"Really, that is cool in Bram. I think he might wait for an invitation before he quarters himself on me in such an unceremonious fashion. But come, Marion, and take off your bonnet. I am sure you must be very tired."
"I am rather tired," Marion admitted. "It is the longest ride I have taken yet, but I enjoyed every bit of it."
"It was very inconsiderate on the part of Bram. Hadn't you better have your tea up here? I can send it as well as not. Just put on your wrapper and lie down, and Mary shall bring you a nice supper."
"Oh dear, no!" replied Marion, laughing at the idea. "I am above all that now, I assure you, and I shall enjoy my supper a great deal more down-stairs. Only let me wash my face and brush my hair, and I shall be all right."
"But I am sure you would enjoy your supper more if you had it quietly on the bed. I think it is a real luxury when one is tired," persisted Gertrude. "Don't you think so?"
"No, I can't say I do," replied Marion, completing her preparations in a hurry to put an end to the discussion. "I used to once, I believe, but I have eaten so many meals on the bed this winter that I think in future I shall prefer to take them while walking, like some Eastern monks that Uncle Duncan was telling us about. I am ready, Gerty, I believe."
Gerty looked dissatisfied, but she could not well say any more, and they went down-stairs, to find Asahel and Bram waiting for them in the parlour.
The room was more handsomely furnished than that at Hemlock Valley, but Marion thought it was not so pleasant or homelike in its aspect. She missed the tables made for use, the books meant to be read, and not looked at, the working materials and newspapers, all signs of pleasant occupations. The only table in Gerty's parlour was a marble one ingeniously contrived to be of no use whatever, and all the books visible were decorously set up in rows on the bottom of the what-not.
Asahel greeted Marion warmly. He was the handsomest of all the handsome family, but his face had a worn, patient look which belonged to none of the others.
"I tried to have Marion stay up-stairs, but she thought she must come down to show that she was not entirely overcome with her long ride," said Gerty.