CHAPTER VII.
THE BEGINNING OF A LOVE STORY.
"Why, you can just ask him down as you do any other friend," saidJaqueline with an air of innocence. "I half promised he should have theinvitation. You will like him ever so much. _I_ like him," laughingly.
"But Polly is coming----"
"Don't ever let grandfather hear that 'Polly,' or he won't even leaveyou enough to buy a mourning ring. He thinks so highly of old Englishcustoms. What a chum he would have been for Sir Charles Grandison! Arepeople born too late or too early! What are you smiling at?"
"The way you leap from one thing to another."
"Which shows a variety of wit and knowledge, young collegian. Didn'tShakspere call it nimble wit? I have learned a great many things sinceI saw you last."
"In an hour?" incredulously, and Louis raised his fine brows.
"One might learn many things in an hour. And now, Mr. TenderConscience, don't worry about Polly, as you have taken to calling her.She may come, and she may not. And if she comes she may be sent for thevery next day. The Fairfaxes are sure to come; they have accepted. Iwarn you that Betty is a dreadful coquette. And Georgie Baker, and theCarringtons--at least Roger. And he is great friends with Mr. Ralston."
"But we must not get in a row with grandfather. And a girl who hasn'tspunk enough to stand up for the man she loves----"
"Perhaps she isn't really in love with him. That ought to give any girlcourage--to run some risks."
"Well--I'm off. A long and sad farewell," and the young man assumed atragic air.
"Very good," she returned gravely. "Does a young man appreciate hisinestimable privileges when he has a sister on whom he can practice?"
He laughed and kissed her. Jaqueline went to her room and wrote avery properly worded letter to Marian. Maum Chloe had two new puddingrecipes that were delicious. She had the latest sleeve pattern, andMadam Weare had been to spend the day, and wore such a lovely cap thatshe was quite sure grandmamma would like it. They had concocted one outof some old mull, the torn breadth of a gown, and Marian could take ithome. Then Elizabeth Fairfax was making some of the prettiest darnedlace, a Vandyke cape that was just coming in, and she would be here fora few days next week. If Marian could come down, even if she could onlystay one night. The week afterward there would be an influx of company.It would be just delightful to have her and Dolly then--perhaps they_might_ be able to come--but Marian had better come and stay over. Theywould not want to be poking over lace-making and all that when therewas lots of fun going on.
Shrewd as Grandmother Floyd was she fell into the trap so adroitly setby this flighty young person.
"Madam Weare is very genteel in her tastes and is not given to foolishthings because they are new. I hardly know anyone who dresses sosuitably. I do think Louis or Jaqueline might have ridden up. And I donot see what Patricia is about, or your uncle either, to let Jaquelinehave her head so much. She ought to be learning something useful. TheFairfaxes are well enough, a nice family, and Elizabeth is a verywell-behaved girl--industrious, too. But I'd like to see the laceJaqueline will make!" with a strong touch of scorn in her voice, and aslight lifting of the nose to make it more emphatic.
"The Vandyke capes are very pretty and graceful. Mrs. Lee broughtone from Paris, and it cost a fortune," remarked Marian. "And darnednet----"
"I think I know what it is. Of course it is the pattern and the amountof work that makes it valuable. You might do one through the course ofthe summer, Marian."
"If I knew how"--and the girl gave a little sigh.
"Let me see the letter." Marian had been reading it aloud. "I don'tknow but you _might_ go, but I don't care to have you in the rabbleof the week after. It would be a grand thing if that young Carringtonwould fancy Jaqueline and she would have sense enough to accept him.But such girls go through the woods and take a crooked stick at last."
Nothing more was said for a day or two. Marian found an old engravingof a Vandyke collar and cuffs, only they were done in point lace. Whatkind of net was used, she wondered. And then her mother decided shewould go down for the day and leave Marian for a night or two. Butgrandfather had a poorly spell, and she thought it best not to leavehim. Marian rode her horse down, attended by old Cato, who had to go toAlexandria on some business and would escort her home on the third day.
