by L. T. Meade
As soon as the big flat stone Eddie found had been cleaned and heatedin the fire, the chops were well seasoned and placed upon it.
The meat smelled and looked so appetizing that the girls stopped theirown preparations to watch it cook.
Bob turned the chops with a would-be fork which he had made from asmall branch, and soon the first supply was ready.
"Isn't Bob clever, to be able to do this?" said Mary Lee as she ateher chop.
"Aren't they delicious?" commented Letty, while Ruth nodded in assent.
The boys were even more enthusiastic and everyone took a secondhelping. It made Bob very happy to have his experiment turn out sosuccessfully. In addition to the chops there were delightfulsandwiches, and Mrs. Quinn had furnished some delicious fruit andfresh cake.
After lunch was over, the girls sat about anxious to have a talk. Bob,Eddie and Tom thought they would like to investigate the source of thebrook and so they were off.
"Aren't you excited about Aunt Madge being married, Mary Lee?" askedLetty.
"Yes," added Ruth, "and I know who are to be the bridesmaids."
If Ruth expected that this information would cause a commotion, shewas not a bit disappointed.
"You do?" queried Letty.
"Can you tell us?" asked Mary Lee.
Ruth pretended she did not hear them, having found something on oneof the trees which interested her.
Letty and Mary Lee laughingly and excitedly surrounded her, urging herto give them the information.
"Won't you tell us?" repeated Mary Lee coaxingly.
"Oh, it isn't a secret," answered Ruth, "and I can tell you."
"Well," said Letty decidedly, "I know that you and Mary Lee will betwo of the bridesmaids."
"There are some things you do know, Letty," said Ruth teasingly. "Thenthere are other things you do not know."
"I know I am not to be one of them," remarked Mary Lee. She meant it,too. There were so many nice girls who would naturally be chosenbefore her. "But I am sure that Letty will be one. I just feel sure ofthat," she added.
"Well, there are some things you also know, but there are many thingsyou do not," answered Ruth trying hard to be evasive.
Mary Lee and Letty sprang up to encircle Ruth and compel her to givethem the news, but the latter was just as quick in escaping them. MaryLee, however, soon caught her and held her so that she could not move.
"Now, will you tell?" asked Letty.
"I was dying to tell all the time," replied Ruth laughingly.
"The bridesmaids will be--" and she paused. "I think I haveforgotten." Mischief was still in her eyes.
Letty pretended to be very threatening, while Mary Lee took a firmerhold.
"Oh, yes," continued Ruth, "now I remember. They are to be Edith--and,of course, you sillies, we are the other three."
The conversation then changed to what they would wear, for to all ofthem the coming occasion was one of the most important of their lives.
"What will you wear?" asked Mary Lee. She was excited over what thetwo friends intended to wear even though she knew that she herselfwould have to wear her party dress which was a simple little whiteorgandie with a pink sash. She was thankful though she had a leghornhat with pink streamers. Her white canvas slippers with lislestockings would have to do.
"What do you girls think of my wearing my pink crepe-de-chine dressand my new pink hat with those pretty rosebuds and foliage encirclingthe crown, and pink slippers and stockings?" asked Letty.
"I know I am not going to be anywhere up to you, Letty. I can onlywear my white dress over pink China silk and a white hat with a verypale pink bow, and white buckskin slippers with white silk stockings,"said Ruth.
"Well, no matter what we may wear," said Letty, "Mary Lee will be theprettiest of us all. Tell us your plans, Mary Lee," she added.
"Mine are very simple, for it isn't hard to decide when you haven'tmany things to pick from," was the unembarrassed answer. "I haven'tmuch else than my white organdie party dress."
After discussing what they would wear at the wedding the girls nexttalked over their plans for school the coming fall.
"The nicest part of it all is that you are to stay with me," saidLetty to Mary Lee.
Just then there was a shout from the boys who were on the other sideof the brook, so the girls hurried forward to meet them.
It was now after five o'clock and time to go home. Bob and Mary Leemanaged to walk along together.
