“How often do husbands write to wives?”
Melindy either did not hear or did not understand, and Georgina had the mortifying experience of repeating the question. It was harder to give utterance to it the second time than the first. She was relieved when Melindy answered without showing any surprise.
“Why, most every week I reckon, when they loves ’em. Leastways white folks do. It comes easy to them to write. An’ I lived in one place where the lady got a lettah every othah day.”
“But I mean when the husband’s gone for a long, long time, off to sea or to another country, and is dreadfully busy, like Captain Burrell is when he’s on his ship.
Melindy gave a short laugh. “Huh! Let me tell you, honey, when a man _wants_ to write he’s gwine to write, busy or no busy.”
Later, Georgina went home pondering Melindy’s answer. “Most every week when they love’s ’em. Sometimes every other day.” And Barby had had no letter for over four months.
Something happened that afternoon which had never happened before in all Georgina’s experience. She was taken to the Gray Inn to call. Mrs. Triplett, dressed in her new black summer silk, took her.
“As long as Barbara isn’t here to pay some attention to that Mrs. Burrell,” Tippy said to Belle, “it seems to me it’s my place as next of kin. The Captain couldn’t get done saying nice things about Justin.”
Evidently, she approved of both Mrs. Burrell and Peggy, for when each begged that Georgina be allowed to stay to supper she graciously gave permission.
“Peggy has taken the wildest fancy to you, dear,” Mrs. Burrell said in an aside to Georgina. “You gave her a beautiful morning on the beach. The poor little thing has suffered so much with her lame knee, that we are grateful to anyone who makes her forget all that she has gone through. It’s only last week that she could have the brace taken off. She hasn’t been able to run and play like other children for two years, but we’re hoping she may outgrow the trouble in time.”