"Oh, good gracious!" cried Jaqueline; "if she _had_ come! For therabble is here already, and someone _you_ will like to see. They'vegone off fishing. Betty and Hester Fairfax and Georgie Baker are outon the west porch. We're in for a good time. Mr. Ralston and RogerCarrington came down with Louis, and to-night we are going to have alittle dance."
"Mother approves of Elizabeth Fairfax. And I _do_ want to know aboutthe Vandyke cape and the cap pattern. Oh, Jacky!"
Marian clasped her arms about her cousin, and the obnoxious name wasforgiven. For the warm pressure was full of gratitude.
"You are so wise about things, Jaqueline. Of course mother sees all ourletters----"
"As if I didn't know that," laughed Jaqueline.
"But I wonder--oh, Jaqueline, do you suppose I will have to marry Mr.Greaves? You see, father has set his heart upon it. And I should be sonear them, and so----"
"The idea! A man double your age, and four children! You don't evenlike him. What is youth for but a time to be merry and glad and tohave good times? And it was a shame you could not come to Washington!Lieutenant Ralston would have taken you everywhere, and Jane was up towhite heat about it. It was all splendid. You're not engaged--you can'thave been so foolish!"
"Oh, Jaqueline! I wish I had your----"
"Spunk!" Jaqueline exclaimed with a laugh, while Marian was considering.
"You see, no one really governs you. Your father is so indulgent."
"Oh, I don't have quite everything my own way, I assure you! But whathave _you_ done in this matter?"
"Why, Mr. Greaves has explained to father and mother. Of course he willnot say anything to me until the year is up. He is very punctilious,and I am so glad he believes in the year. He comes over and we havea game of whist, which I hate, and get out of when there is othercompany. But father expects me to stay in the room. Occasionally hequestions me about something--household affairs generally. Mrs. Greaveswas an excellent housekeeper--much superior to his sister, he thinks."
"Oh, Marian! I should die if I had to marry such a man. Come, let usgo down to the girls and forget all about him. Cassy will put away yourthings."
Marian lingered.
"Well--what else?" impatiently. "You don't really want to tell me thatyou have a fancy for this wretched old fellow?"
"Oh, no, no! But, Jaqueline--of course I did not know Mr. Ralstonwould be here, yet I had a sort of presentiment that you had plannedsomething. And is it quite fair, do you think? I mean honest to--toenjoy it all? I am afraid he likes me."
"I am quite sure he does. But I wasn't sure of his coming. Louis methim at Jane's, and likes him immensely. There are other girls here--itisn't at all as if you were the only guest. Don't worry, but letmatters take their course. Come and see the lace-making."
The three girls welcomed Marian warmly. Elizabeth Fairfax was nearlyher own age, Hester younger, and Georgie Jaqueline's compeer and nearneighbor. Elizabeth had a sweet Madonna face, with large, downcast eyesand a soft, deferential voice, but the eyes did ready execution on thehearts of the young men. She was always busy about something, and itwas a study to watch her hands, they were so shapely and beautiful.
Georgie was recounting amusing episodes, and in a few moments theywere all laughing and talking. A table near by was loaded with fruitand cake, and a pitcher of homemade "shrub" gave them a delectablenectar. Betty had attended the inauguration, and as Marian listenedher heart grew hot and rebellious that she should have been keptfrom the pleasure. She and her sister had been trained to a sharpobedience, kept in bonds like very children. Mr. Floyd had nevercordially approved of his son-in-law. He considered it almost a crimeto have been born north of Baltimore, and Mr
. Jettson had grown upin northern New York, and to some extent made his own fortune. Janehad gone to Philadelphia for a year's schooling with an old friend ofMrs. Floyd's and come home engaged. Mr. Jettson had a business profferin Washington, and somehow the marriage was pushed through in haste.Mr. Floyd had an objection to new people, to business people, to themanner in which things were being conducted at Washington, and to theJefferson party generally. But he was fond of his daughter, and thoughhe would not have confessed it he did admire her style, her knowledgeof the City, and the fact that she was in the best society. But, afterall, a large landed estate gave a man true dignity. Mr. Greaves agreedwith him in politics, was of good old stock, and had aristocratictastes, while Arthur Jettson really was plebeian. Since there was anopportunity Marian should marry to his liking.