"Well, Bob," asked the girl, "what are you going to do this fall?"
"I'm to go to the academy, father says. He wants me to mingle withother boys. I shall be glad to do so, too."
"You and your father are great friends now, aren't you?" questionedMary Lee.
"We certainly are. Dad's great and he teaches me many things," the boyreplied. "I tell you, it's wonderful to be like other boys and be ableto do what they do. It seems to me I will never cease marveling at it.Do you know, Mary Lee," the boy continued, "both mother and fatherthink just everything of you? Father often says that your comingseemed to bring rays of sunshine into our house which have alwaysstayed."
The girl blushed. "How kind they are to say such delightful things,"she exclaimed. "It is glorious to have such friends," she continuedgratefully.
Letty and Ruth joined them at this moment. The house was now but alittle way down the road. Both Bob and Mary Lee were glad to have hadthis talk, short though it was.
CHAPTER VII
VISITING THE SANITARIUM
Aunt Madge and Dr. Anderson were to come out two days later. There wasso much to do in these two days, however, that the time flew quickly.Mary Lee did not neglect her duties but with the help of her friendsshe was able to get through early so that most of the day was free.The first picnic lunch had been so successful that they hadunanimously planned for another. There were, however, so many otherthings to do that it was put off for the arrival of the newcomers.
Dr. Anderson brought his car and almost in the first moment of hisarrival had made plans for a long ride, but Mary Lee reminded him ofher plan to visit the Sanitarium.
"Well, Mary Lee," he agreed good humoredly. "Of course, it will betalking shop for me to take you youngsters through, but if that iswhat you wish, I will gladly do so."
"Suppose we take our ride later," suggested Bob, who felt more atliberty to suggest than the others because Aunt Madge was his aunt andDr. Anderson would soon be his uncle. "We could stay out late and youcould return to town in the morning."
Aunt Madge laughed. "It's not so easily planned as all that, but eventhen I think we can manage."
Dr. Anderson telephoned the hospital as soon as they reached thehouse. He obtained permission almost at once to go through with hisparty. His business with Mr. Quinn was transacted in half an hour andso it was still quite early in the morning when they reached thehospital. It was a large institution which made a specialty of certainkinds of cases, but it also had an emergency ward.
The doctor explained so thoroughly, yet so simply, to his listeners asthey went through the operating rooms, etc., that they could not helphaving a good conception of the necessary treatment of the sick.
In the midst of an explanation he saw Mary Lee's attention centered ona nurse who was taking the temperature of a patient.
"Yes, Mary Lee, that is what you will be doing some day. You have madea splendid choice of profession. It will take many years--there ismuch you must learn. I know," he continued, jestingly, "folks will beglad to get sick just so that they can have Dr. Anderson treat themand Nurse Mary Lee take care of them."
"It isn't going to take as many years as you think," loyally repliedBob, taking up the cudgels, "for Mary Lee has already begun." And hetold Aunt Madge and the doctor of Tom Marshall. To Bob, because he wasa boy, the part that had to do with the silver mine in Mexico wasimportant and so he dwelt upon it.
"Tom Marshall told Mary Lee that he has a partner who is an Indian andwho is a whiter and squarer man than many white men," concl
uded theboy.
For one moment, Dr. Anderson wondered at this last remark the boy hadmade.
"An Indian for a partner, eh?" he remarked. Then he laughed at thefoolishness of his thought. Of course, there could be no connectionbetween Jim Lee, the Indian who had been a servant to Mary Lee'smother out West, and this Indian Bob had spoken about.
"You didn't say what the Indian's name was, did you?" he asked.
Mary Lee answered, "No, I never thought to ask."
"Well, let's be on," Dr. Anderson said, casting away all thoughts andconjectures as to the possibilities along this line. "That was a goodhome remedy you applied to the man, Mary Lee," he continued, changingthe subject by referring to the mustard the girl had applied for thesunstroke.
