NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES
3 3433 08233314
hGGY
ABR1ELLE E. JACKS OM
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
NEW YORK • BOSTON - CHICAGO
SAN FRANCISCO
MACMILLAN & CO., LIMITED
LONDON • BOMBAY • CALCUTTA
MELBOURNE
THE MACMILLAN CO. OF CANADA, LTD.
TORONTO
THE NEW YORK
3LIC LIBRARY
v : ')R. L£NOX AND
FN FOUNDATIONS
L
OF THE
W-YOBK
SOCIETY LIBUAUT
PEGGY
PEGGY STEWART
BY
GABRIELLE E. JACKSON
AUTHOR OF "PRETTY POLLY PERKINS," "LITTLE MISS CRICKET," ETC.
JReto
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
1911
All rights reserved
ORK
LIT
COPYRIGHT, 191 1
By THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
Set up and electrotyped. Published October, 1911
IE
?*K
RARfr
Printed it
The NORWOOD PRESS
Berwick & Smith Company, Norwood, Massachusetts
f
THIS LITTLE STORY OF ANNAPOLIS IS
MOST AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED TO
H. W. H.
WHOSE SUNNY SOUL AND CHEERY
VOICE HELPED TO MAKE MANY AN
HOUR HAPPY FOR THE ONE HE CALLED
'LITTLE MOTHER"
G. E. J.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
I. SPRINGTIDE 1
II. THE EMPEESS 18
III. ' ' DADDY NEIL " 35
rv. IN OCTOBER'S DAYS 51
V. POLLY HOWLAND 68
VI. A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS 84
vii. PEGGY STEWART: CHATELAINE .... 99
VIII. A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION OF INTEMPERANCE . 115
ix. DUNMORE'S LAST CHRISTMAS 133
X. A DOMESTIC EPISODE 148
XI. PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 165
XII. THE SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT .... 182
XIII. THE MASQUERADERS ' SHOW 197
XIV. OFF FOR NEW LONDON 212
XV. REGATTA DAY 227
XVI. THE EACE 243
XVII. SHADOWS CAST BEFORE 260
XVIII. YOU'VE SPOILED THEIB TEA PABTY .... 274
XIX. BACK AT SEVERNDALE 289
vii
CHAPTER I
SPRINGTIDE
" PEGGY, Maggie, Mag, Margaret, Marguerite,
Muggins. Hum ! Half a dozen of them. Wonder
if there are any more? Yes, there's Peggoty
and Peg, to say nothing of Margaretta, Gret-
chen, Meta, Margarita, Reta, Madge. My good-
ness! Is there any end to my nicknames'? I
mistrust I'm a very commonplace mortal. I
wonder if other girls' names can be twisted
around into as many picture puzzles as mine
can? What do you think about it *Shashaif"
and the girl reached up both arms to draw
down into their embrace the silky head of a
superb young colt which stood close beside her ;
a creature which would have made any horse-
lover stop stock-still and exclaim at sight of
him. He was a magnificent two-year-old Ken-
tuckian, faultless as to his points, with a head
to set an artist rhapsodizing and a-tingle to
*Shashai. Hebrew for noble, pronounced Shash'a-ai.
1 1
2 PEGGY STEWAET
put it upon his canvas. His coat, mane and
tail were black as midnight and glossy as satin.
The great, lustrous eyes held a living fire, the
delicate nostrils were a-quiver every moment,
the faultlessly curved ears alert as a wild
creature 's. And he was half wild, for never had
saddle rested upon his back, girth encircled him
or bit fretted the sensitive mouth. A halter
thus far in his career had been his only badge
of bondage and the girl caressing him had been
the one to put it upon him. It would have been
a bad quarter of an hour for any other person
attempting it. But she was his "familiar,"
though far from being his evil genius. On the
contrary, she was his presiding spirit of good.
Just now, as the splendid head nestled con-
fidingly in her circling arms she was whispering
softly into one velvety ear, oh, so velvety ! as it
rested against her ripe, red lips, so soft, so
perfect in their molding. The ear moved
slightly back and forth, speaking its silent
language. The nostrils emitted the faintest
bubbling acknowledgment of the whispered
words. The beautiful eyes were so expressive
in their intelligent comprehension.
''Too many cooks spoil the broth, Shashai.
Too many grooms can spoil a colt. Too many
SPEINGTIDE 3
mistresses turn a household topsy-turvy. How
about too many names, old boy? Can they
spoil a girl? But maybe I'm spoiled already.
How about it?" and a musical laugh floated out
from between the pretty lips.
The colt raised his head, whinnied aloud as
though in denial and stamped one deer-like, un-
shod fore-hoof as though to emphasize his pro-
test; then he again slid his head back into the
arms as if their slender roundness encompassed
all his little world.
"You old dear!" exclaimed the girl softly,
adding: "Eh, but it's a beautiful world! A
wonderful world," and broke into the lilting
refrain of "Wonderful world" and sang it
through in a voice of singularly, haunting
sweetness. But the words were not those of
the popular song. They had been written and
set to its air by Peggy's tutor.
She seemed to forget everything else, though
she continued to mechanically run light, sensi-
tive fingers down the velvety muzzle so close to
her face, and semi-consciously reach forth the
other hand to caress the head of a superb wolf-
hound which upon the first sweet notes had
risen from where he lay not far off to listen,
thrusting an insinuating nose under her arm.
4 PEGGY STEWAET
She seemed to float away with her song, off,
off across the sloping, greening fields to the
broad, blue reaches of Bound Bay, all a-glitter
in the morning sunlight.
She was seated in the crotch of a snake-fence
running parallel with the road which ended in a
curve toward the east and vanished in a thin-
drawn perspective toward the west. There
was no habitation, or sign of human being near.
The soft March wind, with its thousand earthy
odors and promises of a Maryland springtide,
swept across the bay, stirring her dark hair,
brushed up from her forehead in a natural,
wavy pompadour, and secured by a barrette
and a big bow of dark red ribbon, the long braid
falling down her back tied by another bow of
the same color. The forehead was broad and
exceptionally intellectual. The eyebrows, match-
ing the dark hair, perfectly penciled. The nose
straight and clean-cut as a Greek statue's. The
chin resolute as a boy's. The teeth white and
faultless. And the eyes! Well, Peggy Stew-
art's eyes sometimes made people smile, some-
times almost weep, and invariably brought a
puzzled frown to their foreheads. They were
the oddest eyes ever seen. Peggy herself often
laughed and said:
SPRINGTIDE 5
"My eyes seem to perplex people worse than
the elephant perplexed the 'six blind men of
Hindustan' who went to see him. No two peo-
ple ever pronounced them the same color, yet
each individual is perfectly honest in his belief
that they are black, or dark brown, or dark
blue, or deep gray, or sea green. Maybe Nature
designed me for a chameleon but changed her
mind when she had completed my eyes."
Peggy Stewart would hardly have been called
a beautiful girl gaged by conventional stand-
ards. Her features were not regular enough
for perfection, the mouth perhaps a trifle too
large, but she was "mightily pleasin' fer to
study 'bout," old Mammy insisted when the
other servants were talking about her baby.
"Oh, yes," conceded Martha Harrison, the
only white woman besides Peggy herself upon
the plantation. "Oh, yes, she's pleasing
enough, but if her mother had lived she'd never
in this world a-been allowed to run wild as a
boy, a-getting tanned as black as a — a, darky."
Martha ached to say "a nigger," for she had
come from the North with her mistress when
that lady left her New England home to journey
to Maryland as Commander Stewart's bride.
He was only a junior lieutenant then, but that
6 PEGGY STEWART
was nearly eighteen years before this story
opens. Before coming South Martha had been
fairly bursting with the most altruistic ideas
for the betterment of the colored race. Indeed,
she would have stopped little short of painting
them all white if she thought that by so doing
she could have successfully disguised their color
and made them her equals. But eighteen years'
residence nearer MacGregor's native heath, and
in daily personal touch with MacGregor him-
self, had somewhat modified her unbridled
enthusiasm and from invariably speaking of
them as "the colored people" or "the Southern
Negro," she had so lapsed from grace as to
think of them as "the niggers," and more than
once had caught herself using that opprobrious
appellation.
Yes, Martha Harrison's residence in the mid-
South, as housekeeper and head of Neil Stew-
art's home had certainly worked an evolution
in her viewpoint. She would as soon have
thought nowadays of sitting down at the same
table with a Chinaman as with any of the col-
ored servants under her rule. And yet this
had been one of her strongest-held points while
North. Martha had her own neatly-appointed
little dining-room in her own well-ordered little
SPRINGTIDE 7
wing of the great, rambling colonial house
which Peggy Stewart called home: A house
which could have told a wonderful history of
one hundred eighty or more years. We will
tell it later on. "We have left Peggy too long
perched upon her snake-fence with Shashai and
Tzaritza.
The lilting song continued to its end and the
dog and horse stood as though hypnotized by
the melody and the fingers' magnetic touch.
Then the song ended as abruptly as it had
begun and Peggy slid lightly from her perch
to the ground, raised both arms stretching
hands and fingers, and inclining her head in a
pose which would have thrilled a teacher of
"Esthetic Posing" in some fashionable, fad-
dish school, though it was all unstudied upon
the girl's part as she cried in a wonderfully
modulated voice.
"Oh, the joy, joy, joy of just being alive on
'such a day as this ! Of being out in this won-
derful world and free, free, free to go and come
and do as we want to, Shashai, Tzaritza! To
feel the wind ; to breathe it in ; to smell all the
new growing things; to see that water out
yonder and the blue overhead. What is it, Dr.
Llewellyn says : ' To thank the Lord for a life so
8 PEGGY STEWAET
sweet.' We all do, don't we? I can put it
in words, or sing it, but you two? Yes, you
can make God understand just as well. Let's
all thank Him together — you as He has taught
you, and I as He has taught me. Now."
