Lyman had seemed to enjoy the selection of these gifts as much as his wife did, and was helpful with suggestions. He seemed to understand at once all about Tom and Jennie, and to accept them as they were, and not expect any great things of them. Gradually Marion's fear of having them meet was wearing off. She began to understand that the true
gentleman was always ready to see the true man, no matter how rough an exterior; and Tom was not so rough as he might have been. He had a little tou/:h of his father in him with all his disappointing qualities.
The chauffeur had been sent back home, and they took this trip alone. Lyman seemed to realize that his wife wanted no alien eye to witness the meeting between her husband and her brother, and with fine perception he made the way as easy for her as possible.
It was a great morning at the farm when they arrived.
Marion had written her brother of her coming marriage, but only in time for him to receive the letter a few hours before the ceremony. He could not have written her in time, and was little likely to telegraph about a matter of that sort. She had -Said in the letter that she and Lyman were going to Boston, and they might find it possible to stop over for a few hours and see them all; but nothing definite had been arranged.
So Tom and Jennie were in a state of sulkiness over the ingratitude of Marion. Jennie especially was out of humor about it. Marion was missed more and more. Jennie found it impossible to get hired
help who could take her place. And now she had gone and got married! That was the end of it. But no; that might not be the end of it, either. Perhaps this new brother-in-law thought it would be a good thing to settle down upon them and take things easy. It might be that they would have Marion and her •husband to look after now. Jennie suggested this snappishly that morning just after breakfast, but Tom only sighed and said:
" Yes, I don't suppose she's got anyone worthy of her. She was always so trustful of people, and she never had any business caution about her. I ought to have stayed in the city and looked after her."
" Nonsense! " said Jennie sharply. " She isn't a babe in arms, and you couldn't look after her. She would have her own way. It isn't your fault. And getting married isn't a business, either. But, if I were you, I'd make her understand plainly that he can't stay here long loafing on us, unless he turns to and helps in the planting. We can't afford to have him. He's most likely a lazy good-for-nothing "
It was just at that moment that the eldest child called from the front door-step:
'' Ma, oh Ma, there's a naughtymobile stopping at our big gate! "
" It's just someone wanting to know the way to
the village, I suppose," said Jennie discontentedly, hurrying, nevertheless, to the door to look out. " Tom, you go down and tell them. I'm sure I don't see why people can't read the sign-posts."
Then almost instantly her voice changed.
" Tom, they've opened the big gate, and are coming in. You go out and see who it is, for pity's sake, while I take down my curl-papers. Goodness! Suppose they should want to come in and rest, and the spare room not finished yet. I washed the curtains yesterday, but they're lying on the bed. If it's tourists to stay, we'll put them in the parlour; and you'll have to come up and help me put the curtains up quick."
Jennie's tongue went no faster than her hands. The curl-papers were out of sight in a twinkling, and her coiffure settled into its company aspect. Three aprons, a rubber doll, and a little sunbonnet were swept into a closet with one movement; and the hall table received a swift dusting with the apron she wore, while it was yet in process of being snatched off to share the seclusion of the other three. Then a chorused shout from the children outside the door made her pause and listen.
" Aunt Marion! It's Aunt Marion! " they war-
bled gleefully and Jennie's hasty preparations relaxed into grim dignity.
But how in the world did Marion come to arrive in such a fine automobile ? This was her first thought. Very likely they had lost their way, and some kind chauffeur had offered to give them a lift in their long walk. If it had been a farm-wagon, now, that would have been quite likely; but chauffeurs and automobile-owners, w^hat few of them there were about that neighborhood, were not wont to be so kindly. However, that was probably the explanation.
It was to be hoped that neither Marion nor her good-for-nothing husband had met with an accident such as a sprained or broken ankle or leg, which made it necessar}^ for even the iron heart of a limousine to relent and pause for them. A broken leg would be an excellent reason for living at the farm gratis for several weeks. Jennie had set her lips firmly. If anyone had broken a leg, he could go to the hospital in the village. There were excellent nurses and a good doctor there. She, Jennie, had no time or strength to wait on invalids.
