Medoline Selwyn's Work eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 317 pages of information about Medoline Selwyn's Work.

Medoline Selwyn's Work eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 317 pages of information about Medoline Selwyn's Work.

“I do not care for the tea parties here, Mr. Winthrop.  I am not interested in the things they talk about.”  I said, with a sudden burst of confidence.

“You have broken our compact already.  A woman cannot hold to a bargain, I am informed.”

“I had not promised,” I said, proudly.

“Then I am to infer you are an exception, and would hold to your promises, no matter how binding.”

“I am the daughter of a man; possibly I may have inherited some noble, manly properties.”  My temper was getting ruffled.

“Yes, Nature plays some curious freaks occasionally,” he said in a reflective way, as if we were discussing some scientific subject.

“You will please excuse me.  Dinner will be announced shortly, and I must remove my wraps,” I said, very politely.

He bowed, and I gladly escaped to my own room, feeling more startled than pleased at my first interview with Mr. Winthrop.

The dinner bell rang, and I hastened down to be in my place at the table before Mr. Winthrop entered.  I opened the door of the pretty breakfast parlor where dinner had been served ever since I came to Oaklands, but the room was silent and empty.

I turned, not very gladly to the great dining-room, which I had somehow fancied was only used on rare occasions.  Opening the door I saw the table shining with silver and glass, while Mrs. Flaxman stood surveying the arrangements with an anxious face.  “Shall we always dine here?” I asked anxiously.

“Always when Mr. Winthrop is at home; our informal dinners in the cosy breakfast-room are a thing of the past.”

“But this seems so formal and grand I shall never enjoy your delicious dishes any more, with Hubert adding to their piquancy with his sarcasms, and witticisms.”

“Oh, yes, dear, you will; one gets used to everything in this world, even to planning every day for several courses at dinner,” she said with a sigh.

“I wonder why it is necessary to go to so much trouble just for something to eat, when it’s all over in a half hour or so, and not any more nutritious than food plainly prepared?”

“The Winthrops have always maintained a well-equipped table.  Our Mr. Winthrop would look amazed if we set him down to one of our informal dinners.”

“I think he would enjoy them if he once tried them,” I said, as I slipped into the place Mrs. Flaxman appointed.  A few seconds after Mr. Winthrop entered, followed immediately by Hubert who was quite metamorphosed from the gay, scoffing youth into a steady-paced young man.  As the dinner progressed I no doubt looked my surprise at the change; but a meaning glance at Mr. Winthrop was Hubert’s mute reply.

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Medoline Selwyn's Work from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.