It was a strange picture. The girl standing
there in the beautiful early spring world, her
only companions a thoroughbred, half-wild
Kentucky colt and a Eussian wolfhound, liter-
ally worth her weight in gold, absolutely fault-
less in their beauty, and each with their wonder-
fully intelligent eyes fixed upon her. At the
word "Now," the colt raised his perfect head,
drew in a deep breath and then exhaled it in a
long, trumpet-like whinny. The dog voiced
her wonderful bell-like bay; the note of joy
sounded by her kind when victory is assured.
The girl raised her head, and parting her lips
gave voice to a long-drawn note of ecstacy end-
ing in a little staccato trill with the same up-
flinging of the arms.
It was all a rhapsody of springtide, the
semi-wild things' expression of intoxicating joy
at being alive and their absolute mutual har-
mony. The animals felt it as the girl did, and
surely God acknowledged the homage. Such
spontaneous, sincere thanks are rare.
SPRINGTIDE 9
"Let's go now."
The horse's slender flanks quivered; his
withers twitched with the nervous energy
awaiting an outlet; the dog stood alert for the
first motion.
Besting one hand upon those sensitive with-
ers the girl gave a quick spring, landing lightly
as thistledown astride the colt's back, holding
the halter strap in her firm, brown fingers.
Her costume was admirably adapted to this
equestrian feat if somewhat unusual for a
young lady. It consisted of a dark blue divided
riding skirt of heavy cloth, and a midshipman's
jumper, open at the throat, a black regulation
neckerchief knotted sailor-fashion on her well-
rounded chest. Anything affording freer ac-
tion could hardly have been designed for her
sex. And a bonny thing she looked as she sat
there, the soft wind toying with the loose hairs
which had escaped their bonds, and bringing
the faintest rose tint into her cheeks. It was
still too early in the spring for the clear, dark
skin to have grown "black as a darky's."
"On to the end of nowhere!" she cried.
"We'll beat you to the goal, Tzaritza. Go!"
At the word the colt sprang forward with
an action so true, so perfect that he and the girl
10 PEGGY STEWART
seemed one. The dog gave a low bark like a
laugh at the challenge and with incredibly long,
graceful leaps circled around and around the
pair, now running a little ahead, then executing
a wide circle, and again darting forward with
that derisive bark.
Shashai's speed was not to be scorned — his
ancestors held an international fame for swift-
ness, endurance and jumping — but no horse can
compete with a wolfhound.
On, on they sped, the happiest, maddest, mer-
riest trio imaginable, down the road to the point
where the perspective seemed to end it but
where in reality it turned abruptly, leaving the
one following its course the choice of taking a
sudden dip down to the water's edge or wheel-
ing to the right and leaping "brake, bracken
and scaur." The girl did not tighten her single
guiding strap, she merely bent forward to speak
softly into one ear laid back to catch the words :
"Right— turn!"
Just beyond was a high fence dividing the
lane where it crossed two estates. It was sur-
mounted by a stile of four steps. There was
no pause in the colt's or dog's speed. Tzaritza
cleared it like a — wolfhound. Shashai with his
rider skimmed over like a bird, landing upon
SPRINGTIDE 11
the soft turf beyond with scarcely a sound.
Oh, the beauty of it all! Then on again
through a patch of woodland which looked as
though a huge gossamer veil had been laid over
it. If ever pastelle colors were displayed to
perfection Nature here held her exhibition.
Soft pinks, pale blues, silver grays, the tender-
est greens with here and there a touch of the
maple buds' rich mahogany reds, and above and
about the maddest melody of bird songs from
a hundred throats.
As the horse swung along in his perfect gait,
the great dog making playful leaps and feinted
snaps at his beautiful muzzle with a dog's
derisive smile and sense of humor, and if any
one doubts that dogs have this quality they
simply don't know the animal, the girl sang
at the top of her voice.
They covered the ground with incredible
swiftness and presently the lane grew broader,
giving evidence of more traffic where a wood
road crossed it at right angles. Just a little
beyond this point an old gentleman appeared
in sight. He was walking with his hands
clasped behind him and his head bent to ex-
amine every foot of the roadway. Evidently
he was too absorbed to be aware of the trio
12 PEGGY STEWART
bearing down upon him. He wore the clerical
garb of the Church of England, and his face
would have attracted attention in any part of
the world, it was so pure, so refined, so like a
cameo in its delicacy of outline, and the skin
held the wonderful softness and clearness we
sometimes see in old age. He must have been
seventy at least.
Just then he became aware of the colt's light
hoofbeats and looked up. He was tall and
slight but very erect, and his face lighted up
with a smile absolutely illuminating as he
recognized his approaching friends.
The girl bent forward to say:
"One bell, Shashai.'! "Whereupon her mount
slackened his gait to the gentlest amble, but
the dog went bounding on to greet the new-
comer. First she dropped down at his feet,
burying her nose in her forepaws as though to
make obeisance, but at his words :
"Ah, Tzaritza! Good Tzaritza, welcome!"
she instantly sprang up, rested her forepaws
upon his shoulders, and looked into his face
with the most limpid pair of eyes ever seen,
eyes filled with something deeper than human
love can ever summon to human eyes, for those
have human speech to supplement their appeal.
SPRINGTIDE 13
"Tzaritza. Dear, faithful Tzaritza," said the
old man in the tenderest tone as he caressed the
magnificent, silky head now nestling against
his face as a child's might have nestled. "Good
dog. Good dog. But here are Peggy and
Shashai. My little girl, warm greetings,'1 he
cried as Shashai came to an instant statue-like
standstill at Peggy's one word, "Halt!'' and
she slid from his back, braced at "attention"
and saluted in all gravity, the clergyman re-
turning the salute with much dignity. Then in
an instant the martial attitude and air were dis-
carded and springing forward the girl slipped
to his side, caught one hand and by a quick,
graceful motion circled his arm about her waist
and laid her head upon his shoulder just where
Tzaritza's had but a moment before rested, her
face alight with affection as she exclaimed:
"To meet you 'way, 'way out here, Com-
padre!"
" 'Far from the madding crowd/ Filiola.
Five miles to the good for these old legs of
seventy-four summers. They have served me
well. I have no fault to find with them. They
are stanch friends and have carried me many
a mile. But you, my child? You and Tzaritza
and Shashai? Come hither, my beauty," and
14 PEGGY STEWART
the free hand was extended to the colt which
instantly advanced for the proffered caress.
' ' Ah, thou bonny, bonny creature ! Thou
jewel among thy fellows. All, but you possess
a masculine frailty. Ah, yes, I've detected it.
Oh, Shashai, Shashai, is thy heart reached only
through thy stomach?" for now the colt was
nozzling most insinuatingly at one of the ample
pockets of the old gentleman's top coat. Never
had those pockets failed him since the days
when he had ceased to be nourished by his
dam's milk, and his faith in their bounty was
not misplaced, for a slender white hand was in-
serted to be withdrawn with the lump of sugar
Shashai had counted upon and held forth upon
the palm from which the velvety lips took it as
daintily as a young lady's fingers could have
taken it.
Three was the dole evidently for when three
had been eaten Shashai gravely bowed his head
three times in acknowledgment of his treat
and then turned to nibble at the budding trees,
his benefactor returning to Peggy.
"So this is heyday and holiday, dear heart,
is it? Saturday's emancipation from your
old Dominie Exactus when you may range
wood and field unmolested, with never a
SPEINGTIDE 15
thought for his domination and tyranny."
"As though you ever dominated or tyrannized
over me!" protested the girl. "I'd do any-
thing, anything for you — you know that, don't
you?" There was deep reproach in her voice.
Then, it changed suddenly as she asked:
"But where is Doctor Claudius?"
"In his stall, eating his fill. I wished to use
my own legs today," smiled her companion.
"His are exceptionally good ones, but my own
will grow stiff if I do not use them more."
Just then Shashai suddenly raised his head
and stood with ears alert and nostrils extended.
Tzaritza rose from the ground where she had
dropped down after greeting Dr. Llewellyn,
and stood with ears raised, though neither man
nor girl yet heard the faintest sound.
"Some one's coming and coming in a hurry,"
said Peggy quietly, "or they wouldn't look like
Mat."
As she spoke the dull thud of hoofs pounding
rapidly upon soft turf was borne to their ears,
and a moment later a big gray horse ridden by
a little negro boy, as tattered a specimen of his
race as one might expect to see, came pounding
Into sight. With some difficulty he brought the
big horse to a standstill in front of them and
16 PEGGY STEWART
grabbing off his ragged cap stammered out his
message :
"Howdy, Massa Dominie. Sarvint, Missy
Peggy, but Josh done sont me fer ter fin' yo'
an' bring you back yon' mighty quick, kase — •
kase, de — de sor'el mar' done got mos' kilt an'
lak' 'nough daid right dis minit. He say,
please ma'am, come quick as Shazee kin fotch
yo' fo' de Empress, she mighty bad an'-
"What has happened to her, Bud?" inter-
rupted Peggy, turning to spring upon Shashai's
back, but pausing to learn some particulars.
The Empress was one of the most valuable
brood mares upon the estate and her foal, still
dependent upon her for its nourishment, was
Peggy's pride and joy.
"She done got outen de paddock and nigh
'bout bus' herself wide open on de flank on dat
dummed mas-chine what dey trims de hedges
wid. She bleeged ter bleed ter death, Josh
say. ' '
Peggy turned white. ' ' Excuse me, please — I
must go as fast as I can. Home, Shashai, four
bells and a jingle!" she cried and the colt swept
away like a tornado, Tzaritza in the lead.
"Golly, but she's one breeze, ain' she, sah?"
"She is a wonderful girl and will make a
SPKINGTIDE 17
magnificent woman if not spoiled in the next
ten years," replied Dr. Llewellyn, though the
words were more an oral expression of his
own thoughts than a reply to the negro boy.
CHAPTEE II
THE EMPRESS
As the half -wild colt swept up to the paddock
from which the valuable brood mare Empress
had made her escape, Peggy was met by one of
the stable hands.
