“This is my husband, Mr. Harry Merry. We're just from London. We've been doing the town. What a big noisy place.”
Alice came in and the introduction was repeated.
“Well, Maude,” said Aunt Ella, “we're delighted to see you and your husband, but your arrival was so unexpected that you must pardon my evidences of surprise.”
“They're very excusable,” said Maude. “I can hardly realize, myself, that we are here. You and Alice are wondering what brought us, and you are entitled to an explanation. We just eloped because father would not give his consent.”
The presence of Mr. Merry made the situation an awkward one, but Aunt Ella was a woman with opinions and was not afraid to express them. So she said:
“I suppose your father will disinherit you. I hope that will not mar your future happiness.”
“I don't think it will. Harry has a good position, we've got some money in the bank, and we're going to have a nice little flat in Cambridge or Roxbury. I want to see my little nephew, Quincy's boy, and then we are going right back to London.”
“Come with me,” said Alice, “and see the baby, but Aunt Ella and I will never consent to your leaving us so soon. You must pay us a long visit.”
“I would,” replied Maude, “but for one thing father said to me. We will stay over night, for I have so much to tell both of you.”
“Come to the library,” said Aunt Ella. “I will introduce your husband to Sir Stuart, and then we will go to the nursery where we can talk as long as we wish.”
When they reached the nursery, Maude's first wish was gratified--she held, and hugged and kissed, and praised her brother's boy. Alice's face beamed with delight.
“Now, Maude,” exclaimed Aunt Ella, “why this runaway marriage? Tell us all about it.”
Maude laughed. “It's so funny. I told father I was going to marry Mr. Merry, and he about the same as said I shouldn't. He told me not to meet him again unless in his presence or mother's.”
“That was reasonable. Why did you object?” asked Aunt Ella.
“It wouldn't have done any good. He's opposed to Harry because he isn't rich. Was Nathaniel Adams Sawyer rich when he married your sister, Aunt Ella?”
“I should say not. They began housekeeping in three rooms, but my brother-in-law is a born money-maker.”