SADIE RECEIVES AN OPPORTUNE INVITATION.
The last weeks of the school year just seemed to melt away until
only one remained, and this was filled full with many duties,
various class meetings, preparations for graduating day, class
receptions, etc.
For some time Katherine had observed that Sadie appeared absent-
minded and depressed; in fact, wholly unlike herself, and twice of
late she had surprised her in violent weeping. But the girl would
give no reason, made light of it as "nervousness," and evaded all
questions.
One day, while looking over their personal belongings and packing
away things no longer needed, preparatory to their flitting,
Katherine abruptly inquired:
"Sadie, where are you going to spend your summer?"
The girl started violently and turned a vivid scarlet.
"I--I don't know, honey. I reckon I may travel some," she said,
after a moment of hesitation.
"With your guardian and his family?"
"N-o; they're going to Europe, but I don't care to go with them."
"But you surely cannot travel by yourself," Katherine observed, in
surprise, while she regarded the averted face opposite her
curiously, an unaccountable feeling of uneasiness taking
possession of her.
"I--I suppose I can't; perhaps I shan't, after all," Sadie
stammered. "I may go to some quiet place and board."
"Even in that case you would need a chaperon," Katherine objected.
"Well, Mr. Farnsworth wants me to go to his sister in Genesee
County. She's a stiff, little old maid who lives by herself, and
he says if I will not go to Europe I must stay with her. But I
might as well be shut up in a convent, and--I won't," and there
was a resonant note of defiance in Miss Minot's voice as she
concluded.
"But what is your objection to the European trip, Sadie? I should
think you would like it; I am sure you could have no better
opportunity than to go with the Farnsworths," argued Katherine,
who was more and more perplexed by her roommate's strange caprice.
"Oh! well, I'm not going, anyway, and that settles the matter!"
sharply retorted the girl from the depths of her trunk, but her
voice was thick with tears.
Katherine suddenly sat erect, a startled expression sweeping over
her face. She dropped the subject, but before an hour had passed a
hastily written, special delivery missive was on its way to Mrs.
Minturn.
The next evening, after supper, she burst into her room, her face
beaming with joy, an open letter in her hand, to find Sadie
drooping over a note she had been writing and nibbling at the stem
of her pen, apparently in the most disconsolate frame of mind.
She hastily drew a blank sheet of paper over the written page to
hide it, a circumstance which did not escape the observing eye of
her chum, and, looking over her shoulder, inquired:
"What is it, Katherine? You look as if you'd had good news."
"I have--at least good news to me, and I hope it will be to you
also," was the cheery reply.
Sadie sat up and looked interested.
"To me! How so?" she said, in surprise.
"Well, I wrote mamma yesterday that you seemed to be in something
of a quandary about your summer, and as I have the privilege of
inviting some one to spend my vacation with me, I asked her if I
might have you--that is, if you would like to come. Would you,
dear?" Katherine pleaded, with an anxiously beating heart. "We
have a cottage at Manchester-by-the-Sea, in Massachusetts, which
we make our headquarters, then take little trips here and there,
as the spirit moves us. Papa cannot be with us all the time, on
account of business, but he comes and goes, bringing some of his
friends now and then; and, Sadie, we do have very nice times. Now
will you be my guest for the summer? I have a special delivery
from mamma, who also wants you."
The girl had remained motionless, almost breathless while
Katherine was speaking, a peculiar look on her face, which grew
red and white by turns. She did not at once reply when she
concluded, but seemed irresolute, almost dazed, in fact, by what
she had heard.
Then, all at once, she started to her feet, threw her arms around
Katherine, bowed her head upon her shoulder and burst into a
passion of tears.
"Oh! how good of you, Katharine! How good of you! It will seem
like heaven to me!" she sobbed, with more feeling than she had
ever manifested before during all the months they had spent
together. "Ah! I have been so lonesome, so homesick, so--so
wretched, and I would love to go if--if you really want me."