"Where is she?" she asked, her dark eyes
full of concern and anxiety.
"Up yonder in de paster," answered the
negro, pointing to a green upland. A touch
with her heel started Shashai. A moment later
she slipped from her mount to hurry to a little
group gathered around a dark object lying
upon the ground. With the pitiful little cry:
"Oh, Empress! My beauty," Peggy was
upon her knees beside the splendid animal.
"Shelby, Shelby, how did it happen! Oh,
how did it?" she cried as she lifted the horse's
head to her lap. The panting creature looked
at her with great appealing, terror-stricken
eyes, as though imploring her to save the life-
spark now flickering so fitfully.
18
THE EMPEESS 19
"God knows, miss," answered the foreman
of the paddock. "We did not find her until a
half hour ago. If I'd a-found her sooner it
would never a-come to this. We ain't never had
no such accident on the estate since I been on
it, and I'd give all I'm worth if we could a-just
have missed this one. Some fool, I can't find
out who, left them hedge shears a-hanging wide
open across the gate and the gate unlatched,
and she must a run foul of 'em, 'cause we found
'em and all the signs o' what had happened,
but we couldn't find her for more 'n hour, and
'then this is what we found. I sent Bud for you
and Jim for the Vet, but we've all come too
late." The man spoke low and hurriedly, and
never for a moment ceased his care for the
mare. The veterinary who had arrived but a
few moments before Peggy stood by helpless
to do more than had already been done by
Shelby, the veteran horse-trainer who had been
on the estate for years, and who loved the
animals as though they were his children. It
was evident that the Empress' moments were
numbered. She had severed one of the great
veins in her flank and had nearly bled to death
before discovered. Her little foal stood near,
eurprised at his dam's indifference to his needs,
20 PEGGY STEWART
his little baby face and great round eyes, so like
Ms mother's, filled with questioning doubt. As
Peggy bent over the beautiful dying mare's
head, tears streaming from her eyes, for she
had cared for her and loved her since colthood,
the little foal gave a low nicker and coming up
behind the girl, thrust his soft muzzle over her
shoulder and nestled his head against her face,
trembling and quivering with a terror he could
not understand. Peggy raised one arm to
clasp it around the little creature's warm neck.
The Empress tried to nicker an answer to her
baby but the effort cost her last breath and
heart-throb. It ended in a fluttering sigh and
her head lay still and at rest upon Peggy's lap.
The splendid animal, which had so often carried
Peggy upon her back, the mother of Shashai,
and many another splendid horse whose fame
was widely known, lay lifeless. Her little son
nestled closer to the one he knew and loved best
as though begging her protection. Peggy held
him close, sobbing upon his warm neck.
"You'd better get up, Miss Peggy," said
Shelby kindly.
Peggy bent and kissed the great silky head.
"Good-bye, Empress. I'll care for your baby,"
she said. Shelby lifted the splendid head from
THE EMPEESS 21
the girl's lap and helped her to her feet. The
little colt still huddled close to her.
"Have you any orders, miss, about her?':
asked Shelby, nodding toward the dead mare.
"She shall be buried in the circle and shall
have a monument. We owe her much. Her
foal shall be my charge.'1
"And I reckon mine, too. If we raise him
now it will be a miracle. He's going to miss
his dam's milk.':
"I think I can manage," answered Peggy.
"Bud, come with me. I wish you to go down
to Annapolis with a note to Doctor Feldmeyer.
He will understand what I wish to do. Eide
in on Nancy Lee. Come, little one," and with
the little colt's neck beneath her circling arm
Peggy walked slowly back to the paddock from
which barely three hours before the splendid
mare, now lying lifeless in the pasture, had
dashed, leaving a trail of her life's blood behind
her to guide those who came too late. It was
all the outcome of one person's disregard of
orders : One of the hands had quit his work to
gossip, leaving his great hedge shears hanging
carelessly across the gate, and the gate un-
fastened. The Empress, gamboling with her
foal, had rushed upon them, cut herself cruelly,
22 PEGGY STEWART
then maddened by the pain and terrified by the
flowing blood, had dashed away as only a
frightened horse can, running until she fell
from exhaustion.
Peggy went back to the inclosure in which
the Empress, as the most honored of the brood
mares, had lived with her foal. The little stable,
a very model of order and appointment, stood
at one end of it. She opened the gate, intend-
ing to leave the colt in the inclosure, but he hud-
dled closer and closer to her side.
"Why Boy, baby, what is it?" asked Peggy,
as she would have spoken to a child. The little
thing could only press closer and nicker its
baby nicker. Peggy hesitated a moment, then
said : ' ' It will never do to leave you now. You
are half starved, you poor little thing. Eight
weeks are not many to have lived. Come."
And as though he understood every word and
was comforted, the baby horse nickered again
and walked close by her side. She went straight
to the house, circling the garden, rich in early
spring blossoms, to enter a little inclosure
around which the servants' quarters were built,
one building, a trifle more pretentious than the
rest, evidently that of some upper servant. As
Peggy and her four-footed companion drew
THE EMPEESS 23
near, a trim little old colored woman looked out
of the door. She was immaculate in a black
and white checked gingham, a large white apron
and a white turban, suggestive of ante-bellum
days. Instantly noting signs of distress upon
her young mistress' face she hurried toward
her, crying softly in her melodious voice:
"Baby! Honey! What's de matter? What's
done happen? What fo' yo' bring Eoy up hyer?
Where de Empress at?"
"Oh Mammy, Mammy, the Empress is dead.
She—"
"What dat yo' tellin' me, baby? De Em-
press daid? Ma Lawd, wha' Massa Neil gwine
do to we-all when he hyar datl He gwine kill
somebody dat's sartin suah. What kill her?"
Peggy told the story briefly, Mammy Lucy,
who had been mammy to her and her father
before her, listening attentively, nodding her
head and clicking her tongue in consternation.
Such news was overwhelming.
But Mammy Lucy had not lived on this estate
for over sixty years without storing up some
wisdom for emergencies, and before Peggy had
finished the pitiful tale she was on her way to
the great kitchen at the opposite end of the in-
closure where Aunt Cynthia ruled as dusky
24 PEGGY STEWAET
goddess of the shining copper kettles and pans
upon the wall.
"Sis Cynthy, we-all in trebbilation and we
gotter holp dis hyer pore chile. She lak fer ter
breck her heart 'bout de Empress and she sho
will if dis hyer colt come ter harm. Please,
ma'am, gimme a basin o' fresh, warm milk.
Bud he done gone down ter 'Napolis fer a nus-
sin' bottle, but dat baby yonder gwine faint an'
die fo' dat no 'count nigger git back wid dat
bottle. I knows Itiim, I does.'3
"How yo' gwine mak' dat colt drink?" asked
Cynthia skeptically.
"De Lawd on'y knows, but He gwine show
me how," was Mammy Lucy's pious answer.
The next second she cried "Praise Him! 7 got
it,"' and ran into her cabin to return with a
piece of snowy white flannel. Meanwhile
Cynthia had warmed the bowlful of milk.
Hastily catching up a huge oilcloth apron,
Mammy enveloped herself in it and then hur-
ried back to Peggy and her charge.
From that moment Koy's artificial feeding
began. Peggy raised his head while Mammy
opened his mouth by inserting a skilful finger
where later the bit would rest, then slipped in
the milk-sopped woolen rag. After a few min-
THE EMPRESS 25
utes the small beastie which had never known
fear, understood and sucked away vigorously,
for he had not fed for hours and the poor inner-
colt was grumbling sorely at the long fast. The
bowlful of milk soon disappeared, and he stood
nozzling at Peggy ready for a frolic, his woes
forgotten.
"Now what yo' gwine do wid him, honey?"
asked Mammy.
"I'd like to put him to sleep on the piazza,
but I'm afraid I can't,'1 answered Peggy,
smiling sadly, for the loss of the Empress had
struck deeply.
"No, yo' suah cyant do dat," was Mammy's
reply. "You'll be bleeged fer ter put him
yonder in de paddock."
"He will be so lonesome," said Peggy doubt-
fully. Just then the great wolfhound came
bounding up. She had remained behind with
Dr. Llewellyn who had followed as fast as pos-
sible. She was almost as tall as the colt. She
thrust her head into Peggy's hand and then
turned to give a greeting lick upon the colt's
nose. He jerked away, as though resenting
the lady's familiarity, but nickered softly. He
had known Tzaritza from the first moment he
became aware of things terrestrial and they
26 PEGGY STEWAET
had often gamboled together when the Empress
was disinclined for a frolic. Peggy's eyes
brightened.
"Tzaritza, attention!'3
The splendid hound raised her head to look
into her young mistress' eyes with keen intel-
ligence.
"Come." and followed bv the hound and colt
tt
Peggy hurried back to the stables. They had
brought the Empress down from the pasture
and laid her upon the soft turf of the large cir-
cular grass-plot in front of the main building.
The men were now digging her grave.
"Tzaritza, scent," commanded Peggy, strok-
ing the Empress' neck.
The hound made long, deep sniffs at the still
form.
"Come." Peggy then laid her hand upon the
little colt's neck. The scent was the same.
Tzaritza understood.
"Guard," said Peggy.
"Woof- woof," answered Tzaritza deep down
in her throat.
Peggy then led the way to the Empress' pad-
dock. Boy capered through the gate; Tzaritza,
with her newly-assumed responsibility upon
her, entered with dignity. From that hour she
THE EMPRESS 27
scarcely left her charge, lying beside him when
he rested in the shade of the great beeches,
nestling close in the little stable at night, fol-
lowing him wherever he chose to go during his
liberty hours of the day, for thenceforth he was
rarely confined to the paddock.
Before the Empress was laid away Bud re-
turned with the nursing bottle. The rubber
nipples were thrust into the Empress' mouth
and thus getting the mother scent all else was
very simple. Roy tugged away at his bottle
like a well-conducted, well-conditioned baby,
Tzaritza watching with keen intelligent eyes.
