If thee wishes thee may send me some more, but should it prove inconvenient to do so, merely mention such to be the case, and I will absent myself from those excursions that are likely to be expensive.
I have been much mortified more than once already, by Edward H. or F. A. paying where I am concerned.
The first time this occurred was the day we sailed in the harbor. There were car fares, and boat tickets to be purchased, and I awaited Anna W.’s movement, before getting out my purse. To my surprise she said nothing about it, and the young men bought everything for us all. I estimated the cost at about a dollar apiece, which thee sees is quite an item when figured for four. So at the close of the day, for we had lunch and all, I spoke to Edward about it. We were walking at the time, and he stopped and laughed so immoderately that I was hurt. Perceiving this, he turned and taking my hand, said gently: “Do not deny me this pleasure. Oh, if I could always do it for you! Your gratitude is so sweet.”
What does thee think he meant, mother dear? I was so perplexed by his speech that I was almost glad when Anna and F. A. turned to ask the cause of the laughter. But how thoughtful Edward was not to expose me to others’ merriment, for he turned the talk in another way immediately.
Was it not right and womanly in me to offer to pay the expense I had incurred? I want thy opinion, for I think it was, only, from his manner and that of Anna before, I fear such is not the custom; but I shall greatly hesitate to place myself under similar circumstances again.
It was with this thought in mind that I declined to go with them the next Seventh day. Everyone thought I was sick, and aunt began to imagine that I had looked pale all day! I denied feeling poorly, and was beginning to get embarrassed, when Edward H. walked to the window and asked me to come and see a peculiar cloud. This drew away the attention of the others and he said very gently:
“That cloud is no more peculiar than the one which has arisen between us, and it does not threaten half the harm.” Then he went on to tell me that he suspected the reason of my refusal, and asked me to consider whether I would not like to do some small favor for him. I replied “Certainly.” “Then,” he said, “never speak of money where I am concerned, again. I have much more than I need, and I could not spend it in any manner that could both profit and please me more than by taking you about this region. Consider, too, the favors our family have had from your uncles.”
Was it not kindly done? And too, does thee not agree with my opinion that it sounded like Friends’ teaching? I shall await thy judgment impatiently—but I went with him.
Another curious thing has happened too. I expect thee will laugh at the many adventures that befall me. On Sixth-day evening it rained very hard, but Uncle Joseph had tickets for a concert, which they wished very much that I should hear. I thought it would be discourteous to decline, although I do feel that vast sums are thus frittered away, which might benefit the poor. To my surprise aunt said I should wear a wool frock, as we were not going to take the horses on account of the rain, but would be driven only to a point where we can meet the horse railroad, which is often a very great convenience.
Notwithstanding the bad weather there was a large number of persons present in the hall. I cannot pronounce judgment upon the concert, for I have no knowledge concerning these things. One lady who sang seemed to have, naturally, a sweet voice, but it was overstrained, and the long drawn notes were quite offensive. I am sure, however, that the audience was satisfied, and uncle and aunt have repeatedly signified their delight, and hope to have another opportunity to listen to her. I did my best to express my thanks for the kindness in taking me, without mentioning my distaste for such entertainments, but my aunt suspected me, and laughingly said “I believe you are sleepy, child.” And in truth I was! However, I was soon wide enough awake. We missed the car we had hoped to gain, and had to wait in a little room, nearly half an hour. All sorts of people were there. More than once aunt said wearily, “I hate these mixed crowds, and I shall not let my pity for the horses inconvenience us like this again.”