"I certainly do, Sadie, or I would not have asked you," Katherine
heartily responded, and now feeling very sure that she had done a
wise thing, for she was convinced that the girl's "wretchedness"
had proceeded from an entirely different cause than a choice
between a European tour and a sojourn with an "old maid in Genesee
County."
"It is perfectly lovely of you, and I can never tell you how much
it means to me!" Sadie replied, with a long breath of relief,
while she wiped the hot tears from her cheeks.
"Well, you need not be 'homesick' any longer," was the cheery
assurance, "for mamma will make you feel that you have your own
place in our dear home nest on the rocks by the sea; and papa is
the jolliest of men. No one need be 'lonesome' when he is around,
and we shall have other friends with us some of the time. Listen
while I read you what mamma says: 'Have your friend come, by all
means, if she thinks she can be happy with us. You can explain
what our plans are, and if they prove attractive we will make her
one with us.'"
"That will be perfectly delightful! It is awfully sweet of you
both," Sadie exclaimed, with sparkling eyes, her spirits quickly
rebounding, as the burden of a few hours previous began to roll
from her heart. "Oh! Katherine, you never can know how happy you
have made me, and I am going to write to my guardian this very
minute."
She turned back to her desk, and presently Katherine heard her
tearing paper into tiny bits, after which she wrote two letters
and then went immediately out to post them.
There were no more tears or doleful looks during the remainder of
the week. A day or two later there came an approving letter and a
generous check from Mr. Farnsworth, and Sadie was once more her
serene and gracious self and looking forward eagerly to the day of
their flitting to the sea.
Katherine, on the other hand, was feeling an unaccountable
reluctance to leaving, even with the expectation of returning in
September, and in spite of her longing for both father and mother.
It was very strange, she told herself, but she certainly was not
elated over the prospect of a long vacation.
Prof. Seabrook was going to Europe for a complete change of scene
and rest. Mrs. Seabrook, Dorothy and nurse were booked for a quiet
spot in the White Mountains, where, it was hoped, pure air and
country life and diet would strengthen the frail girl for what was
in store for her, and where Dr. Stanley would join them, for the
month of August, if he could arrange to leave his patients.
Miss Reynolds was to go to her home in Auburn for July, but, to
Katherine's delight, had accepted an invitation from Mrs. Minturn
to be her guest during the first two weeks of August.
And so, when the morning of their departure came, adieus and good
wishes were exchanged with their many school friends, and the two
girls started upon their journey to the coast of the "good old Bay
State" and lovely Manchester, that beautiful town so boldly
perched on rugged crags and nestling so restfully 'mid sylvan
shadows.
There was a secret sense of disappointment in Katherine's heart
because she had not seen Dr. Stanley during these last days. He
had been unusually busy for a month, and she had not met him since
the afternoon, of their brief interview under the great beech
tree; but when she went to say farewell to Mrs. Seabrook she left
a friendly message and good-by for him.
Dorothy wept when taking leave of her, and Mrs. Seabrook clung
fondly to her.
"I am very loath to let you go," she said, "for there have been
many peaceful hours in this room when you have been with us, and I
shall count the weeks until we are all back again. Somehow, I am
dreading my summer," she concluded, with a weary sigh.
It was six o'clock in the evening when the young travelers reached
Boston, where they were met by Mr. Minturn, an unusually
prepossessing gentleman, who evidently was very fond of "my
girlie," as he called Katherine when he gathered her into his
strong arms. and held close for a moment.
Then he greeted Sadie with a breezy cordiality which, for once,
disabused her of the notion that Northerners were "stiff and cold"
and Southern hospitality at a premium.
They had just time to get their trunks rechecked and catch a
suburban train, and about an hour later, seated behind a pair of
spirited bays, they were rolling over a smooth country road and
ere long drew up beneath the porte cochere of a fine residence
built on a rocky bluff and overlooking a broad expanse of ocean.