She soon knew the feeding hours as well as
Peggy or Mammy, and promptly to the minute
led her charge to Mammy's door. If Mammy
happened to be elsewhere she sought Cynthia,
and so had the interest grown that there was
not a man, woman or child upon the place who
would not have dropped anything in order to
minister to the needs of Tzaritza 's charge.
And so passed the early springtide, Roy wax-
ing fat and strong, Tzaritza never relaxing
her care, though at first it was a sore trial
to her to remain behind with her foster-son
while her beloved mistress galloped away upon
Shashai. But that word "Guard" was sacred.
28 PEGGY STEWART
In the course of a few weeks, however, Eoy was
well able to follow his half-brother, Shashai,
and Tzaritza's freedom was restored. The trio
was rarely separated and to see Peggy in her
hammock on the lawn, or on the piazza, meant
to see the colt and Tzaritza also, though Roy
was rapidly outgrowing piazzas and lawns,
and Peggy was beginning to be puzzled as to
what was to be done with him when he could no
longer come clattering up the steps and across
the piazza after his foster-mother.
With the summer came word that her father
would come home on a month's leave and Aug-
ust was longed for with an eagerness he could
not have dreamed. Everything must be in per-
fect order to receive him, and Peggy flew from
house to garden, from garden to stables, from
stables to paddock keyed to a state of excite-
ment which infected every member of the
household. Dr. Llewellyn smiled sympatheti-
cally. Harrison, the housekeeper, stalked after
her, doing her best to carry out her orders,
while announcing that : Now , she guessed, there
would be some hope of making Mr. Neil see
the folly of letting a girl of Peggy's age run
wild as a hawk forever and a day. She'd have
one talk with him he'd do well to take heed
THE EMPRESS 29
to or she'd know why. Mammy Lucy said lit-
tle but watched her young mistress' radiant
face. It was eight months since Master Neil
had been home and deep in her tender old heart
she understood better than any one else what
his coming meant to Peggy. Harrison might
have a better idea of what was wise and best
for her young charge, but Mammy's love taught
her many things which Harrison could never
learn.
Meanwhile Peggy spent the greater part of
her days down at the paddock, for Shashai must
be broken to saddle and bridle in order to re-
ceive his master in proper style. A blanket
and halter might answer for the mad gallops
across country which they had hitherto taken,
but Daddy Neil was coming home for a month
and the horses must do the place credit.
With this end in view, Peggy betook herself
to the paddock one morning before breakfast,
saddle and bridle borne behind her by Bud.
Shashai welcomed her with his clear nicker,
sweeping up to the gate in his long, rocking
stride so like the Empress'. Tzaritza with her
foster-son followed in Peggy's wake, Tzaritza
sniffing inquiringly at the saddle, Roy pranking
thither and yonder, rich just in the joy of being
30 PEGGY STEW AST
alive. Skashai had never quite overcome his
jealousy of his young half-brother, and now
laid back his ears in reproof of his unseemly
gambols; Shashai's own babyhood was not far
enough in the background for him to be tolerant.
Peggy entered the paddock and Shashai at
once nozzled her for his morning lumps of
sugar. For the first time in his memory they
were not forthcoming, and his great eyes looked
their wondering reproach.
"Not yet, Shashai. We must keep them for
a reward if you behave well." She slipped an
arm over the beautifully arched neck and laid
her face against the satiny smoothness. Shashai
approved the caress but would have approved
the sugar much more.
"Give me the saddle, Bud."
The little negro boy handed her the light rac-
ing saddle ; a very featherweight of a saddle.
"Steady, Shashai."
The colt stood like a statue expecting the girl
as usual to spring upon his back. Instead she
placed upon it a stiff, leather affair which puz-
zled him not a little, and from which dangled
two curious contrivances. These, however, she
quickly caught up and fastened over the back
and their metallic clicking ceased to annoy him.
THE EMPRESS 31
The buckling was a little strenuous. Hitherto
a surcingle had served to hold the blanket upon
his back, but this contraption had two surcingles
and a stiff leather strap to boot, which Peggy's
strong hands pulled tighter than any straps
had ever before been pulled around him. He
quivered slightly but stood the test and — a lump
of sugar was held beneath his eager nostrils.
If that followed it was worth while standing to
have that ugly, stiff thing adjusted.
"Now the headstall, Bud. Did you coat the
bit with the melted sugar as I told you?''
"Yes'm, missie. It's fair cracklin' wid
sugar, an' onct he gits a lick ob dat bit he ain'
never gwine let go, yo' hyar me."
"Now, my bonny one, we'll see," said Peggy,
as she unstrapped the bit, and the headstall
without it was no more than the halter to which
Shashai had been accustomed. Then very
gently she held the bit toward him. He tried
to take it as he would have taken the sugar and
his look of surprise when his lips closed over
the hard metal thing was amusing. Never-
theless, it tasted good and he mouthed and
licked it, gradually getting it well within his
mouth. At an opportune moment Peggy
slipped the right buckle into place, quickly fol-
32 PEGGY STEWART
lowing it by the left one. Shashai started.
"Steady, Sbasliai. Steady, boy," she said
gently and the day was won. No shocks, no
lashings, no harsh words to make the sight of
that headstall throw him into a panic whenever
it was produced. Dozens of horses had been so
educated by Peggy Stewart. Shashai sucked
at his queer mouthpiece as a child would suck
a stick of candy, and while he was enjoying its
sweetness Peggy brought forth lump number
two. Four was his daily allowance, and as he
enjoyed number two she let down the stirrups
which had seemed likely to startle him.
"Stand outside, Bud, he may be a little
frightened when the saddle creaks.'3 The boy
left the paddock.
"Stand, Shashai,'' commanded Peggy, rest-
ing her hand upon the colt's withers. He knew
perfectly well what to expect, but why that
strange groaning and creaking1? The blanket
had never done so. The sensitive nerves quiv-
ered and he sprang forward, but Peggy had
caught her stirrups and her low voice quieted
him as she swayed and adapted herself to his
gait. Around and around the paddock they
loped in perfect harmony of motion. She did
not draw upon the bridle rein, merely holding
THE EMPRESS 33
it as she had been accustomed to hold her halter
strap, guiding by her knees. Shashai tossed
his head partly in nervous irritation at the
creaking saddle, partly in the joy of motion,
and joy won the day. Then Peggy began to
draw slightly upon her reins. The colt shook
his head impatiently as though asking: "Where-
for the need? I know exactly where you wish
to go."
"Oh, my bonny one, my bonny one, that is
just it! 7 know that you know, but someday
someone else won't know, and if I don't teach
you now just what the bit means the poor mouth
may pay the penalty. It may anyway, in spite
of all I can do, but I'll do my best to make it
an easy lesson. Oh why, why will people pull
and tug as they do on a horse's mouth when
there is nothing in this world so sensitive, or
that should be so lightly handled. So be pa-
tient, Shashai. We only use it because we must,
dear. Now, right, turn!" And with the words
she pressed her right knee against the colt, at
the same time drawing gently upon the right
rein. Shashai turned because he had always
done so at the words and the pressure, accepting
the bit's superfluous hint like the gentleman he
was.
8
34 PEGGY STEWART
"Open the gate, Bud. We'll go for a spin,"
ordered Peggy as she swung around the pad-
dock.
" Won't yo' jump, missie?" asked Bud
eagerly. The delight of his life was to see his
young mistress take a fence.
"Not this time,"1 answered Peggy over her
shoulder. Bud opened the gate as they came
around again and as Peggy cried : * ' Four bells,
Shashai," the colt sprang through, Tzaritza
and Eoy joining in with a happy bark and
neigh.
All so simply, so easily done by love's gentle
rule.
CHAPTER III
11 DADDY NEIL"
"STAND there, little girl. Why, why — how
has it come about? When did you do it? I
went away nine months ago leaving a little girl
in Mammy Lucy's and Harrison's charge and I
have returned to find a young lady. Peggy,
baby, what have you done with my little girl!':
Commander Stewart stood in the big living-
room of Severndale, his hand upon Peggy's
shoulder as he held her at arm's length to look
at her in puzzled surprise. He had just expe-
rienced one of those startling revelations which
often arouse parents to the fact that their chil-
dren have stolen a march upon them, and sprung
into very pleasing young men or women while
they themselves have been in an unobserving
somnolent state. It is invariably a shock and
one which few parents escape.
Peggy laughed, colored a rosy pink but
obeyed, a little thrill of innocent triumph pass-
ing over her, for Daddy Neil's eyes held sorne-
35
36 PEGGY STEWART
thing more than surprise, and Peggy's feminine
soul detected the underlying pride and admira-
tion.
"By the great god Neptune, you've taken a
rise out of me this time, child. How old are
you, anyway?"
"As though you didn't know perfectly well,
you tease," laughed Peggy, turning swiftly and
nestling in his arms. The arms held her closely
and the sun-tanned cheek rested upon her dark,
silky hair. The eyes were singularly soft and
held a suggestion of moisture. It did not seem
so very long ago to Daddy Neil since Peggy's
beautiful mother had been in that very room
with him nestling in his arms in that same con-
fiding little manner. How like her Peggy had
grown in looks and a thousand little manner-
isms. From the moment Peggy had met him at
the Bound Bay station to this one, he had lived
in a sort of waking dream, partly in the past,
partly in the present, and in the strangest pos-
sible mental confusion. His memory picture
of Peggy as he had left her in October of the
previous year was of the little hoyden in short
skirts, laughing and prancing from morning
till night, and leading Mammy Lucy a life of it.
In nine months the little romp had blossomed
1 'DADDY NEIL" 37
into a very charming young girl, dainty and
sweet as a wild rose in her white duck sailor
suit, with its dark red collar, her hair braided
in soft coils about her head and adorned with
a big red bow. The embryo woman stood be-
fore him.
