What Two Children Did by Charlotte E. Chittenden
page 74 of 135 (54%)
page 74 of 135 (54%)
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"Put your card there," she instructed him, bobbing her head towards the
exact centre of the salver, and thereby completely covering one eye with that abominably big and wobbly cap. The reverend gentleman gravely complied, whereupon the maid swung herself around, but with caution, somewhat after the manner of a boat carrying too much sail. After Mrs. Van Stark had come down, the parlor maid reappeared without her badges of office, and was duly presented to the rector of the church, who made no sign, save a twinkle of his eye, of having met her in another, and humbler capacity, but shook hands and talked to her without that insufferable air of patronage which elder people at times seem to delight to bestow upon their juniors. As he was taking his leave, he explained that he was going down into the grove for a little while to read and to take pictures. As he went out, they met, coming in, an old lady whom Grandmother Van Stark greeted with rare cordiality, kissing her on both cheeks and calling her Tildy Ann. She called grandmother Jane Somerset, and explained that her son, going to town, had brought her that far on his way, and would call for her on his return. She had brought her knitting in a beautiful silk bag, and explained that she was making a long purse of black silk and steel beads, for the sale at the church. Beth brought grandmother's bag down to her, and grandmother produced silk stockings that she was knitting for the same purpose. |
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