Behind Alma’s back Nathan flicked a bit of dust from his coat. The next instant he raised a furtive hand and gave his collar and neckband a savage pull.
At the supper-table that night ten minutes of eager questioning on the part of Alma had gone by before Mrs. Kelsey realized that thus far their conversation had been of nothing more important than Nathan’s rheumatism, her own health, and the welfare of Rover, Tabby, and the mare Topsy. Commensurate with the happiness that had been hers during those ten minutes came now her remorse. She hastened to make amends.
“There, there, Alma, I beg yer pardon, I’m sure. I hain’t--er--I haven’t meant ter keep ye talkin’ on such triflin’ things, dear. Now talk ter us yer self. Tell us about things--anythin’--anythin’ on the table or in the room,” she finished feverishly.
For a moment the merry-faced girl stared in frank amazement at her mother; then she laughed gleefully.
“On the table? In the room?” she retorted. “Well, it’s the dearest room ever, and looks so good to me! As for the table--the rolls are feathers, the coffee is nectar, and the strawberries--well, the strawberries are just strawberries--they couldn’t be nicer.”
“Oh, Alma, but I didn’t mean----”
“Tut, tut, tut!” interrupted Alma laughingly. “Just as if the cook didn’t like her handiwork praised! Why, when I draw a picture--oh, and I haven’t told you!” she broke off excitedly. The next instant she was on her feet. “Alma Mead Kelsey, Illustrator; at your service,” she announced with a low bow. Then she dropped into her seat again and went on speaking.
“You see, I’ve been doing this sort of thing for some time,” she explained, “and have had some success in selling. My teacher has always encouraged me, and, acting on his advice, I stayed over in New York a week with a friend, and took some of my work to the big publishing houses. That’s why I didn’t get here as soon as Kate Hopkins did. I hated to put off my coming; but now I’m so glad I did. Only think! I sold every single thing, and I have orders and orders ahead.”
“Well, by sugar!” ejaculated the man at the head of the table.
“Oh-h-h!” breathed the little woman opposite. “Oh, Alma, I’m so glad!”