Dora’s eyes told Reuben that she had heard of him before and, greatly embarrassed, he took young Elisha and Celeste—one on each arm—and led the way to The Laurels followed by the others.
Half way down the yard they were met by Celeste and Cornelia, and Dora concluded that the De Veres must all be very much alike.
“So this is Dora of whom I am inclined to be jealous,” said Mrs. De Vere, giving her a real motherly kiss.
Dora was dragged into the sitting-room and as she drank the fragrant hot coffee, which Margaret said was good for frost bites, she felt that Jack had not over-rated the virtues of his family. She had rather dreaded meeting them and it had taxed her courage greatly when she thought of the dignified mother-in-law who must have strong ideas as to the fitness of any woman to be the wife of her darling boy. But it was a clear case of mutual respect and before Dora had spent an hour with her mother-in-law, she was ready to swear to all that Jack had said.
Celeste and Elisha were now marshalled into the bathroom by “Aunt Celeste,” while Dora took Jack-the-third under her protection.
Every nook in the dear old place was revisited by Jack. Lost in admiration, he was gazing from the windows on the city below when he was interrupted by his father who, in the excitement of their arrival, had for the time being neglected to mention Hernando’s restoration. Mr. De Vere had just told his wife of Dr. Herschel’s verdict and was now in search of Jack on the same mission. Jack’s experience in Texas, the land of surprises, had prepared him in a measure for this overwhelming one. He was speechless for a few moments and then said quietly, “Dr. Herschel’s reputation is such that he would not make the statement without proof to substantiate it. I am ready to believe it.”
“His home-coming must be as happy as lies in our power,” said Mr. De Vere fervently. “I have telegraphed Eletheer and undoubtedly she will be home this coming week.”
“And I will help Margaret in getting his room ready,” said Jack.
Mrs. De Vere and Margaret were already busy there. The room was open, the windows flung wide to let in the sunlight and fresh air. Jack kindled a fire of fragrant birchwood. An odor of sweet clover from clean linen scented the room. All hands joined in converting the room into a bower of loveliness. Elisha appeared with an immense bouquet of roses. These Celeste arranged on the table beside the latest magazine which Jack had brought from New York. Nothing was left undone and everything bespoke loving thoughtfulness.
In the kitchen Margaret was outdoing herself. Only too well did she remember Hernando’s partiality for certain dishes and Reuben haunted the city markets.