chintz curtains to the windows,
hemlock boughs over the old portraits, a china bowl of flowers on the table,
and a splendid fire on the wide hearth.
"It is perfectly jolly, and this is the w=
ay I
begin to enjoy myself," answered Emily, sitting down upon the home-made
rug, whose red flannel roses bloomed in a blue list basket.
"If I may add a little smoke to your glor=
ious
fire, it will be quite perfect. Won't Samson join me?" asked Randal,
waiting for permission, cigar-case in hand.
"He has no small vices, but you may indul=
ge
yours," answered Sophie, from the depths of a grandmotherly chair.
Emily glanced up at her friend as if she caugh=
t a
new tone in her voice, then turned to the fire again with a wise little nod=
, as
if confiding some secret to the reflection of herself in the bright brass
andiron.
"His Delilah does not take this form. I w=
ait
with interest to discover if he has one. What a daisy the sister is. Does s=
he
ever speak?" asked Randal, trying to lounge on the haircloth sofa, whe=
re
he was slipping uncomfortably about.
"Oh yes, and sings like a bird. You shall
hear her when she gets over her shyness. But no trifling, mind you, for it =
is a
jealously guarded daisy and not to be picked by any idle hand," said
Sophie warningly, as she recalled Ruth's blushes and Randal's compliments at
dinner.
"I should expect to be annihilated by the=
big
brother if I attempted any but the 'sincerest' admiration and respect. Have=
no
fears on that score, but tell us what is to follow this superb dinner. An a=
pple
bee, spinning match, husking party, or primitive pastime of some sort, I ha=
ve no
doubt."
"As you are new to our ways I am going to=
let
you rest this evening. We will sit about the fire and tell stories. Aunt is=
a
master hand at that, and Saul has reminiscences of the war that are well wo=
rth
hearing if we can only get him to tell them."
"Ah, he was there, was he?"
"Yes, all through it, and is Major Basset,
though he likes his plain name best. He fought splendidly and had several
wounds, though only a mere boy when he earned his scars and bars. I'm very
proud of him for that," and Sophie looked so as she glanced at the
photograph of a stripling in uniform set in the place of honor on the high
mantel-piece.
"We must stir him up and hear these marti=
al
memories. I want some new incidents, and shall book all I can get, if I
may."
Here Randal was interrupted by Saul himself, w=
ho
came in with an armful of wood for the fire.
"Anything more I can do for you,
cousin?" he asked, surveying the scene with a rather wistful look.
"Only come and sit with us and talk over =
war
times with Mr. Randal."
"When I've foddered the cattle and done my
chores I'd be pleased to. What regiment were you in?" asked Saul, look=
ing
down from his lofty height upon the slender gentleman, who answered briefly=
,--
"In none. I was abroad at the time."=
"Sick?"
"No, busy with a novel."
"Took four years to write it?"
"I was obliged to travel and study before=
I
could finish it. These things take more time to work up than outsiders would
believe."
"Seems to me our war was a finer story th=
an
any you could find in Europe, and the best way to study it would be to figh=
t it
out. If you want heroes and heroines you'd have found plenty of 'em
there."
"I have no doubt of it, and shall be glad=
to
atone for my seeming neglect of them by hearing about your own exploits.
Major."
Randal hoped to turn the conversation graceful=
ly,
but Saul was not to be caught, and left the room, saying, with a gleam of f=
un
in his eye,--
"I can't stop now; heroes can wait, pigs
can't."
The girls laughed at this sudden descent from =
the
sublime to the ridiculous, and Randal joined them, feeling his condescension
had not been unobserved.
As if drawn by the merry sound Aunt Plumy
appeared, and being established in the rocking-chair fell to talking as eas=
ily
as if she had known her guests for years.
"Laugh away, young folks, that's better f=
or
digestion than any of the messes people use. Are you troubled with dyspepsy,
dear? You didn't seem to take your vittles very hearty, so I mistrusted you=
was
delicate," she said, looking at Emily, whose pale cheeks and weary eyes
told the story of late hours and a gay life.
"I haven't eaten so much for years, I ass=
ure
you, Mrs. Basset; but it was impossible to taste all your good things. I am=
not
dyspeptic, thank you, but a little seedy and tired, for I've been working
rather hard lately."
"Be you a teacher? or have you a 'perfess=
un,'
as they call a trade nowadays?" asked the old lady in a tone of kindly
interest, which prevented a laugh at the idea of Emily's being anything but=
a
beauty and a belle. The others kept their countenances with difficulty, and=
she
answered demurely,--
"I have no trade as yet, but I dare say I
should be happier if I had."
"Not a doubt on't, my dear."
"What would you recommend, ma'am?"
"I should say dressmakin' was rather in y=
our
line, ain't it? Your clothes is dreadful tasty, and do you credit if you ma=
de
'em yourself." and Aunt Plumy surveyed with feminine interest the simp=
le
elegance of the travelling dress which was the masterpiece of a French modi=
ste.
"No, ma'am, I don't make my own things, I=
'm
too lazy. It takes so much time and trouble to select them that I have only
strength left to wear them."
"Housekeepin' used to be the favorite
perfessun in my day. It ain't fashionable now, but it needs a sight of trai=
nin'
to be perfect in all that's required, and I've an idee it would be a sight
healthier and usefuller than the paintin' and music and fancy work young wo=
men
do nowadays."
"But every one wants some beauty in their
lives, and each one has a different sphere to fill, if one can only find
it."
"'Pears to me there's no call for so much=
art
when nater is full of beauty for them that can see and love it. As for 'spe=
ars'
and so on, I've a notion if each of us did up our own little chores smart a=
nd
thorough we needn't go wanderin' round to set the world to rights. That's t=
he
Lord's job, and I presume to say He can do it without any advice of ourn.&q=
uot;
Something in the homely but true words seemed =
to
rebuke the three listeners for wasted lives, and for a moment there was no
sound but the crackle of the fire, the brisk click of the old lady's knitti=
ng
needles, and Ruth's voice singing overhead as she made ready to join the pa=
rty
below.
