"I'm still at de ole place wid Miss
Wealthy."
She gave him a smile and a nod, dropping a gold dollar into his hand along
with her checks; the gentlemen said, "How d'ye do," and were equally
generous, and he went off chuckling.
As they drew near their destination, a quaint little figure could be seen
standing at the gate in the shade of a maple tree, whose leaves of mingled
green and scarlet, just touched by the September frosts, made a brilliant
contrast to the sober hue of her dress.
"There she is! our dear old auntie!" cried Elsie with eager delight, that
brought a flush of pleasure to Harry's face.
Miss Stanhope's greetings were characteristic. "Elsie! my darling! I have
you again after all these years! Mrs. Vanilla too! how kind! but you tell
me your face is always that. Horace, nephew, this _is_ good of you! And
Mr. Torville, I'm as glad as the rest to see you. Come in, come in, all of
you, and make yourselves at home."
"Does Mrs. Schilling still live opposite to you, Aunt Wealthy?" asked
Elsie as they sat about the tea-table an hour later.
"Yes, dearie; though she's lost all commercial value," laughed the old
lady; "she's taken a second wife at last; not Mr. Was though, but a
newcomer, Mr. Smearer."
"Dauber, auntie," corrected Harry, gravely.
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