"So this is a 'cottage by the sea,' a 'nest on the rocks,'" Miss
Minot mentally observed to herself as her glance roamed over the
roomy mansion, while she was mounting the steps leading to the
wide veranda, where Mrs. Minturn and another lady, both in dinner
costumes, were waiting to welcome them. Katherine flew to her
mother's arms, while Mr. Minturn presented Sadie to Mrs. Evarts;
then, presently, Mrs. Minturn came to her, greeting her so
graciously and lovingly that her heart was won at once, and she
felt that she had been admitted within a charmed circle and a
strangely peaceful atmosphere.
"Now, my dears, I am not going to make you dress to-night," Mrs.
Minturn observed, when the greetings were over. "Ellen"--glancing
at a maid in spotless cap and apron--"will take you upstairs and
help you get rid of some of the dust of travel, then you can come
directly down, for we were only awaiting your arrival before
having dinner served."
The maid took possession of their hand bags and led the way
indoors, up a broad stairway to two adjoining rooms, opening out
upon a balcony which commanded, a fine view of both land and sea.
After submitting to a vigorous brushing, bathing hands and faces
and pinning into place some truant locks, they went below to a
tempting repast, to which the two hungry travelers did ample
justice.
The weeks that followed Sadie Minot never forgot, for they marked
the beginning of a new era in her life. She seemed to be living in
a different world. Every day was begun with a reading from the
Bible and the Christian Science text-book; this was followed by
the singing of a lovely hymn, then came a minute or two of silent
communion, after which the Lord's Prayer was repeated in unison.
Ofttimes Mrs. Minturn and her friend would remain to discuss or go
over again some passage that had awakened a new train of thought,
and frequently Sadie found herself lingering also, an interested
listener.
After a week of rest they began to make trips to various points of
interest, sometimes stopping two or three days in a place, then
returning to Manchester for a little season of quiet, when they
would flit away again in another direction.
It was ideal. There was never any friction or jar in the home or
on the wing; an atmosphere of peace and love brooded everywhere,
while, at the same time, a spirit of good-fellowship and jollity
pervaded the entire household, particularly when Mr. Minturn made
one of their number.
Katherine, who was quietly observant of her friend, was glad to
see that there was no return of the absentminded moods or
depression that had previously overshadowed her; but that she
seemed care-free and happy, giving herself up heartily to the
enjoyment of her vacation.
Only now and then, when a letter addressed in a bold, free hand
came to her, did she seem to cast a backward glance or recall
anything to mar her pleasure.
They had little visits at Newport and Narragansett Pier, a trip to
the Thousand Isles, interspersed with outings at the Essex County
Club at home; golf, tennis and drives, and, now and then, a run to
Boston for sightseeing or shopping.
One morning--the very last of July--Katherine received a letter
bearing a New Hampshire postmark.
"I wonder if it is from Mrs. Seabrook! I have been wishing we
might hear from Dorothy," she observed, as she hastily cut the end
of the envelope and drew forth a closely written sheet. "Yes, it
is," she supplemented, glancing at the name appended, and then
became absorbed in its contents, her face growing grave and
wistful as she read.
"Mamma," she remarked, when she had finished and was refolding the
missive, "Mrs. Seabrook writes that Dorothy is not as well. They
have had to send for Dr. Stanley, and he thinks that the mountain
air does not agree with her; that she would be better near the
sea. She has written to ask if we know of a cottage here that she
could rent for the remainder of the season."
"Why, yes; there is the Hunt cottage. Mrs. Hunt told me yesterday
that they are all going on a trip through the Canadas; but she was
in a quandary about her help. She does not like to let them go,
neither does she feel quite like leaving them to run the house by
themselves. Perhaps she would be glad to rent it," Mrs. Minturn
returned.
'That would be delightful, for then we could have Mrs. Seabrook
for a neighbor, and--oh! mamma--if we only could do something for
that dear child," said Katherine, yearningly.
"We could not interfere there, dear," her mother gravely replied.
"We could do nothing, with Prof. Seabrook so opposed to the
treatment of Christian Science. But I will go and talk with Mrs.
