Stella M. Francis

“ Those were red letter days for Ethel. She enjoyed the air, the scenery, and the rides; and she enjoyed talking to Harvey, for now that he understood she could talk to him as though he were one of the family—without restriction and without embarrassment.
“What puzzles me,” said Ethel, “is the way our mothers argue. When they plan our marriages it’s only money and position. Love never seems to enter into their heads. ”

“ In her place we have strong, capable, broad-minded women. Seldom do we hear of a woman fainting today, yet look back sixty years and recall the Lydia Languish females with long ringlets and wasp waists, who invariably carried smelling salts. I’m proud to belong to the women of today—healthy, strong, athletic, and brave—women who do and are not ashamed of it. Look at Aunt Susan. There’s a woman who is an example. I hope I may amount to as much as she before I die.”
“Ethel, I fear you are strong-minded,” laughed Harvey. ”

“ Can’t you see how much happier she is today than when you first knew her? Look at Nora. Through you she has changed from an awkward girl into a cultivated and charming woman, engaged to a fine young physician belonging to one of New York’s oldest families. Indirectly you are responsible for it all. Look at little Mary Hastings. Through you she has been, or will be completely cured of her spine trouble. And lastly, look at me, Ethel, you have brought sunshine and happiness into my life. It is not always the big things that go to make happiness. It is the small things as well ”

“ When Kate and Patty met they said not a word, but from the quiet, sincere embrace each knew that the other would try and make her happy.
Congratulations poured in from all sides. Archie and his wife with Aunt Susan, Grandmother and Tom, motored all the way over to Columbus to offer theirs. Ethel was wild with joy.
“Why,” she exclaimed, “everything is getting better! People are doing such sensible things lately, just as they should do. Isn’t it wonderful? But, Tom, I always thought that you cared for Cousin Kate.” ”

“ Then came Tom and Aunt Susan, even looking younger than before.
“Really it’s ridiculous, Aunt Susan,” said Ethel, “for you to keep growing so much younger and more stylish. You’ve got to stop.”
And the bell rang so often that Mrs. Hollister was obliged to hire an extra maid for Christmas week. Everyone was so perfectly happy that it was a joy to enter the house. Harvey was there as often as his hospital practice would admit of, and he was the first to kiss Aunt Susan under the mistletoe; and Aunt Susan, if you please, now appeared in the daintiest of gowns—up-to-date and rather youthful. ”

“ She hasn’t been here,” said Aunt Susan, “since Mother’s funeral, I presume it brought it all back to her. Poor Alice! I ought not to say it, but Archie Hollister was not the man to make her happy. He ran through with nearly all of her money. It slipped through his fingers just like water, and I guess her life with his family was none too peaceful and happy. They had the name of being great fighters. Of course she has her recompense in John and Archibald—that’s something. A woman needs peace. Now take your mother, for instance. Why has she grown young? ”

“ The Camp life has done you some good, and there you were so down on it.”
“Yes, I was, but people change. Look at yourself,” replied she seriously.
“Mrs. Hollister,” said he, “I’ve been here only one week, but I already feel that I’m another man. It’s splendid for both boy and girl. It’s a boon to be able to get away from city people and fashionable resorts. Nan has put up a big fight and, Ethel, she’s coming out to see you next month,” he said.
“Oh, how lovely! Kate, hear this: Nannie Bigelow is coming here to see us next month.” ”

“ But what do you know about Harvey Bigelow? Isn’t he developing into a fine man?”
“He certainly is,” replied Aunt Susan, “and I always liked him. He looked one squarely in the eye, and such a man can be trusted.”
“I don’t know,” answered Ethel, “of late everyone seems to be changing for the better. The whole world appears different to me. It makes me happy to see others happy,” and the girl went out to call her mother and Tom in to tea. ”

“ Why, an education such as her girls receive is of no earthly account unless for music or such accomplishments; but with a degree from Barnard I can earn good money. I am so glad that I am young and that I shall have a chance. You’ll be proud of me, Mamma,—just wait and see,” and she kissed her mother affectionately.
They went down to breakfast. Archibald Hollister listened to his daughter’s plans. He was proud of her and his face showed it.
“You see, Papa,” continued Ethel, “every penny is spent on me. Do you and Mamma ever go to a theatre? No. Do you ever take a drive? ”