With this thought she went out to greet her unwelcome guests.
CHAPTER XVIII
The car stood in front of the great flat stone by the side door, and a tall, handsome man with a long fur-lined coat was helping a lady out. Jennie hurriedly glanced about; but, not seeing any other travellers, concluded the children had made a mistake, and brought her eyes back to the lady.
Marion wore a long fur coat also, for the air in that northern climate was still cold for a long drive. Jennie's discerning eyes made out that the coat was real mink and that the crimson roses she was wearing were not artificial, even before her eyes rested on the face beneath the becoming hat. The three children surrounded the newcomer, climbing upon her as if she were their long-lost property, regardless of mink and roses. Jennie started forward in horror to reprove them; but Marion, having stooped to kiss the baby, lifted laughing eyes to greet her sister-in-law, and Jennie suddenly recognized her.
" Why, Marion Warren! What on earth? " she exclaimed, starting back. Then Tom came to the front. Men take astonishing things with less surprise. He had grasped the fact of his sister's bettered condition like a flash as he stood watching the car
drive into the yard. His practised eye knew at once that it was a private car and that the man who sat beside his sister was no hanger-on who could be put to work in the hay-field if he lingered too long for convenience. By the time the car stopped at the door he was ready with a hearty greeting for both his sister and her husband, and he already felt on intimate terms with his new brother-in-law; for Lyman's ,hearty grasp and pleasant smile had won his frank, open-hearted nature at once.
" Jennie, this is Marion's husband, Mr. Lyman. Lyman, this is my wife," he said loudly. " Jennie, why don't 3^ou open the door and let these travellers in ? I know they are tired and cold. Nannie, let go of your Aunt Marion's hand. Don't you see you are crowding her off the step? Come, children; get out of the way. Run into the house, and get some chairs ready for them to sit on."
Tom's loud tone of deference showed Jennie that the new brother-in-law had made an impression on her husband already. Not so easily convinced herself, she looked at Lyman sharply, and was somewhat abashed to meet his pleasant gaze and to see the twinkle in his eye. Her face suddenly grew very red at the remembrance of what she had said about putting this new relative to work planting potatoes.
She perceived at once that he would be as much out of place at that occupation as a silk gown on washday. But it was characteristic of Jennie that it vexed her to be taken by surprise. Although she had pictured a most undesirable brother-in-law, whose advent could but bring trouble and dissension to their home, she was annoyed that it had turned out otherwise than her prophecy, so that it was with an ill grace that she shook hands stiffly with Lyman, and preceded him into the house, where she felt quite ill at ease. How was she to manage for this grand company with no one to help her ? One could scarcely expect such a dressed-up minx of a Marion to help get dinner. It was just as she had expected, after all. Marion had arranged things so that she would have everything easy, and be a lady living on her brother's wife. She looked belligerently at the bride, who was surrounded again by the three adoring children, being divested of fur coat and chic hat and roses
as fast as six little hands could accomplish it. Tom beamed joyously over the whole, and loudly told his new brother-in-law to make himself at home at once. There seemed no place in the whole setting for the ill-used Jennie.
It was Marion whose keen eyes saw and under-
stood, and, freeing herself from the little detaining; hands, arose.
"Come, Jennie,'' she cried; ''get me an apron, and I'll help get dinner. It was mean of us to come down upon you in this way without a warning, but we were not quite sure whether we could get here so early; and, besides, I did enjoy surprising you so much. What a lovely big house this is! I'm in a great hurry to see the whole of it. Is this the way to the kitchen? Come on, and get me an apron."
Jennie somewhat mollified by the offer of help, followed her, protesting stiffly that she must not think of helping, but relieved, nevertheless, and more than curious about the bride's attire, her husband, and, most of all, the car in which they had come.
" Where did you get it? " she demanded as soon as they reached the kitchen, her eyes meanwhile travelling over the bride's costume with comprehensive glance and resting scrutinizingly on the diamond which now guarded Marion's wedding-ring.
Marion, smiling, held out her hand.
