II
Mills was himself again. The mention of the Mills memorial window had touched his pride. The window not only symbolized the miraculous powers of Jesus, but quite concretely it visualized for the congregation of St. Barnabas the solid worth and continuity of the house of Mills.
He detained Lindley, gave him a chance to tell a story, made sure before he permitted him to go that the minister had not been wounded by anything he had said. He had come out pretty well in his talk with the minister; it did no harm to ruffle the complacency of a man like Lindley occasionally. But he wanted to guard against a return of the vexatious thoughts with which the day had begun.
A ride would set him up and he would find some cheerful companions to join him at the farm. Usually he planned his parties ahead, but the day was too fine to let pass. He rang for Carroll, his spirits already mounting at the thought of escaping from town.
“I believe I’ll run out to Deer Trail this afternoon. I’ll ask some people who like to ride to join me. Will you call Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Torrence, Leila and Miss Harden? I’ll be glad to have you go if you can arrange it—I’ll leave it all to you. As to men, try Doctor Armstrong, Mr. Turner, Ralph Burton—say that I’ll send machines to take them out unless they prefer using their own cars. You’ll look after that?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Oh, yes; if Shep calls up tell him I’ll see him later about those battery plant matters. I want to talk to Fields first....”
“Yes; I understand, sir.”
“Let me see; this was the day Freeman was to meet me out there to look over the superintendent’s house. I’ve promised Jackson to make the addition he wants this fall. Freeman’s probably forgotten it—he has a genius for forgetting engagements, and I’d overlooked your memorandum till just now. Freeman hates a horse, but if he goes it will only take a few minutes to show him what’s wanted.”