Hunt and see what can be done for your friends."
The result of her call was a cordial assent on the part of the
Hunts to rent the cottage, if the Seabrooks, after learning the
terms, desired to have it.
Katherine wrote by return mail, stating the case to Mrs. Seabrook,
and the second day afterward, while she and Sadie were busy with
some fancy work on the veranda, Dr. Stanley suddenly appeared,
mounting the steps.
Katherine sprang forward to greet him, her face glowing with
pleasure.
"This is a delightful surprise, Dr. Stanley," she said, giving him
a cordial hand. "Come and have a chair. If you have walked from
the station you will be glad to get out of the sun, and I am sure
you need no introduction to Miss Minot."
The physician saluted Sadie with his customary courtesy, then
seated himself in the comfortable rocker tendered him, and gazed,
with an appreciative eye, off upon the blue expanse before him, at
the same time taking in deep breaths of the cool, delicious salt
air.
"This is glorious!" he exclaimed. "Young ladies, I do not wonder
at the roses in your cheeks, in view of these invigorating breezes
wafted straight from the domain of old Neptune."
Sadie, however, did marvel as she observed the unusual color in
the face of her friend. "The invigorating breezes of 'Old
'Neptune' didn't have anything to do with that," she said to
herself.
"We have found it very warm and close up in the mountains," the
gentleman resumed, "and I now regret that I did not send my sister
to the sea at the beginning of the summer."
Katherine inquired for Mrs. Seabrook, who had scarcely referred to
herself in her letter, and expressed her regret that Dorrie had
seemed to lose ground.
"Yes, she has been very poorly, and her mother is simply worn out
with anxiety and watching," said Phillip Stanley, with a clouded
brow. "You perceive I lost no time, after the receipt of your
letter, in coming to conclude the arrangements with Mrs. Hunt."
"You will find her cottage very comfortable and homelike, although
it is not very large," Katherine informed him. "We think it is
just the place for you, because of the well-trained help, which
will greatly relieve dear Mrs. Seabrook. That is the house--the
second one above us on the opposite side of the street."
"The location is certainly fine. It is high, has a good view of
the ocean and spacious grounds. I shall feel that we are very
fortunate to secure it. I wonder if I shall find Mrs. Hunt at
home?" said the gentleman, and apparently eager to conclude the
bargain.
"I think so, and, if agreeable to you, Dr. Stanley, I will go over
with and introduce you to her," returned his young hostess.
"That is very good of you, Miss Minturn," he eagerly responded,
with a look that caused the white lids to droop quickly over the
brown eyes. "I shall certainly avail myself of your kind offer."
"I am sorry that mamma is not at home," Katherine remarked, as she
arose to go in and make ready for the proposed call. "She will be
disappointed to have missed you. She was obliged to go to Boston
this morning, with Miss Reynolds, who arrived last night, and will
not be back until late this evening. Sadie, will you come with us
to Mrs. Hunt's?" she concluded, turning to her friend.
"No, I reckon not," the girl lazily replied. "I am too comfortable
to move, unless the occasion is imperative."
Katherine disappeared, but shortly returned equipped for her call,
and Phillip Stanley's glance rested appreciatively on the lithe,
graceful figure in its dainty robe of pale yellow chambrey, with
its soft garnishings of lace and black velvet. The nut-brown head
was crowned with a pretty shade hat of yellow straw, also trimmed
with black velvet ribbon, and a white parasol, surmounted by a
great, gleaming white satin bow, completed the effective costume,
while the girl's pink cheeks and brilliant eyes told, as she
walked away with her companion, that she was bound upon no
unpleasant errand.
"U-m!" ejaculated Sadie, with a wise nod, as she looked after the
vanishing couple, "you two will make a perfectly stunning pair
and--you have my unqualified blessing."
The arrangements with Mrs. Hunt were soon completed, for Dr.
Stanley was only too eager to secure her charming cottage upon any
terms.