1 'Yes, how old are you?" he insisted, looking
at her with mingled, puzzled eyes.
"Oh, Daddy, you know I was fourteen in
January," she said half reproachfully. "You
sent me such beautiful things from Japan."
"Yes, but you might be eighteen now from
your looks and height. And living here alone
with the servants. Why — why, it's, it's all out
of order ; you are off your course entirely. You
must have someone with you, or go somewhere,
or — or — well something has got to be done and
right off, too," and poor perplexed Neil Stewart
ran his hand through his curly, gray-tinged hair
in a distracted manner. Peggy looked startled,
then serious. Such a contingency as this in-
cumbent upon growing up had never entered
her head. Must the old order of things which
she so loved, and all the precious freedom of
action, give way to something entirely new?
Harrison had more than once hinted that such
would be the case when Daddy Neil came home
38 PEGGY STEWART
and found a young lady where he expected to
find a little girl.
"Oh, Daddy, please don't talk about that
now. You've only just got here and I've ten
thousand things to tell and show you. Let's
not think of the future just yet. It's such a
joy to just live now. To have you here and see
you and hug you, and love you hard," cried
Peggy suiting her actions to her words. Mr.
Stewart shook his head, but did not beggar his
response to the caress. It sent a glow all
through him to feel that this beautiful young
girl was his daughter, the mistress of the home
he so loved, but so rarely enjoyed.
"We'll have a truce for a week, honey, and
during that time we'll do nothing but enjoy
each other. Then we'll take our reckoning and
lay our course by chart, for I'm convinced that
I, at least, have been running on dead reckoning
and you — well — I guess the good Lord's been at
the helm and taken in hand my job with a good
deal of credit to Himself and confounded little
to me. But it's my watch from now on. I
wish your mother were here, sweetheart. You
need her now," and Neil Stewart again drew
the young girl into his strong, circling arm.
"I'd resign tomorrow if — if — well, when I re-
''DADDY NEIL" 39
sign I want four stripes at least on my sleeve
to leave you as a memory in the years to come.
Now show me the ropes. I'm a stranger on
board my own ship."
For an hour Peggy did the honors of the
beautiful home, Jerome, the old butler, who had
been "Massa Neil's body servant" before he
entered the Academy at eighteen, where body
servants had no place, hovering around, solic-
itous of his master's comfort; Harrison making
a hundred and one excuses to come into the
room; Mammy Lucy, with the privileges of an
old servant making no excuses at all but bob-
bing in and out whenever she saw fit.
Luncheon was soon served in the wonderful
old dining-room, one side of which was entirely
of glass giving upon a broad piazza overlooking
Bound Bay. From this room the view was
simply entrancing and Neil Stewart, as he sat
at the table at which Peggy was presiding with
such grace and dignity, felt that life was cer-
tainly worth while when one could look up and
encounter a pair of such soft brown eyes re-
garding him with such love and joy, and see
such ripe, red lips part in such carefree, happy
smiles.
11 Jerome, don't forget Daddy Neil's sauce.
40 PEGGY STEWART
"Yes, missie, lamb. I knows — I knows.
Cynthy, she done got it made to de very top-
notch pint," answered Jerome, hurrying away
upon noiseless feet and in all his immaculate
whiteness from the crown of his white woolly
head to his duck uniform, for the Severndale
servants wore the uniforms of the mess-hall
rather than the usual household livery. Neil
Stewart could not abide "cit's rigs." More-
over, in spite of the long absences of the master
everything about the place was kept up in ship-
shape order; Harrison and Mammy Lucy co-
operated with Jerome in looking well to this.
"Now, Daddy," cried Peggy happily when
luncheon ended, "come out to the stables and
paddock; I've a hundred things to show you."
"A stable and a paddock for an old salt like
me," laughed her father. "I wonder if I shall
know a horse's hock from his withers? Yet it
does seem good to see them, and smell the grass
and woods and know it's all mine and that you
are mine," he cried, slipping his arm through
hers and pacing off with her. "Some day," he
added, "I am coming here to settle down with
you to enjoy it all, and when I do I mean to let
four legs carry me whenever there is the least
excuse for so doing. My own have done enough
"DADDY NEIL" 41
pacing of the quarter-deck to have earned that
indulgence. ' '
"And won't it be just — paradise," cried
Peggy rapturously.
They were now nearing the paddock. To one
side was a long row of little cottages occupied
by the stable hands' families. Mr. Stewart
paused and smiled, for out of each popped one
or more little black woolly heads to catch a
glimpse of "Massa Captain," as all the darkies
on the place called him.
"Good Lord, where do they all come from,
Peggy? Have they all been born since my last
visit? There were not so many here then."
"Not quite all," answered Peggy laughing.
"Most of them were here before that, though
there are some new arrivals either in the course
of nature or new help. You see the business is
growing, Daddy, and I've had to take on new
hands."
Neil Stewart started. Was this little person
who talked in such a matter-of-fact way about
"taking on new hands" his little Peggy?
"Yes, yes — I dare say," he answered in a
sort of daze.
Peggy seemed unaware of anything the least
unusual and continued:
42 PEGGY STEWAET
"I want you to see this family. It is Joshua
Jozadak Jubal Jones'. They might all be of
an age, but they are not — quite. Come here,
boys, and see Master Captain," called Peggy
to the three piccaninnies who were peeping
around the corner of the cottage. Three black,
grinning little faces, topped by the kinkiest of
woolly heads, came slowly at her bidding, each
one glancing half-proudly, yet more or less
panic-stricken, at the big man in white flannels.
"Hello, boys. "Whose sons are you? Miss
Peggy tells me you are brothers.''
"Yas, sir. We is. We's Joshua Jozadak
Jubal Jones's boys. I'se Gus — de ol'es. Der's
nine haid o' us, but we's de oniest boys. De
yethers am' nothin' but gurls."
"And how old are you?"
"I'se nine I reckons."
"And what is your name?'*
"My name Gus, sah."
"That's only half a name. Your whole name
is really Augustus remember.'' The "Massa
Captain's" voice boomed with the sound of the
sea. Augustus and his brothers were duly im-
pressed. If Gus really meant Augustus, why
Augustus he would be henceforth. The Massa
Captain had said it and what the Massa Cap-
"DADDY NEIL" 43
tain said — went, especially when he gave a
bright new dime to enforce the order.
"And your name?" continued the questioner,
pointing at number two.
"I'se jist Jule, sah," was the shy reply.
"That's a nickname too. I can't have such
slipshod, no-account names for my hands' chil-
dren. It isn't dignified. It isn't respectful.
It's a disgrace to Miss Peggy. Do you hear?"
"Yas — yas — sir. We — we hears," answered
the little darkies in chorus, the whites of their
eyes rolling and their knees fairly smiting to-
gether. How could they have been guilty of
thus slighting their adored young mistress?
"Please, sah, wha's his name ef taint Jule?"
Augustus plucked up heart of grace to ask.
"He is Julius, Jul-i-us, do you understand!"
"Yas — sir. Yas — sir." Another dime helped
the memory box.
"And your name? asked the Massa Captain
of quaking number three.
There was a long, significant pause, then con-
tortions as though number three were suffering
from a violent attack of colic. At length, after
two or three futile attempts he blurted out:
"I'se— I'seBillyus, sah!"
There was a terrific explosion, then Neil
44 PEGGY STEWART
Stewart tossed the redoubtable Billyus a quar-
ter, crying: "You win," and walked away with
Peggy, his laughter now and again borne back
to his beneficiaries.
Peggy never knew where that month slipped
to with its long rides on Shashai, Daddy Neil
riding the Emperor, the magnificent sire of all
the small fry upon the place, from those who
had already gone, or were about to be sent out
into the great world beyond the limits of Sev-
erndale, to Roy, the latest arrival. Neil Stew-
art wondered and marveled more and more as
each day slipped by.
Then, too, were the delightful paddles far up
the Severn in Peggy's canoe, exploring unsus-
pected little creeks, with now and again a bag
in the wild, lonely reaches of the river, followed
by a delicious little supper of broiled birds,
done to a turn by Aunt Cynthia. There were,
too, moonlight sails in Peggy's little half-rater,
which she handled with a master hand. As a
rule, one of the boys accompanied her, for the
mainsail and centerboard were pretty heavy
for her to handle unaided, but with Daddy Neil
on board — well, not much was left to be desired.
During that month Peggy learned "how lightly
falls the foot of time which only treads on flow-
"DADDY NEIL" 45
ers," and was appalled when she realized that
only five more days remained of her father's
leave.
Neil Stewart, upon his part, was sorely per-
plexed, for it had come to him with an over-
whelming force that Peggy was almost a young
lady, and to live much longer as she had been
living was simply out of the question. Yet how
solve the problem! He and Dr. Llewellyn
talked long and earnestly upon the subject when
Peggy was not near, and fully concurred in
their view-point; a change must be made, and
made right speedily. Should Peggy be sent to
school? If so, where? Much depended upon
the choice in her case. Her whole life had been
so entirely unlike the average girl's. Why she
scarcely knew the meaning of companions of
her own age of either sex. Neil Stewart actu-
ally groaned aloud as he thought of this.
Dr. Llewellyn suggested a companion for the
young girl.
Mr. Stewart groaned again. Whom should
he choose? So far as he knew there was not a
relative, near or remote, to whom he could turn,
and a hit-or-miss choice among strangers ap-
palled him.
"I give you my word, Llewellyn, I'm aground
46 PEGGY STEWART
-hard and fast. I can't navigate that little
cruiser out yonder," and he nodded toward the
lawn where Peggy was giving his first lessons
to Eoy in submitting to a halter. It was a
pretty picture, too, and one deeply imprinted
upon Neil Stewart's memory.
"We will do our best for her and leave the
rest to the dear Lord," answered the good
Doctor, his cameo-like face turned toward the
lawn to watch the girl whom he loved as a
daughter. ' ' He will show us the way. He has
never yet failed to."
