Mrs. Mason took up the education of the two little girls with Charles' help. He went over to the house of the clergyman every morning, who was a graduate of Oxford and quite ready to piece out his salary with a class of five small boys in the neighborhood. Charles was a born student, delighted with all kinds of knowledge. Annis was always interested as well.
"You will make the child a regular bookworm," declared the squire. And then he would take her and Varina off for a canter over the hills.
"I don't see why girls and women shouldn't love to learn," Charles said to his mother.
"But they can't be doctors, nor ministers, nor judges, nor politicians," smilingly.
"They could help their husbands if they knew how."
"But they help them by keeping the house in good order, and watching the servants, and sewing, and making their husbands comfortable and happy."
"I want Annis to learn a great many other things, for you know I am to marry her when we are grown up," said the little boy gravely.
Mrs. Mason smiled at his earnestness.
A messenger had been sent down from the Pineries early in December to invite all the family to a Christmas dinner. Mrs. Floyd had not been in her usual health for some weeks back, and now that the cause of disagreement had been removed she was anxious to receive all the family that could come together. She had hoped to have Mr. and Mrs. Conway, but he could not leave his parish at such an important time. So, if they would waive their own family gathering and join her she would be most grateful. She realized that she and Mr. Floyd were getting to be old people, and they could not tell how much longer they might be spared.
"Then it is all settled that Marian will marry Mr. Greaves," said Mr. Mason.