"I've been telling about your cape, Betty, and Marian wants to know howto do it. Spread it out. There, isn't that lovely?"
The Brussels net was fine, and the flowers were made in outline andfilled in with stitches that seemed a little raised, they were so closetogether, and had a satin-like effect. The shape was very graceful,with the points at the shoulders and in front.
Fine needlework and lace-making were much esteemed. For years importedarticles had been very high, besides the difficulty of getting themunless one went abroad. Beautiful specimens have come down to us, andone wonders at the patience and taste, when there were so many caresto life. Occasionally a slave woman evinced a peculiar genius for thisdelicate work, and the family considered her quite a treasure.
"It is exquisite!" declared Marian, who was no mean needlewomanherself. Indeed, the work rather bewitched her. "Oh, I really must haveone! But it will take a great deal of time."
"Why, you see I have mine three-quarters done, and I take it up at oddspells and when I go visiting. And it is very easy when you once getstarted. You see, you follow the pattern in outlining. Then, some ofmy leaves and flowers are not wholly filled, and it has a very prettyeffect, making a variety and less work. Jaqueline, can't you find abit of lace; and Marian may outline this end of the pattern, and I canshow her some of the stitches before the boys come home. We are goingto ride then, I believe, and dance in the evening. We improve all ourtime when we are over here."
"I shall be delighted," returned Marian. Jaqueline found some lace, andMarian went at the work eagerly. They spiced the employment with merrygossip and laughter and bits of teasing. The squire and Mrs. Mason camehome from a business drive to a neighboring town. They had taken thetwo little girls for to-day; Varina had been in a most amiable mood.Then the fishermen returned, rather disgusted with their want of luck.
"You know we did not want you to go," and Elizabeth raised her soft,reproving eyes.
Mr. Ralston came around to Marian's side.
"This is a pleasant surprise. I was hoping all the time. Only MissMason is such a torment. She was quite sure you wouldn't come. Wealmost quarreled about it this morning. And yet she is a charming girl.This house is the very embodiment of comfort and delight. I supposeyou know I met the Masons at the inauguration? Oh, you can't think howdisappointed I was! I had counted so on seeing you."
Marian Floyd glanced in the speaker's eyes and hers fell, while afluttering color crept up her face and her whole body seemed to thrillas at the touch of some subtle magnetism. She suddenly wished he wouldgo away; he seemed to take the strength out of her.
"Are you glad to see me?" in a breathless sort of way that seemed todemand an affirmative.
"Yes." She did not mean to say it. The word came of its own accord. Itwas almost as if she had answered it to another question.
"Come, fellows," began Louis, "let us drop our plebeian garb, with itsancient, fishlike smell."
"That's good, considering there wasn't fish enough to make any sort ofsmell. Keep truth on your side."
"And misquoting Shakspere, when it has been presented to us all winterin every aspect! Williamsburg has had a feast or a surfeit from collegeexercises to strolling players--some very good ones, too. Jaqueline,have you ordered the horses?"
"Why, no!"
"Then go at once, while we make ourselves beautiful. We shall not havetoo much time."
Mr. Carrington had gone immediately to his room, and came down asJaqueline was going through the hall.
"The fishing was not much of a success. I would rather have sat underthe trees and talked to you. Ah, here is your father."
When they had greeted each other Jaqueline explained her errand.
"Let us all go out together!" exclaimed Mr. Carrington. "My poor fellowwill be glad to see me."
"Marian must have a fresh horse; she rode hers all the way down. Oh,there are the Johnsons! Just in time for the fray," and she nodded overto two young men sauntering up the avenue.
