"And have had to come out to this Sleepy Hollow of a place,where life means mere existence,and be so poor that the carfare into New York is actually a consideration!I'm quite satisfied with our martyrdom as it is,without pinching and grinding as we should have to do to live elsewhere.""Then you don't mean to attempt to escape?"returned Eloise in alarm.
"Hush,hush,Goosie.We will escape all in good time if we don't succeed in taming the bear.As it is,I have to work single handed,"dropping into a tone of reproach."You are no help at all.You might as well be a simpering wax dummy out of a shop window.I would have been ashamed at your age if I could not have subjugated any man alive.
We might have had him at our feet weeks ago if you had made an effort.""No,no,mother,"sadly."I saw when we first came how effusiveness impressed him,and I tried to behave so as to strike a balance--that is,after I found that we were here on sufferance and not as welcome guests.""Pshaw!You can't tell what such a hermit is thinking,"returned Mrs.
Evringham."It is the best thing that could happen to him to have us here.Dr.Ballard said so only to-day.What is troubling me now is this child of Harry's.I was sure by father's tone when he first spoke of her that he would not even consider such an imposition.""I think he did feel so,"returned Eloise,her manner quiet again.
"That was an example of the way you overreach yourself.The word presumption on your lips applied to uncle Harry determined grandfather to let the child come.""You think he really has sent for her then!"exclaimed Mrs.Evringham.
"You think that is what the telegram meant!I'm sure of it,too."Then after a minute's exasperated thought,"I believe you are right.He is just contrary enough for that.If I had urged him to let the little barbarian come,he couldn't have been induced to do so.That wasn't clever of me!"The speaker made the admission in a tone which implied that in general her cleverness was unquestioned."Well,I hope she will worry him out of his senses,and I don't think there is much doubt of it.It may turn out all for the best,Eloise,after all,and lead him to appreciate us."Mrs.Evringham cast a glance at the mirror and patted her waved hair."And yet I'm anxious,very anxious.He might take a fancy to the girl,"she added thoughtfully.