“Come with me,” said Alice, “and see the baby, but Aunt Ella and I will never consent to your leaving us so soon. You must pay us a long visit.”
“I would,” replied Maude, “but for one thing father said to me. We will stay over night, for I have so much to tell both of you.”
“Come to the library,” said Aunt Ella. “I will introduce your husband to Sir Stuart, and then we will go to the nursery where we can talk as long as we wish.”
When they reached the nursery, Maude's first wish was gratified—she held, and hugged and kissed, and praised her brother's boy. Alice's face beamed with delight.
“Now, Maude,” exclaimed Aunt Ella, “why this runaway marriage? Tell us all about it.”
Maude laughed. “It's so funny. I told father I was going to marry Mr. Merry, and he about the same as said I shouldn't. He told me not to meet him again unless in his presence or mother's.”
“That was reasonable. Why did you object?” asked Aunt Ella.
“It wouldn't have done any good. He's opposed to Harry because he isn't rich. Was Nathaniel Adams Sawyer rich when he married your sister, Aunt Ella?”
“I should say not. They began housekeeping in three rooms, but my brother-in-law is a born money-maker.”
“We're going to have five rooms, and I think Harry has it in him to make money—at any rate I'm going to give him a chance and help him all I can.”