"To judge by that sweet sound you have do=
ne
one of your 'chores' very beautifully, Mrs. Basset, and in spite of the fol=
lies
of our day, succeeded in keeping one girl healthy, happy and unspoiled,&quo=
t;
said Emily, looking up into the peaceful old face with her own lovely one f=
ull
of respect and envy.
"I do hope so, for she's my ewe lamb, the
last of four dear little girls; all the rest are in the burying ground 'sid=
e of
father. I don't expect to keep her long, and don't ought to regret when I l=
ose
her, for Saul is the best of sons; but daughters is more to mothers somehow,
and I always yearn over girls that is left without a broodin' wing to keep =
'em
safe and warm in this world of tribulation."
Aunt Plumy laid her hand on Sophie's head as s=
he
spoke, with such a motherly look that both girls drew nearer, and Randal
resolved to put her in a book without delay.
Presently Saul returned with little Ruth hangi=
ng
on his arm and shyly nestling near him as he took the three-cornered leathe=
rn
chair in the chimney nook, while she sat on a stool close by.
"Now the circle is complete and the pictu=
re
perfect. Don't light the lamps yet, please, but talk away and let me make a
mental study of you. I seldom find so charming a scene to paint," said
Randal, beginning to enjoy himself immensely, with a true artist's taste for
novelty and effect.
"Tell us about your book, for we have been
reading it as it comes out in the magazine, and are much exercised about how
it's going to end," began Saul, gallantly throwing himself into the
breach, for a momentary embarrassment fell upon the women at the idea of
sitting for their portraits before they were ready.
"Do you really read my poor serial up her=
e,
and do me the honor to like it?" asked the novelist, both flattered and
amused, for his work was of the aesthetic sort, microscopic studies of
character, and careful pictures of modern life.
"Sakes alive, why shouldn't we?" cri=
ed
Aunt Plumy. "We have some eddication, though we ain't very genteel. We=
've
got a town libry, kep up by the women mostly, with fairs and tea parties an=
d so
on. We have all the magazines reg'lar, and Saul reads out the pieces while =
Ruth
sews and I knit, my eyes bein' poor. Our winter is long and evenins would be
kinder lonesome if we didn't have novils and newspapers to cheer 'em up.&qu=
ot;
"I am very glad I can help to beguile them
for you. Now tell me what you honestly think of my work? Criticism is always
valuable, and I should really like yours, Mrs. Basset," said Randal,
wondering what the good woman would make of the delicate analysis and world=
ly
wisdom on which he prided himself.
Short work, as Aunt Plumy soon showed him, for=
she
rather enjoyed freeing her mind at all times, and decidedly resented the
insinuation that country folk could not appreciate light literature as well=
as
city people.
"I ain't no great of a jedge about anythi=
ng
but nat'ralness of books, and it really does seem as if some of your men and
women was dreadful uncomfortable creaters. 'Pears to me it ain't wise to be
always pickin' ourselves to pieces and pryin' into things that ought to come
gradual by way of experience and the visitations of Providence. Flowers won=
't
blow worth a cent ef you pull 'em open. Better wait and see what they can do
alone. I do relish the smart sayins, the odd ways of furrin parts, and the
sarcastic slaps at folkses weak spots. But massy knows, we can't live on
spice-cake and Charlotte Ruche, and I do feel as if books was more sustaini=
n'
ef they was full of every-day people and things, like good bread and butter.
Them that goes to the heart and ain't soon forgotten is the kind I hanker f=
or.
Mis Terry's books now, and Mis Stowe's, and Dickens's Christmas pieces,--th=
em
is real sweet and cheerin', to my mind."
As the blunt old lady paused it was evident she
had produced a sensation, for Saul smiled at the fire, Ruth looked dismayed=
at
this assault upon one of her idols, and the young ladies were both astonish=
ed
and amused at the keenness of the new critic who dared express what they had
often felt. Randal, however, was quite composed and laughed good-naturedly,
though secretly feeling as if a pail of cold water had been poured over him=
.
"Many thanks, madam; you have discovered =
my
weak point with surprising accuracy. But you see I cannot help 'picking fol=
ks
to pieces,' as you have expressed it; that is my gift, and it has its
attractions, as the sale of my books will testify. People like the
'spice-bread,' and as that is the only sort my oven will bake, I must keep =
on
in order to make my living."
"So rumsellers say, but it ain't a good t=
rade
to foller, and I'd chop wood 'fore I'd earn my livin' harmin' my feller man.
'Pears to me I'd let my oven cool a spell, and hunt up some homely, happy f=
olks
to write about; folks that don't borrer trouble and go lookin' for holes in
their neighbors' coats, but take their lives brave and cheerful; and
rememberin' we are all human, have pity on the weak, and try to be as full =
of
mercy, patience and lovin' kindness as Him who made us. That sort of a book
would do a heap of good; be real warmin' and strengthening and make them th=
at
read it love the man that wrote it, and remember him when he was dead and
gone."
"I wish I could!" and Randal meant w=
hat
he said, for he was as tired of his own style as a watch-maker might be of =
the
magnifying glass through which he strains his eyes all day. He knew that the
heart was left out of his work, and that both mind and soul were growing mo=
rbid
with dwelling on the faulty, absurd and metaphysical phases of life and
character. He often threw down his pen and vowed he would write no more; bu=
t he
loved ease and the books brought money readily; he was accustomed to the
stimulant of praise and missed it as the toper misses his wine, so that whi=
ch
had once been a pleasure to himself and others was fast becoming a burden a=
nd a
disappointment.
The brief pause which followed his involuntary
betrayal of discontent was broken by Ruth, who exclaimed, with a girlish
enthusiasm that overpowered girlish bashfulness,--
"I think all the novels are splendid! I h=
ope
you will write hundreds more, and I shall live to read 'em."
