again. I wish you’d set that cap in order, Rose I went to bed in such
a hurry, I pulled the strings off it and left it all in a heap. Phebe,
dear, you shall dust round a mite, just as you used to, for I haven’t
had anyone to do it as I like since you’ve been gone, and it will do
me good to see all my knickknacks straightened out in your tidy
way,” said the elder lady, getting up with a refreshed expression on
her rosy old face.
“Shall I dust in here too?” asked Phebe, glancing toward an inner
room which used to be her care.
“No, dear, I’d rather do that myself. Go in if you like, nothing is
changed. I must go and see to my pudding.” And Aunt Plenty
trotted abruptly away with a quiver of emotion in her voice which
made even her last words pathetic.
Pausing on the threshold as if it was a sacred place, the girls
looked in with eyes soon dimmed by tender tears, for it seemed as
if the gentle occupant was still there. Sunshine shone on the old
geraniums by the window; the cushioned chair stood in its
accustomed place, with the white wrapper hung across it and the
faded slippers lying ready. Books and basket, knitting and
spectacles, were all just as she had left them, and the beautiful
tranquility that always filled the room seemed so natural, both
lookers turned involuntarily toward the bed, where Aunt Peace
used to greet them with a smile. There was no sweet old face upon
the pillow now, yet the tears that wet the blooming cheeks were
not for her who had gone, but for her who was left, because they
saw something which spoke eloquently of the love which outlives
death and makes the humblest things beautiful and sacred.
A well-worn footstool stood beside the bed, and in the high-piled
whiteness of the empty couch there was a little hollow where a
gray head nightly rested while Aunt Plenty said the prayers her
mother taught her seventy years ago.
Without a word, the girls softly shut the door. And while Phebe put
the room in the most exquisite order, Rose retrimmed the plain
white cap, where pink and yellow ribbons never rustled now, both
feeling honored by their tasks and better for their knowledge of the
faithful love and piety which sanctified a good old woman’s life.
“You darling creature, I’m so glad to get you back! I know it’s
shamefully early, but I really couldn’t keep away another minute.
Let me help you I’m dying to see all your splendid things. I saw the
trunks pass and I know you’ve quantities of treasures,” cried
Annabel Bliss all in one breath as she embraced Rose an hour later
and glanced about the room bestrewn with a variety of agreeable
objects.
“How well you are looking! Sit down and I’ll show you my lovely
photographs. Uncle chose all the best for me, and it’s a treat to see
them,” answered Rose, putting a roll on the table and looking
about for more.
“Oh, thanks! I haven’t time now one needs hours to study such
things. Show me your Paris dresses, there’s a dear I’m perfectly
aching to see the last styles,” and Annabel cast a hungry eye
toward certain large boxes delightfully suggestive of French finery.
“I haven’t got any,” said Rose, fondly surveying the fine
photographs as she laid them away.
“Rose Campbell! You don’t mean to say that you didn’t get one
Paris dress at least?” cried Annabel, scandalized at the bare idea of
such neglect.
“Not one for myself. Aunt Clara ordered several, and will be
charmed to show them when her box comes.?
“Such a chance! Right there and plenty of money! How could you
love your uncle after such cruelty?” sighed Annabel, with a face
full of sympathy.
Rose looked puzzled for a minute, then seemed to understand, and
assumed a superior air which became her very well as she said,
good-naturedly opening a box of laces, “Uncle did not forbid my
doing it, and I had money enough, but I chose not to spend it on