It was long past the time for lunch when they left the hospital.Probably Mary Lee learned more than any one of the others from thisvisit, for everything had been of such vital interest to her. Sheremembered much of what the doctor had told them.
Immediately after the late lunch which Mrs. Quinn had prepared forthem they started out. The girls noticed with astonishment that AuntMadge was driving the auto.
"Oh, yes," she replied in answer to their exclamations, "Dr. Andersontaught me. I find it easy to drive here in comparison with the city.It isn't hard," she added with all the certainty of one who hasalready learned.
"Tell you what, Madge, dear, I'll teach one or two of theseyoungsters. Shall I?"
"What a fine idea," Aunt Madge replied, giving up her seat.
Neither Letty nor Ruth would attempt it, however. Bob already knew,but Mary Lee welcomed the opportunity of learning.
Dr. Anderson found her an apt pupil and after the first hour he lether drive the car alone, taking the precaution, of course, of keepinghis foot on the emergency clutch. At the end of another half hour, thedoctor replaced her and put on extra speed.
The car whizzed along now. At four o'clock he found a suitable placeand stopped. The whole party got out and made themselves comfortable.
Aunt Madge broke the news of the girls' appointment as bridesmaids.
"Too bad, Bob, you are not quite old enough, or I would make you mybest man," said the doctor.
"At any rate, I'll be there," the boy replied. But the girls were notlistening. They were eagerly discussing their plans with Aunt Madge.The doctor and Bob looked at them with much amusement and then walkeddown past the car and on.
It was soon time to return, however. Long after seven the partyreached the house. Neither Aunt Madge nor Dr. Anderson could stay overand they began their long trip home.
The girls and Bob were a tired, happy lot and retired almost at once.
CHAPTER VIII
PREPARATIONS FOR THE WEDDING
At last September came. Mary Lee reached the city ready for school andher duties as bridesmaid. She had left the Quinn home with mixedfeeling; sadness at parting from such good friends and joy at thethought of entering new experiences; it was exhilarating to come to aturning point in life.
For the Quinns, however, Mary Lee's departure had brought only sorrow.They tried hard to be unselfish, to be glad for her sake. But theyfelt intuitively that she had gone for good, that she would neverreturn, and their attempt to appear glad, if the truth must be told,was a sorry failure.
Mrs. Cameron had taken it for granted that when Mary Lee came to thecity, she would make her home with them, and Ruth had hopes of havingher stay at her house. Letty, however, had insistently claimed thatMary Lee should stay with her. In fact, Mary Lee had been Letty'sguest the very first night. Considerable debate came up the second dayover this question, when Mary Lee and Letty had called for Ruth andthe three had made a call on Mrs. Cameron. Dr. Anderson had been aluncheon guest and was still there when the girls arrived as, ofcourse, was Aunt Madge.
The argument as to where Mary Lee should stay became quite heatedalthough it was carried on with good nature. Each one was insistentabout carrying her point. The prospective guest, and Aunt Madge aswell as the doctor had found the discussion amusing and the latter, inparticular, man like, poked fun at all of them.
"Well, Mary Lee," he remarked, "no one would class you as anundesirable. Nor could you be considered in the light of a poorrelation."
"From the way you folks talk," added Aunt Madge, "one would neverinfer that the victim had any rights in the matter nor that theremight be a possibility that she would have a preference as to whereshe would like to stay."
Nothing could have flustered Mary Lee more than this. She showed suchdistress and embarrassment at any likelihood of having to decide theargument, that Aunt Madge took instant pity upon her. She regrettedher interference and came quickly to the relief of the girl.
"No," she interposed. "On second thought, we shouldn't let her decide.I'm certain that it would be pleasant for Mary Lee at any of yourhomes."
"Yes," said Dr. Anderson, "we must keep her out of this importantdiscussion, slave that she is," he added with mock ferocity.
Everyone laughed but Letty. She was so anxious to have the questiondecided in her favor that she did not even hear what Dr. Anderson hadjust said. She had listened with some dismay and misgiving to thefirst suggestion that Mary Lee be allowed to choose her own home. Thenew Letty dared not hope that she would be chosen in preference toRuth and Mrs. Cameron.
