This kind decision of manner, so unlike anything she had before seen in
Susan Sliver, quite interested Emma. She did not feel averse to a
further acquaintance, and taking her arm they crossed the rustic
bridge, and were soon at the farm-house. An elderly man, wearing a
Quaker hat, had just entered, and Emma heard him talking to a
good-looking old lady, who, both warm and tired, was vehemently beating
a minute pudding. "Thee looks tired, Sarah; where are the girls?"

"Can't say where Susan is," was the reply. "Margaret is up stairs,
sewing."

"Well, there is a time for everything, and the girls are old enough to
know it; but here comes Susan. Come, Susan, thee ought to be helping
thy mother these hot days; but who is this friend?"

"Mrs. Lindsay's daughter," said Susan.

Emma might have saved her graceful courtesy this time; for the old
gentleman did not return it by taking off his broad-brimmed hat: yet
she felt the sincere politeness of his manner, as, offering his hand,
he said, "I am glad to see thee, child; how is thy mother?"

"Very well, thank you," said Emma, taking a seat upon the cushioned
chair, which Susan brought and placed near the open door.

The old lady was not less cordial in her manner toward their visitor;
but she seemed in a great hurry to get dinner upon the table, for the
men were coming from the field, and the sun had crossed the noon-mark.

Emma was glad to see Susan taking hold to help her mother; and