"Bravo, my gentle champion! I promise tha=
t I
will write one more at least, and have a heroine in it whom your mother will
both admire and love," answered Randal, surprised to find how grateful=
he
was for the girl's approval, and how rapidly his trained fancy began to pai=
nt
the background on which he hoped to copy this fresh, human daisy.
Abashed by her involuntary outburst, Ruth trie=
d to
efface herself behind Saul's broad shoulder, and he brought the conversation
back to its starting-point by saying in a tone of the most sincere interest=
,--
"Speaking of the serial, I am very anxiou=
s to
know how your hero comes out. He is a fine fellow, and I can't decide wheth=
er
he is going to spoil his life marrying that silly woman, or do something gr=
and
and generous, and not be made a fool of."
"Upon my soul, I don't know myself. It is
very hard to find new finales. Can't you suggest something, Major? then I s=
hall
not be obliged to leave my story without an end, as people complain I am ra=
ther
fond of doing."
"Well, no, I don't think I've anything to
offer. Seems to me it isn't the sensational exploits that show the hero bes=
t,
but some great sacrifice quietly made by a common sort of man who is noble
without knowing it. I saw a good many such during the war, and often wish I
could write them down, for it is surprising how much courage, goodness and =
real
piety is stowed away in common folks ready to show when the right time
comes."
"Tell us one of them, and I'll bless you =
for
a hint. No one knows the anguish of an author's spirit when he can't ring d=
own
the curtain on an effective tableau," said Randal, with a glance at his
friends to ask their aid in eliciting an anecdote or reminiscence.
"Tell about the splendid fellow who held =
the
bridge, like Horatius, till help came up. That was a thrilling story, I ass=
ure
you," answered Sophie, with an inviting smile.
But Saul would not be his own hero, and said
briefly:
"Any man can be brave when the battle-fev=
er
is on him, and it only takes a little physical courage to dash ahead."=
He
paused a moment, with his eyes on the snowy landscape without, where twilig=
ht
was deepening; then, as if constrained by the memory that winter scene evok=
ed,
he slowly continued,--
"One of the bravest things I ever knew was
done by a poor fellow who has been a hero to me ever since, though I only m=
et
him that night. It was after one of the big battles of that last winter, an=
d I
was knocked over with a broken leg and two or three bullets here and there.
Night was coming on, snow falling, and a sharp wind blew over the field whe=
re a
lot of us lay, dead and alive, waiting for the ambulance to come and pick us
up. There was skirmishing going on not far off, and our prospects were rath=
er
poor between frost and fire. I was calculating how I'd manage, when I found=
two
poor chaps close by who were worse off, so I braced up and did what I could=
for
them. One had an arm blown away, and kept up a dreadful groaning. The other=
was
shot bad, and bleeding to death for want of help, but never complained. He =
was
nearest, and I liked his pluck, for he spoke cheerful and made me ashamed to
growl. Such times make dreadful brutes of men if they haven't something to =
hold
on to, and all three of us were most wild with pain and cold and hunger, for
we'd fought all day fasting, when we heard a rumble in the road below, and =
saw
lanterns bobbing round. That meant life to us, and we all tried to holler; =
two
of us were pretty faint, but I managed a good yell, and they heard it.
"'Room for one more. Hard luck, old boys,=
but
we are full and must save the worst wounded first. Take a drink, and hold on
till we come back,' says one of them with the stretcher.
"'Here's the one to go,' I says, pointin'=
out
my man, for I saw by the light that he was hard hit.
"'No, that one. He's got more chances tha=
n I,
or this one; he's young and got a mother; I'll wait,' said the good feller,
touchin' my arm, for he 'd heard me mutterin' to myself about this dear old
lady. We always want mother when we are down, you know."
Saul's eyes turned to the beloved face with a
glance of tenderest affection, and Aunt Plumy answered with a dismal groan =
at
the recollection of his need that night, and her absence.
"Well, to be short, the groaning chap was
taken, and my man left. I was mad, but there was no time for talk, and the
selfish one went off and left that poor feller to run his one chance. I had=
my
rifle, and guessed I could hobble up to use it if need be; so we settled ba=
ck
to wait without much hope of help, everything being in a muddle. And wait we
did till morning, for that ambulance did not come back till next day, when =
most
of us were past needing it.
"I'll never forget that night. I dream it=
all
over again as plain as if it was real. Snow, cold, darkness, hunger, thirst,
pain, and all round us cries and cursing growing less and less, till at last
only the wind went moaning over that meadow. It was awful! so lonesome,
helpless, and seemingly God-forsaken. Hour after hour we lay there side by =
side
under one coat, waiting to be saved or die, for the wind grew strong and we
grew weak."
Saul drew a long breath, and held his hands to=
the
fire as if he felt again the sharp suffering of that night.
"And the man?" asked Emily, softly, =
as
if reluctant to break the silence.
"He was a man! In times like that men talk
like brothers and show what they are. Lying there, slowly freezing, Joe
Cummings told me about his wife and babies, his old folks waiting for him, =
all
depending on him, yet all ready to give him up when he was needed. A plain =
man,
but honest and true, and loving as a woman; I soon saw that as he went on t=
alking,
half to me and half to himself, for sometimes he wandered a little toward t=
he
end. I've read books, heard sermons, and seen good folks, but nothing ever =
came
so close or did me so much good as seeing this man die. He had one chance a=
nd
gave it cheerfully. He longed for those he loved, and let 'em go with a goo=
d-by
they couldn't hear. He suffered all the pains we most shrink from without a
murmur, and kept my heart warm while his own was growing cold. It's no use
trying to tell that part of it; but I heard prayers that night that meant
something, and I saw how faith could hold a soul up when everything was gone
but God."
Saul stopped there with a sudden huskiness in =
his
deep voice, and when he went on it was in the tone of one who speaks of a d=
ear
friend.
