"What does she want this time?" said irrepressible Bessy.
"To see her friends, no doubt," replied her mother, with a look which Bessy well understood as a hint that she was to say no more. It was curious to see how entirely the sharp, bright, and somewhat forward girl was "held in hand" by her good-humoured, gentle mother.
"Can I help you, mother?" said Amity, turning to Mrs. Van Alstine.
"No, thank you. I believe everything is in order in the north room. You might just step up and see if you don't mind, Stannie."
It struck Marion that Gertrude's arrival produced more commotion than was to be expected from an event apparently so simple in its character. Her mother was actually nervous, Stanley looked discomposed and uneasy, and even placid Amity was evidently somewhat disturbed. The whole party came to the door to receive the visitor, who now drove up.
"You are a great stranger," said Mrs. Van Alstine when the first greetings were past.
"Yes, I am very much confined," answered Gerty, with an air of fatigued resignation. "We have so much company. There is hardly a day that somebody does not come to dinner. That is the beauty of being a tanner's wife. But I suppose there is no help for it now. I think you are not looking very well, either, mother. I'm sure you ought not to be overburdened, with so many to help you. I see Stanley is here for her vacation, as usual."
"Certainly," answered Mrs. Van Alstine, promptly; "where should she spend it but with her mother? I am sure she is a great comfort."
"Oh, of course! I am glad you should have her, I am sure. Some people might think it rather—However, of course, it is no concern of mine. She is very pretty, certainly."
"Won't you go up-stairs and take your things off?" said Mrs. Van Alstine. "You mean to stay now you have come, do you not? Where is Asahel?"