"Oh, I see you mean to be non-committal; perhaps that is the best way, situated as you are. You can't be too careful. I found that out, I assure you. Do you think this bed will be soft enough for you? It has the best Tucker springs, but I can get you a feather bed."
"I have slept on a spring mattress all winter," said Marion.
"Oh, but I assure you Tucker springs are considered much more agreeable and wholesome. I wonder if Dr. Campbell does not know that? Just see how elastic they are!"
"I am sure they are very nice," said Marion, feeling as if any bed would be welcome.
And at last, after having displayed the superior excellences of the dressing-bureau, the wash-stand, and the rocking-chair to anything at the valley, Gerty said "Good-night."
Marion, thoroughly weary, said her prayers, asking for special grace to suit her new circumstances, and went to bed to dream that she was trying to drive a pony across the Susquehanna on a spring bed, which formed the only bridge.
The next morning her trunk came, and Bram took his leave.
For a week or two, as Bram had predicted, Gerty was very kind and polite to her visitor. She took her out to drive every pleasant day, and made a delightful expedition to Coaltown, and from there to visit several localities of interest.
It was at Coaltown that the first real offence was given. Marion was looking from the window of the hotel upon the street while Gerty rested on the sofa before dinner. Suddenly the air was pervaded by an unearthly noise, as of a hundred elephants all gone melancholy mad and all howling at once.
Marion put her hands to her ears: