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A big faded building that used to be "the Hotel" in Orchardina's infant days, standing, awkward and dingy on a site too valuable for a house lot and not yet saleable as a business block, was the working base. A half year with Mrs. Weatherstone gave her $500 in cash, besides the $100 she had saved at Mrs. Porne's; and Mrs. Weatherstone's cheerfully offered backing gave her credit.
By the time the family moved down to Santa Ulrica, there was quite a new spirit in the household. Mrs. Weatherstone fully approved of the Girls' Club Diantha had started at Mrs. Porne's; and it went on merrily in the larger quarters of the great "cottage" on the cliff. "I'm very glad I came to you, Mrs. Weatherstone," said the girl.
Porne's left, whereon stood a neat square shining object with silvery panels and bamboo trimmings. "It's not at all bad looking, is it?" she ventured. "Not bad enough to spoil one's appetite," Mr. Porne cheerily agreed. "Open, Sesame! Now you know the worst." Mrs. Porne opened it, and an inner front was shown, with various small doors and drawers. "Do you know what is in it?" asked the guest.
Those who had not been away chattered eagerly with those who had, and both with the incoming tide of winter visitors. "That girl of Mrs. Porne's has started her housekeeping shop!" "That 'Miss Bell' has got Mrs. Weatherstone fairly infatuated with her crazy schemes." "Do you know that Bell girl has actually taken Union House? Going to make a Girl's Club of it!" "Did you ever hear of such a thing!
Ree admitted, adding hastily, "But one is glad to do it to make home attractive." Mr. Porne's eyes sought his wife's, and love and contentment flashed between them, as she quietly set upon the table three silvery plates. "Not silver, surely!" said Mrs. Ree, lifting hers, "Oh, aluminum." "Aluminum, silver plated," said Mr. Porne. "They've learned how to do it at last.
Here's one, 'Extra meals to regular patrons 25 cents. And no more trouble to order than to tell a maid." Mrs. Ree had a lively sense of paltering with Satan as she sat down to the Porne's dinner table. She had seen the delivery wagon drive to the door, had heard the man deposit something heavy on the back porch, and was now confronted by a butler's tray at Mrs.
Porne's particularly revered minister, and stated that she had heard there was a vacancy in her kitchen and she would like the place. "Introducing Mrs. D. Bell, well known to friends of mine." "I don't know " said Mrs. Porne, reading the card without in the least grasping what it said.
With even two or three hundred ahead and an outfit it would be easier to make good in a store or any other way. Well I have other fish to fry!" So she pursued her way; and, with Mrs. Porne's permission held a sort of girl's club in her spotless kitchen one evening a week during the last three months of her engagement. It was a "Study and Amusement Club."
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