“I don’t know but I could. At least, I could try. Of course it’s late in the season for them.” 237
The lean finger continued to follow the flowered design of the bedcovering.
“There used to be some late ones up at the top of Pine Ridge,” remarked the invalid casually. “That would be quite a walk though, an’ likely further than you’d care to go.”
“No, indeed it wouldn’t!”
There was fervor in the protest. Already visions of a morning in the blue and gold world were shaping themselves in the girl’s mind. No doubt Jane Howe would go with her; probably Martin would be too busy to leave his work; but if he were not, what a bit of Paradise they could have together!
Ellen, who read her niece’s thoughts almost as readily as if they had been openly expressed, smiled a malevolent smile.
“It’s a good four miles to the Ridge,” she remarked. “Goin’, comin’, an’ pickin’ would take you the whole mornin’, I reckon.”
“I’m afraid it would,” agreed Lucy. “Could you spare me as long as that?”
“Yes. I don’t need nothin’; an’ if I do, Melviny can get it. I’d rather have you go than not. If you could get me enough berries for a shortcake it would be worth it.” 238
The note of suppressed eagerness in the words caused Lucy to regard her aunt with quick, indefinable suspicion.