Asahel's house was a very good one, large and roomy, though old-fashioned, with a hipped roof and dormer windows, and a heavy, wide portico at the front. The house stood back from the street, and was shaded by some large and beautiful trees.
"What a pretty place!" said Marion.
"Isn't it? Father bought it of old General Van Deusen's heirs on purpose for Asahel, but Gerty doesn't like it because it is so old-fashioned. She wanted father to build it all over and make a Mansard roof."
"Horrid!" said Marion, regarding with an artistic eye the deep angles and shadows on the old mossy roof.
"It was a great deal prettier before it was altered—the nicest old deep-red brick colour—but Gerty never liked it, so father painted it for her."
"How good he is to her! I don't believe I would have done it."
"Well, you see, he has to oppose her so many times that I think he makes it a principle to please her if he can. Here she comes now. Well, Gerty, here we are, you see."
"Yes, I see we are here," answered Gerty, coming forward to meet her guests. "I expected you this morning, Marion. Pray how long have you been on the road?"
"Only since two o'clock," answered Marion. "Bram took me round to show me the view from Tom's Hill and the big hollow. I hope you haven't waited for us?"
"The clock struck six as we came by the church," said Bram. "There's your bag, Marion, and your other things, and the trunk will be over before long. I'll put up the horse, Gerty, and then go over and meet Asahel if he hasn't come."