"Well, in all reverence, I wish He'd show it
before I leave, for I tell you I don't like the
idea of going away and leaving that little girl
utterly unprotected."
"I should call her very well protected," said
Dr. Llewellyn mildly.
"Oh, yes, in a way. You are here off and
on, and the servants all the time, but look at the
life she leads, man. Not a girl friend. Noth-
ing that other girls have. I tell you it's bad
navigating and she'll run afoul rocks or shoals.
It isn't natural. For the Lord's sake do some-
thing. If I could be here a month longer I'd
start something or burst everything wide open.
It's simply got to be changed." And Neil Stew-
"DADDY NEIL" 47
art got up from his big East India chair to pace
impatiently up and down the broad piazza, now
and again giving an absent-minded kick to a
hassock, or picking up a sofa pillow to heave it
upon a settee, as though clearing the deck for
action. He was deeply perturbed.
Peggy glanced toward him, and quick to
notice signs of mental disturbance, left her
charge to Tzaritza's care and came running
toward the piazza. As she ran up the four
steps giving upon the lawn she asked half
laughingly, half seriously:
"Heavy weather, Daddy Neil? Barometer
falling?"
Neil Stewart paused, looked at her a moment
and asked abruptly:
"Peggy, how would you like to go to a board-
ing school?"
"To boarding school!"' exclaimed Peggy in
amazement. "Leave Severndale and all this
and go away to a school^" The emphasis upon
the last word held whole volumes.
Her father nodded.
"I think I'd die," she said, dropping upon a
settee as though the very suggestion had de-
prived her of strength.
Her father's forehead puckered into a per-
48 PEGGY STEWABT
plexed frown. If Peggy were sent to boarding
school the choice of one would be a nice ques-
tion.
""Well, what shall I do with you!" demanded
the poor man in desperation.
"Leave me right where I am. Compadre
will see that I'm not quite an ignoramus, Harri-
son keeps me decently clad and properly lec-
tured, and Mammy looks to my feeding when
I'm well and dosing when I'm not, which, thank
goodness, isn't often. Why Daddy, I'm so
happy. So perfectly happy. Please, please
don't spoil it," and Peggy rose to slip her arm
within her father's and "pace the deck" as he
called it.
"But you haven't a single companion of your
own age or station," he protested.
"Do I look the maiden all forlorn as the re-
sult?" she asked, laughing up at him.
"You look — you look — exactly like your
mother, and to me she was the most beautiful
woman I have ever seen," and Peggy found
herself in an embrace which threatened to
smother her. She blushed with pleasure. To
be like her mother whom she scarcely remem-
bered, for eight years had passed since that
beautiful mother slipped out of her life, was
''DADDY NEIL" 49
the highest praise that could have been be-
stowed upon her.
''Daddy, will you make a truce with me?"
Her father stopped to look down at her,
doubtful of falling into a snare, for he had
wakened to the fact that his little fourteen-year-
old daughter had a pretty long head for her
years. Peggy's white teeth gleamed behind
her rosy lips and her eyes danced wickedly.
"What are you hatching for your old Dad's
undoing, you witch ! ' '
"Nothing but a truce. It is almost the first
of September. Will you give me just one more
year of this glorious freedom? I shall be nearly
sixteen then, and then if you still wish it, I'll
go to a finishing school, or any other old school
you say to be polished off for society and to
do the honors of Severndale properly when you
retire. But, Daddy, please, please, don't send
me this year. I love it all so dearly — and I'll
be good — I truly will. ' '
At the concluding words the big dark eyes
filled. Her father bent down to kiss away the
unshed tears. His own eyes were troublesome.
"I sign the truce, sweetheart, for one year,
but I want a detailed report every week, do you
understand?"
4
50 PEGGY STEWART
"You shall have it, accurate as a ship's log."
Five days later he had joined his ship and
Peggy was once more alone, yet, even then, over
yonder under the shadow of the dome of the
chapel at the Naval Academy the future was
being shaped for the young girl ; a future so
unlike one those who loved her best could pos-
sibly have foreseen or planned.
CHAPTER IV
IN OCTOBER'S DAYS
SEPTEMBEK slipped by, a lonely month for!
Peggy as contrasted with August. At first she
did not fully realize how lonely, but as the days
went by she missed her father's companionship
more and more. Formerly, after one of his
brief visits she had taken up her usual occupa-
tions, fallen back into the old order of things,
and been happy in her dumb companions. But
this time she could not settle down to anything.
She was restless, and as nearly unhappy as it
was possible for Peggy Stewart to be. She
could not understand it. Poor little Peggy,
how could she analyze it 1 How reason out that
her life, dearly as she loved it, was an unnatural
one for a young girl, and, consequently, an un-
satisfactory one.
Dr. Llewellyn was troubled. Tender, wise
and devoted to the girl, he had long foreseen
this crisis. It was all very well for the child
Peggy to run wild over fields and woodland, to
ride, drive, paddle, sail, fish or do as the whim
51
52 PEGGY STEWART
of the moment prompted, happy in her horses
and her dogs. Mammy and Harrison were
fully capable of looking to her corporal needs
and he could look to her mental and spiritual
ones, and did do so.
Situated as Severndale was, remote from the
other estates upon the river and never brought
into social touch with its neighbors, Peggy was
hardly known. When Neil Stewart came home
on leave he was only too glad to get away from
the social side of his life in the service, and the
weeks spent with his little girl at Severndale
had always been the delight of his life. They
took him into a new world all his own in which
the small vexations of the outer service world
were entirely forgotten.
And how he looked forward to those visits.
He rarely spoke of them to his friends, men-
tioned Severndale to very few and hardly a
dozen knew of Peggy's existence. It was a
peculiar attitude, but Neil Stewart had never
been reconciled to the cruel fate which had
taken from him the beautiful wife he had loved
so devotedly, and the thought of guests at
Severndale without her there to entertain them
as she had been accustomed to was peculiarly
abhorent to him. He became almost morbid
IN OCTOBEK'S DAYS 53
on the subject and did not realize that he was
growing selfish in his sorrow and making Peggy
pay the penalty.
But something in the way of an awakening
had come to him during his recent visit, and it
had shocked him. The child Peggy was a child
no longer but a very charming young girl on
the borderland of womanhood. In a year or
two she would be a young woman and entitled
to her place in the social world. Poor Neil
Stewart, more than once upon retiring to his
bedroom after one of his delightful evenings
spent with Peggy, desperately ran his fingers
through his curly hair and asked aloud: "What
under the sun am I to do? I can't leave that
child vegetating here any longer, yet who will
come to live with her or where shall I send
her?"
But the question was still unanswered when
he left Severndale and now Peggy was begin-
ning to experience something of her father's
unrest.
October came. Her work with Dr. Llewellyn
was resumed. Each Sunday she drove into
Annapolis to old St. Ann's with Harrison; a
modest, unobtrusive little figure who attended
the service and slipped away again almost un-
54 PEGGY STEWART
noticed. Indeed, if she were noticed at all she
was vaguely supposed to be some connection of
the eminently respectable elderly woman ac-
companying her. Harrison was a rather stately
imposing body in her black taffeta, or black
broadcloth, as the season demanded. People
did not inquire. It was not their affair. The
rector on one or two occasions had spoken to
Harrison, but Harrison had been on her dignity.
She replied politely but did not encourage
intimacy and, if the truth must be confessed,
Dr. Smith, rather piqued, decided that he had
done his duty and would make no further ad-
vances. This had happened some time before
the beginning of this story.
In October, as usual, a number of colts were
disposed of. Some were sold to people in the
adjacent towns or counties, others sent to re-
mote purchasers who had seen them in their
baby days, followed their up-bringing and train-
ing, and waited patiently for them to arrive at
the stipulated age, four years, before becoming
their property. No colt was ever sold under
four years of age. This was an inviolable law
of Severndale, mutually agreed upon by Dr.
Llewellyn, the business manager, Shelby, the
foreman, and Peggy, the mistress.
IN OCTOBER'S DAYS 55
"Ain't going to have no half-baked stock sent
off this place if I have the say-so," had been
Shelby's fiat. "I've seen too many fine colts
ruined by being bruck too young and then sold
to fools who don't seem to sense that a horse's
backbone's like gristle 'fore he's turned three.
Then they load him down fit to kill him, or har-
ness him in a way no horse could stand, or drive
him off his legs, and, when he's played out, they
get back at the man who sold him to them, and
like as not there's a lawsuit afoot that the price
of the colt four times over couldn't square, to
say nothing of a reputation no stock-farm can
afford to have."
Shelby's sense was certainly very sound
horse-sense and was rigidly abided by. Con-
sequently, the colts which left Severndale were
in the pride and glory of their young horsehood,
and this year they were a most promising lot.
There were eleven to be disposed of, and, thanks
to Peggy's care and training, as fine a bunch of
horseflesh as could be found in the land. She
had trained — not broken, she could not tolerate
that word — every one and each knew his or her
name and came at Peggy's call as a child, lov-
ing and obeying her implicitly. Among them
were two exceptionally beautiful creatures — a
56 PEGGY STEWAET
splendid chestnut with a white star in the mid-
dle of his forehead, and a young filly, half-sister
to the chestnut and little Roy. The chestnut
was called Silver Star, the filly Columbine, for
the singular gentleness of her disposition. She
was a golden bay, slender and lithe as a fawn,
with great fawn-like brown eyes full of gentle-
ness and love for all, and for Peggy in partic-
ular. She had been sold, under the usual con-
ditions during the previous year and was soon
to be sent to her new home.
One morning, the second week in October,
Peggy opened a letter which held unusual in-
terest for her. It was from a lady whose home
was in Wilmot Hall in Annapolis. Wilmot Hall
was the hotel near the Naval Academy and
mostly patronized by the officers and their
families. The letter was from the wife of a
naval officer who wished either to hire or
purchase a riding horse for her niece who
would spend the winter with her. She stated
very explicitly that the horse must be well
broken ("Yes, broken!" fairly snorted Peggy.
