Mrs. Steele spoke with a slight, a very slight drawl, and to the Judge’s amusement Airy had already acquired this, though she had only been in the house a few days with her. She also had put on a black dress, because she so much admired the young widow’s trailing, somber garments.
Dallas and Titus were playing some game at a little table and occasionally glancing up at the group by the piano.
Their faces were all happy. “Peace and good will,” murmured the Judge. “How I wish my dear wife could look in on this sight. It reminds me of the happy times we had when we first came to this house. For many years this room has been desolate. Now it is again sanctified by the presence of a good woman and promising children. Now if they will only turn out well! God grant it, and give me grace so to train them that they may be shining lights in this troublous world!” and casting a farewell glance at the occupants of the handsome room the Judge went on his way to his study.
Sukey was overjoyed to see him. She strutted toward the doorway, spreading her tail and cooing with pleasure.
“The only thing I have left,” said the Judge, cheerfully; “that is, the only thing under my special jurisdiction. Mrs. Steele has relieved me of a great weight of care.”
Now he could spend the evening after his own fashion, safe from any interruption from Bethany, or Airy, or the boys, he reflected, with a deep sigh of satisfaction.
But could he? He had scarcely opened his book when they were all hurrying in upon him—the elegant Mrs. Nancy drawn on by impetuous Bethany, and Titus, Dallas, and Airy bringing up the rear.
“Grandfather,” said Titus, imperiously; “Dear Daddy Grandpa,” exclaimed Bethany; “Mr. Judge,” said Airy, solemnly; and “Dear Judge,” said the young widow, smilingly, “the children absolutely refuse to play a new guessing game I want to teach them unless you are in it.”
The Judge took off his spectacles and blandly surveyed the young faces about him. “Will it take long?”
“O, no, sir,” said Dallas, eagerly, “I half know it now. We can easily stop at Bethany’s bedtime.”