For a moment Mrs. Draper seemed disposed to accept the invitation; but she immediately added,—“I do not like to take my children from their schools.”
“That is just the answer Charlotte anticipated, and she desired me to combat it with all my book-learning opposed to yours, and now and then fill up the interstices with such plain matter-of-fact argument as she could offer; for
instance, that they would improve more in one month passed in the country, at this fine season, than in a whole summer at school. ‘Tell her,’ said she, ‘to let them
‘Leave their books and come away,
That boys and girls may join in play.’”
“I really think, Frances,” said Mr. Draper, “this would be an excellent plan; you are not quite well, and the country air will be of service to you and Charlotte.”
“We have so much more of country round us,” said she, with an air of satisfaction, “than most of my city friends, that I scarcely feel it right to make trees or grass an excuse for emigration. I have as much pleasure in seeing spring return to unlock my treasures, as you can have, Howard. I must show you some of my rare plants. I have, too, my grape and strawberry vines; and finer peach trees I do not think you can exhibit.”
“I sincerely hope,” said Howard, “you will enjoy this pleasure long, and eat fruit that you have cultivated yourself: I dare say, it is sweeter than any you can buy.”
“It ought to be,” said Mr. Draper, a little seriously, “for it certainly costs about six times as much as the highest market price that we should pay. We live here at a most enormous rent; my conscience often twinges me on the subject.”
“And yet I have heard you say, that you bought this place lower,” said Howard, “than any which you would now occupy.”
“That is true; but by taking down this building, and cutting the land into lots, I might get a house clear.” A slight flush passed over Mrs. Draper’s cheek.