Part 15 (2/2)

NEW FRIENDS AND OLD

'Twould be too bad to be true, my dear, And wonders never cease; Twould be too bad to be true, my dear, If all one's swans were geese!

Vivian's startled cry of welcome was heard by Susie, perched on the stairs with several eager youths gathered as close as might be about her, and several pairs of hands helped her swift descent to greet her brother.

Miss Orella, dropping Mr. d.y.k.eman's arm, came flying from the ball-room.

”Oh, Morton! Morton! When did you come? Why didn't you let us know?

Oh, my _dear_ boy!”

She haled him into their special parlor, took his hat away from him, pulled out the most comfortable chair.

”Have you had supper? And to think that we haven't a room for you! But there's to be one vacant--next week. I'll see that there is. You shall have my room, dear boy. Oh, I am so glad to see you!”

Susie gave him a sisterly hug, while he kissed her, somewhat gingerly, on the cheek, and then she perched herself on the arm of a chair and gazed upon him with affectionate interest. Vivian gazed also, busily engaged in fitting present facts to past memories.

Surely he had not looked just like that! The Morton of her girlhood's dream had a clear complexion, a bright eye, a brave and gallant look--the voice only had not changed.

But here was Morton in present fact, something taller, it seemed, and a good deal heavier, well dressed in a rather vivid way, and making merry over his aunt's devotion.

”Well, if it doesn't seem like old times to have Aunt 'Rella running 'round like a hen with her head cut off, to wait on me.” The simile was not unjust, though certainly ungracious, but his aunt was far too happy to resent it.

”You sit right still!” she said. ”I'll go and bring you some supper.

You must be hungry.”

”Now do sit down and hear to reason, Auntie!” he said, reaching out a detaining hand and pulling her into a seat beside him. ”I'm not hungry a little bit; had a good feed on the diner. Never mind about the room--I don't know how long I can stay--and I left my grip at the Allen House anyway. How well you're looking, Auntie! I declare I'd hardly have known you! And here's little Susie--a regular belle! And Vivian--don't suppose I dare call you Vivian now, Miss Lane?”

Vivian gave a little embarra.s.sed laugh. If he had used her first name she would never have noticed it. Now that he asked her, she hardly knew what answer to make, but presently said:

”Why, of course, I always call you Morton.”

”Well, I'll come when you call me,” he cheerfully replied, leaning forward, elbows on knees, and looking around the pretty room.

”How well you're fixed here. Guess it was a wise move, Aunt 'Rella.

But I'd never have dreamed you'd do it. Your Dr. Bellair must have been a powerful promoter to get you all out here. I wouldn't have thought anybody in Bainville could move--but me. Why, there's Grandma, as I live!” and he made a low bow.

Mrs. Pettigrew, hearing of his arrival from the various would-be partners of the two girls, had come to the door and stood there regarding him with a non-committal expression. At this address she frowned perceptibly.

”My name is Mrs. Pettigrew, young man. I've known you since you were a scallawag in short pants, but I'm no Grandma of yours.”

”A thousand pardons! Please excuse me, Mrs. Pettigrew,” he said with exaggerated politeness. ”Won't you be seated?” And he set a chair for her with a flourish.

”Thanks, no,” she said. ”I'll go back,” and went back forthwith, attended by Mr. Skee.

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