Doss, you havent eaten your crusts, said
Mrs.
Now, in the Stirling code, it was very badform to
sneeze in public. Valancy rose and went to the office door. She found herself
smiling inwardlyto think what a commotion she could make if she chose.
Then Valancy timidly said she thought she would go
uptown. Theydiscussed Second Cousin Lilians approaching wedding in all
itsbearings.
Stalling should immediately summon her up front
again.
Barney Snaith looked even more disreputable than
usual just now. She had never so much as had a girl friend. You arechildish enough
in all conscience, my dear child. The young mans arm was around the girls waist
quiteshamelessly.
One winter they kept Valancy housed up from
November to May, in thewarm sitting-room.
Valancy had never had a pink dress orworn flowers
in her hair. It is a cold, slimy serpent coiling aboutyou.
Valancys day of destiny had come and gone. Valancy
went back to her seat carrying her hat like an automaton. She found herself smiling
inwardlyto think what a commotion she could make if she chose. Trents diagnosis she
would betaken to specialists in Toronto and Montreal. Do you want to catch yourdeath
of cold AGAIN? And this morningValancy could not believe she had a Blue
Castle.
Yet she was to have thisdelightful
house.
Trents housekeeper coming down thestairs. This
outlawwas happy, whatever he was or wasnt.
She cleared away the severalbranches and swept up
the leaves.
Valancy Jane was rather terrible,but she liked
Valancy, with its odd, out-land tang.
Olive never had to wear flannel petticoats.
Frederick agreed rather grudgingly that Valancy might go.
What dreadful thing was goingto happen to her?
Redferns Purple Pillswere the standard medicine of the Stirling clan. His son has
been terribly injured in an autoaccident in Montreal. Consequently she was immensely
surprised when Mr. Cousin James says the Purple Pillsare the best, but I know
better.
Because, chuckled Uncle Benjamin, they cant decline
matrimony.
Valancy tried to read a story, but it made her
furious. Frederick,implying that it must be a Stirling tendency.
Rose trees should BLOOM, said Valancy a little
obstinately. Frederick turned without a word and marched back into
thehouse.
The sun had clouded over, anda dismal, drizzling
rain was falling again.