Instantly Ellen was at her side, offering gently to relieve her of hood and cloak, and with a tap on his arm drawing Mr. Van Brunt's attention to the neglected person.
Quite touched by the respectful politeness of her manner, the old lady inquired of Miss Fortune, as Ellen went off with a load of mufflers, "who was that sweet little thing?"
"It's a kind of sweetmeats that is kept for company, Miss
Janet," replied Miss Fortune, with a darkened brow.
"She's too good for everyday use, that's a fact," remarked Mr.
Van Brunt.
Miss Fortune coloured and tossed her head, and the company were for a moment still with surprise. Another arrival set them agoing again.
"Here come the Hitchcocks, Ellen," said Nancy. "Walk in, Miss Mary walk in, Miss Jenny Mr. Marshchalk has been here this great while."
Miss Mary Hitchcock was in nothing remarkable. Miss Jenny, when her wrappers were taken off, showed a neat, little, round figure, and a round face of very bright and good-humoured expression. It fastened Ellen's eye, till Nancy whispered her to look at Mr. Juniper Hitchcock, and that young gentleman entered, dressed in the last style of elegance. His hair was arranged in a faultless manner unless, perhaps, it had a little too much of the tallow-candle; for when he had sat for a while before the fire, it had somewhat the look of being excessively wet with perspiration. His boots were as shiny as his hair; his waistcoat was of a startling pattern; his pantaloons were very tightly strapped down; and at the end of a showy watch-riband hung some showy seals.
The kitchen was now one buzz of talk and good-humour; Ellen stood half-smiling to herself to see the universal smile, when Nancy twitched her.
"Here's more coming Cilly Dennison, I guess no, it's too tall; who is it?"
But Ellen flung open the door with a half-uttered scream, and threw herself into the arms of Alice, and then led her in; her face full of such extreme joy, that it was perhaps one reason why her aunt's wore a very doubtful air as she came forward. That could not stand, however, against the graceful politeness and pleasantness of Alice's greeting. Miss Fortune's brow smoothed, her voice cleared, she told Miss Humphreys she was very welcome and she meant it. Clinging close to her friend as she went from one to another, Ellen was delighted to see that everyone echoed the welcome. Every face brightened at meeting hers, every eye softened, and Jenny Hitchcock even threw her arms round Alice and kissed her.