"Jaqueline, you ride the mare and give Marian your pony. I will go outand see to things."
Jaqueline turned back, and the two young men gallantly dismounted,escorting her to the porch, where soon the five girls assembled inequestrian array, and the five cavaliers were at their service.
"Do not stay out too late," admonished the squire.
Marian hesitated. Louis led off with Elizabeth, who was much amused atthe young collegian's aplomb. Hester was supposed to have a more thanfriendly interest in the elder Johnson brother. Mr. Carrington keptclose to Jaqueline, and Ralston wheeled his horse around to Marian'sside.
"I wonder if there is a little fate in that?" and the squire nodded tothe last couple. "Father has other plans for Marian."
"You don't mean that he is in real earnest about that widower and thehouseful of children?" inquired Mrs. Mason.
"And you did not hesitate at five!" smiling humorously.
"I _did_ hesitate. I think you can never know how much. But I was olderand more experienced, and a good deal in love with the father of thechildren," flushing girlishly, "while Marian shrinks from Mr. Greaves.I do not think he would attract any young girl. Jane feels dreadfullyabout it. I like Lieutenant Ralston very much myself."
"He is a fine fellow, but not really abounding in this world's goods,and that goes a great way with father."
"Suppose it were Jaqueline?"
"I had rather it would be Carrington."
"But if she loved him?"
"I do not think Marian is in love with anybody. I suppose I am toolax, but father Floyd is too rigid. And mother upholds him. The girlshave been trained to obey. What will you do when Jaqueline refusessome nice, suitable, prosperous young man and sets her heart on aspendthrift--a ne'er-do-well?"
"Turn her over to her father."
Mr. Mason shrugged his shoulders, and his eyes twinkled.
"And Annis?"
"That is going a long way off."
"But it isn't wisdom to throw Marian in temptation's way when it canonly bring about trouble."
"If Marian really fell in love that would solve the difficulty. Youthought to mate with youth. Then both have the springtime of love. Didnot you find it sweet? Answer truly."
He smiled, and was silent a moment. Then he bent over and kissed her.
"The summer has a richness as well. A cold, untoward spring never makesa fruitful summer."
Then Mrs. Mason turned away to household cares. Charles was walkingunder the larches with his arm about Annis' waist. He was suddenlyshooting up--a Mason trick--and was taller than the little girl andvery devoted to her. Varina was upstairs trying on three differentnewly ironed white frocks. Patricia had gone to visit Aunt Catharine.
"Chloe, have you made preparations for a host at supper, and a hungryhost again about nine o'clock? I should call it a party."
"Supper's all right. Dere's biskit 'nuff for a regimen'. And cake by debushel. Chloe see company afore in dis ole house. De ham pink as a roseand de col' chicken 'nuff to make yer mouf water. An' cream an' jellsan' fruit. De young folks no need to go to bed hungry."
The mistress smiled.
"Jest take a peep at de table."
The snowy cloth, ironed to perf
ection, the quaint old silver service,the sparkling glass and china of various dates, and the great bowlsof flowers made a picture. Through the open windows came the soft lowcaroling of birds calling each other home, and the tranquil noises of acountry evening were like wafts of music. How delightful to be amongstit all, and at home! Yes, love was the great evangel of human life.
The ride was most delightful. Gay young people seize every salientpoint of enjoyment. They were a little late to supper, which was amirthful meal; then Sam and Darius began to tune their fiddles on theporch, and some young neighbors were added; and as no night was evertoo warm to dance, they had a merry time.
There was another long day of enjoyment to Marian Floyd. They went downto the bank of the Potomac on a picnic, with loads of provisions. Theyrambled about; they had a lazy, drifting sail adown the shadiest bank;they sang and jested, and went home gay, tired, happy, full of thegladness of youth.
Marian was sharing Jaqueline's room from choice. The latter had growninto young-ladyhood so rapidly that it hardly seemed as if there wasmuch difference in their ages, even though Marian was so much moresedate, and latterly had become rather timid.
