“What a remarkably distinguished looking man he is.  You never told me of his being so.”

Ethel blushed when Tom took her up and kissed her as he might have done had she been his sister, and as for Aunt Susan, even Grandmother gazed at her with amazement.  She was attired in a modish little automobile bonnet, close fitting and of grey, while her grey linen suit gave her an up-to-date air, for now, she proudly informed Ethel, Tom owned his own car.

“Aunt Susan, you look out of sight,” said Ethel, kissing her.  “I never knew you.”

Mrs. Hollister was happy.  Ethel had not half told her, and she was agreeably disappointed.  They took their seats in the new and commodious car and soon reached the little house.  The ingrain and rag carpets had disappeared.  In their places were Oriental rugs.  Striped red awnings shaded the windows and piazzas.  The porch had been converted into the cosiest of lounging places with willow furniture, scarlet cushions, rugs, birds, plants, etc., as well as small tables filled with the latest magazines and Aunt Susan’s sewing baskets.  They had a hammock at either end, and altogether it was lovely.  Mrs. Hollister simply raved over it and the artistic interior with its fine old furniture.

“Ethel is responsible for this change,” said Tom, removing his hat and wiping his handsome brow.  “Last summer when she came here I dressed like a countryman, but in the most tactful manner she suggested high collars, different ties, and fairly talked my army hat right off my head, saying that I looked like a G.A.R.  Little by little she’s converted Aunt Susan into a fashionable woman.  But how careless of me.  Let me get you a cup of tea,” he said to Mrs. Hollister, placing a table before her and a stool under her feet.

He soon returned, bringing the tray and a plate of delicious jumbles.

“You see,” he continued, “Aunt Susan will not keep two girls, so I have to be waitress now and then.  She is attached to Jane, who though is a good cook, but her trouble is she’s set in her way and refuses to stay if we allow another girl to enter the house.  We are handicapped, you see, for we can’t spare Jane, nor could we replace her.”

Gradually he took Mrs. Hollister into his confidence and told her of his early life and of Aunt Susan’s misfortunes.  “But bless you,” he continued, “the Lord is good to us.  She’ll never need a penny for my income is increasing and my practice is more than I can attend to.  I should have a partner but she won’t hear of my taking one.  She is too cautious.  So I have several young students who study law in my office and help me as well.”

Then he proceeded to extol Ethel.

“Mrs. Hollister,” he said, “she’s a girl of wonderful character and she’ll make a magnificent woman.  I notice she’s improved since she was here.”

“Yes, it’s her college,” replied her mother, “and the life at camp last summer.  I must admit she knew more than I when she broke loose from my foolish and unwise influence.  I was not fit to guide her, Mr. Harper, I realize it now.”