Chapter XII


"I am sure I don't know what you'll think of us gadding about in the
morning so," began Mrs. Dix, as she caught sight of Lydia.

Mrs. Dix was sitting in the back seat of the carryall with Mrs.
Dodge. The two girls were in front. Lydia noticed mechanically that
both were freshly gowned in white and that Fanny, who was driving,
eyed her with haughty reserve from under the brim of her flower-laden
hat. Ellen Dix had turned her head to gaze after Jim Dodge's
retreating figure; her eyes returned to Lydia with an expression of
sulky reluctance.

"I'm so glad to see you," said Lydia. "Won't you come in?"

"I should like to," said Mrs. Dodge. "Jim has been telling us about
the improvements, all along."

"It certainly does look nice," chimed in Mrs. Dix. "I wouldn't have
believed it possible, in such a little time, too. Just cramp that
wheel a little more, Fanny."

The two older women descended from the carryall and began looking
eagerly around.

"Just see how nice the grass looks," said Mrs. Dodge. "And the
flowers! My! I didn't suppose Jim was that smart at fixing things