When he spoke of references the lady cut him short by smilingly
remarking that she needed no better vouchers than her friends, the
Minturns. The family would leave the next morning, she said, and
it would be perfectly agreeable, as far as she was concerned, to
have Mrs. Seabrook take possession the following day, and it was
so arranged.
As they left the house Dr. Stanley glanced at his watch, then drew
forth a time-table.
"I have an hour or so before I need to leave for Boston," he
observed, after studying it for a moment.
"Oh! Dr. Stanley, do not say that!" Katherine exclaimed, in a tone
of disappointment. "You surely will come and have lunch with Sadie
and me, then I will order the horses and we will have a nice
drive."
"You tempt me sorely, Miss Minturn," the gentleman smilingly
observed, as he met the appealing brown eyes, "but if I am to
bring my sister and Dorrie here the day after to-morrow, I must
get back to them tonight."
"Yes, I can understand that you wish them to come as soon as
possible," Katherine replied, and at once yielding her point; "and
you all shall have plenty of drives before the summer is over.
But, if you have an hour to spare, perhaps you would like to walk
about a little; I can show you one or two fine views."
"That will be very enjoyable," he eagerly responded, and they bent
their steps towards a point which had become a favorite spot with
Katherine.
They had a pleasant ramble, talking of various matters, but
without once referring to the subject of Christian Science, for
Katherine purposely avoided it for several reasons.
Finally they turned their faces towards the town, when, on
rounding a curve in the road, they saw the figure of a man
sauntering idly along some distance before them, although, at the
time, neither bestowed more than a casual glance upon him.
Presently, however, after again consulting his watch, Dr. Stanley
said time was flying, and he must hasten to catch his train; so,
quickening their steps, they soon overtook the stranger in front
of them.
He shot a curious look at them, as they were passing; then, to
Katharine's amazement, doffed his hat with a courteous "How do you
do, Miss Minturn? Ah! Stanley! a fine day."
Without slackening his pace, the physician turned a pair of
blazing eyes upon the man, as he, in duty bound, lifted his own
hat; and they had passed him before Katherine could do more than
bestow an astonished look upon him.
Her companion turned and searched the puzzled face beside him.
"Miss Minturn, do you know that young man?" he gravely inquired.
She flashed a pair of startled eyes up at him, for his tone had a
peculiar note in it.
"I don't know. There was something familiar about him, and he
seemed to recognize me," she began, doubtfully. "Why!" she went
on, her face clearing, "I remember now. I was introduced to him
last spring; his name is Willard, I believe. Oh! what does he want
down here?" she concluded, with a sudden heartthrob of fear.
"I do not know who may have introduced you," her companion
remarked, "but I feel it my duty to tell you that he is a man
whose acquaintance is very undesirable. It is true he belongs to a
fine family, but he is their thorn in the flesh. He is a drunkard
and a gambler, and his associates are among the most reprobate.
Two or three times I have been called to bring him out of a state
bordering upon delirium tremens. A physician is not supposed to
give away the weaknesses of his patients," he interposed, in a
deprecatory tone, "but under existing circumstances I feel
justified in saying what I have said."
"I had a suspicion that he might not be desirable," Katherine
returned, and feeling deeply disturbed, for she was sure the man
had followed Sadie for no good purpose. "I never met him but once,
and then under rather peculiar circumstances. I thank you for
telling me about him, for, although I may never see him again, it
may prove a warning to some one whom I know who has seen more of
him."
They had almost reached the station by this time, and a warning
whistle told them that the inward-bound train was near at hand.
There was just time for Dr. Stanley to get his ticket, take a
hurried leave of his fair companion, and then board his car,
waving a last adieu.
The girl stood watching the train as it rolled from the station, a
soft radiance in her large brown eyes, a happy smile parting her
red lips; while the physician bore away with him the mental
picture of a dainty little lady in pale yellow, her beautiful face
looking out at him from beneath a most becoming shade hat, one
slender hand holding aloft a white ruffled parasol surmounted by a
gleaming satin bow.