“I am so glad,” breathed Jack pressing nearer. “You know we think you had such a beautiful romantic love story, Cousin Maria, and we were so glad we could come to see you,” though in her heart of hearts she was rather disappointed that the heroine of the tale should prove to be this plain little old woman. “I wish you would tell us all about it; how you ran away with Captain Hooper and all that; we are so interested.”
Mrs. Hooper smiled reminiscently, then she turned to Mrs. Corner. “You would know her for a Southern girl, so spontaneous and outspoken. Well, dear, I will tell you how it was.”
Though Nan would like to have listened to this story she had an uneasy feeling that Miss Phebe might need help, so she quietly left the room. Nan was always the one who carried the heaviest packages, who ran back for umbrellas, or lugged a double amount of hand-luggage, so it was like her to do this. She conjectured that the kitchen would be at the back and she set to work to find it, first opening the door of a closet, then one which led out upon a back porch, but the third one seemed to be right, as she found a little entry from beyond which came sounds and odors which told of the kitchen’s whereabouts. As she paused upon the door-sill Miss Phebe, busily stirring around, cried out, “Land sakes!” as she saw the figure in the doorway.
“I thought perhaps I could help you, Cousin Phebe,” said Nan.
Miss Phebe looked quite taken aback and said nervously, “No, thank you; I couldn’t think of letting you do such a thing.”
“But why not?” Nan could not understand the New England spirit which scorned assistance and resented intrusion.
“Please,” she continued. “I always help Cousin Mag when I go over there. Couldn’t I set the table?”
“Oh, no; I set that before I went to the train.”
Still Nan persisted. She stepped into the kitchen. “Well, I could pare potatoes or something.”
Miss Phebe shook her head. “Nat did those after breakfast. There is really nothing to do. I made the pies and doughnuts this morning, the custards yesterday. There isn’t a thing to do but stir up some sody biscuits. I’ve got the peas and potatoes on. Does your ma like tea or coffee? and your aunt, what does she drink?”