There would be little
prosperation in a shearing if thou wert absent. And a good day to thee,
Charlotte. My Ducie was speaking of thee a minute ago. Here she comes to
help thee off with thy things."
Charlotte was untying her bonnet as she entered the deep, cool porch,
and a moment afterward Ducie was at her side. It was easy to see the
women loved each other, though Ducie only smiled, and said, "Come in;
I'm right glad to see you, Charlotte. Come into t' best room, and cool
your face a bit. And how is Mrs. Sandal and Sophia? Be things at their
usual, dear?"
"Thank you, Ducie; all and every thing is well,--I hope. We have not
heard from Harry lately. I think it worrits father a little, but he is
never the one to show it. Oh, how sweet this room is!"
She was standing before the old-fashioned swivel mirror, that had
reflected three generations,--a fair, bright girl, with the light and
hope of youth in her face. The old room, with its oak walls, immense
bed, carved awmries, drawers, and cupboards, made a fine environment for
so much life and color. And yet there were touches in it that resembled
her, and seemed to be the protest of the present with the past,--vivid
green and scarlet masses of geranium and fuchsia in the latticed window,
and a great pot of odorous flowers upon the hearthstone. But the
peculiar sweetness which Charlotte noticed came from the polished oak
floor, which was strewed with bits of rosemary and lavender, to prevent
the slipping of the feet upon it.
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