At last she was aroused by the crunching of wheels, and became aware
that Mrs. Whately had arrived. From what she knew of this aunt she
had a good deal of hope from her appeal, for Mrs. Whately had always
seemed a kind-hearted woman. True, she had been over-indulgent to
her son, and, in her blind idolatry of this only child, blind to his
faults, always comforting herself with the belief that he was merely
high-spirited and would settle down when he grew older.
Miss Lou wished to speak to the mother before the son returned, and
in the hope of securing a merciful ally in the lady, went down
immediately to receive her. Mr. Baron was on the back porch calling,
"Chunk, where in the mischief are you?" Where, indeed, with the
start he had gained for the Union lines?
"My dear niece," cried Mrs. Whately, effusively, "how glad I am to
see you, and to take you in my arms on this deeply interesting
occasion!" but the matron was troubled at the girl's red eyes and
pallid face.
"I will show you to your room at once," said Mrs.
Pages:
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112