Jeb was dressed regardless of all censorship. A great flaming peony in
his coat-lapel reflected its scarlet on his ruddy face. His tie was a
riot of colors and detracted somewhat from his purple socks and tan
shoes. He wore a figured near-silk vest won at an Oak Creek raffle, and
large checked trousers said to be the latest fashion some years back,
when he squandered his money on them. With his face scoured until it
shone, and his hair greased so that it was plastered down neatly, Jeb
felt he could woo and win the prettiest gal in the country-side. He
forgot there was a "female widow" about.
The Brewster party reached the school-house later than was their wont,
and the cloak-room was well-filled with ranchers' wives and daughters
all waiting to pass judgment on the strangers from Pebbly Pit.
Mrs. Brewster and Polly entered first, shaking hands with friends and
acquaintances. Anne followed smiling benignly on all. Barbara came
next, casting disdainful looks at the ordinary women she found present.
Eleanor delighted in the novel experience and was anxious to meet them
all.
Once in the small room, the new-comers began to remove their dust-coats
and wraps. The ranchers' parties then went out to make room. Barbara
turned to Anne and whispered:
"Where can I find the maid?"
"Maid! We haven't one here, you know."
"No maid to help me? Goodness, what shall I do?"
"You're supposed to dress at home; besides, these people do not powder
or rouge, so they need no mirror or maid, you see," explained Eleanor,
taking delight in shocking Barbara.
Pages:
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134