There was quite a lively time in the parish for a fortnight. Papa had two marriages in Church, one of which was Annie Fellows and Mr. Hunter. Then Miss Maynard was married at home in a very exclusive and elegant manner. Fifty-five dollars for all of it. Wedding fees were mamma’s money.
“I don’t know as we need spend it just now;” she said, “I think I will lay it away against time of necessity;” smilingly.
I imagined what that meant. Days and weeks went on so fast.
Then papa’s sister came from Philadelphia to make us a visit; Aunt Margaret for whom Daisy had been named. She brought with her a piece of pretty Nainsook muslin and some laces for gifts. There were the three younger children provided with new summer dresses.
She was sweet and gracious, with that indescribable lady-like charm, and then she insisted upon helping everywhere. Altering dresses, dusting rooms, talking to papa or tying up vines and flowers in the garden—nothing came amiss to her. She petitioned that Daisy should be lent to her for the remainder of the summer. She had one son at home, but her two daughters were married and away.
Papa thought at first that it would not be possible to spare her. Mamma said that she was not prepared for so long a visit.
“Never mind that, Frances,” returned Aunt Margaret, “I will attend to what is needful. I don’t see how you get along with such a host of little ones. If Edith had not come—”
“Oh, but Edith is the crown of all;” declared Fan. “She brought rare good luck with her. So many lovely things have happened to us during the year. And now we couldn’t spare her.”
Aunt Margaret smiled. “You have been very fortunate in your children,” she said, glancing at mamma.