“She never hears from him. I believe he is in Seattle and doing well.”
“Humph! Somebody ought to let him know the state of affairs and at least give him a chance to wipe out some of his obligations. I notice that most persons are mighty eager to accept help, but are ready to give aid to anybody except those who came to their assistance. It is a queer twist in human nature.”
Ellen thought over this statement and immediately took it to heart, determining that she would never be one of that class. She spoke her thought openly. “I hope the day will come when I can show Cousin Rindy how much I appreciate all she has done for me. I wish I could do it now.”
“Don’t you worry about the present. We’ll fix it up somehow. Rindy has too many good friends in this town to let her suffer.”
“O dear! But she couldn’t stand being an object of charity.”
“She needn’t be. I suppose it would be allowable to lend her what is required, and let her pay in her own good time.”
Ellen was silent, although she knew that nothing would fret her cousin more than the knowledge of a debt hanging over her. They had arrived at the doctor’s by now, and Caro was on the watch for her beloved Ellen.
“I am so thrilled,” she exclaimed, “to think I am to have you right here under the same roof with me. Of course I’m awfully sorry for poor Miss Rindy, but at the same time I can’t but be happy that anything has happened to bring you back sooner, and, better still, to bring you to us.”
Ellen could not meet this exuberance with like enthusiasm, but she responded as well as she could, and went in to the excellent dinner, Caro’s arm embracing her waist, and Mrs. Rowe ready with a hearty welcome.
There were a good many New Year’s callers that afternoon and evening, for Marshville was still old-fashioned enough to keep up this custom, and Ellen found herself called upon to be chief entertainer, as every one demanded a full account of her visit to the city. She must exhibit the miniature of her mother, the crystal beads, and the rest of her gifts to the satisfaction and admiration of her girl friends, so really she quite enjoyed herself, and was not so cast down as she had expected to be.