CHAPTER XXII.
"O spirits gay, and kindly heart! Precious the blessings ye impart!" --_Joanna Baillie._
"Well, cricket, are we to carry you back with us?" Mr. Dinsmore asked,with a smiling look at Violet. "If so, 'tis time to be tying on yourhat, for the carriage is at the door."
"No, grandpa, I am going to stay," she answered, holding up her face fora parting kiss.
"I am well satisfied with your decision, dear child," her mother saidwhen bidding her good-bye, as they and Edward stood alone together for amoment on the little porch. "I think these young people are all safeassociates for you and your brother," turning to him and taking a handof each, "and that you will enjoy yourselves very much with them. But,my darlings, never forget in the midst of your mirth and gayety--or introuble, if that should come--that God's eye is upon you, and that youhave a Christian character to maintain before men. Let me give you aparting text, 'Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do,do all to the glory of God.' And yet another for your joy and comfort,'The Lord God is a sun and shields the Lord will give grace and glory:no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.'"
"Was there ever such another dear, good mother as ours?" Violet said toher brother, as together they watched the carriage out of sight.
"I wish there were thousands like her," he answered. "Ever since I canremember it has been plain to me that what she most desired for all herchildren was that they might be real, true, earnest Christians. Vi, ifwe are not all that, we can never lay the blame at our mother's door."
"Nor papa's either," Violet said with a sigh and a tear to his memory,"for he was just as careful as she is to train us up for God andheaven."
"Yes," Edward assented with emotion. "O Vi, if I could but be the man hewas!"
They went into the house. In the little parlor Amy Fletcher reclined ona sofa gazing out through the open door upon the sea.
"I have had my first sight of old ocean to-day," she said, glancing upat them as they came in, "and oh how beautiful it is! how delicious thisbreeze coming from it! it surely must bring health and strength to anyone who is not very ill indeed!"
"I hope it will to you," Violet said, sitting down by her side.
"I hope so," she returned with a cheerful look and smile, "for thedoctors tell me I have no organic disease, and that nothing is morelikely to build me up than sea air and sea-bathing."
Amy was small and fragile in appearance, but not painfully thin; she hadlarge dark grey eyes, brown hair, a sweet patient expression, a clearcomplexion, and though usually rather too pale and quiet, when excitedor greatly interested the color would come and go on her cheek, her eyesshine, and her whole face light up in a way that made her decidedlypretty.
She was weary now with her journey and a visit to the beach, though shehad only walked to a summer house near by and sat there while the reststrolled about.
Merry sounds of jest and laughter were coming from the kitchen.
"The girls are washing the dishes," Amy said with a smile, "and the ladshelping or hindering, I don't know which."
"The dinner dishes?" asked Violet.
"Yes, Mary set them aside for the time, that she might enjoy the companyof your friends while they stayed."
"Do you think I could be of any assistance out there?" queried Edward,with gravity.
"I have an idea that the place is quite full now," Amy said, with amerry glance up into his face. "I wish there was room for us all, forthey seem to be having a great deal of sport. Just hark how they arelaughing! Well, our turn will come. Don't you think we are going to havea jolly time here?"
The door opened and the two young men came in.
"You don't know what you've missed, Ed," said Charlie helping himself toa chair near Amy's couch; "housework's jolly good fun."
"When you don't have too much of it," remarked Amy.
"And do it in pleasant company," added Donald.
"And under a capable and kind instructress," supplemented Mary, speakingfrom the kitchen.
"What are your terms for tuition, Miss Keith?" inquired Edward, as sheand Ella Neff joined the circle in the parlor.
"Beginners get their board, which is sometimes more than they earn."
"Is that all?" said Donald. "Then I think I shall retire from theservice."
"I advise you to do no such thing," said Ella, "the knowledge you gainmay prove invaluable in some future emergency: some time when you findyourself out on the plains or buried in the forests of the Far West,with no gentle, loving woman at hand to prepare your meals."
"In that case there would doubtless be an ungentle and obedientorderly to do so," rejoined Donald with gravity.