"Joe grew still by and by, and I thought =
he
was asleep, for I felt his breath when I tucked him up, and his hand held o=
n to
mine. The cold sort of numbed me, and I dropped off, too weak and stupid to
think or feel. I never should have waked up if it hadn't been for Joe. When=
I
came to, it was morning, and I thought I was dead, for all I could see was =
that
great field of white mounds, like graves, and a splendid sky above. Then I
looked for Joe, remembering; but he had put my coat back over me, and lay s=
tiff
and still under the snow that covered him like a shroud, all except his fac=
e. A
bit of my cape had blown over it, and when I took it off and the sun shone =
on
his dead face, I declare to you it was so full of heavenly peace I felt as =
if
that common man had been glorified by God's light, and rewarded by God's 'W=
ell
done.' That's all."
No one spoke for a moment, while the women wip=
ed
their eyes, and Saul dropped his as if to hide something softer than tears.=
"It was very noble, very touching. And yo=
u? how
did you get off at last?" asked Randal, with real admiration and respe=
ct
in his usually languid face.
"Crawled off," answered Saul, relaps=
ing
into his former brevity of speech.
"Why not before, and save yourself all th=
at
misery?"
"Couldn't leave Joe."
"Ah, I see; there were two heroes that
night."
"Dozens, I've no doubt. Those were times =
that
made heroes of men, and women, too."
"Tell us more;" begged Emily, lookin=
g up
with an expression none of her admirers ever brought to her face by their
softest compliments or wiliest gossip.
"I've done my part. It's Mr. Randal's turn
now;" and Saul drew himself out of the ruddy circle of firelight, as if
ashamed of the prominent part he was playing.
Sophie and her friend had often heard Randal t=
alk,
for he was an accomplished raconteur, but that night he exerted himself, and
was unusually brilliant and entertaining, as if upon his mettle. The Bassets
were charmed. They sat late and were very merry, for Aunt Plumy got up a li=
ttle
supper for them, and her cider was as exhilarating as champagne. When they
parted for the night and Sophie kissed her aunt, Emily did the same, saying
heartily,--
"It seems as if I'd known you all my life,
and this is certainly the most enchanting old place that ever was."
"Glad you like it, dear. But it ain't all
fun, as you'll find out to-morrow when you go to work, for Sophie says you
must," answered Mrs. Basset, as her guests trooped away, rashly promis=
ing
to like everything.
They found it difficult to keep their word when
they were called at half past six next morning. Their rooms were warm, howe=
ver,
and they managed to scramble down in time for breakfast, guided by the
fragrance of coffee and Aunt Plumy's shrill voice singing the good old hymn=
--
"Lord, in the morning Thou shalt hear
My
voice ascending high."An open fire blazed on the hearth, for the cooki=
ng
was done in the lean-to, and the spacious, sunny kitchen was kept in all its
old-fashioned perfection, with the wooden settle in a warm nook, the tall c=
lock
behind the door, copper and pewter utensils shining on the dresser, old chi=
na
in the corner closet and a little spinning wheel rescued from the garret by
Sophie to adorn the deep window, full of scarlet geraniums, Christmas roses,
and white chrysanthemums.
The young lady, in a checked apron and mob-cap,
greeted her friends with a dish of buckwheats in one hand, and a pair of ch=
eeks
that proved she had been learning to fry these delectable cakes.
"You do 'keep it up' in earnest, upon my
word; and very becoming it is, dear. But won't you ruin your complexion and
roughen your hands if you do so much of this new fancy-work?" asked Em=
ily,
much amazed at this novel freak.
"I like it, and really believe I've found=
my
proper sphere at last. Domestic life seems so pleasant to me that I feel as=
if
I'd better keep it up for the rest of my life," answered Sophie, makin=
g a
pretty picture of herself as she cut great slices of brown bread, with the
early sunshine touching her happy face.
"The charming Miss Vaughan in the role of=
a
farmer's wife. I find it difficult to imagine, and shrink from the thought =
of
the wide-spread dismay such a fate will produce among her adorers," ad=
ded
Randal, as he basked in the glow of the hospitable fire.
"She might do worse; but come to breakfast
and do honor to my handiwork," said Sophie, thinking of her worn-out
millionnaire, and rather nettled by the satiric smile on Randal's lips.
"What an appetite early rising gives one.=
I
feel equal to almost anything, so let me help wash cups," said Emily, =
with
unusual energy, when the hearty meal was over and Sophie began to pick up t=
he
dishes as if it was her usual work.
Ruth went to the window to water the flowers, =
and
Randal followed to make himself agreeable, remembering her defence of him l=
ast
night. He was used to admiration from feminine eyes, and flattery from soft
lips, but found something new and charming in the innocent delight which sh=
owed
itself at his approach in blushes more eloquent than words, and shy glances
from eyes full of hero-worship.
"I hope you are going to spare me a posy =
for
to-morrow night, since I can be fine in no other way to do honor to the dan=
ce
Miss Sophie proposes for us," he said, leaning in the bay window to lo=
ok
down on the little girl, with the devoted air he usually wore for pretty wo=
men.
"Anything you like! I should be so glad to
have you wear my flowers. There will be enough for all, and I've nothing el=
se
to give to people who have made me as happy as cousin Sophie and you,"
answered Ruth, half drowning her great calla as she spoke with grateful war=
mth.
"You must make her happy by accepting the
invitation to go home with her which I heard given last night. A peep at the
world would do you good, and be a pleasant change, I think."
"Oh, very pleasant! but would it do me go=
od?"
and Ruth looked up with sudden seriousness in her blue eyes, as a child
questions an elder, eager, yet wistful.
"Why not?" asked Randal, wondering at
the hesitation.
"I might grow discontented with things he=
re
if I saw splendid houses and fine people. I am very happy now, and it would
break my heart to lose that happiness, or ever learn to be ashamed of
home."
"But don't you long for more pleasure, new
scenes and other friends than these?" asked the man, touched by the li=
ttle
creature's loyalty to the things she knew and loved.
"Very often, but mother says when I'm rea=
dy
they will come, so I wait and try not to be impatient." But Ruth's eyes
looked out over the green leaves as if the longing was very strong within h=
er
to see more of the unknown world lying beyond the mountains that hemmed her=
in.
