“S—h, Arctura!” said Miss Pomeroy, gravely, though her lips seemed inclined to twitch a little. “How is Mrs. Hackett’s rheumatism to-day?”
“Thinks there’s a spell coming on, I believe,” said Arctura, looking rather crestfallen. “Breakfast’s ready, all but the griddle-cakes; I can’t sit down with you, for I’ve got them to fry.”
After breakfast, Miss Pomeroy sent Polly out on the broad piazza that ran across the front of the house and the west side, to play with the kittens.
“I have some plans to talk over with Arctura,” said she, “and then I want a little talk with you before I start my letter-writing. Don’t step off the piazza, for the grass is very wet. It rained in the night, and I don’t wish my guest to take cold,” said Miss Pomeroy, with her pleasant smile.
“I presume,” said Polly to Snip and Snap, as she dangled a string alluringly just above their reach, and watched their wild jumps into the air, “Miss Pomeroy is going to speak to me about my top apron button not being buttoned; but I didn’t forget it till she came down. I was going to ask Miss Arctura Green to fasten it for me. Probably Eleanor had long arms that could reach; I expect she did. Don’t you catch the bottom of this dress, mister,” said Polly, uplifting a warning finger at Snap, whose attitude certainly justified firm, quick measures, “for it’s just as tender!”
Meanwhile Miss Pomeroy and Arctura were having another consultation in the kitchen.
“I don’t know just what to plan about little Mary,” said Miss Hetty, doubtfully. “You see, I want to find out what she likes best to do, so that I can tell what kind of a child she is. I want her to act her own nature, but, of course, I must suggest things and ask some questions, for she’s very shy.”
“M—m,” said Arctura, thoughtfully, “she handles her knife and fork real pretty. I noticed it as I was in and out the two meals, yesterday and to-day. You’d know she come of good folks, and I must say that Manser woman’s brought her up well, though she’s a hatchet-faced piece, if ever I saw one, and given to nagging, if I’m any judge. Supposing you should ride off to the village without Mary this morning and let me visit with her a little mite. She’s full as used to kitchens as she is to parlors, I expect.”
“I believe that would be an excellent idea,” said Miss Pomeroy. “Arctura, you are a very sensible woman.”
“Sho!” said Arctura but she turned quickly to the sink to hide a smile of gratification.