"Broken! I wonder if she would want a liter-
ally 'broken' horse? "Why will they never say
trained?") and gentle, as her niece had ridden
very little. The letter then went on to ask if
IN OCTOBER'S DAYS 57
Mrs. Harold might call some day and hour
agreed upon. But what amused Peggy most,
and caused her to laugh aloud as she took a
spoonful of luscious sliced peaches, was the
manner in which the letter was addressed.
Old Jerome who was serving her in the pretty
delft breakfast-room took an old retainer's
privilege to ask:
"What 'musin' you, honey-chile T'
"Didn't know I was an esquire, did you,
Jerome? Well I am, because this letter says
so. It is addressed to M. C. Stewart, Esq. As
I am the only M. C. Stewart I must be the es-
quire to boot. Wonder what the lady will think
when I sign myself Margaret C. Stewart," and
Peggy's silvery laugh filled the room.
"Don' yo' mind what dey calls yo', baby.
How dey gwine know yo's our young mist 'ess?
Don' yo' let dat triflin' trebble yo' pretty haid,"
said the faithful old soul, fearful lest his mis-
tress' pride might be touched, and hastening to
serve the second course of her breakfast in his
best "quality style."
"It doesn't trouble me even a little bit,
Jerome. It's just funny. I'm going to answer
that letter right after breakfast, and I wish I
could see my correspondent's face when she
58 PEGGY STEWART
finds that her 'esquire' is one of her own sex.
But I'll never dare let her guess I'm just a
girl."
" Jes' a gurl ! Jes' a gurl," sputtered Jerome.
"Kyant yo' just give her a hint dat yo's a yo'ng
lady and we-all's mistiss?"
" 'Fraid not, Jerome. She will have to learn
that when she comes out here to see Silver Star,
if she really comes. I'd let her have Columbine
if she were not sold. If that girl, who ever she
is, could not ride Columbine she would fall out
of a rocking chair. But Star is a darling and
never cuts pranks unless Shashai sets him a bad
example. I fear Shashai will never forget his
colt tricks," and Shashai 's mistress wagged
her pretty head doubtfully.
"Shas'ee's all right, Miss Peggy. Don' yo'
go fer ter 'line him. When I sees yo' two a
kitin' way over de fiel's an' de fences, I says
ter ma sef, Gawd-a-mighty, Je'ome, yo's got one
pintedly hansome yo'ng mistess an' she kin ride
for fair."
"And that same young mistress is in a fair
way to be spoiled by your flattery that is pretty
certain," laughed Peggy, rising from the break-
fast table and gathering up the pile of letters
she had been reading.
IN OCTOBER'S DAYS 59
"Huh, Huh. Spiled nothin'," protested
Jerome as she disappeared into the adjoining
library.
Seating herself at her very business-like desk
she wrote in a clear, angular hand :
Severndale, Round Bay Station.
October 20, 19 —
Mrs. G. F. Harold,
Wilmot Hall,
Annapolis, Md.
Dear Madam:
Your favor of October eighteenth has been duly received and
contents noted. In reply would say that I shall be very glad to
have you call and inspect our stock.
We have one colt, a four-year old, sired by the Emperor,
dam the Empress, which I shall be glad to show you. There
are also others, but I am considering pedigree, disposition and
gait since you state that you wish a horse for an inexperienced
rider.
Would suggest that you run out to Round Bay Station, via
B. A. Short Line R. R. on Saturday, October the twenty-third,
1.30 P. M. weather permitting, where I shall meet and convey
you to Severndale.
Awaiting your pleasure I am
Very truly yours,
Margaret C. Stewart
How little it often requires to change our
whole future. Little did Peggy guess as she
wrote that letter in Dr. Llewellyn's most ap-
proved form that it was destined to entirely
revolutionize her life, introduce her to a liith-
60 PEGGY STEWABT
erto unknown world and round out her future
in a manner beyond the fondest hopes of
"Daddy Neil."
This is a big world of little things
The letter went upon its way and in the
course of the morning Peggy almost forgot it.
At ten o 'clock Dr. Llewellyn came for the reg-
ular morning lessons. If these were a little un-
usual for a girl of Peggy's age she was certainly
none the worse for her very practical knowledge
of mathematics, her ability to conduct correctly
the business side of the estate, for upon this, as
the business manager, good Dr. Llewellyn in-
sisted, and if that bonny, well-poised, level little
head sometimes grew weary over investments,
and interest, and profits and losses, and nestled
down confidingly upon his shoulder, the sub-
jects were none the less fully digested, and
Peggy knew to a dollar, as he did, whence her
income was derived and to what use it was put.
Then, too, Dr. Llewellyn in his love for the
classics made them a fairy world for the girl
and the commingling of the practical with the
ideal maintained the balance.
When one o'clock came dinner was served
and after that Dr. Llewellyn went his way and
Peggy hurried off to her beloved horses.
IN OCTOBER'S DAYS 61
On this day Columbine was to bid good-bye
to Severndale. As Peggy entered the big airy
stable with its row upon row of scrupulously
neat box stalls, for no other sort was permitted
in Severndale, Columbine greeted her from one
of them, as though asking: "Why am I kept
mewed up in here while all my companions are
enjoying their daily liberty out yonder?"
Peggy opened the gate and entered the stall.
The beautiful creature nestled to her like a
petted child.
' ' Oh, my bonny one. My bonny one, how can
I send you away?" asked Peggy softly. "Will
they be good to you out yonder? Will they
understand what a prize they have got ? Wash-
ington is far away and so big and so fashion-
able, they tell me. It would break my heart to
have you misused."
The filly nickered softly.
"I am going to send a little message with
you. If they read it they will surely pay heed
to it."
She drew from the pocket of her blouse a lit-
tle package. It was not over an inch wide or
three long, and was carefully sealed in a piece
of oil silk. Parting the thick, luxuriant mane,
she tied her missive securely underneath. When
62 PEGGY STEWAKT
the silky hair fell back in place the little mes-
sage was completely concealed. Peggy clasped
her arms about the filly's neck, kissed the soft
muzzle and said:
11 Good-bye, dear. I'll never forget you and
I wonder if I shall ever hear of you or see you
again ? ' '
Her eyes were full of tears as she left the
stable. Two hours later Columbine was led
from her happy home. What later befell her
we will learn in a future volume of Peggy
Stewart. Meanwhile we must follow Peggy's
history.
On the following Saturday, in the golden glow
of an October afternoon, with the hills a glory
of color and the air as soft as wine, Peggy
drove Comet and Meteor, her splendid carriage
horses, to the Bound Bay station to meet Mrs.
Harold and her niece. Tzaritza bounded along
beside the surrey and old Jess, the coachman of
fifty years, sat beside his young mistress, al-
most bursting with pride as he watched the skill
with which she handled the high-spirited ani-
mals, for Jess had taught her to drive when she
was so tiny that he had to hold her upon his lap,
and keep the little hands within the grasp of his
big black ones.
IN OCTOBEK'S DAYS 63
Leaving the horses in his care she stepped
upon the little platform which did primitive
duty as a station, to await the arrival of the
electric car which could already be heard hum-
ming far away up the line.
As her guests stepped from the car she ad-
vanced to meet them, saying as she extended
her hand to Mrs. Harold :
''This is Mrs. Harold, I reckon. I am Peggy
Stewart. I am glad to meet you."
There was not the least hesitation or self-
consciousness and the frank smile which accom-
panied the words revealed all her pretty, even
teeth. "I got your message and I am right
glad to welcome you to Severndale."
The lady looked a trifle bewildered. She had
expected to meet the owner of Severndale, or,
certainly, a mature woman. Her correspondence
had, it is true, been with a Margaret C. Stewart,
whom she assumed to be Mr. Stewart's wife or
some relative. Intuitively Peggy grasped the
situation, but kept a perfectly sober face.
"I am very glad to come," said her guest,
and added: "This is my niece, Polly Rowland."
"It's nice to see and know you. I don't see
many girls of my own age. "Will you come to
the surrey?" and she indicated with a graceful
64 PEGGY STEWART
motion of her hand the carriage in waiting just
beyond. Mrs. Harold and her niece followed
their guide.
Old Jess made a sweeping bow. He must do
the honors properly. Peggy helped her guests
into the rear seat, then sprang lightly into the
front one, drew on a pair of chamois gloves,
and taking the reins from Jess, gave a low, clear
whistle. Instantly Tzaritza bounded up from
beneath some shrubbery where she had lain
hidden, and cavorting to the horses' heads made
playful snaps at their muzzles. The next sec-
ond they had reared upon their hind legs. Mrs.
Harold gave a little cry of terror and Polly laid
hold of the side of the surrey. Peggy flashed
an amused, dazzling smile over her shoulder at
them as she said reassuringly:
"Don't be frightened. Down, Tzaritza.
Steady, my beauties."
At her words the beautiful span settled down
as quiet as lambs and swung into a gait which
whirled the surrey along the picturesque, wood-
land road at a rate not to be despised, while
Peggy drove with the master-hand of expe-
rience. Indeed she seemed to guide more by
words than reins, or some perfectly understood
signal to the splendid creatures which arched
IN OCTOBER'S DAYS 65
their necks, or laid back an ear to catch, each
low spoken word.
For a time Peggy's guests were too absorbed
in watching her marvelous skill and almost un-
canny power over her horses to make any com-
ment. Then the young girl broke into a per-
fect ecstacy of delight as she cried :
' ' Oh, how do you do it ? How beautiful they
are and what a superb dog. It is a Eussian
wolfhound, isn't it?"
"Yes, she is a wolfhound. But I don't quite
understand. Do what?" and Peggy glanced
back questioningly.
* ' Why drive like that. Make them obey you
so perfectly."
