“I hope not, darling; it would break our hearts; but finery and things is mighty apt to set folks up, and after you’ve walked a spell on them velvet carpets, you’ll no doubt think your feet make a big noise on our bare kitchen floor.”
“That may be, but I shan’t be ashamed of you. No, not if I were Mrs. Guy Remington herself.” And Maddy emphasized her words with a kiss, as she thought how nice it would be provided she were a widow, to be Mrs. Guy Remington, and have her grandparents live at Aikenside with her.
“But, pshaw! I’ll never be Mrs. anybody; and if I am, I’ll have to have a husband, which would be such a bother!” was her next mental comment, as, leaving her grandfather, she went to help her grandmother with the breakfast dishes, wondering when she would wipe those blue cups again, and how she should probably feel when she did.
Quickly the morning passed, and just as the clock struck two the doctor’s buggy appeared over the hill. Up to this moment Maddy had only been happy in anticipation; but when, with her shawl and bonnet on, she stood waiting while the doctor fastened her little trunk, and when she saw a tear on the wrinkled faces of both her grandparents, her fortitude gave way; and ’mid a storm of sobs, she said her good-bys and received her grandfather’s blessing.
It was very pleasant that afternoon, for the summer breeze was blowing cool across the fields, where the laborers were busy; and with the elasticity of youth, Maddy’s tears stopped their flowing, but not until the dear old home had disappeared, and they were some distance on the road to Aikenside.
“I wonder how I shall like Mrs. Remington and Mr. Guy?” was the first remark she made.
“You’ll not see them immediately. They left this morning for Saratoga,” the doctor replied.
“Left! Mr. Guy gone!” Maddy repeated in a disappointed tone.
“Are you very sorry?” the doctor asked, and Maddy replied:
“I did want to see him once; you know I never have.”