'Lena Rivers by Mary Jane Holmes
page 41 of 457 (08%)
page 41 of 457 (08%)
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informed her that she was "a silly old fool," and that "he'd thank
her not to 'Johnny darling' him any longer." It would be difficult to describe the amazement of John Jr. when 'Lena was presented to him as his _cousin_, and Mrs. Nichols as his _grandmother_. Something which sounded very much like an oath escaped his lips, as turning to his father he muttered, "Won't mother go into fits?" Then, as he began to realize the ludicrousness of the whole affair, he exclaimed, "Rich, good, by gracious!" and laughing loudly, he walked away to regale himself with another cigar. Lena began to tremble for her future happiness, if this boy was to live in the same house with her. She did not know that she had already more than half won his good opinion, for he was far better pleased with her antagonistical demonstrations, than he would have been had she cried or ran from him, as his sister Anna generally did when he teased her. After a few moments here turned to the parlor, and walking up to Mrs. Nichols, commenced talking very sociably with her, calling her "Granny," and winking slyly at 'Lena as he did so. Mr. Livingstone had too much good sense to sit quietly by and hear his mother ridiculed by his son, and in a loud, stern voice he bade the young gentleman "behave himself." "Law, now," said Mrs. Nichols, "let him talk if he wants to. I like to hear him. He's the only grandson I've got." This speech had the effect of silencing John Jr. quite as much as his father's command. If he could tease his grandmother by talking to her, he would take delight in doing so, but if she _wanted_ him to talk--that was quite another thing. So moving away from her, he took |
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