Part 91 (1/2)

”And the Bible.”--

”Other people do not think the Bible is so strict.”

”You know what the words are, Madge.”

”I don't know what the words mean.”

Lois was brus.h.i.+ng out the thick ma.s.ses of her beautiful hair, which floated about over her in waves of golden brown; and Madge had been thinking, privately, that if anybody could have just that view of Lois, his scruples--if he had any--would certainly give way. Now, at her sister's last words, however, Lois laid down her brush, and, coming up, laid hold of Madge by the shoulders and gave her a gentle shaking. It ended in something of a romp, but Lois declared Madge should never say such a thing again.

CHAPTER x.x.xVI.

TWO SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

Lois was inclined now to think it might be quite as well if something hindered Mr. Dillwyn's second visit. She did not wonder at Madge's evident fascination; she had felt the same herself long ago, and in connection with other people; the charm of good breeding and gracious manners, and the habit of the world, even apart from knowledge and cultivation and the art of conversation. Yes, Mr. Dillwyn was a good specimen of this sort of attraction; and for a moment Lois's imagination recalled that day's two walks in the rain; then she shook off the impression. Two poor Shampuashuh girls were not likely to have much to do with that sort of society, and--it was best they should not.

It would be just as well if Mr. Dillwyn was hindered from coming again.

But he came. A month had pa.s.sed; it was the beginning of December when he knocked next at the door, and cold and grey and cloudy and windy as it is December's character in certain moods to be. The reception he got was hearty in proportion; fires were larger, the table even more hospitably spread; Mrs. Barclay even more cordial, and the family atmosphere not less genial. Nevertheless the visit, for Mr. Dillwyn's special ends, was hardly satisfactory. He could get no private speech with Lois. She was always ”busy;” and at meal-times it was obviously impossible, and would have been impolitic, to pay any particular attention to her. Philip did not attempt it. He talked rather to every one else; made himself delightful company; but groaned in secret.

”Cannot you make some excuse for getting her in here?” he asked Mrs.

Barclay at evening.

”Not without her sister.”

”With her sister, then.”

”They are very busy just now preparing some thing they call 'apple b.u.t.ter.' It's unlucky, Philip. I am very sorry. I always told you your way looked to me intricate.”

Fortune favoured him, however, in an unexpected way. After a day pa.s.sed in much inward impatience, for he had not got a word with Lois, and he had no excuse for prolonging his stay beyond the next day, as they sat at supper, the door opened, and in came two ladies. Mr. Dillwyn was formally presented to one of them as to ”my aunt, Mrs. Marx;” the other was named as ”Mrs. Seelye.” The latter was a neat, brisk little body, with a capable air and a mien of business; all whose words came out as if they had been nicely picked and squared, and sorted and packed, and served in order.

”Sorry to interrupt, Mrs. Armadale” she began, in a chirruping little voice. Indeed, her whole air was that of a notable little hen looking after her chickens. Charity a.s.sured her it was no interruption.

”Mrs. Seelye and I had our tea hours ago,” said Mrs. Marx. ”I had m.u.f.fins for her, and we ate all we could then. We don't want no more now. We're on business.”

”Yes,” said Mrs. Seelye. ”Mrs. Marx and I, we've got to see everybody, pretty much; and there ain't much time to do it in; so you see we can't choose, and we just come here to see what you'll do for us.”

”What do you want us to do for you, Mrs. Seelye?” Lois asked.

”Well, I don't know; only all you can. We want your counsel, and then your help. Mr. Seelye he said, Go to the Lothrop girls first. I didn't come _first_, 'cause there was somebody else on my way here; but this is our fourth call, ain't it, Mrs. Marx?”

”I thought I'd never get you away from No. 3,” was the answer.

”They were very much interested,--and I wanted to make them all understand--it was important that they should all understand--”