"Not everybody exactly," said Mrs. Van Alstine smiling.
"Oh, well, everybody but Gertrude, and even she liked Helen at first. I suppose, by the way, we shall see her before long. Asahel's overseer said last week that she had set three different times already."
"And made Asahel go down to the station to meet her every time, I suppose."
"Gertrude has got home," said Marion. "She came down with me yesterday. The conductor introduced me to her when Mr. Randall left me, and we had quite a talk."
"Oh!" said Amity in rather a significant tone. "Then no doubt she told you all about us?"
"Amity, my dear!" said her mother in a tone of remonstrance.
Amity laughed.
"Never fear, mamma dear, I am as meek as a mouse. Well, there, I must go. Come over and see me, Marion. You will want to look about to-day, I suppose."
"I am afraid Marion will find it rather dull," observed her mother. "She is not used to living in the woods."
"And now what will you do till dinner time?" said her mother when Amity had gone. "I suppose you will like to put your things away. I have had James carry up your other trunk, and you will find plenty of places to bestow your clothes and so on. Shall I come up and sit with you while you are busy? I want to hear all the news from home."