"I saw her go in there,and I followed her,"she continued almost in a whisper."She sort of started,but spoke up in her cool way,'I wish to look over father's clothes and see if anything needs attention.'
'Thank you,Mrs.Evringham,but everything is in order,'I said,very respectful.'Well,leave it for me next time,Mrs.Forbes,'she says.
'I shall take care of him while I am here.''Thank you,'says I,'but he wouldn't want your visit interfered with by that kind of work.'She looked at me sort of suspicious and haughty.'I prefer to do it,'she answers,trying to look holes in me with her big eyes.'Then will you ask him,please,'said I very polite,'before I give you the keys,because we've got into habits here.I've taken care of Mr.Evringham's clothes for fifteen years.'She looked kind of set back.'Is it so long?'she asks.'Well,I will see about it.'But I guess the right time for seeing about it never came,"added the housekeeper knowingly.
"You're still doing business at the old stand,eh?"rejoined Zeke.
"Well,I'm glad you like your job.It's my opinion that the governor's harder--""Ahem,ahem!"Mrs.Forbes cleared her throat with desperate loudness and tugged at her son's shirt sleeve with an energy which caused him to wheel.
Coming up the sunny driveway was a tall man with short,scrupulously brushed iron-gray hair,and sweeping mustache.The lines under his eyes were heavy,his glance was cold.His presence was dignified,commanding,repellent.
The housekeeper and coachman both stood at attention,the latter mechanically pulling down his rolled-up sleeves.
"So you're moving out here,Mrs.Forbes,"was the remark with which the newcomer announced himself.
"Yes,Mr.Evringham.The man has been here to put in the electric bell you ordered.I shall be as quick to call as if I was still in the house,sir,and I thank you--'Zekiel and I both do--for consenting to my making it home-like for him.Perhaps you'd come up and see the rooms,sir?""Not just now.Some other time.I hope 'Zekiel is going to prove himself worth all this trouble."The new coachman's countenance seemed frozen into a stolidity which did not alter.
"I'm sure he'll try,"replied his mother,"and Fanshaw's livery fits him to such a turn that it would have been flying in the face of Providence not to try him.Did you give orders to be met at this train,sir?"Mrs.Forbes looked anxiously toward the set face of her heir.
"No--I came out unexpectedly.I have received news that is rather perplexing."The housekeeper had not studied her employer's moods for years without understanding when she could be of use.
"I will come to the house right off,"was her prompt response."It's a pity you didn't know the bell was in,sir.""No,stay where you are.I see Dr.Ballard is here.We might be interrupted.You can go,'Zekiel."The young fellow needed no second invitation,but turned and mounted the stairway that led to the chambers above.
Mr.Evringham took from his pocket a bunch of papers,and selecting a letter handed it to Mrs.Forbes,motioning her to the battered chair,which was still in evidence.He seated himself on the stool Zeke had vacated,while his housekeeper opened and read the following letter:--CHICAGO,April 28,19--.
DEAR FATHER,--The old story of the Prodigal Son has always plenty of originality for the Prodigal.I have returned,and thank Heaven sincerely I do not need to ask you for anything.My blessed girl Julia has supported herself and little Jewel these years while I've been feeding on husks.I don't see now how I was willing to be so revoltingly cruel and cowardly as to leave her in the lurch,but she has made friends and they have stood by her,and now I've been back since September,doing all in my power to make up what Ican to her and Jewel,as we call little Julia.They were treasures to return to such as I deserved to have lost forever;but Julia treats me as if I'd been white to her right all along.I've lately secured a position that I hope to keep.My wife has been dressmaking,and this is something in the dry goods line that Igot through her.The firm want us to go to Europe to do some buying.They will pay the expenses of both;but that leaves Jewel.
I've heard that Lawrence's wife and daughter are living with you.
