And she stepped nimbly into the buggy, followed by Mr. Franklin.
"We shall be a 'Marblehead couple,'" he said, as he balanced himself on the seat and took the reins.
Edith detested "Marblehead couples," otherwise driving three on a seat, and she hid herself as much as possible in her corner, and hoped that people would not know she was there.
Miss Betsey chatted away with her nephew, and in time the three miles were covered, and they turned into the Oakleigh drive. Edith had recovered somewhat by this time, having been engaged in scolding herself all the way from the village for her uncordial feelings.
The others welcomed Aunt Betsey most cordially. Her carpet-bag always contained some rare treat for the little ones; and, besides, they were a hospitable family.
"But come with me, girls," said Miss Betsey, mysteriously, when she had bestowed her gifts. "There is something I want to consult you about."
She trotted up the long flight of stairs to her accustomed room with the springiness of a young girl, Edith and Cynthia following her. She closed the door behind them, and seating herself in the rocking-chair, looked at them solemnly.
"Do you remark anything different about my appearance?"
"Why, of course, Aunt Betsey!" exclaimed Cynthia; "your hair!"
"Well, I want to know! Cynthy, you are very smart. You get it from your great-grandmother Trinkett, for whom you were named. Well, what do you think of it?"