Mrs.Prince was very glad to see him.He found her in the big armchair with the quilted back and the projecting wingsat each side of her head.She was wrapped in a Rising Sunquilt which was a patchwork glory of red and crimson.A young girl,a neighbor,who was apparently acting in the dual capacity of nurse and housekeeper,admitted him to the old lady's presence.
Well,well!she exclaimed delightedly.Then you ain't forgot me altogether.I'm awful glad to see you.You'll excuse me for not gettin'up;my back's got more pains in it than there is bones,a good sight.Dr.Parker says it's nothin'serious,and all I had to do was set still and take his medicine.I told him that either the aches or the medicine made settin'still serious enough,and when your only amusement is listenin'to Emeline Berry--she's the girl that's takin'care of me--when your only fun is listenin'to Emeline drop your best dishes in the kitchen sink,it's pretty nigh tragic.There!there!don't mind an old woman,Mr.Ellery.Set down and let's talk.It's a comfort to be able to say somethin'
besides 'Don't,Emeline!'and 'Be sure you pick up all the pieces!'Mrs.Prince's good spirits were of short duration.Her conversation soon shifted to the loss of her son and she wept,using the corner of the quilt to wipe away her tears.Eddiehad been her idol and,as she said,it was hard to believe what folks kept tellin'her,that it was God's will,and therefore all for the best.
That's so easy to say,she sobbed.Maybe it is best for the Lord,but how about me?I needed him more than they did up there,or I think I did.O Mr.Ellery,I don't mean to be irreverent,but WHY was it all for the best?Questions like this are hard to answer.The young minister tried,but the answers were unsatisfactory,even to him.
And there's Nat Hammond,continued Mrs.Prince.A fine man--no better anywhere,even though his father was a Come-Outer--just goin'to be married and all,now they say he's drowned--why?Why was that necessary?Ellery could not reply.The old lady did not wait for him to do so.The mention of Captain Nat's name reminded her of other things.
Poor Gracie!she said.It's turrible hard on her.I went down to see her two or three times afore I was took with this backache.
She's an awful nice girl.And pretty as a pink,too.Don't you think so?Hey?don't you?Yes.
Yes.I've been kind of expectin'she might get up to see me.
Hannah Poundberry told the Berrys that she said she was comin'.Idon't care about her bein'a Come-Outer.I ain't proud,Mr.
Ellery.And there's Come-Outers and COME-Outers.Proud!Lord 'a'
mercy!what has an old woman,next door to the poorhouse,got to be proud over?Yes,she told Hannah she was comin',and the Berry folks thought it might be to-day.So I've been watchin'for her.
What!you ain't agoin',Mr.Ellery?
I think I must,Mrs.Prince.
Oh,don't!Do stay a spell longer.Gracie might come and I'd like for you to meet her.She needs sympathy and comfort an awful lot,and there's no tellin',you might convert her to bein'a Reg'lar.Oh,yes,you might.You've got the most persuadin'way,everybody says so.And you don't know her very well,do you?Land sakes alive!talk about angels!I snum if she ain't comin'up the road this blessed minute.John Ellery had risen.Now he seized his hat and moved hastily toward the door.Mrs.Prince called to him to remain,but he would not.However,her good-bys delayed him for a minute,and before he reached the yard gate Grace was opening it.They were face to face for the first time since they had parted in the grove,so many months before.
She was thinner and paler,he saw that.And dressed very quietly in black.She looked at him,as he stood before her in the path,and her cheeks flushed and her eyes fell.He stepped aside and raised his hat.
She bowed gravely and murmured a Good afternoon.Then she passed on up the path toward the door.He watched her for an instant and then stepped quickly after her.The black gown and the tired look in her eyes touched him to the heart.He could not let her go without a word.
She turned at the sound of his step behind her.
Er--Miss Van Horne,he stammered,I merely wanted to tell you how deeply I--we all feel for you in your trouble.I--I--I am so sorry.Thank you,she said simply,and after a moment's hesitation.
I mean it sincerely.I--I did not know Captain Hammond very well,but I respected and liked him the first time we met.I shall hope that--that--it is not so serious as they fear.Thank you,she said again.We are all hoping.Yes.I--I--It was dreadfully hard to get words together.Ihave heard so much of the captain from--
From Aunt Keziah?Yes,she was Nat's warmest friend.I know.Er--Mrs.Coffin tells me you are going away.I hope you may hear good news and soon.I shall think of you--of him--Iwant you to understand that I shall.
The door opened and Emeline Berry appeared on the threshold.
Come right in,Grace,she called.Mrs.Prince wants you to.
She's ahollerin'for you to hurry up.
Good-by,said the minister.
Good-by.Thank you again.It was very kind of you to say this.No,no.I mean it.
I know;that was why it was so kind.Good-by.She held out her hand and he took it.He knew that his was trembling,but so,too,was hers.The hands fell apart.Grace entered the house and John Ellery went out at the gate.
That night Keziah,in the sitting room,trying to read,but finding it hard to keep her mind on the book,heard her parson pacing back and forth over the straw-matted floor of his chamber.She looked at the clock;it was nearly twelve.She shut the book and sighed.
Her well-meant words of consolation had been a mistake,after all.
She should not have spoken Grace Van Horne's name.