"Well, women are often lectured by newspaper writers and others on theparamount duty of making themselves acquainted with the culinary art, aswell as everything else pertaining to housewifery, in order that theymay be fully capable of directing the labors of their servants, and Isee no reason why the rule shouldn't hold good for men," remarked Ella.
"There, sir, you're cornered, Donald!" laughed Charlie.
"Now that we are all here together, suppose we make such arrangements asare necessary to constitute ourselves a tolerably orderly household,"said Mary.
"I understood that you were commanding officer, and the rest of us hadnothing to do but obey orders," said Donald.
"Quite a mistake. This is not an army, but a democracy, in which themajority rules. All important questions, therefore--"
"Such as the bill of fare for dinner," suggested Charlie. "Excuse thehint, ma'am."
"Are to be put to vote," Mary went on, not deigning to notice theinterruption. "Mr. Keith, I propose that you, as the eldest of theparty, take the chair."
"Which?" he asked with serious air.
"That large, easy one, which each of us is politely leaving for somebodyelse."
Donald promptly took possession. "Is the meeting ready for business?" heasked.
"Ready!" responded Charles and Edward.
"Somebody make a motion, then."
"I move that Miss Mary Keith be elected housekeeper extraordinary andcook plenipotentiary," said Ella.
"I second the motion," said Edward.
"You have all heard the motion, and to save useless repetition I put itto vote. All in favor--"
A simultaneous "Aye!" from all present, Mary excepted.
"Who are to be my assistants?" she asked.
"All of us, I suppose," said Charles. "No, not Amy: she's the invalid,and must be taken care of by the heartiest and strongest, which isprobably your humble servant, ladies and gentlemen."
"Doubtful that!" said Edward, with a downward glance at his own stoutlimbs.
"I think we should all help in that and with the housework," remarked Vimodestly. "Cousin Mary, I can make beds, sweep and dust very nicely,mamma says. It was her wish that I should learn, and I did."
"So can I," said Ella, "and we'll undertake that part of the worktogether, if you like, Miss--"
"Call me Violet or Vi."
"Yes," said Charlie. "I move that everybody be called by the Christianname--or some abbreviation thereof--as a saving of trouble, and showinga friendly disposition toward each other."
"Agreed," said Donald, "but let it be understood that there's noobjection to the prefix of cousin."
"At what hours shall we take our meals?" asked Mary.
"Make a motion," said Donald.
"Breakfast at eight, dinner at one, tea at six; will these hours suitall? If not, let us have objections."
"Speak now, or forever hold your peace," said Charlie. "They suit mewell enough if the rule be not too rigidly enforced, so as to interferewith pleasuring."
"I didn't mean they should do that," said Mary; "they are only to be ageneral guide."
"And if anybody happens to indulge in an extra morning nap, what's to bethe penalty?"
"A cold and lonely breakfast, I suppose. Perhaps to wash his own dishesbesides."<
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"All in favor of the hours named for meals please signify it by sayingaye," said Donald.
"Aye!" from every tongue.
"Anything else, Miss Keith?" he asked.
"Just one thing more," she answered, speaking with a sudden seriousness,and in a low, almost tremulous tone that sobered them all instantly.
She went on with an effort. "We all profess to be Christians: shall welive together, even for the short space of two or three weeks, likeheathen or mere worldings?"
A moment's silence, then Donald said with quiet gravity, "Surely not,Mary."
"We will not partake of the food God provides for our nourishment andenjoyment without asking his blessing upon it, or begin or end the daywithout prayer and praise, will we?" she asked.
"Oh no!" came softly from the lips of Amy and Violet, and was echoed bythe other voices.
"Then which of you, my three cousins, Don, Edward, and Charlie, willtake the lead in these acts of worship?"
A longer silence than before; then Vi turned a wistful, pleading lookupon her brother.
There was no mistaking its meaning; and his mother's parting words wereringing in his ears.
"If no one else is willing," he said, "I will do it."
