CHAPTER XVII.


Happy days pass swiftly. The meeting of the friends at Elmwood was
indeed a joyful reunion and each one seemed anxious to do their utmost
to contribute to the enjoyment of the other. My mother suspended all
regular employment (for the time being) and gave her undivided attention
to the entertainment of Aunt Lucinda, and she fully appreciated the kind
attentions of my mother and little sister Flora; for, notwithstanding
her seemingly cold and crusty exterior, she had really a kindly heart,
and real affection from others ever met with a hearty response: although
one to whom she it was not well-known would have set her down as a hard,
unfeeling disposition; and I am inclined to think my Aunt Lucinda not
the only one who is regarded by the generality of people as cold and
unfriendly, for the simple reason that they do not take the trouble
of looking beyond their often rough exterior, and discover the kindly
feelings which remain hidden till called forth by the voice of sympathy
and friendship. Although in very moderate circumstances my mother often
assisted those who were less favoured, especially when the sick and
suffering required care and attention. Aunt Lucinda often accompanied
her in these ministrations, and seemed to take pleasure in rendering
her assistance in the chambers of sickness which my mother visited. My
mother seldom visited in a social way but to add to the enjoyment of
her sister she at this time accepted numerous invitations to visit
friends, accompanied by my aunt. Scarcely a day passed that failed
to bring something in the way of recreation and amusement. There were
picnic excursions, drives and walks, in which both old and young