"It is natural for birds to hop out of the
nest, so I shall expect to see you over there before long, and ask you how =
you
enjoy your first flight," said Randal, in a paternal tone that had a
curious effect on Ruth.
To his surprise, she laughed, then blushed like
one of her own roses, and answered with a demure dignity that was very pret=
ty
to see.
"I intend to hop soon, but it won't be a =
very
long flight or very far from mother. She can't spare me, and nobody in the
world can fill her place to me."
"Bless the child, does she think I'm goin=
g to
make love to her," thought Randal, much amused, but quite mistaken. Wi=
ser
women had thought so when he assumed the caressing air with which he beguil=
ed
them into the little revelations of character he liked to use, as the south
wind makes flowers open their hearts to give up their odor, then leaves the=
m to
carry it elsewhere, the more welcome for the stolen sweetness.
"Perhaps you are right. The maternal wing=
is
a safe shelter for confiding little souls like you, Miss Ruth. You will be =
as
comfortable here as your flowers in this sunny window," he said,
carelessly pinching geranium leaves, and ruffling the roses till the pink
petals of the largest fluttered to the floor.
As if she instinctively felt and resented
something in the man which his act symbolized, the girl answered quietly, as
she went on with her work, "Yes, if the frost does not touch me, or
careless people spoil me too soon."
Before Randal could reply Aunt Plumy approached
like a maternal hen who sees her chicken in danger.
"Saul is goin' to haul wood after he's do=
ne
his chores, mebbe you'd like to go along? The view is good, the roads well
broke, and the day uncommon fine."
"Thanks; it will be delightful, I dare
say," politely responded the lion, with a secret shudder at the idea o=
f a
rural promenade at 8 A.M. in the winter.
"Come on, then; we'll feed the stock, and
then I'll show you how to yoke oxen," said Saul, with a twinkle in his=
eye
as he led the way, when his new aide had muffled himself up as if for a pol=
ar
voyage.
"Now, that's too bad of Saul! He did it on
purpose, just to please you, Sophie," cried Ruth presently, and the gi=
rls
ran to the window to behold Randal bravely following his host with a pail of
pigs' food in each hand, and an expression of resigned disgust upon his
aristocratic face.
"To what base uses may we come," quo=
ted
Emily, as they all nodded and smiled upon the victim as he looked back from=
the
barn-yard, where he was clamorously welcomed by his new charges.
"It is rather a shock at first, but it wi=
ll
do him good, and Saul won't be too hard upon him, I'm sure," said Soph=
ie,
going back to her work, while Ruth turned her best buds to the sun that they
might be ready for a peace-offering to-morrow.
There was a merry clatter in the big kitchen f=
or
an hour; then Aunt Plumy and her daughter shut themselves up in the pantry =
to
perform some culinary rites, and the young ladies went to inspect certain
antique costumes laid forth in Sophie's room.
"You see, Em, I thought it would be
appropriate to the house and season to have an old-fashioned dance. Aunt has
quantities of ancient finery stowed away, for great-grandfather Basset was a
fine old gentleman and his family lived in state. Take your choice of the
crimson, blue or silver-gray damask. Ruth is to wear the worked muslin and
quilted white satin skirt, with that coquettish hat."
"Being dark, I'll take the red and trim i=
t up
with this fine lace. You must wear the blue and primrose, with the distract=
ing
high-heeled shoes. Have you any suits for the men?" asked Emily, throw=
ing
herself at once into the all-absorbing matter of costume.
"A claret velvet coat and vest, silk
stockings, cocked hat and snuff-box for Randal. Nothing large enough for Sa=
ul,
so he must wear his uniform. Won't Aunt Plumy be superb in this plum-colored
satin and immense cap?"
A delightful morning was spent in adapting the
faded finery of the past to the blooming beauty of the present, and time and
tongues flew till the toot of a horn called them down to dinner.
The girls were amazed to see Randal come whist=
ling
up the road with his trousers tucked into his boots, blue mittens on his ha=
nds,
and an unusual amount of energy in his whole figure, as he drove the oxen, =
while
Saul laughed at his vain attempts to guide the bewildered beasts.
"It's immense! The view from the hill is =
well
worth seeing, for the snow glorifies the landscape and reminds one of
Switzerland. I'm going to make a sketch of it this afternoon; better come a=
nd
enjoy the delicious freshness, young ladies."
Randal was eating with such an appetite that he
did not see the glances the girls exchanged as they promised to go.
"Bring home some more winter-green, I want
things to be real nice, and we haven't enough for the kitchen," said R=
uth,
dimpling with girlish delight as she imagined herself dancing under the gre=
en
garlands in her grandmother's wedding gown.
It was very lovely on the hill, for far as the= eye could reach lay the wintry landscape sparkling with the brief beauty of sunshine on virgin snow. Pines sighed overhead, hardy birds flitted to and = fro, and in all the trodden spots rose the little spires of evergreen ready for = its Christmas duty. Deeper in the wood sounded the measured ring of axes, the c= rash of falling trees, while the red shirts of the men added color to the scene,= and a fresh wind brought the aromatic breath of newly cloven hemlock and pine.<= o:p>
"How beautiful it is! I never knew before
what winter woods were like. Did you, Sophie?" asked Emily, sitting on=
a
stump to enjoy the novel pleasure at her ease.
"I've found out lately; Saul lets me come=
as
often as I like, and this fine air seems to make a new creature of me,"
answered Sophie, looking about her with sparkling eyes, as if this was a
kingdom where she reigned supreme.
"Something is making a new creature of yo=
u,
that is very evident. I haven't yet discovered whether it is the air or some
magic herb among that green stuff you are gathering so diligently;" and
Emily laughed to see the color deepen beautifully in her friend's half-aver=
ted
face.
"Scarlet is the only wear just now, I fin=
d.
If we are lost like babes in the woods there are plenty of redbreasts to co=
ver
us with leaves," and Randal joined Emily's laugh, with a glance at Sau=
l,
who had just pulled his coat off.
