CHAPTER VIII

CHANGES

Bent upon carrying out her project of introducing among the Atwoods a more gracious and genial family life, and lured by the fresh coolness of the summer morning, Mildred left her room earlier than usual.  Mrs. Atwood, whose one indulgence was a longer sleep on the day of rest, came down not very long after and began bustling about the kitchen.  Hitherto their meals had been served to the Jocelyns in the sitting-room, the farmer and his family eating as before in the kitchen.  Mildred felt that they had no right to impose this extra labor on Mrs. Atwood, especially on the Sabbath, and she also thought it would do her mother good to be roused from the listless apathy into which she was sinking.  These were her chief motives, but she knew that at no other place could people be taught the refinements of life more effectually than at the table, and it was her plan to bring about the changes she desired, without appearing to be the conscious cause.

“Mrs. Atwood,” she said, “why can we not all take our breakfast together in the sitting-room this morning?  I have noticed that your hired man is absent on Sundays”—­her zeal for reform would not induce her to sit down with Jotham—­“and I can see no reason why you should have the task to-day of preparing two meals.  Of course, if this is not agreeable to you let there be no change, but do not put yourself to the extra trouble on our account.”

“Well, now, miss, you are very kind, and to tell you the truth, I was thinking of this very thing, but we don’t wish to intrude.”

“Intrude, Mrs. Atwood!” exclaimed Mildred, assuming surprise.  “I don’t understand you, and shall now feel hurt if we do not take our meals together to-day.”

“It’s very good of you to think of us, and Susan and me will have a more restful day.”

Mildred gave her one of her rare smiles, which Mrs. Atwood said “lighted up the old kitchen like a ray of sunshine,” and then went to prepare her mother and sister for the change.  Belle was pleased, as she ever was with novelty.

“Millie,” she cried, “you shall sit next to that great animal, Jotham, and if you don’t take care he’ll eat you unawares.”

“Jotham is not here to-day, and I’ll have him fed in the kitchen hereafter.”

“Have you become mistress of the farmhouse?  Has Roger made proposals?  Won’t it be fun to hear Mr. Atwood grumble!  There is nothing I enjoy more than to hear him grumble and old Gruff growl.  They must be chips off the same block.”

Mrs. Jocelyn shrank from seeing and speaking to any one, bat was much too unselfish to impose extra tasks on Mrs. Atwood.

Susan soon came down to assist her mother, and was delighted at the prospect of taking her meals in the sitting-room, feeling that it was a decided social promotion.  Moreover, like all young girls, she longed for companionship, and believed that Mildred would now be more approachable.