Part 25 (1/2)
A moment later they stepped through the gate that Lancy held open for them, while their new friend went briskly up the walk and entered the house in a manner that showed he was quite familiar with the place.
He had told Lancy as they walked along that he could recommend the house where he boarded, and as he gave such a good account of the place, Lancy determined to seek accommodation there.
”But there is one thing I must tell you,” said the smiling stranger. ”Mrs.
Morris is pretty sharp of tongue, and may make very strict inquiries as to who was your grandmother, and what calling your great-grandfather followed, before she will allow you to engage rooms. But do not mind it. I fancy you can satisfy her on those points. She is as clean as a new pin and an excellent cook--two good recommendations, you will allow.”
”Well, I hope my ancestors will please her, for my sister is much in need of rest. Is her husband of the same turn of mind as herself?” Lancy smilingly asked.
”She is a widow, as is also her sister, who lives with her. It is the latter who owns the place, but it is the younger and sharper one who keeps it in running order. But here we are. I'll go ahead and prepare the way for you,” and he left Lancy to follow with the girls.
As they appeared at the door, Mrs. Morris was just coming towards it, saying in no gentle tone:
”Don't you know any better, sir, than to rush into the house like that, leaving all the doors wide open behind you! Do you suppose people will want rooms here if they are swarming with flies?”
”On my honor, madam, there were only two that ventured through the door! I counted them!” was the positive reply.
”Come in quickly, sir,” to Lancy; ”and you women--girls, I mean,” taking a second look, and shutting the door the moment they were inside of it. ”You want rooms and board,” she added sharply, looking them well over. ”And how comes it that young people like you are travelling around without your parents? Not running away, are you?”
”Oh, no, madam!” replied Lancy, keeping a straight face by a great effort.
”We were on our way to Charlottetown, but the train was delayed by an accident, so we thought we would stay over in Truro and wait for the next boat.”
”Didn't get hurt by the accident, did you? for this ain't no hospital, no way; only a plain boarding house for respectable people.”
”We are not hurt in the least, madam, but we are very tired, and hope you will allow us to stay here for a day or two,” Lancy hastened to explain, for her many objections began to alarm him.
”You come from Halifax, do you? Bad place that. Thieves and robbers thrive there, I'm told. How long have you lived there?”
This was addressed to Dexie, but she dared not open her mouth to answer lest she should laugh outright; and Elsie, fearing she might make some unfortunate speech that would send them to the right-about, hastened to reply: ”For some years, ma'am; we used to live in England before we moved to Halifax.”
”Oh! English, are you? I was afraid you were Irish. You resemble some I have seen. What trade does your father work at?”
”He has a store on Granville Street; but do let us stay here, please,”
Elsie replied, fearing that this catechising would result disastrously.
”Well, you seem proper enough. I guess you can stay.” Then turning suddenly around to where their guide stood, biting his moustache, ”This is Mr.
Maxwell.”
The two girls bowed, and Mr. Maxwell replied: ”And I believe this gentleman's name is Gurney. Mr. Gurney, Mrs. Morris.”
And Lancy, not to be outdone by all this formality, added: ”Allow me to introduce my sister, Miss Gurney, and her friend, Miss Sherwood.”
”What! you are not sisters! I thought you were, though you don't look it, sure enough,” said Mrs. Morris.
”I hope it don't matter, Mrs. Morris,” said Dexie, who actually thought the woman might refuse to keep her. ”We are very dear friends, Miss Gurney and I, and will gladly occupy the one room while we are here.”
”Very well. Step into the parlor. I will bring my sister to see you,” and she disappeared in a twinkling, but returned a few moments later in a quiet, dignified manner with her sister, saying:
”These young people want to stay here a few days. Shall we keep them?”