Part 7 (1/2)

Of course, it alters our quiet mode of living, but perhaps we were getting in too much of a rut and needed some shaking up;” smiling gravely. ”Try and make it as comfortable for them as you can. There is plenty of room in the house for us all.”

Then there was nothing before them but acceptance. In a way she had known it, but there was a vague idea seething in her mind that if the maid could be dismissed, she and her sister could train the child in a better manner, and instil some Salem virtues in her that yet held a little of the old Puritanic leaven; like industry, economy, forethought.

She still believed in the strait and narrow pathway.

That Chilian should take the matter so philosophically _did_ surprise her. To him there seemed something so pitiful in the hope held out to the little girl, yet after all could it have been managed any more wisely? She would not know what the acute pang of death was. And her longing would become less, there would be a vagueness in her sorrow that would help to heal it. This would be her home. He had been living all these years for himself, was it not time that he espoused some other motive? That he began to be of real service?

He finished his talk with Miss Winn. Cynthia was hopping over some coils of cable, and he watched her agile, graceful movements, half smiling.

”Come and tell me good-bye,” he said, holding out his hand. ”I am going in to Boston.”

”In a vessel?”

”No; though I suppose that would be possible. I am late for the stage, and must go on horseback.”

”Where is Boston?”

”Oh, some eighteen miles--rather southerly. It is a big city, and the capital.”

”When are you coming back?” with a daintily anxious air.

”Oh, by supper-time.”

”Well;” nodding.

”What shall I bring you?”

”Nothing at all. We have twice too much now, Rachel says. Only--be sure to come back.”

”If I did not, what then?”

”If you did not come back, I should go to India with Captain Corwin. I like Miss Eunice a little, but your other lady doesn't want me,” she replied with a frankness that was amusing, it was so free from malice.

”Good-bye until to-night, then.”

She put her hand in his. Then she reached up tiptoe. ”Kiss me,” she said. ”Father always did and he said, 'Be a good girl.'”

”Be a good girl.” Chilian kissed the soft red lips and then went his way. There was not much caressing in the restrained New England nature of that day, especially among those who had grown up with few family ties. His mother had died while he was yet quite a boy.

”Let us go back now,” said Rachel presently. ”I believe I have found all our goods. Miss Leverett will be appalled.”

The child repeated the word. ”What does it mean?” she asked.

”Astonished, surprised.”

”Why, _they_ have a houseful of things;” in protest.

”Then there is the less room for ours.”

”But there is ever so much room in the garret.”