At supper, as Dr. Rich meditatively shook a few drops of canned milk
into his tea, he remarked, “We have seen a great sight this day. A
hunter has become a farmer, and is less likely to starve.”
“Hasn’t there been a good deal of starvation in your day?”
“Yes, I have seen Persia lose a quarter of her population in one year. I
have seen China lose eight millions in two years. I have seen Samara
starved into cannibalism.”
Jean did not pursue the subject It was the subject she had thought about
most and discussed with her father the least.
“Nevertheless,” went on her father with unwonted vivacity, “much may
still be done, for the age of farm colonies is just beginning. Japan
understands this, and will find a way to feed her colonists, even if she
has to fight America to do it. We ourselves should instantly care for a
million farmers among our soldiers by reclaiming land.”
“Daddy, it’s a pity that I am the only one to hear you say such things.”
The doctor smiled and changed the subject. “We went off in such a hurry
that I failed to open the rest of the mail. Suppose you do it.”
Jean went to the library and returned with two letters, both bearing
Connecticut postmarks. She opened one, and a check fell out. It was for
three hundred dollars and bore the marginal words “Traveling expenses.”
She read the letter aloud and clapped her hands.
“You will, won’t you?”
He shook his head.
“Now, daddy, be a good child.”
“My darling, this rustic dress, these long-established habits—”
“Yes, dearest, I know all about it. And I know all about that old brain
of yours. Take it down to New Haven and save the soldiers. And on the
train you shan’t carry one bit of lunch. You’ll just go into the dining
car and order rare roast beef.”
“One portion used to be enough for two.”
“Fiddlesticks! I’ll be right here to welcome you back. And when you do
get back you’ll be able to buy a new Sempronia.”
“That’s the only reason why I would consider it for a moment.”
“My son, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Fancy going a thousand
miles and lecturing for a cow!”
“Well, child, I may prove weak enough to try it. But I won’t stir a step
without you to take care of me. Read the other one.”
“It is from a place called Eglantine.”
“Is Susan dead?”
“There’s nothing in it about anybody named Susan. It is signed by some
woman named Kate.”
“Then the place has gone out of the family. Susan Endicott is the person
who gave your mother her blue-edged china.”
Jean was listening with one ear, but her eyes were snapping.
“After you have given two lectures at New Haven, you are going to a town
called Wickford and talk to girls about Roman ladies! Goodness gracious
peter me, and all I have that’s fit to wear is a blouse.”
“My child, there is no reason why you should not have a new dress. You
have two double-eagles that came from Susan Endicott. You inherited one
from your brother and one was sent to you as you lay in your cradle.
Susan may be dead. But if she isn’t, and if you will call on her in
Wickford, I’ll take you east.”
“Of course I’ll call on her. What is her married name?”
“Susan Endicott Hogg, a widow.”