Volume I Part 53 (1/2)
But the summer-time came to an end.
It was a November morning, and Fleda had been doing some of the last jobs in her flower-beds. She was coming in with spirits as bright as her cheeks, when her aunt's att.i.tude and look, more than usually spiritless, suddenly checked them.
Fleda gave her a hopeful kiss, and asked for the explanation.
”How bright you look, darling!” said her aunt, stroking her cheek.
”Yes, but you don't, aunt Lucy. What has happened?”
”Mary and Jane are going away.”
”Going away! ? What for?”
”They are tired of the place ? don't like it, I suppose.”
”Very foolish of them! Well, aunt Lucy, what matter? we can get plenty more in their room.”
”Not from the city ? not possible; they would not come at this time of year.”
”Sure? ? Well, then, here we can, at any rate.”
”Here! But what sort of persons shall we get here? And your uncle ? just think!” ?
”Oh, but I think we can manage,” said Fleda. ”When do Mary and Jane want to go?”
”Immediately! ? to-morrow; they are not willing to wait till we can get somebody. Think of it!”
”Well, let them go,” said Fleda; ”the sooner the better.”
”Yes: and I am sure I don't want to keep them; but” ? and Mrs.
Rossitur wrung her hands ? ”I haven't money enough to pay them quite ? and they wont go without it.”
Fleda felt shocked; so much that she could not help looking it.
”But can't uncle Rolf give it you?”
Mrs. Rossitur shook her head. ”I have asked him.”
”How much is wanting?”
”Twenty-five. Think of his not being able to give me that!” ?
Mrs. Rossitur burst into tears.
”Now don't, aunt Lucy!” said Fleda, guarding well her own composure; ”you know he has had a great deal to spend upon the farm, and paying men, and all, and it is no wonder that he should be a little short just now ? now, cheer up! ? we can get along with this, anyhow.”
”I asked him,” said Mrs. Rossitur, through her tears, ”when he would be able to give it to me; and he told me he didn't know!”
Fleda ventured no reply, but some of the tenderest caresses that lips and arms could give; and then sprang away, and in three minutes was at her aunt's side again.
”Look here, aunt Lucy,” said she, gently, ”here is twenty dollars, if you can manage the five.”
”Where did you get this?” Mrs. Rossitur exclaimed.