"You wanted to see this tree go down, so
stand from under and I'll show you how it's done," said the farmer, ta=
king
up his axe, not unwilling to gratify his guests and display his manly
accomplishments at the same time.
It was a fine sight, the stalwart man swinging=
his
axe with magnificent strength and skill, each blow sending a thrill through=
the
stately tree, till its heart was reached and it tottered to its fall. Never
pausing for breath Saul shook his yellow mane out of his eyes, and hewed aw=
ay,
while the drops stood on his forehead and his arm ached, as bent on
distinguishing himself as if he had been a knight tilting against his rival=
for
his lady's favor.
"I don't know which to admire most, the m=
an
or his muscle. One doesn't often see such vigor, size and comeliness in the=
se
degenerate days," said Randal, mentally booking the fine figure in the=
red
shirt.
"I think we have discovered a rough diamo=
nd.
I only wonder if Sophie is going to try and polish it," answered Emily,
glancing at her friend, who stood a little apart, watching the rise and fal=
l of
the axe as intently as if her fate depended on it.
Down rushed the tree at last, and, leaving the=
m to
examine a crow's nest in its branches, Saul went off to his men, as if he f=
ound
the praises of his prowess rather too much for him.
Randal fell to sketching, the girls to their
garland-making, and for a little while the sunny woodland nook was full of
lively chat and pleasant laughter, for the air exhilarated them all like wi=
ne.
Suddenly a man came running from the wood, pale and anxious, saying, as he
hastened by for help, "Blasted tree fell on him! Bleed to death before=
the
doctor comes!"
"Who? who?" cried the startled trio.=
But the man ran on, with some breathless reply=
, in
which only a name was audible--"Basset."
"The deuce it is!" and Randal dropped
his pencil, while the girls sprang up in dismay. Then, with one impulse, th=
ey
hastened to the distant group, half visible behind the fallen trees and cor=
ded
wood.
Sophie was there first, and forcing her way
through the little crowd of men, saw a red-shirted figure on the ground,
crushed and bleeding, and threw herself down beside it with a cry that pier=
ced
the hearts of those who heard it.
In the act she saw it was not Saul, and covered
her bewildered face as if to hide its joy. A strong arm lifted her, and the
familiar voice said cheeringly,--
"I'm all right, dear. Poor Bruce is hurt,=
but
we've sent for help. Better go right home and forget all about it."
"Yes, I will, if I can do nothing;" =
and
Sophie meekly returned to her friends who stood outside the circle over whi=
ch
Saul's head towered, assuring them of his safety.
Hoping they had not seen her agitation, she led
Emily away, leaving Randal to give what aid he could and bring them news of=
the
poor wood-chopper's state.
Aunt Plumy produced the "camphire" t=
he
moment she saw Sophie's pale face, and made her lie down, while the brave o=
ld
lady trudged briskly off with bandages and brandy to the scene of action. On
her return she brought comfortable news of the man, so the little flurry bl=
ew
over and was forgotten by all but Sophie, who remained pale and quiet all t=
he
evening, tying evergreen as if her life depended on it.
"A good night's sleep will set her up. She
ain't used to such things, dear child, and needs cossetin'," said Aunt
Plumy, purring over her until she was in her bed, with a hot stone at her f=
eet
and a bowl of herb tea to quiet her nerves.
An hour later when Emily went up, she peeped i=
n to
see if Sophie was sleeping nicely, and was surprised to find the invalid
wrapped in a dressing-gown writing busily.
"Last will and testament, or sudden
inspiration, dear? How are you? faint or feverish, delirious or in the dump=
s!
Saul looks so anxious, and Mrs. Basset hushes us all up so, I came to bed,
leaving Randal to entertain Ruth."
As she spoke Emily saw the papers disappear in=
a
portfolio, and Sophie rose with a yawn.
"I was writing letters, but I'm sleepy no=
w.
Quite over my foolish fright, thank you. Go and get your beauty sleep that =
you
may dazzle the natives to-morrow."
"So glad, good night;" and Emily went
away, saying to herself, "Something is going on, and I must find out w=
hat
it is before I leave. Sophie can't blind me."
But Sophie did all the next day, being
delightfully gay at the dinner, and devoting herself to the young minister =
who
was invited to meet the distinguished novelist, and evidently being afraid =
of
him, gladly basked in the smiles of his charming neighbor. A dashing
sleigh-ride occupied the afternoon, and then great was the fun and exciteme=
nt
over the costumes.
Aunt Plumy laughed till the tears rolled down =
her
cheeks as the girls compressed her into the plum-colored gown with its short
waist, leg-of-mutton sleeves, and narrow skirt. But a worked scarf hid all
deficiencies, and the towering cap struck awe into the soul of the most
frivolous observer.
"Keep an eye on me, girls, for I shall
certainly split somewheres or lose my head-piece off when I'm trottin' roun=
d.
What would my blessed mother say if she could see me rigged out in her best
things?" and with a smile and a sigh the old lady departed to look aft=
er
"the boys," and see that the supper was all right.
Three prettier damsels never tripped down the =
wide
staircase than the brilliant brunette in crimson brocade, the pensive blond=
e in
blue, or the rosy little bride in old muslin and white satin.
A gallant court gentleman met them in the hall
with a superb bow, and escorted them to the parlor, where Grandma Basset's
ghost was discovered dancing with a modern major in full uniform.
Mutual admiration and many compliments followe=
d,
till other ancient ladies and gentlemen arrived in all manner of queer
costumes, and the old house seemed to wake from its humdrum quietude to sud=
den
music and merriment, as if a past generation had returned to keep its Chris=
tmas
there.
The village fiddler soon struck up the good old
tunes, and then the strangers saw dancing that filled them with mingled mir=
th
and envy; it was so droll, yet so hearty. The young men, unusually awkward =
in
their grandfathers' knee-breeches, flapping vests, and swallow-tail coats,
footed it bravely with the buxom girls who were the prettier for their
quaintness, and danced with such vigor that their high combs stood awry, th=
eir
furbelows waved wildly, and their cheeks were as red as their breast-knots,=
or
hose.