"I have had such a good time!" she said with a sigh. "I don't know whenI have enjoyed anything so much. There are so few young people aroundthe Pineries. Mother will be just delighted with that pudding, but shewill think I ought to have done more lacework. I wonder if I will havetime to finish that flower in the morning?"
"You can get up early," suggested Jaqueline. "Very early--for we aregoing for a canter before breakfast."
"Well--Cato can't get here before ten, I think. That will be afterbreakfast."
"Then you can come to bed with a clear conscience. I think I am asleepeverywhere but the tip of my tongue and a little spot in my brain."
"And--I wanted to talk to you."
Jaqueline tumbled into bed and squeezed up her pillow.
"Talk fast," she said good-humoredly.
Marian sat down on the side of the bed, combing her hair and twistingit up in two soft coils. Then she put on her nightcap, a dainty bit oflawn and ruffling, and looked pretty enough to charm anyone.
"I don't know what to do! Oh, Jacky, I am the happiest girl and themost miserable girl alive!"
Jaqueline raised on her elbow, quite wide awake at the admission.
"Did you guess that Lieutenant Ralston cared? It is so--so wonderful tohave a real lover, who can put his meaning in his eyes and in the claspof his hand, and make you feel it all about you, just that way yourfather loves your mother. All day to-day I have been in that curioustremble; I wanted to look and I did not dare, and then I looked inspite of myself. And this evening----"
"Yes--I managed that you should go off by yourselves. And now, Polly,you won't marry that Mr. Greaves?"
"Oh, what can I do? You see, father is set upon it. And Mr. Ralstonwants to come up and ask father, and I didn't dare tell him about it,and don't know what to do."
"Why, let him come up. And if grandpapa won't give in, I'd run away,that's all. Oh, Polly, I am so glad! It must be just lovely! Though Ido not want to be engaged just yet. I like fun. And there are so manyfine gentlemen in Washington who say such pretty complimentary thingsand dance so beautifully, and Mrs. Carrington expects me to make her along visit next winter. I'd rather have a dozen lovers than just one.But it is different with you, and you are older; and at home grandmammatreats you like a little child. Yes, I'd let him come and have itover."
"But it would be awful. I never could get the courage to tell; and iffather was taken by surprise----"
"Why, I should say that a friend was coming----"
"But he knows that Mr. Ralston paid me a good deal of attentionwhen I was at Jane's, and that was why he would not let me go to theinauguration. And if I were to say he had been here two days, and I hadridden and walked with him, and he had said--he did not ask me to beengaged of course, until he had seen father."
"And what did you say? You couldn't refuse altogether?"
"I am afraid I said too much--that is, I let things go. I love him andI don't dare to, all in the same breath. And I know father will neverlet me marry him."
"But Jane married the man of her choice."
"There wasn't anyone else just then. And he thinks Jane might have donemuch better. You see, Mr. Greaves is there on the spot. And July willsoon be here. Oh, dear!"
Marian leaned down on Jaqueline's shoulder and cried softly.
"Oh, I should be spunky! You are very sweet, Marian, and you give uptoo easily. You haven't any fight in you. They cannot force you tomarry Mr. Greaves. Fathers might have done that years ago; and if youare firm and say you won't----"
"Jaqueline, don't talk all night," said an admonishing voice.
Marian was very shy and reserved the next morning during the ride, butmore deliciously sweet to her lover, as the men of those days expectedto really win their sweethearts. After breakfast she packed up herrecipes and the cap pattern, and sewed industriously at her lacework.Louis drove Georgie home, and then was to do an errand for his father.The two young men were to go to Washington presently. Roger Carringtonplanned for the visit his mother was to make, and then they were toreturn it and bring Annis. He had taken a great fancy to the child.
There was only time for a brief farewell when Cato came.
"Shall I write to your father, or come?" the lover inquired in adecisive tone.
"Oh, wait--I will tell you!" Marian answered hurriedly, frightened atthe thought of the future, yet deliciously happy.