“I am your Niece Marion, Aunt Susan,” said Marion as sweetly as possible. “I came yesterday, as I wrote you, but I must have missed uncle at the station.”
“Oh, he did not attempt to meet you,” said her aunt, said languidly. “He found he had a dinner engagement which prevented, but really, my dear, you are better than I expected.”
At this cool announcement, Marion’s color rose, but she bit her lips to control her feelings.
“Thank you, aunt,” she said, simply; “I am glad that you approve of me. Your sister’s children are not gawks, even if they do live in the country.”
“So I see,” said her aunt, “and it relieves my mind considerably. But tell me, Marion, how do you happen to be wearing such expensive clothes? Why, they are really quite fashionable! Can your father afford to dress you so stylishly?”
Marion burst out laughing before she answered.
“My father would not know me if he should see me,” she said honestly. “You see I have dressed myself according to my surroundings, aunt. I knew you would feel disgraced if I came to you in homespun.”
“Very thoughtful indeed!” said her aunt, thawing out a little. “Take off your hat, Marion, and I will order some luncheon. Really, you are extremely pretty. I am very glad to see you.”
Marion’s lip curled scornfully as she took off her hat. She would have been glad to have boxed the old lady’s ears, but as she couldn’t she watched her chance and teased the poodle for relief.
In a moment the door opened and her uncle came in. He was a pompous-looking man who tried to impress every one with his importance. He greeted her with a patronizing nod, looking her over critically, as his wife had before him.