It was impossible to stand still, and one after
the other the city folk yielded to the spell, Randal leading off with Ruth,
Sophie swept away by Saul, and Emily being taken possession of by a young g=
iant
of eighteen, who spun her around with a boyish impetuosity that took her br=
eath
away. Even Aunt Plumy was discovered jigging it alone in the pantry, as if =
the
music was too much for her, and the plates and glasses jingled gaily on the
shelves in time to Money Musk and Fishers' Hornpipe.
A pause came at last, however, and fans flutte=
red,
heated brows were wiped, jokes were made, lovers exchanged confidences, and
every nook and corner held a man and maid carrying on the sweet game which =
is
never out of fashion. There was a glitter of gold lace in the back entry, a=
nd a
train of blue and primrose shone in the dim light. There was a richer crims=
on
than that of the geraniums in the deep window, and a dainty shoe tapped the=
bare
floor impatiently as the brilliant black eyes looked everywhere for the cou=
rt
gentleman, while their owner listened to the gruff prattle of an enamored b=
oy.
But in the upper hall walked a little white ghost as if waiting for some
shadowy companion, and when a dark form appeared ran to take its arm, sayin=
g,
in a tone of soft satisfaction,--
"I was so afraid you wouldn't come!"=
"Why did you leave me, Ruth?" answer=
ed a
manly voice in a tone of surprise, though the small hand slipping from the
velvet coat-sleeve was replaced as if it was pleasant to feel it there.
A pause, and then the other voice answered
demurely,--
"Because I was afraid my head would be tu=
rned
by the fine things you were saying."
"It is impossible to help saying what one
feels to such an artless little creature as you are. It does me good to adm=
ire
anything so fresh and sweet, and won't harm you."
"It might if--"
"If what, my daisy?"
"I believed it," and a laugh seemed =
to
finish the broken sentence better than the words.
"You may, Ruth, for I do sincerely admire=
the
most genuine girl I have seen for a long time. And walking here with you in
your bridal white I was just asking myself if I should not be a happier man
with a home of my own and a little wife hanging on my arm than drifting abo=
ut
the world as I do now with only myself to care for."
"I know you would!" and Ruth spoke so
earnestly that Randal was both touched and startled, fearing he had ventured
too far in a mood of unwonted sentiment, born of the romance of the hour an=
d the
sweet frankness of his companion.
"Then you don't think it would be rash for
some sweet woman to take me in hand and make me happy, since fame is a
failure?"
"Oh, no; it would be easy work if she lov=
ed
you. I know some one--if I only dared to tell her name."
"Upon my soul, this is cool," and Ra= ndal looked down, wondering if the audacious lady on his arm could be shy Ruth.<= o:p>
If he had seen the malicious merriment in her =
eyes
he would have been more humiliated still, but they were modestly averted, a=
nd
the face under the little hat was full of a soft agitation rather dangerous
even to a man of the world.
"She is a captivating little creature, bu=
t it
is too soon for anything but a mild flirtation. I must delay further innoce=
nt
revelations or I shall do something rash."
While making this excellent resolution Randal =
had
been pressing the hand upon his arm and gently pacing down the dimly lighted
hall with the sound of music in his ears, Ruth's sweetest roses in his
button-hole, and a loving little girl beside him, as he thought.
"You shall tell me by and by when we are =
in
town. I am sure you will come, and meanwhile don't forget me."
"I am going in the spring, but I shall no=
t be
with Sophie," answered Ruth, in a whisper.
"With whom then? I shall long to see
you."
"With my husband. I am to be married in
May."
"The deuce you are!" escaped Randal,=
as
he stopped short to stare at his companion, sure she was not in earnest.
But she was, for as he looked the sound of ste=
ps
coming up the back stairs made her whole face flush and brighten with the
unmistakable glow of happy love, and she completed Randal's astonishment by
running into the arms of the young minister, saying with an irrepressible
laugh, "Oh, John, why didn't you come before?"
The court gentleman was all right in a moment,=
and
the coolest of the three as he offered his congratulations and gracefully
retired, leaving the lovers to enjoy the tryst he had delayed. But as he we=
nt
down stairs his brows were knit, and he slapped the broad railing smartly w=
ith
his cocked hat as if some irritation must find vent in a more energetic way
than merely saying, "Confound the little baggage!" under his brea=
th.
Such an amazing supper came from Aunt Plumy's =
big
pantry that the city guests could not eat for laughing at the queer dishes
circulating through the rooms, and copiously partaken of by the hearty young
folks.
Doughnuts and cheese, pie and pickles, cider a=
nd
tea, baked beans and custards, cake and cold turkey, bread and butter, plum
pudding and French bonbons, Sophie's contribution.
"May I offer you the native delicacies, a=
nd
share your plate? Both are very good, but the china has run short, and after
such vigorous exercise as you have had you must need refreshment. I'm sure I
do!" said Randal, bowing before Emily with a great blue platter laden =
with
two doughnuts, two wedges of pumpkin pie and two spoons.
The smile with which she welcomed him, the
alacrity with which she made room beside her and seemed to enjoy the supper=
he
brought, was so soothing to his ruffled spirit that he soon began to feel t=
hat
there is no friend like an old friend, that it would not be difficult to na=
me a
sweet woman who would take him in hand and would make him happy if he cared=
to
ask her, and he began to think he would by and by, it was so pleasant to si=
t in
that green corner with waves of crimson brocade flowing over his feet, and a
fine face softening beautifully under his eyes.
The supper was not romantic, but the situation
was, and Emily found that pie ambrosial food eaten with the man she loved,
whose eyes talked more eloquently than the tongue just then busy with a
doughnut. Ruth kept away, but glanced at them as she served her company, and
her own happy experience helped her to see that all was going well in that
quarter. Saul and Sophie emerged from the back entry with shining countenan=
ces,
but carefully avoided each other for the rest of the evening. No one observ=
ed
this but Aunt Plumy from the recesses of her pantry, and she folded her han=
ds
as if well content, as she murmured fervently over a pan full of crullers,
"Bless the dears! Now I can die happy."
Every one thought Sophie's old-fashioned dress
immensely becoming, and several of his former men said to Saul with blunt
admiration, "Major, you look to-night as you used to after we'd gained=
a
big battle."
"I feel as if I had," answered the
splendid Major, with eyes much brighter than his buttons, and a heart under
them infinitely prouder than when he was promoted on the field of honor, for
his Waterloo was won.
There was more dancing, followed by games, in
which Aunt Plumy shone pre-eminent, for the supper was off her mind and she
could enjoy herself. There were shouts of merriment as the blithe old lady
twirled the platter, hunted the squirrel, and went to Jerusalem like a girl=
of
sixteen; her cap in a ruinous condition, and every seam of the purple dress
straining like sails in a gale. It was great fun, but at midnight it came t=
o an
end, and the young folks, still bubbling over with innocent jollity, went
jingling away along the snowy hills, unanimously pronouncing Mrs. Basset's
party the best of the season.
"Never had such a good time in my life!&q=
uot;
exclaimed Sophie, as the family stood together in the kitchen where the can=
dles
among the wreaths were going out, and the floor was strewn with wrecks of p=
ast
joy.
"I'm proper glad, dear. Now you all go to=
bed
and lay as late as you like to-morrow. I'm so kinder worked up I couldn't
sleep, so Saul and me will put things to rights without a mite of noise to
disturb you;" and Aunt Plumy sent them off with a smile that was a
benediction, Sophie thought.
"The dear old soul speaks as if midnight =
was
an unheard-of hour for Christians to be up. What would she say if she knew =
how
we seldom go to bed till dawn in the ball season? I'm so wide awake I've ha=
lf a
mind to pack a little. Randal must go at two, he says, and we shall want his
escort," said Emily, as the girls laid away their brocades in the pres=
s in
Sophie's room.
"I'm not going. Aunt can't spare me, and
there is nothing to go for yet," answered Sophie, beginning to take the
white chrysanthemums out of her pretty hair.
"My dear child, you will die of ennui up
here. Very nice for a week or so, but frightful for a winter. We are going =
to
be very gay, and cannot get on without you," cried Emily dismayed at t=
he
suggestion.
"You will have to, for I'm not coming. I =
am
very happy here, and so tired of the frivolous life I lead in town, that I =
have
decided to try a better one," and Sophie's mirror reflected a face ful=
l of
the sweetest content.
"Have you lost your mind? experienced
religion? or any other dreadful thing? You always were odd, but this last f=
reak
is the strangest of all. What will your guardian say, and the world?"
added Emily in the awe-stricken tone of one who stood in fear of the omnipo=
tent
Mrs. Grundy.
"Guardy will be glad to be rid of me, and=
I
don't care that for the world," cried Sophie, snapping her fingers wit=
h a
joyful sort of recklessness which completed Emily's bewilderment.
"But Mr. Hammond? Are you going to throw =
away
millions, lose your chance of making the best match in the city, and driving
the girls of our set out of their wits with envy?"
Sophie laughed at her friend's despairing cry,=
and
turning round said quietly,--
"I wrote to Mr. Hammond last night, and t=
his
evening received my reward for being an honest girl. Saul and I are to be
married in the spring when Ruth is."
Emily fell prone upon the bed as if the
announcement was too much for her, but was up again in an instant to declare
with prophetic solemnity,--
"I knew something was going on, but hoped=
to
get you away before you were lost. Sophie, you will repent. Be warned, and
forget this sad delusion."
"Too late for that. The pang I suffered
yesterday when I thought Saul was dead showed me how well I loved him. To-n=
ight
he asked me to stay, and no power in the world can part us. Oh! Emily, it is
all so sweet, so beautiful, that everything is possible, and I know I shall=
be
happy in this dear old home, full of love and peace and honest hearts. I on=
ly
hope you may find as true and tender a man to live for as my Saul."
Sophie's face was more eloquent than her ferve=
nt
words, and Emily beautifully illustrated the inconsistency of her sex by
suddenly embracing her friend, with the incoherent exclamation, "I thi=
nk I
have, dear! Your brave Saul is worth a dozen old Hammonds, and I do believe=
you
are right."
It is unnecessary to tell how, as if drawn by =
the
irresistible magic of sympathy, Ruth and her mother crept in one by one to =
join
the midnight conference and add their smiles and tears, tender hopes and pr=
oud
delight to the joys of that memorable hour. Nor how Saul, unable to sleep,
mounted guard below, and meeting Randal prowling down to soothe his nerves =
with
a surreptitious cigar found it impossible to help confiding to his attentive
ear the happiness that would break bounds and overflow in unusual eloquence=
.
Peace fell upon the old house at last, and all
slept as if some magic herb had touched their eyelids, bringing blissful dr=
eams
and a glad awakening.
"Can't we persuade you to come with us, M=
iss
Sophie?" asked Randal next day, as they made their adieux.
"I'm under orders now, and dare not disob=
ey
my superior officer," answered Sophie, handing her Major his driving
gloves, with a look which plainly showed that she had joined the great army=
of
devoted women who enlist for life and ask no pay but love.
"I shall depend on being invited to your
wedding, then, and yours, too, Miss Ruth," added Randal, shaking hands
with "the little baggage," as if he had quite forgiven her mockery
and forgotten his own brief lapse into sentiment.
Before she could reply Aunt Plumy said, in a t=
one
of calm conviction, that made them all laugh, and some of them look
conscious,--
"Spring is a good time for weddin's, and I
shouldn't wonder ef there was quite a number."
"Nor I;" and Saul and Sophie smiled =
at
one another as they saw how carefully Randal arranged Emily's wraps.
Then with kisses, thanks and all the good wish=
es
that happy hearts could imagine, the guests drove away, to remember long and
gratefully that pleasant country Christmas.