“ Ethel never spoke of her proposal, nor did Harvey; but there was a firmer bond between them than formerly.
Patty wrote often. “You never saw two people so in love as Papa and Kate. It is wonderful and remarkably right. I only feel sorry to think that through all of these years they might have been so happy, and I’m sure papa kept single for me. How selfish daughters are, Ethel; and at the same time how little they realize that they are selfish.” ”

“ Grandmother kissed her son and murmured:
“God bless you, Archie. I expect to take on a new lease of life.”
“Do mother,” said the man, “we all need you.”
The trip was pleasant. The scenery was fine and the country looked as though it had been freshly swept and dusted, everything seemed so clean. Grandmother’s eyes glistened with pleasure. They were to stop at Akron first, where they were to leave Grandmother, and after a visit of a week Ethel and her mother were to go on to Columbus and hence to Camp. ”

“ As the girl listened and thought of the old lady’s goodness and how she was visiting her and making over her old gowns, hats, etc., into fashionable ones to ingratiate herself for an object she saw herself as she was—a hypocrite—and she fell on her knees to Aunt Susan confessing everything and begging her forgiveness, whereupon the old lady took her in her arms and told her that she knew everything—that Grandmother and she had made up their minds that Ethel might lose her worldliness under different environments. ”

“ Quickly Nora removed her heavy white sweater that she had just put on, and raising Ethel to a sitting posture she first put in her good arm. Then she fastened the sweater about the girl’s neck.
“There, dear, that will keep you warm, and I’ll not be after leaving you—never fear—not if we stay together all night in these woods. But I must think how we can manage with you and your injuries. Faith it’s raining and you may catch your death.” ”

“ Then Ethel gently put her arm around her mother and told her that only since she had been a Camp Fire girl had she appreciated how hard she had worked for her. “I know, Mamma,” she said, “how you and Papa, and even Grandmamma, have sacrificed for me. I see myself as I have been, (not as I am now) —a selfish, wicked girl, not even appreciating what you have done for me, and I am appalled. I am going to do for you now. I am going to see the roses come back into your cheeks and the wrinkles leave your pretty face. Uncle John is Papa’s senior by ten years but he looks much younger—why? ”

“ Hollister, coming in at that moment followed by Ethel.
“I’ve just told Mother,” said the girl, “that Western people can give points to us. They are natural, kind-hearted, hospitable, and they seldom measure their friendship by the amount of people’s bank accounts. With them it’s character that talks.”
“How did you like my sanitarium, Bella?” asked Aunt Susan.
“I couldn’t half express myself,” replied Mrs. Hollister. “You’re a wonderful woman, Aunt Susan, and the people here have cause to bless you. I’ve never before admitted this to Ethel, but I’m very glad that she came here last summer. ”

“ But they smiled at Mattie in the most friendly way, Nora grasping her by the hand said:
“I hope yere sister will be after walkin’ soon.”
Then came the Wohelo ceremony. Mattie came forward and lighted a branch, throwing it on the ashes, while Patty Sands knelt and lighted it chanting:
“Wohelo means work. We glorify work because through work we are free. We work to win, to conquer, to be masters. We work for the joy of working and because we are free.” ”

“ And if she might go to some fine school, Ma’am, where she could learn how to be a lady and stay at your house I would pay any price.”
At first Mrs. Hollister objected to the money part, but Mr. Casey begged so hard that, realizing what Nora had done for Ethel, she felt she should be willing to do anything to benefit her. So she consented.
“You can put me anywhere,” said Nora, “I will be like one of your family.”
Mrs. Hollister put her arm around the girl.
“My dear,” she said, “the best I have ought not to be good enough for you. ”

“ Casey, of the lives he may save. I think Nora has made a wise choice, and he cared for her for herself—not for her money—for he’s always said that his wife’s money should be settled on herself—that only the husband should pay the bills. And Nora, dear child, has improved so. She’s grown so handsome and has a face full of character.”
“Thot’s so, ma’am. I would that her poor mother—God rest her soul—could but see her.”
“She does,” said Aunt Susan. “I firmly believe that our loved ones see us and are near us constantly. Wait a bit; I have to stop,” and Mr. Casey got out at a market. ”