"Thank you, Edward," said Charlie, rising and grasping his hand; "but itwould be too selfish to leave you to do it alone; so I will take myturn."
"I too," said Donald. "It should never be said of a soldier that herefused to stand by his colors."
"Or of a follower of Christ that he was shamed of his Master's service,"added Edward.
So it was arranged that they should take turns, day about, according totheir age.
"Five o'clock--just an hour to tea-time," Charlie said, consulting hiswatch: "what shall we do with it? Amy, do you feel equal to a stroll onthe beach, with the support of my arm?"
"Thank you, it would be very nice, but I am tired enough to think itstill nicer just to lie here and look at the sea," she said. "I shallnot mind being left alone, though; so, please, all the rest of you go.And to-morrow I shall be able to join you, I hope."
"Ah no, we won't leave you here all alone," said several voices.
"No," said Mary, "for I am going to stay with her. I am weary enoughjust now to prefer resting in this easy chair to a ramble on the beachor anywhere else; and beside, I want a chat with Amy."
"Secrets to tell, eh?" said Charlie, picking up his hat. "Good-bye,then. Don't forget to speak well of the absent."
"Oh I am so glad to be alone with you for a little while, Mary," Amysaid, when the others had all gone. "I want to thank you for yourkindness in asking me to come here; such a blessed relief as it was!for it seemed to me the very monotony of my life was killing me."
"The thanks hardly belong to me," Mary said, between a smile and a tear,as she leaned over Amy, gently smoothing back the hair from herforehead. "I think they should be given first to our heavenly Father,and second to Mr. Marston."
"Yes, and third to you, Mary. I used to wonder over that text inIsaiah--'He that believeth shall not make haste.' I didn't know what itmeant, but I believe I do now."
"Well, dear, what is your explanation?"
"I think it means he that is strong in faith will patiently and calmlywait God's time for the fulfilment of his promises, and for relief fromtrouble and trial. Oh if I could but do it always!"
"And I," sighed Mary; "but oh how often I am guilty of making haste formyself or for others--my dear ones especially. There is poor mother sooften sick, and it is so hard to see her suffer, when she is so good,too, so patient and cheerful and resigned."
"Yes, I know that must be far harder than suffering yourself."
"Amy," Mary said after a pause, "you must not forget that it is a verygreat pleasure to me to have you here, and that if you and the othershad refused to come and stay with me I could not have accepted Mr.Marston's offer."
"It is very generous in you to set it in that light," Amy answered, witha grateful look and smile.
They found so much to talk about that time flew very fast, and they weregreatly surprised on seeing Ella and Violet coming up the path from thegate to the house.
"Surely it is not six yet!" Mary exclaimed.
"No, only half-past five," Vi said, taking out her watch; "but you aretired, and Ella and I want you to let us get the tea."
"Good girls!" returned Mary gayly. "I feel quite rested now, but you mayhelp if you like. I'm not going to cook much, though--only to make teaand stew a few oysters."
Tea and the clearing up after it well over, they all gathered on theporch, where they had the full benefit of the breeze and could get aglimpse of the sea by the light of the stars, and listen to itsceaseless murmur, while amusing themselves with cheerful chat and inmaking arrangements for various pleasure excursions about the vicinity.
It was unanimously decided to reserve the long walks until Amy shouldgrow stronger, in order that she might share the enjoyment.
In the meanwhile they would fill up the time with bathing, lounging,short strolls, driving, and boating.
They finished the evening with the singing of hymns, a chapter of theBible read aloud by Donald, and a short, earnest prayer, well suited totheir needs, offered by him.
The next day their plans were interfered with by a constant, steadyrainfall, but no one fretted or looked dull. Most of them took theirbath in spite of it, and there were books and games with which to whileaway the time within doors.
The second day was bright and clear. Amy felt herself already so greatlyimproved that she was eager for a proposed boating excursion on SharkRiver. Breakfast was prepared, eaten, and cleared away in good season.Mary was an excellent manager, working rapidly and well herself andskilfully directing the labors of others.