" My ring, do you mean? " she said pleasantly. "Isn't it beautiful? I never expected to have even the tiniest diamond, and to have this great beauty was wonderful. I was so surprised when he gave it to me."
** No, I didn't mean that," said Jennie bluntly. ** I hadn't noticed that yet, though it's big enough to see a mile off, goodness knows. Is it real ? "
Marion felt indignant, but she managed to say, " Yes," very gently, though she withdrew her hand from inspection. It seemed to desecrate her new joy to have unsympathetic eyes and tongue at work upon it. Perhaps pretty soon Jennie would ask whether Lyman's love was genuine. She probably would if it occurred to her to do so. Marion shrank from the ordeal.
'' It must have cost a lot of money if it's real. In my opinion people better put their money away for a rainy day than to flaunt it in gewgaws, but tastes differ. As for me, I never expect to have even a paste diamond. Though I don't know but it's a good thing he gave it to you. If you ever get in need, you could sell it."
"Jennie!" Marion could not keep the horror from her voice.
" Well, it's just as well to think of those things. You never know how a marriage is going to turn out. Are you sure he's all right ? Where'd you meet 'him, anyway ? "
Marion controlled her feelings, although her cheeks were very red, and answered gently: 20
" Mr. Radnor introduced us at a church social.'*
"Well, it's plain to be seen why you married him," grudged Jennie. *' You always did like pretty things and pretty people, and he certainly isn't bad-looking. And you seem to have blossomed out in stylish clothes on the strength of it. I hope you had the money to pay for them."
"They are all paid for," said Marion quietly.
" H'm! " said Jennie. " They must have cost a lot. But what I was asking you about at first was the automobile. Where did you get it ? Did you hire it in the village? I didn't know they had them to hire in the village."
Marion smiled.
" Oh, no. It is our car," she said. " We came all the way from New York since yesterday morning in it. The ride was beautiful. I have enjoyed the trip so much "
"Your car!" interrupted Jennie. "What on earth do you mean, Marion Warren? Are you telling me the truth? "
" I certainly am," said Marion, laughing now at the comical expression of her sister-in-law's face. " Come, Jennie; let's hurry and get dinner; for I've brought a few things for the children, and I want to open them. Is Nannie as fond of dolls as ever? "
"Are you sure it's paid for, Marion?" asked Jennie anxiously. " They say hardly anybody that owns an automobile pays for it. They say they just mortgage their houses to get them, or go in debt. You can't be sure about anybody."
" Well, you needn't worry, Jennie. This is all paid for, and my husband has money enough left to make us entirely comfortable. Come, Jennie, where is an apron? Were you going to peel these potatoes? Let me do them."
" Marion Warren, have you married a real rich man? Tell me at once."
*' I suppose I have," answered the bride meekly with a dimple in each cheek. *' I never understood how it happened, but it's true."
" Well, then you can go right out of this kitchen. I'm not going to have a rich sister-in-law peeling potatoes for dinner in my kitchen. I know what is fitting if I am blunt in my speech."
" Nonsense, Jennie! I'm no different because my husband has a little money. I'm just the same girl I was a year ago."
'* Indeed you're not! " said Jennie, taking the knife from her, and going at the potatoes furiously. ** Look at your shoes and your dress, it looks as if a tailor made it. And you're wearing roses in the
morning. If you've really got the money to pay for it all, why, you've a right to be waited on, I suppose. Anyhow, you're not going to sit down in that dress and peel potatoes in my kitchen. And wasn't that a real mink coat you wore ? Goodness! It's a wonder you weren't ashamed to bring your fine husband up here."
In vain did Marion protest. Jennie would have none of her assistance. She worked rapidly, and soon had a good dinner in preparation. She brought forth her best preserves and pickles and the last of the fruit-cake she had been saving for the church sewing-society when it would meet with her the following week. Jennie was not so bad, after all, when she really was impressed, and she was impressed at last.
She went about with martyr-like attitude, treating Marion with a deferential stiflFness that was as unpleasant as her former attitude had been. When Marion insisted upon setting the table, Jennie sent Nannie to perform the task, saying with a heavy sigh: " I have done my own work and set my own table for a good many years, and shall probably have to continue to do so all my life. One setting of a table more or less will make little difference. It's not with me as it is with you."
