me

Alida was not so cold, weary, and almost faint but that she looked
around the old kitchen with the strongest interest. This interest was
as unlike Mrs. Mumpson's curiosity as she was unlike the widow. It is
true the thought of self was prominent, yet hers were not selfish
thoughts. There are some blessed natures in the world that in doing
the best for themselves do the best that is possible for others.

The genial warmth of the fire was grateful to her chilled and enfeebled
frame; the homely kitchen, with its dresser of china ware, its tin
closet and pantry, the doors of which old Jonathan had left open,
manlike, after helping himself "bount'fully," all suggested more
comfort to this pallid bride, sitting there alone, than wealth of
ornament in elegant apartments has brought to many others. She saw her
chief domain, not in its coarse and common aspect, but as her vantage
ground, from which she could minister to the comforts of the one who
had rescued her. Few brides would care to enter the kitchen first, but
she was pleased; she who had scarcely hoped to smile again looked
smilingly around on the quaint, homelike room.

"And this is to be my home!" she murmured. "How strange, unexpected,
yet natural it all is! Just what he led me to expect. The little
lonely farmhouse, where I can be safe from staring eyes and unwounded
by cruel questionings. Yet that old man had a dozen questions on his
tongue. I believe HE took him away to save my feelings. It's strange
that so plain and simple a man in most respects can be so considerate.
Oh, pray God that all goes on as it promises! I couldn't have dreamt
it this morning, but I have an odd, homelike feeling already. Well,
since I AM at home I may as well take off my hat and cloak."

And she did so. Holcroft entered and said heartily, "That's right,
Alida! You are here to stay, you know. You mustn't think it amiss that
I left you a few moments alone for I had to get that talkative old man
off home. He's getting a little childish and would fire questions at
you point-blank."

"But shouldn't you have taken him home in the wagon? I don't mind
being alone."

"Oh, no! He's spry enough to walk twice the distance and often does.
It's light as day outside, and I made it right with him. You can leave
your things upstairs in your room, and I'll carry up your bundles also
if you are rested enough for the journey."

"Oh, yes!" she replied, "I'm feeling better alread