At this repast came her first real chance of observing Seth. She studied him for some time in silence while the others talked. Then she joined in the conversation 261 herself, and quickly contrived to twist it into the direction she required.
They were laughing over Rosebud’s attempt to scare her cousin with her threat of the Indians.
“You see, auntie,” the girl said roguishly, “you are a ’tenderfoot.’ It is always the privilege of ’old hands’ to ridicule newcomers. In your world there is little for you to learn. In ours you must be duly initiated.”
“In my world?” Mrs. Rickards smiled and raised her eyebrows. She had a pleasant smile which lit up her round fat face till she looked the picture of hearty good-nature. And she was on the whole decidedly good-natured. Only her good-nature never ran away with her. “My dear, why not your world also? This is not your world any longer.”
Ma smiled down upon the teapot, while the men waited expectantly. With all their simplicity, these people understood Rosebud as far as it was possible to understand her. Without appearing too keen, each watched the violet eyes as they opened wide and wondering by upon the cousin.
“Why, auntie! I—I don’t understand.”
“You belong to the same world as I do. Dakota no longer claims you.”
“You mean—England.” Rosebud laughed; and at least three people understood that laugh.
Mrs. Rickards turned to Ma.
“You know, Mrs. Sampson, Rosebud has never 262 yet regarded her position seriously. She is curiously situated—but pleasantly, if she will only enter into the spirit of her father’s will. Has she told you about it?”