And this style of conversation continued until Marion was almost sorry she had come, and retreated at last to the parlor, which had been made delightful with a great open fire in the old-fashioned fireplace. Then Nannie forsook her table-setting, and nestled down close to her; and the other two children climbed into her lap, and demanded a story just where she had left off the year before. Lyman, talking politics to the delight of Tom, who had missed his city friends when it came to election-time, yet found time to watch his wife as she made a pretty picture of herself with the little ones about her.
The dinner would have been a trying affair with Jennie sitting up straight and stiff and dispensing her hospitalities without a smile, and Marion shy and embarrassed, wondering what her husband would think of it all, if it had not been for Lyman, who adapted himself to the situation with the most charming simplicity, talking intimately with Tom about the farm, admiring the view from the windows, discussing the possibilities of crops, then turning to the children with the story of a little dog they saw on the way, and even bringing a softened expression to Jennie's mouth when he admired her plum jam.
Marion watched him with growing pride and love, and Jennie watched her surreptitiously, and
marvelled. What a lady she had become! Did a few costly garments make all the difference there was between them, or had it been there all the time? These were the thoughts that were troubling Jennie.
As soon as dinner was over, Marion coaxed them all into the parlor, and Lyman brought the things from the car into the room. Thinking the gifts were all for the children, the father and mother gathered eagerly around to watch them untied. Jennie had thawed in her manner somewhat, but was not yet altogether cordial. She sat stiffly in one of the parlor chairs, and watched Nannie's eager fingers untie the cord of a large box; and then suddenly the child threw back the lid of the box and screamed with delight over the beautiful doll. The mother's face relaxed then into real pleasure as she saw the costly doll and her little girl's delight. Tom entered into the excitement as if h
e had been a boy, and helped the two little boys undo their packages, even shouting with them over what they brought to light, and beginning at once to set up the little electric railway that the new uncle had brought them.
In the midst of the tumult Marion brought the hat-box, and the suit-box, and the packages containing the other things she had for Jennie, around to the couch, and motioned her sister-in-law to come to
her. Thinking these were more things for the children, and thoroughly mollified now, Jennie came, and helped with untying the strings. When she saw the beautiful dress, and understood that it was for herself, her face was a study of conflicting emotions; amazement, doubt, shame, and delight contended for the mastery.
" Do vou like it ? " asked Marion. *' If vou would rather have something else, I think I could change it on my way back and send it to you."
Jennie laid eager hands on the soft silken material, and smoothed it lovingly.
" Well, I should think I did like it," said Jennie, at last melted out of her frigidity. " I never expected to have anything half so fine; and the color is just what I always wanted, and never could seem to find except in expensive stuff. I'm sure I'm ver^' much obliged to you, Marion."
"Oh, I'm so glad you like it!" said Marion, pleased; " and I do hope it fits you. I tried it on; but I used to be smaller than you, and I wasn't sure it would fit you. It w^as large for me."
** Oh, I'm sure it'll fit. It looks good and large. I'm just glad to have it made; for the dressmaker out here isn't very good and they never see anything as stylish as this. I'm real pleased."
But, when Marion opened the hat-box, and brought forth the hat, graceful and simple in its lines, yet beautiful, and bearing that unmistakable stamp of the lady, Jennie succumbed entirely. It Was the last straw that broke her barriers down. She looked and looked, and could say nothing, and then looked again as Marion set it on her own head.
Then Marion put the hat on Jennie, and sent her to the glass to see; and Jennie walked solemnly from the room, her kitchen apron still tied about her waist, but her head borne regally, mindful of its crowning glory. Tom and Lyman stopped talking, and Tom shouted out his hearty approval, till his wife's face grew rosy with pleasure. She stayed a long time in the guest room before the looking-glass; and Marion, fearful lest she did not like the hat, followed shyly, and found her looking at herself intently in the glass, and two great tears rolling down her flushed cheeks.