The child laughed merrily; and then in her impulsive way began to kiss him, eyes, nose and mouth. "When your eye twinkles, I love you dearly, Uncle George."
"There, Milly, you looked just like your mother when you said that; and so for her sake, and because of your smooth hair, and your clean apron, and your attempts to be neat, I will take you to-morrow afternoon, if it is pleasant."
Milly jumped a foot from the floor, laughing and clapping her hands, in great glee. Then, she ran out to communicate the good news to her Cousin Emily.
[CHAPTER VII.]
GRANDMA'S ARRIVAL.
UNFORTUNATELY, the next day was rainy. And the following, Mrs. Morgan's mother arrived, and they could not leave her.
Milly's patience was nearly exhausted when the second disappointment came. She knew nothing about this grandma, and could not sympathize with Emily's joy at seeing her once more. Grandmother Morgan was very feeble and often irritable. Milly had never become attached to one who was always lamenting that Ida's child should be exactly like a Hindoo girl, and finding fault with her for not doing things that the poor, neglected Milly had never heard of.
Grandma Harris was fatigued with her journey, and lay down for an hour keeping hold of Emily's soft hand all the time, even when she fell into a short doze. But she came from her chamber quite refreshed, and gave a willing consent that Milly should come and hear the story she had promised to tell.
Everybody said, Grandma Harris was a great story-teller. It was certain that when she was at her daughter's, she had a great many stories to tell. She had heard all about the motherless child, and heartily approved of Priscilla's intention to befriend her. Now, when Emily urged that her cousin should be invited to join them and listen to the story, the old lady smilingly consented.
Milly never in all her after life forgot that interview. Grandma was sitting in her favorite chair, a deep seated maroon-covered one without arms; a narrow fold of delicate gauze framing her beautiful silvery hair. Her dress was black silk, the rich, heavy folds lying on the carpet by her side, the waist open and turned back at the neck to show the snowy muslin kerchief folded across her bosom.