“But it is not along the pike. She is coming here—here in our home. Old Billy has stopped the horses and is down off his box and has opened the door and is unpacking the luggage. After a little while he will come to Cousin Ann.
“Do you know what that means, Mumsy? It means that we are to be taken into the bosom of the family, as it were. Cousin Ann only visits relations. I reckon I’m a snob but I can’t help being glad that I am to belong. I won’t let anybody but you know that, Mumsy, but I’m going to be just as nice and kind to poor Cousin Ann as can be. You will too, won’t you, dear Mumsy?” 213
“Well, I guess I know how to treat company,” bridled Mrs. Buck.
Miss Ann sat, dazed and wondering, while Billy pulled out the luggage and piled it up by the white picket fence. She did not know where the old coachman had brought her. She wondered vaguely if it could be the home of Cousin David’s oldest daughter whose married name had escaped her. Could she have slept a whole day?
Suddenly a red-haired girl in a blue dress came running down the walk and before Billy could get his mistress unpacked this girl had sprung into the coach and putting her arms around Miss Ann’s neck kissed her first on one cheek and then on the other.
“Mother and I are real glad to see you and we hope you and Uncle Billy will stay with us just as long as you are comfortable and happy,” said Judith. “Howdy, Uncle Billy!”
“Howdy, missy!” Great tears were coursing down the old brown face.
“The guest chamber is all ready, except for being sheeted and that won’t take me a minute. Just bring the things right in, Uncle Billy. Here, I’ll help and then Miss Ann can get out.”
“Cousin Ann, child! I am your Cousin Ann Peyton.” Miss Ann spoke from the depths of 214 the coach. And then Mrs. Buck, having hastily tied on a clean apron, came down the walk and was introduced to the visitor, greeting her with shy hospitality.
“I’m pleased to meet you. Judith and I’ll be right glad of your company.”