Anna knew that this was not intended for her, but for the waiting Mrs. Ashley down at the cottage, who knew nothing of Jerusha’s feeling in regard to her, nor did Anna think it kindness to enlighten her.
On her part, Jerusha considered that in view of the information contained in her mother’s letter in the ebony box, she had a better right to be proud than had Mrs. Ashley, and therefore would not take a step out of her way to be in her company.
“Where did you first meet Mr. Ashley?” Anna asked one summer afternoon while they were arranging flowers under the shade of an oak tree, while Hilda, who always accompanied them, was busy gathering more.
“In a hail-storm in Ohio. Shall I tell you of it?” she asked.
“Yes,” replied Anna gleefully, “the beginning being so romantic, it cannot fail in interest.”
“Yes, a little romance and a great trial; for it has partly estranged me from my sister and her husband—Dr. Cyril Warfield—with whom I made my home after the death of our parents.
“The estrangement is more my fault than theirs. I should not have treated them with coldness and reserve in return for their lightly expressed opposition to my marriage,” and her beautiful eyes filled with tears.
“I should not have mentioned the subject; please do not continue it if it distresses you,” pleaded Anna, her eyes filling in sympathy.
“I am glad you mentioned it. I have wished to tell you of myself, but never felt sufficiently acquainted until this summer, and you cannot realize what your companionship has been to me since my husband left for the battlefield.
“While our parents lived, they, with their three children—Sarah, Herbert and I—resided in our old homestead in Ohio, near the village of Woodmont, a few miles from Springfield.