"It would,Miss Thorne.I think we'd better not tell anybody until its all safely over,and then we can have a little card printed to go with the announcement,saying that if anybody is inclined to give us a present,we'd rather have the money.""You're a very practical person,Carl.One would think you had been married several times.""We'll be married as often as you like,dear.Judging by your respected aunt,one ceremony isn't 'rightfully bindin',and Iwant it done often enough to be sure that you can't get away from me."As they entered the gate,Uncle James approached stealthily by a roundabout way and beckoned to them."Excuse me,"he began,as they came within speaking distance,"but has Mis'Ball give you furniture?""Yes,"replied Ruth,in astonishment,"why?"
"There's clouds to starboard and she's repentin'.She's been admirin'of it the hull mornin'in the attic.I was sot in the kitchen with pertaters,"he explained,"but the work is wearin'and a feller needs fresh air."
"Thank you for the tip,Uncle,"said Winfield,heartily.
The old man glowed with gratification."We men understand each other,"was plainly written on his expressive face,as he went noiselessly back to the kitchen.
"You'd better go home,dear,"suggested Ruth.
"Delicate hint,"replied Winfield."It would take a social strategist to perceive your hidden meaning.Still,my finer sensibilities respond instantly to your touch,and I will go.Iflatter myself that I've never had to be put out yet,when I've been calling on a girl.Some subtle suggestion like yours has always been sufficient.""Don't be cross,dear--let's see how soon you can get to the bottom of the hill.You can come back at four o'clock."He laughed and turned back to wave his hand at her.She wafted a kiss from the tips of her fingers,which seemed momentarily to impede his progress,but she motioned him away and ran into the house.
Aunt Jane was nowhere to be seen,so she went on into the kitchen to help Uncle James with the potatoes.He had peeled almost a peck and the thick parings lay in a heap on the floor."My goodness'"she exclaimed."You'd better throw those out,Uncle,and I'll put the potatoes on to boil."He hastened out,with his arms full of peelings."You're a real kind woman,Niece Ruth,"he said gratefully,when he came in.
"You don't favour your aunt none--I think you're more like me."Mrs.Ball entered the kitchen with a cloud upon her brow,and in one of those rare flashes of insight which are vouchsafed to plodding mortals,a plan of action presented itself to Ruth.
"Aunty,"she said,before Mrs.Ball had time to speak,"you know I'm going back to the city to-morrow,and I'd like to send you and Uncle James a wedding present--you've been so good to me.What shall it be?"
"Well,now,I don't know,"she answered,visibly softening,"but I'll think it over,and let you know.""What would you like,Uncle James?"
"You needn't trouble him about it,"explained his wife."He'll like whatever I do,won't you,James?""Yes'm,just as you say."
After dinner,when Ruth broached the suliject of furniture,she was gratified to find that Aunt Jane had no serious objections.
"I kinder hate to part with it,Ruth,"she said,"but in a way,as you may say,it's yours.""'Tisn't like giving it away,Aunty--it's all in the family,and,as you say,you're not using it.""That's so,and then James and me are likely to come and make you a long visit,so I'll get the good of it,too."Ruth was momentarily stunned,but rallied enough to express great pleasure at the prospect.As Aunt Jane began to clear up the dishes,Mr.Ball looked at his niece,with a certain quiet joy,and then,unmistakably,winked.
"When you decide about the wedding present,Aunty,let me know,won't you?"she asked,as Mrs.Ball came in after the rest of the dishes."Mr.Winfield would like to send you a remembrance also."Then Ruth added,to her conscience,"I know he would.""He seems like a pleasant-spoken feller,"remarked Aunt Jane.
"You can ask him to supper to-night,if you like.""Thank you,Aunty,but we're going to Miss Ainslie's.""Huh!"snorted Mrs.Ball."Mary Ainslie ain't got no sperrit!"With this enigmatical statement,she sailed majestically out of the room.
During the afternoon,Ruth finished her packing,leaving out a white shirt-waist to wear to Miss Ainslie's.When she went down to the parlour to wait for Winfield,Aunt Jane appeared,with her husband in her wake.
"Ruth,"she announced,"me and James have decided on a weddin'present.I would like a fine linen table-cloth and a dozen napkins.""All right,Aunty."
"And if Mr.Winfield is disposed to it,he can give me a lemonade set--one of them what has different coloured tumblers belongin'to it."
"He'll be pleased to send it,Aunty;I know he will.""I'm a-layin'out to take part of them two hundred dollars what's sewed up in James's belt,and buy me a new black silk,"she went on."I've got some real lace to trim it with,whet dames give me in the early years of our engagement.Don't you think a black silk is allers nice,Ruth?""Yes,it is,Aunty;and just now,it's very stylish.""You appear to know about such things.I guess I'll let you get it for me in the city when you buy the weddin'present.I'll give you the money,and you can get the linin's too,while you're about it.""I'll send you some samples,Aunty,and then you can take your choice.""And--"began Mrs.Ball.
"Did you know Mrs.Pendleton was going away,Aunty?"asked Ruth,hastily.
"Do tell!Elmiry Peavey goin'travellin'?"
"Yes,she's going somewhere for a visit--I don't know just where.""I had laid out to take James and call on Elmiry,"she said,stroking herapron thoughtfully,while a shadow crossed Mr.Ball's expressive face;"but I guess I'll wait now till I get my new black silk.I want her to know I've done well."A warning hiss from the kitchen and the odour of burning sugar impelled Aunt Jane to a hasty exit just as Winfield came.Uncle James followed them to the door.
