Happy days pass swiftly. The meeting of the friends at Elmwood was
indeed a joyful reunion and each one seemed anxious to do their utmost
to contribute to the enjoyment of the other. My mother suspended all
regular employment (for the time being) and gave her undivided attention
to the entertainment of Aunt Lucinda, and she fully appreciated the kind
attentions of my mother and little sister Flora; for, notwithstanding
her seemingly cold and crusty exterior, she had really a kindly heart,
and real affection from others ever met with a hearty response: although
one to whom she it was not well-known would have set her down as a hard,
unfeeling disposition; and I am inclined to think my Aunt Lucinda not
the only one who is regarded by the generality of people as cold and
unfriendly, for the simple reason that they do not take the trouble
of looking beyond their often rough exterior, and discover the kindly
feelings which remain hidden till called forth by the voice of sympathy
and friendship. Although in very moderate circumstances my mother often
assisted those who were less favoured, especially when the sick and
suffering required care and attention. Aunt Lucinda often accompanied
her in these ministrations, and seemed to take pleasure in rendering
her assistance in the chambers of sickness which my mother visited. My
mother seldom visited in a social way but to add to the enjoyment of
her sister she at this time accepted numerous invitations to visit
friends, accompanied by my aunt. Scarcely a day passed that failed
to bring something in the way of recreation and amusement. There were
picnic excursions, drives and walks, in which both old and young
participated--even Aunt Lucinda often making one of the company, and
enjoying it too--although she was sometimes heard to wonder, what Deacon
Martin's wife over at Fulton would say if she saw an old woman like her
take such an active part in the pastimes of the young. It would seem that
Deacon Martin's wife felt it her duty to be the first to point out any
delinquency among those in her immediate sphere. Aunt Lucinda fearful the
good Deacon himself would be inclined to think she was evincing a spirit
of too much conformity to the world, by joining so frequently in the
amusements of the young, and gay. "I think" said my mother, "your best
way is to consult your own conscience, instead of the opinion of either
Deacon Martin or his wife; and I am sure your conscience can accuse you
of no wrong in joining the young people in their innocent amusements."
Advised by my mother my aunt purchased a new bonnet of quite modern style
and a shawl to match, both to be worn to a picnic which was to be held
in a beautiful grove near our village. When she brought home her
purchases I laughingly told her if any young lady we might meet on our
homeward journey should enquire their price she could easily satisfy her
curiosity, as the purchase was of such recent date. "I am sure of one
thing," replied my aunt, "if we meet the same young lady we met on our
way here, she won't ask me the price of my bonnet. I don't know after all
but her remark did me good, for it set me thinking how long I have had
this old bonnet, and I believe it was time for me to buy a new one."
The holidays were nearly over and we must soon return to our respective
duties. Charley Gray and I had fully enjoyed the time we passed
together. I fancied that contact with the world had blunted the keen
edge of Charley's nature; for, during all the time we passed together, I
saw nothing of the peculiar disposition which had so often been a source
of trouble, even when we were mere children. I suppose it must have been
that nothing called it forth, for his old enemy still remained in his
heart, but so genial and pleasant was he that I really indulged the hope
when we parted that his nature was undergoing a change.
During my visit at Elmwood I once met with Farmer Judson. Any resentment
I might once have cherished toward him had long since died out, and,
having lost all fear of the crusty farmer, I accosted him pleasantly,
and offered him my hand. The man felt ashamed to refuse taking the hand
so freely offered; but his grasp was certainly not very cordial; and,
with a few words, which, if they had meaning, were uttered in too low
a voice to be intelligible, he passed on his way. As I gazed after his
retreating form I could not fail to mark the change which a year had
wrought in his appearance. His step was far less brisk than formerly,
his hair was fast turning gray, and I fancied that his countenance wore
even a more unhappy and discontented look than usual. I was then too
young to understand what I have since known that his dissatisfied
expression was caused by his having failed to find happiness in the
possession of worldly wealth, and as yet he had not learned to seek
happiness from any other source.
The time soon came when we must bid a reluctant adieu to our friends
at Elmwood. It was decided that I was to spend another year at Fulton.
Charley Gray was to return to his studies for an indefinite time, and
sad enough we all felt when the morning of our separation came. The
steam-cars soon bore us from the pleasant village of Elmwood where we
had spent six happy weeks. Aunt Lucinda allowed that she felt herself
ten years younger than before she left home and declared her intention
of accompanying me on my next visit to my mother.