They took the stage down to the river, hired a boat large enough tocarry the whole party, spent a couple of hours in rowing back and forth,up and down, then returned home as they had come, reaching there inseason for their bath and the preparation of a good though not veryelaborate dinner, Mary pressing Ella and the lads into her service,while Amy and Violet were ordered to lie down and rest after their bath.
"What's the programme for this afternoon?" asked Charlie, finishing hisdessert and pushing his plate aside.
"Dish-washing, a long lounge on beds and couches, then tea and a secondchapter of cleansing of utensils, followed by an evening stroll on thebeach," answered Mary.
"And what for to-morrow?" queried Donald.
"Ah, that reminds me," said Edward, "that Mrs. Perkins told me sheexpects her husband by the evening train, and wants us to join themto-morrow in getting up a fishing party. The plan is to drive over toManasquan, hire a boat there and go out on the ocean. What do you allsay about it?"
The young men were highly in favor of the trip; Amy would see how shefelt in the morning; Violet demurred, lest there might be danger ingoing upon the ocean, and "because she could not see any pleasure incatching fish; it seemed so cruel."
"But you eat them," reasoned her brother.
"Yes, I know, and I suppose it is very inconsistent to object tocatching them, but I do. I could not enjoy seeing them suffer."
"You can go with us without feeling obliged to share in that, can younot?" asked Donald.
"Needn't even go out in the boat unless you choose," put in Charlie."We'll find a shady spot under the trees near the shore where you cansit and watch us."
Violet thought that plan would do very well; she could take a bookalong, and the time would not seem tedious.
"But Mary has not spoken," said Donald, turning to her.
"I see no objection to your going, any or all of you," she answeredbrightly, "but I must be excused."
"But why?" they all asked in various tones of disappointment andinquiry.
"Because to-morrow is Saturday, and the cook and housekeeper must makeready for the Sabbath rest by doing two days' work in one."
"Can't we manage that somehow?" asked Donald.
Mary shook her hea
d. "No; but I shan't mind it at all. Go and enjoyyourselves, my children, and leave me to attend to my duties at home."
"The rest can go if they choose, but if you stay at home, cousin, Ishall stay with you," announced Violet with decision.
They rose from the table.
"Mary," said Charlie, "let the dishes stand a bit. I'm going to thepost-office," and seizing his hat he disappeared, followed by thelaughter of the others.
"Quick, now, lads and lasses, let's have them all out of the way beforehe gets back," said Ella, beginning to clear the table in hot haste.
The heat of the sun was too great to allow of very fast walking, andCharlie was gone a full half hour; when he returned he found them allsitting at their ease in the parlor.
"I think we'll leave those dishes till the cool of the evening, Mary,"he said, wiping the perspiration from his forehead.
"No, I can't consent to that--not on ordinary occasions," she answereddemurely.
"Then back to the post-office goes this letter!" he cried threateningly,holding aloft one with her address upon it.
"Silly boy, the dishes are done without your help; give it to me!" shecried, springing up and catching it out of his hand.
"A fortunate day; nobody neglected by Uncle Sam's messengers," he said,pulling several more from his pocket and distributing them.
The tongues were silent for a moment; then Vi uttered a joyousexclamation. "O Mary, you needn't stay at home to-morrow! mamma says shewill send a hamper by the evening train to-morrow, with provision tolast us over Sunday, so that you need not be troubled with Saturdaycooking."
Everybody was glad, everybody thankful.
"But to-morrow's dinner," said Mary, presently; "shall we get back intime for me to cook it?"
"I don't know," said Edward; "but there are hotels where we can dine,and I invite you all to be my guests at whichever one the party mayselect. Now, Cousin Mary," as he read hesitation in her face, "I shallbe hurt if anybody refuses my invitation."
So no one ventured an objection.
The day proved auspicious. Amy was unusually well, everybody else ingood health and spirits, no excuse for staying at home: so all went andspent the entire day, taking an early start and not returning till latein the afternoon.