“ MRS. HOLLISTER’S VISIT TO CAMP When the morning dawned on the day Mrs. Hollister was expected, great were the preparations made for that lady.
“Listen to me, girls; she’s the cleverest woman you ever met,” said Cousin Kate. “She has not been exactly in favor of our organization, so I wish each of you girls to do your best, and Mrs. Hollister can teach you so many useful things.”
“Yes, indeed,” said Ethel. “Cousin Kate is right. There’s very little that Mother can not do.”
Old Mr. Adams came up with a load of delicacies which had been ordered by the thoughtful Uncle John. ”

“ Uncle John took Ethel from Nora and laid her on the Camp bed that had been brought from the tent.
“By Jove!” ejaculated Harvey as he examined Ethel’s ankle and pronounced it a compound fracture, “you’re all right, Miss Casey, first to staunch the blood and bandage her arm, and second to bind her ankle in such a surgeon-like manner, say nothing of carrying her on your back for over a mile and a half and holding her leg so that you saved her pain. I take off my hat to you, Miss Casey. You have the nerve and strength of a man.” ”

“ As the train drew into the depot at Akron, there stood Tom with Aunt Susan, but what a metamorphosis! Tom just escaped being a fashionably dressed swell. He was too manly for that. He wore a blue serge suit, colored negligee shirt with tie to match, a Panama hat, and russet ties. His handsome face was so full of character that Mrs. Hollister whispered to Ethel:
“What a remarkably distinguished looking man he is. ”

“ Why, she almost runs the place on contributions and her allowance, and the little ones are just as happy and comfortable as possible. She has books and toys, and we girls take turns in going in and reading to the elder children, as well as amusing the younger ones. That is a good charity, and Grandmother (Kate noticed that Ethel had begun to call Mrs. Hollister ‘Mother’ and the old lady ‘Grandmother’) goes nearly every pleasant day and takes flowers. She generally spends the afternoon with them, so in a small way Dorothy Kip is emulating Jane Adams. ”

“ Hollister’s joy knew no bounds when Aunt Susan invited Ethel to return with her to Akron. Her scheme was beginning to work. Ethel was a lovely girl. Aunt Susan would grow fond of her and the fortune was assured. Besides, as it would cost a small fortune to take Ethel to a fashionable summer resort, Mrs. Archie could save money for the winter. But, accompanying the invitation, Aunt Susan requested that during July and August, Ethel might join her other grand niece’s “Camp Fires” and live in the woods. “It will be the making of your girl,” she added, “as now she looks thin and peaked.” ”

“ Do let us choose for ourselves.”
“What did your mother say to that?” laughed Ethel.
“I think she boxed Nannie’s ears and then apologized. She loses her self-control sometimes. Poor mother,” and Harvey laughed. “Nannie has some temper, too, and don’t you make any mistake.”
Ethel was beginning to have a real friendly feeling for Harvey. He asked many questions about her cousin Kate.
“She rings true,” he said. “I liked her from the first.”
“She is true,” replied Ethel. “You’ll see her this summer, and I’m sure you’ll like Uncle John and his wife. He’s just a dear.” ”

“ Hollister into his confidence and told her of his early life and of Aunt Susan’s misfortunes. “But bless you,” he continued, “the Lord is good to us. She’ll never need a penny for my income is increasing and my practice is more than I can attend to. I should have a partner but she won’t hear of my taking one. She is too cautious. So I have several young students who study law in my office and help me as well.”
Then he proceeded to extol Ethel.
“Mrs. Hollister,” he said, “she’s a girl of wonderful character and she’ll make a magnificent woman. ”

“ Doubtless they are searching for us even now, but this is a side road far from the main one. They’ll never think to look here, nor could they hear us were we to call. And then those men you spoke of. They may be near. There’s no time to lose. Get on my back and cling for dear life.”
Nora had great sense. She realized that until she had thoroughly frightened Ethel she would not exert herself and forget her pain. Then, too, if what she had told her were true, the men might really be lying in wait to capture the supposed wealthy New York girl. ”