Part 11 (2/2)
CHAPTER VII
STROUT AND MAXWELL'S GROCERY
The next morning, after breakfast, Quincy asked his wife and Maude to accompany him to Mrs. Hawkins' barn.
”I wish I had my saddle horse here,” said Alice.
”So do I,” added Maude. ”I did think of bringing him.”
Alice laughed, ”Do you know, Maude, sometimes you say the most ridiculous things? How could you bring a horse with you?”
”Easy enough--on a cattle car. Besides, I could have ridden down here if Quincy hadn't been in such a hurry.”
”Alone?”
”No, with Bobby. What better protector can a woman have than a good horse? I shall never remain in danger long if my heels or my horse's will get me away from it.”
”Maude, you're a strange girl,” said Alice. Then she put her arm about her and added--”but one of the best girls in the world.”
By this time they had reached the barn. Two stalls were occupied. Quincy pointed to two side-saddles hanging on the wall.
”As I knew you were both good horse-women, I had these sent up with your riding habits from Eastborough Centre yesterday. I am going to be busy at the store this morning, and I thought you might enjoy a ride.”
Maude threw her arms about his neck and kissed him.
”You are the bestest brother in the world.”
”And the most thoughtful husband,” said Alice as he drew her close to him.
”Well, I'll saddle them and see you mounted.”
A quarter of an hour later Quincy led the horses to the street.
”Don't go down Obed's Hill--it is very steep. Ride along Pettingill Street to the Centre Road, which will bring you to Mason Street, and when you've walked your horses up hill you'll be near the grocery store, where you'll find me.”
They waved a good-bye as they rode off, and Quincy made his way to the grocery store. Mr. Strout came from behind the counter to meet him.
Hiram was busy putting order baskets in the gaudily painted wagon.
”I heard as how you were in town, and Hiram said you were at his house last night, but I ain't one of the kind that gits mad if I'm waited on last at table. In music you know we usually begin down low and finish off up high, and visitin' is considerable like music, especially when there's three children and one of 'em a baby.”
His closing words were intended to refer to Hiram's family, but Quincy made no reply.
Mr. Strout was never at a loss for words: ”How do you like being Governor?”
”So well that one term is enough. I'm going to Europe later.”
”I mean to go some day. I've heard so many foreigners blow about what they've got over there, I'm kinder anxious to see for myself. If they've got a better grocery store than this, I'll introduce improvements as soon as I get back.”
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