"Well, Maude," said Aunt Ella, "we're delighted to see you and your
husband, but your arrival was so unexpected that you must pardon my
evidences of surprise."
"They're very excusable," said Maude. "I can hardly realize, myself,
that we are here. You and Alice are wondering what brought us, and
you are entitled to an explanation. We just eloped because father
would not give his consent."
The presence of Mr. Merry made the situation an awkward one, but Aunt
Ella was a woman with opinions and was not afraid to express them. So
she said:
"I suppose your father will disinherit you. I hope that will not mar
your future happiness."
"I don't think it will. Harry has a good position, we've got some
money in the bank, and we're going to have a nice little flat in
Cambridge or Roxbury. I want to see my little nephew, Quincy's boy,
and then we are going right back to London."
"Come with me," said Alice, "and see the baby, but Aunt Ella and I
will never consent to your leaving us so soon. You must pay us a long
visit."
"I would," replied Maude, "but for one thing father said to me. We
will stay over night, for I have so much to tell both of you."
"Come to the library," said Aunt Ella. "I will introduce your husband
to Sir Stuart, and then we will go to the nursery where we can talk
as long as we wish."
When they reached the nursery, Maude's first wish was gratified--she
held, and hugged and kissed, and praised her brother's boy.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141