Gertrude’s manner was a trifle apologetic, for it seemed to her that Nell was always doing the hard things and leaving the easy ones for her.
“Well, there’s no denying that you both work hard, and it is just wonderful how the children get on at school. Sam says he hadn’t no idea that our young ones were so clever. It’s just a treat to see how Ned and Sophy can write and cipher,” Mrs. Peters answered, as she subsided into a rocking-chair, with an air of restful ease, which showed that the next two hours were going to be pure holiday for her.
The afternoon cars reached the depot about half an hour before school was out. To-day there was quite a crowd of vehicles, and of people also. Four wagons, two carts, and three men on horseback came down from the Settlement to meet the train, while a little throng of people came streaming off the cars when they drew in and stopped.
Among these was a lady, past middle life, with a beautiful face and masses of fluffy grey hair. She was well but quietly dressed, carrying herself with a dignified air. Her large trunk and a small travelling-bag were good though unostentatious, like the rest of her belongings; and Sam Peters touched his cap to her in his very best manner, realizing that she was what he called “very first class.”
“Can you tell me where Miss Hamblyn lives?” asked the lady, in a cultured, pleasant voice, which matched her appearance perfectly.
“The first house as you take the Settlement road, ma’am. My wife is over there keeping house this afternoon, while Miss Hamblyn is out. Will you leave your bag with the trunk? It will be quite safe, and I will bring the lot over presently,” said Sam, politely, telling himself privately that this must be Miss Alfreton, who had come before she was expected. At the same time, however, he wondered why she had “M. B.” in big letters on her trunk.
“Thank you; yes, I will leave them,” she answered, with a nod and a smile. She then went onward at a leisurely walk through the pleasant July sunshine, taking keen note of her surroundings, and pausing more than once to admire the view.
Presently she stopped by the first house, and, after a moment’s hesitation, entered by the door at the side into the kitchen, which was also shop.
Hardly had she crossed the threshold when Mrs. Peters appeared from the inner room, supposing that an early customer had arrived.
But the first glance at the lady standing just inside the door assured her that this was no prospective speculator in soups, pies, or family cakes; and so she waited for the unknown to state her business.