"I think it is not just that—" she began again. She could not finish. Aunt Debby and Miss Richards had come to meet them. Back of these two, stood a large, wiry woman in a dark dress and an extensive white apron.
"My little girl," cried Debby, clasping Hester in her arms. "I have been very anxious about you."
"I was safe, Aunt Debby. Perfectly safe, but so hungry."
Robert Vail escorted his guests to the door.
"This is Mrs. Perkins, young ladies," he said, indicating to the big woman. "She will see that you have something to eat at once."
"I have been waiting dinner. If the ladies wish to come at once—" She led the way. The guests were weak from hunger. The odor of the food aroused their appetites afresh.
"Did you ever think bread and butter was so gloriously fine?" said Emma after her first mouthful. "Do you realize that we have had nothing since Friday evening."
"I do; but I do not intend talking about it—now," said Hester. "I have greater things to do."
Indeed, they all had that. They had kept up bravely under strenuous conditions. There had been no word of complaint. Erma especially, had been cheerful and gay as long as those two qualities were needed to sustain herself and her friends. Now, she was the first to give way. After a few morsels had been eaten, she realized that she was tired—so tired that she believed that ever being rested again would be an impossibility. She made an effort to keep up. She tried to laugh, but ended with a nervous giggle. Then to the amazement of all, she began to cry and sob.
"I am so tired. I am too tired to live. I never could go through with this again."