Elsie's Widowhood Part 37

"Which?" he asked with serious air.

"That large, easy one, which each of us is politely leaving for somebody else."

Donald promptly took possession. "Is the meeting ready for business?" he asked.

"Ready!" responded Charles and Edward.

"Somebody make a motion, then."

"I move that Miss Mary Keith be elected housekeeper extraordinary and cook plenipotentiary," said Ella.

"I second the motion," said Edward.

"You have all heard the motion, and to save useless repet.i.tion I put it to vote. All in favor--"

A simultaneous "Aye!" from all present, Mary excepted.

"Who are to be my a.s.sistants?" she asked.

"All of us, I suppose," said Charles. "No, not Amy: she's the invalid, and must be taken care of by the heartiest and strongest, which is probably your humble servant, ladies and gentlemen."

"Doubtful that!" said Edward, with a downward glance at his own stout limbs.

"I think we should all help in that and with the housework," remarked Vi modestly. "Cousin Mary, I can make beds, sweep and dust very nicely, mamma says. It was her wish that I should learn, and I did."

"So can I," said Ella, "and we'll undertake that part of the work together, if you like, Miss--"

"Call me Violet or Vi."

"Yes," said Charlie. "I move that everybody be called by the Christian name--or some abbreviation thereof--as a saving of trouble, and showing a friendly disposition toward each other."

"Agreed," said Donald, "but let it be understood that there's no objection to the prefix of cousin."

"At what hours shall we take our meals?" asked Mary.

"Make a motion," said Donald.

"Breakfast at eight, dinner at one, tea at six; will these hours suit all? If not, let us have objections."

"Speak now, or forever hold your peace," said Charlie. "They suit me well enough if the rule be not too rigidly enforced, so as to interfere with pleasuring."

"I didn't mean they should do that," said Mary; "they are only to be a general guide."

"And if anybody happens to indulge in an extra morning nap, what's to be the penalty?"

"A cold and lonely breakfast, I suppose. Perhaps to wash his own dishes besides."

"All in favor of the hours named for meals please signify it by saying aye," said Donald.

"Aye!" from every tongue.

"Anything else, Miss Keith?" he asked.

"Just one thing more," she answered, speaking with a sudden seriousness, and in a low, almost tremulous tone that sobered them all instantly.

She went on with an effort. "We all profess to be Christians: shall we live together, even for the short s.p.a.ce of two or three weeks, like heathen or mere worldings?"

A moment's silence, then Donald said with quiet gravity, "Surely not, Mary."

"We will not partake of the food G.o.d provides for our nourishment and enjoyment without asking his blessing upon it, or begin or end the day without prayer and praise, will we?" she asked.

"Oh no!" came softly from the lips of Amy and Violet, and was echoed by the other voices.

"Then which of you, my three cousins, Don, Edward, and Charlie, will take the lead in these acts of worship?"

A longer silence than before; then Vi turned a wistful, pleading look upon her brother.

There was no mistaking its meaning; and his mother's parting words were ringing in his ears.

"If no one else is willing," he said, "I will do it."

"Thank you, Edward," said Charlie, rising and grasping his hand; "but it would be too selfish to leave you to do it alone; so I will take my turn."

"I too," said Donald. "It should never be said of a soldier that he refused to stand by his colors."

"Or of a follower of Christ that he was shamed of his Master's service,"

added Edward.

So it was arranged that they should take turns, day about, according to their age.

"Five o'clock--just an hour to tea-time," Charlie said, consulting his watch: "what shall we do with it? Amy, do you feel equal to a stroll on the beach, with the support of my arm?"

"Thank you, it would be very nice, but I am tired enough to think it still nicer just to lie here and look at the sea," she said. "I shall not mind being left alone, though; so, please, all the rest of you go.

And to-morrow I shall be able to join you, I hope."

"Ah no, we won't leave you here all alone," said several voices.

"No," said Mary, "for I am going to stay with her. I am weary enough just now to prefer resting in this easy chair to a ramble on the beach or anywhere else; and beside, I want a chat with Amy."

"Secrets to tell, eh?" said Charlie, picking up his hat. "Good-bye, then. Don't forget to speak well of the absent."

"Oh I am so glad to be alone with you for a little while, Mary," Amy said, when the others had all gone. "I want to thank you for your kindness in asking me to come here; such a blessed relief as it was!

for it seemed to me the very monotony of my life was killing me."

"The thanks hardly belong to me," Mary said, between a smile and a tear, as she leaned over Amy, gently smoothing back the hair from her forehead. "I think they should be given first to our heavenly Father, and second to Mr. Marston."

"Yes, and third to you, Mary. I used to wonder over that text in Isaiah--'He that believeth shall not make haste.' I didn't know what it meant, but I believe I do now."

"Well, dear, what is your explanation?"