MARY JANE’S ARRIVAL

It seemed to Mary Jane that some magic must have been at work to change the world during the night she slept on the train.  All the country she knew had hills and valleys and many creeks and woods of pine trees.  But when she waked up in the morning and peeped out of the window of her berth, she saw great wide fields and woods that seemed always far away.  And the occasional creek that the train rumbled over was small and could be seen a long way off, coming across the fields toward the railroad.  And the roads!  How funny they were!  They came straight and white toward the train, each just exactly as smooth and as regular as the one before.

To be sure the country was pretty; yellow buttercups and bright blue flowers bloomed along the track and the fields looked fresh and green in the morning sun.

“I think I’m going to like it anyway, even if the hills are all smoothed out,” said Mary Jane as she looked at it thoughtfully, “and maybe I’d better put on my shoes and stockings.”  She rummaged in the funny little hammock that hung over her window, found the shoes and stockings and put them on, and was just wondering if it was time to dress when she heard Dr. Smith’s voice outside.

“Yes, Sambo, I’m awake,” he was saying, “and you may call the young lady.”

Before Mary Jane had had time to wonder who the “young lady” might be, there was a great shaking of her curtain and the voice of the porter said, “Thirty minutes to Glenville!”

Quick as a flash Mary Jane stuck her head out between the curtains and replied, “That’s where my great grandmother lives and I’m going to see her!”

The porter was vastly surprised ("I guess he thought I was going to sleep all day!” thought Mary Jane scornfully), but before he had a chance to reply anything, Dr. Smith called across, “Good morning, Mary Jane!  How did you sleep?”

“All the night, just like I do at home,” answered Mary Jane, “except one time when they bumped something into my bed—­what was it, do you ’spose?”

“Most like they put on a new engine,” said Dr. Smith.  “Now, how long will it take you to dress, my dear?”

“Just a tinny while,” said Mary Jane, “because I’ve got my shoes and stockings on now.  And when may I wash my face and you put on my hair ribbon?”

Dr. Smith stepped out from his berth and looked at Mary Jane in dismay.

“You may wash your face any time you like, my dear,” he said, “but I can’t tie your hair ribbon.  I don’t know how!”

Mary Jane laughed at the funny face he made and then she smiled in her most motherly fashion.  “Then it’s a good thing I forgot and left it on last night,” she said, “and don’t you worry, I can perk it up and make it look real tidy.”

“You’re a good little traveler,” complimented Dr. Smith.  “I’ll take you along again.  Now let’s see who’s ready first.”