"That it is truly," replied Mr. Pinckney, "and not so far off, either. We are between what we might call 'the devil and the deep blue sea,' for those mountains can be pretty wicked looking in a storm."
It was a fair scene as observed from their final point of view; the river winding its way through a narrow passage between high hills, the city stretching away like a park beautified by sheltering trees, and for a background the mountains never changing yet ever changeful.
"If we had time I would suggest going a little further where we should find a pretty little lake," said Mr. Pinckney. "We have come beyond our destination, but I wanted you to see this view which you can reach very easily from where we are going. Does it please you, ladies?"
"It is magnificent," said Miss Helen delightedly. "I am sure it will be worth a great deal to be neighbors to such a spot as this."
They turned and drove slowly down hill till they reached a pleasant quiet street where the picturesque house stood. Nan could not contain her raptures but squealed out delightedly. "Oranges, our own! See them on the trees. Oh, look at the flowers! Grape-vines, mother! Aunt Helen, just look at that dear little orchard! Can that be an olive tree, a real olive tree for us? And I am sure those are figs. I shall go wild if I find anything more. No, I don't care anything about the inside, I am so satisfied with the outside. Just let me prowl around the garden. If it suits you in there it will suit me."
But left to herself she calmed down in a little while and followed the others into the house. This proved to offer room enough, and, while not furnished quite as Miss Helen would have had it, was sufficiently comfortable and the question of taking it was decided then and there to Nan's great delight. Mary Lee had not told the half. There were pleasures in store of which she had not dreamed, Nan declared.
It did not take long to have the house put in order and to remove their trunks to it, so in another week they were feeling quite at home. Then came the question of a servant, though to the delight of the girls the matter of lessons was not to be taken up just yet. Jack rebelled against having a Chinese servant, but finally gave in when she was promised that there should be no killing of chickens on the place and that only those ready dressed should be brought from the market.
And therefore, one morning a bland, almond-eyed individual made his appearance before breakfast. He had been engaged by Mrs. Roberts for the Corners and came well recommended. Indeed Ming was a treasure and both Mrs. Corner and Miss Helen congratulated themselves on having found such a gem. But at the end of two weeks he suddenly announced that he must go at once; he was "solly" but he had decided to go to New York with a friend and open a laundry where he would make "heap much money." Could he have an old umbrella which he had discovered standing in the corner of the kitchen? He had heard that it rained a great deal in New York and it would be so useful to him. The umbrella was his, Mrs. Corner told him, and he departed, seemingly grateful and regretful, after presenting each member of the family with a gift. For a few days after this a procession of Chinamen walked in and out the gate, but at last one was secured who seemed to offer the best possibilities and peace reigned in the household.
"Why did you leave your last place?" was one of Mrs. Corner's first questions.
"Heap too stinge," replied Li Hung blandly.