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But the days of road travelling departed, and Viney, who, beneath the Grecian-columned portico of his country-house-looking hotel, modulated the ovations of his cauliflower head to every description of traveller from the lordly occupant of the barouche-and-four, down to the humble sitter in a gig was cut off by one fell swoop from all further traffic.
The next day was passed in a similar manner, still more time being given to the reading, as they were able to begin it earlier: yet the book was not finished; but on the morning of the next day, which was Friday, Lucy proposed that, if the plan was agreeable to Elsie, they should spend an hour or two in a new amusement; which was no other than going into the dominions of Aunt Viney, the cook, and assisting in beating eggs and making cake.
When the old man was buried, he would settle the estate, sell the land, make some provision for Aunt Viney, and then, with what was left, go out into the world and try to make a place for himself and Graciella. For life intrudes its claims even into the presence of death. When the doctor came, a little later, Ben went with him into the death chamber.
But who and what was she? Dick was absent again from chocolate; there was unfinished work to do. Cecily came in later, just as Aunt Viney was beginning to be anxious.
Not only was Clod strong, willing, and possessed of a shrewd knowledge gained by rough experience, but his "ole 'oman," Aunt Viney, a motherly soul of ample proportions, was accounted the best all-round nurse of the neighborhood.
When she returned at luncheon she further astonished the young people by casually informing them they would have Spanish visitors to dinner namely, their neighbors, Donna Maria Amador and the Dona Felipa Peralta. Both faces were turned eagerly towards her; both said almost in the same breath, "But, Aunt Viney! you don't know them! However did you What does it all mean?"
He says if it was Aunt Viney he'd rather the devil would get him right now than tell her, but if you'll come lend him some of my britches he will come in and tell Aunt Amandy about it. He's tooken his off and he has to stay in the corn-crib until I get something for him to put on."
"And to think how you all have wored yourself out a-looking for it!" she further exclaimed. "Oh, me and Sister Viney have had a good time a-going through things; we haven't seen some of them for thirty or forty years. We found the flannel petticoat Ma was a-making for me when she died over forty-five years ago. The needle is a-sticking in it, and I'm a-going to finish it to wear next winter.
I want you to see em bu'n." "No, no!" he said. But the papers were already curling, and in a moment they were in a blaze. "Thaih," she said, "thaih, now, Viney Raymond!" Ben gave a great gasp, then sprang forward and took her in his arms and kicked the packed chest into the corner. And that night singing was heard from Ben's cabin and the sound of the banjo.
"Better take the steamer at the Neck, if you're going to the city," Mrs. Viney suggested. "It'll be cold and damp sailing this morning." "Never!" Margaret protested. Mrs. Viney looked at Margaret pityingly.
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