"I know what we will do," Dr. Anderson said. "We two, I mean," and henodded his head toward Aunt Madge to avoid calling her name. One ofthe delightful things about him was that he could not overcome thehabit, try as he would, of blushing when mentioning his fiancee byname. Worst of all, their friends were acquainted with thischaracteristic. He was annoyed with himself for not being able toovercome it, and, wisely so he thought he had decided to avoid theamused watchfulness of these friends by failing to mention her byname. This time, he was fairly caught.
"Which two do you mean?" Mary Lee asked innocently even as Aunt Madge,Mrs. Cameron and the girls watched him with laughing eyes. "Whichtwo?" the girl repeated.
Dr. Anderson scowled.
"Why, Madge and myself," he replied and then could feel himselfturning brick red even though he made every effort to appearunconcerned. And while they all laughed, he continued as if he did nothear them:
"Madge and I will be the judges as to where Mary Lee is to stay. Youare all to prove prior rights as they do in all claims upon valuableproperty."
Neither Mrs. Cameron nor Ruth, however, could bring forth any suchproof except that the former had never considered that there could beany question about it. As for Ruth, she had just hoped that Mary Leewould naturally want to stay with her.
"Well, then," triumphantly declared Letty, "Mary Lee was invited by melong, long ago, when she first moved out to the farm. Weren't you,Mary Lee?" she asked as she pointed an excited finger straight at thegirl. She was so much in earnest that it raised another laugh.
"I was," answered Mary Lee, and in her heart there was a great warmthand affection for all these dear friends who were so earnest in theirdesire to have her stay with them and in particular for thiswarm-hearted, impetuous Letty.
"The jury will now retire," said Dr. Anderson.
Aunt Madge and he went into a far corner and were in earnestdiscussion for several minutes. Finally they returned.
"We, the jury, decided that Mary Lee is to stay with Letty. But--" andthe doctor paused impressively--"she is to make long visits to theother claimants at reasonable times, and in view of the valuableservices of the jury she is to make equally long visits to the juryafter a certain very happy event takes place."
There was more laughter and general satisfaction on the part of all.
Before the girls left Mrs. Cameron called Mary Lee aside for a moment.
"My dear," she said, "I have ordered a party gown for you to wear atthe wedding. Can't you stay here until tomorrow and try it on?"
Mary Lee was greatly distressed. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Mrs. Cameron, butI can't accept your wonderful gift. You are so kind and it is so verytempting." She paused.
Mrs. Cameron thought for a moment. It was a little hard to overcomeher disappointment. She had set her heart upon this gift.
"You know," continued Mary Lee, and there were tears in her eyes atthe disappointment she was causing, "I appreciate your kindness somuch. But I do hope you can see my side of it," she concluded.
"You shall have your way, my dear," answered Mrs. Cameron bravely andwholeheartedly, as she took the girl in her arms and gave her a good,motherly hug.
CHAPTER IX
DR. PAYSON EMPLOYS MARY LEE
The week of the wedding arrived. It proved a feverish time for themall. The days flew swiftly. The two preceding weeks had been a madrush, so they all thought, and they now decided that these last daysfittingly capped the climax. For the girls, this last week brought theimportant--but up to now, neglected--event of school opening stronglyto their attention. It was to take place three days after the wedding.There was need to plan and prepare for that as well.
It was Mary Lee who found time to be of help to everyone. Theexcitement left her untouched. There were things she also had to planand do, yet she proved a blessing to the harrassed and distractedbride who preferred her help to that of anyone else. The girl also wasable to help Mrs. Cameron whose responsibilities as matron andhostess were great. Ruth, too, usually independent, welcomed her help.As for Letty, full of the excitement of these days, it required all ofMary Lee's strength of mind to counteract the desire of the former tostay up night after night to discuss the coming events. Mary Lee wasthe necessary balance for such a nature as Letty's.