"Oh! Why I reckon it is because I have
driven all my life. I can't remember when I
haven't, and I love and understand them so
well. That is all there is to it, I think. They
will do almost anything for me. You see I was
here when they were born and they have known
me from the very first. That makes a lot of
difference. And I have a great deal to do
about the paddock. I superintend it. The
horses are never afraid of me and if they don't
know the meaning of fear one can do almost
anything with them."
5
66 PEGGY STEWAET
How simple it was all said. Mrs. Harold was
more and more puzzled. The drive was longer
than she had expected it to be and she had ample
time to observe her young hostess.
"And your mother or aunt, whom I infer is
my correspondent, shall I meet her at Severn-
dale?"
"My mother is not living, Mrs. Harold, and
I have no own aunt ; only an aunt by marriage,
the widow of Daddy's only brother, but I have
never seen her. ' ;
"Then I am at a loss to understand with
whom I have been corresponding about a won-
derful horse called Silver Star. Someone who
signs her letters Margaret C. Stewart, and who
evidently knows what she is writing about, too,
for she writes to the point and has told me a
dozen things which no one but an experienced
business woman would think of telling. Yet
you tell me there is neither a Mrs. nor Miss
Stewart at Severndale."
"I am afraid I am the only Miss Stewart at
Severndale, though I am never called Miss
Stewart. I'm just Miss Peggy to the help, and
Peggy to my friends. But, of course, when I
write business letters I have to sign my full
name."
IN OCTOBEB'S DAYS 67
"You write business letters. Do you mean
to tell me you wrote those letters T;
"I'm the only Margaret Stewart," answered
Peggy, her eyes twinkling. "But here we are
at Severndale."
The span made a sharp turn and sped along
a beautiful avenue over-arched by golden
beeches and a moment later swept up to a
stately old colonial mansion which must have
looked out over the reaches of Bound Bay for
many generations.
PROP!
or T
rr f\t
WBW-Y01
SOCIETY L —
CHAPTER V
POLLY ROWLAND
IT must be admitted that during the drive
from the station Peggy's curiosity concerning
her guests had been fully as lively as theirs
regarding her. She had never known girl
friends ; there was but one home within reason-
able reach of her own which harbored a girl
near her own age and during the past year even
this one had been sent off to boarding school,
her parents realizing that the place was too
remote to afford her the advantages her age
demanded. Consequently, Peggy experienced
a little thrill when she met Polly Howland.
Here was a girl of her own age, her own station,
and, if intuition meant anything, a kindred
spirit. The moment of their introduction had
been too brief for Peggy to have a good look at
Polly, but now that they had reached Severn-
dale she meant to have it, and while Mrs. How-
land and Polly were exclaiming over the beauty
of the old place, and the former was wondering
68
POLLY HOWLAND 69
how she could have lived in Annapolis so long
without even being aware of its existence,
Peggy, while apparently occupied in caring for
her guests' welfare, was scrutinizing those
guests very closely.
What she saw was a lady something past
forty, a little above the average height, slight
and graceful, with masses of dark brown hair
coiled beneath a very pretty dark blue velvet
toque, a face almost as fresh and fair as a
girl's, large, dark brown expressive eyes which
held a light that in some mysterious manner
appealed to Peggy and drew her irresistibly.
They were smiling eyes with a twinkle sugges-
tive of a sense of humor, a sympathetic under-
standing of the view-point of those of fewer
years, which the mouth beneath corroborated,
for the lips held a little curve which often be-
trayed the inward emotions. Her voice was
soft and sweet and its intonation fell soothingly
upon Peggy's sensitive ears. Taken altogether,
her elder guest had already won Peggy's heart,
though she would have found it hard to explain
why.
And Polly Rowland?
To describe Polly Howland in cold print
would be impossible, for Polly was something
70 PEGGY STEWART
of a chameleon. What Peggy saw was a young
girl not quite so tall as herself, but slightly
heavier and straight and lithe as a willow. Her
fine head was topped with a great wavy mass of
the deepest copper-tinted hair, perfectly won-
derful hair, which glinted and flashed with every
turn of the girl's head, and rolled back from
a broad forehead white and clear as milk. The
eyes beneath the forehead were a perfect cadet
blue, with long lashes many shades darker
than the hair. They were big eyes, expressive
and constantly changing with Polly's moods,
now flashing, now laughing, again growing
dark, deep and tender. The nose had an inde-
pendent little tilt, but the mouth was exquisitely
faultless and mobile and expressive to a rare
degree. Polly's eyes and mouth would have at-
tracted attention anywhere.
Of course Peggy did not take quite this ana-
lytical view of either of her guests, though in a
vague way she felt it all and an odd sense of
happiness filled her soul which she would have
found it hard to explain.
She led the way through the spacious hall and
dining-room to the broad piazza from which the
view was simply entrancing, and said :
''Won't you and Miss Howland be seated,
POLLY HOWLAND 71
Mrs. Harold; I am sure you must be hungry
after your ride through this October air. We
will have some refreshments and then go out to
the paddock to see Silver Star."
Touching a little silver bell, which was
promptly answered by Jerome, she ordered:
"Something extra nice for my guests, Je-
rome, and please send word to Shelby that we
will be out to the paddock in half an hour."
"Yes, missie, lamb, I gwine bring yo' a dish
fitten fo' a queen."
Mrs. Harold dropped into one of the big East
India porch chairs, saying :
"This is one of the most beautiful places I
have ever seen. Polly, dear, look at the wonder-
ful reds of those wings contrasted with the
foliage back of them. Why have we never
known of Severndale? Have you lived here
long, Miss Stewart?"
"Would you mind calling me just Peggy?
Miss Stewart makes me feel so old and grown-
up," said Peggy unaffectedly.
Mrs. Harold smiled approvingly and Polly
cried :
"Yes, doesn't it? I hate to be called Miss
Howland. I'm not, anyway, for I have an
older sister. Have you, too?"
72 PEGGY STEWART
"No," answered Peggy. "I have no one in
the world but Daddy Neil, and he is away nearly
all the time. I wish he were not. I miss him
terribly. He spent August with me and I have
never before missed him as I do this time. I
have always lived here, Mrs. Harold. I was
born here," she concluded in reply to Mrs.
Harold's question.
"But your companions?" Mrs. Harold could
not refrain from asking.
Peggy smiled.
"That was Daddy Neil's deepest concern
during this last visit. He had not thought much
about it before, I guess. I dare say you will
think it odd, but my companions are mostly
four-footed ones, though I am — what shall I
call it? Guarded? chaperoned? cared for? by
Harrison, Mammy Lucy and Jerome, with my
legal guardian, Dr. Llewellyn to keep me with-
in bounds. I dare say most people would con-
sider it very unusual, but I am very happy and
never lonely. Yes, Jerome, set the tray here,
please," she ended as the butler returned bear-
ing a large silver tray laden with a beautiful
silver chocolate service, egg-shell cups straight
from Japan, a plate of the most delicate, flaky
biscuits, divided, buttered and steaming, flanked
POLLY HOWLAND 73
by another plate piled high with little scalloped-
edged nut cakes, just fresh from Aunt Cynthia's
oven.
Taking her seat beside the table Peggy
poured and Jerome served in his most dignified
manner, while Mrs. Harold marveled more and
more and Polly thought she had never in all her
life seen a girl quite like Peggy.
"It is one of the most beautiful places I have
ever seen," said Mrs. Harold.
"I am glad you like it, for I love it. Few
people know of it. I mean few who come to
Annapolis. I have lived here so quietly since
Mamma's death when I was six years old.
Daddy comes whenever he can, but he has asked
for sea duty since Mamma left us. He has
missed her so."
"In which class did your father graduate,
Miss Peggy?"
"In 18—, Mrs. Harold."
"Why then he must have been in the Academy
when Mr. Harold was there. He graduated
two years later. I wonder if they knew each
other. Mr. Harold would have been a youngster,
and your father a first-classman, and first-class-
men have been known to notice youngsters."
Peggy looked puzzled. Although she had
74 PEGGY STEWABT
always lived within ten miles of the Academy,
she had never entered its gates, and knew noth-
ing of its ways or rules. Polly was wiser, hav-
ing spent a month with her aunt. She laughed
as she explained :
"A first-classman is a lordly being who is
generally at odds with a second-classman, but
inclined to protect a third-classman, or young-
ster, simply because the second-classman is
inclined to make life a burden for him, just as
he in turn is ready to torment the life out of a
fourth-classman, or plebe. I am just begin-
ning to understand it. It seemed perfectly
ridiculous at first, but I guess some of those
boys are the better for the running they get.
I've only been here since the first of October,
but I've learned a whole lot in four weeks.
Maybe you will come over to see us some time
and you will understand better then."
"I'd love to, I am sure. But may I offer you
something more? No? Then perhaps we would
better go down to the paddock. ' '
They stepped from the piazza and walked
through the beautifully kept garden. On either
side late autumn flowers were blooming, the box
hedges were a deep, waxen green, and gave
forth a rich, aromatic odor. Polly cried :
POLLY ROWLAND 75
"I just can't believe that you — you — why
that you are the mistress of all this. I don't
believe you can be one bit older than I am."
"I was fourteen last January," answered
Peggy simply.
"And I fifteen last August," cried Polly with
the frankness of her years.
' ' Then you are exactly five months older than
I am, aren't you!" Peggy's smile was won-
derfully winning.
"And when I look at all this and hear you
talk I feel just about five years younger," was
Polly's frank reply. "Why I've never done a
single thing in my life."
"Not one!" asked Mrs. Harold, smiling
significantly.
"Oh well, nothing like all this," protested
Polly.
They had now reached a large inclosure. At
the further end were a number of low buildings,
evidently stables. Nearer at hand, outside the
inclosure, were larger buildings — barns and
offices. The inclosure was still soft and green
in its carpeting of turf and patches of clover.
Eight or ten horses were running at large, free
and halterless. Further on was another in-
closure in which several brood mares were
76 PEGGY STEWART
grazing quietly or frisking about with their
colts. Some had come to the high paling to
gaze inquiringly at the strangers.
"Oh, Tanta, Tanta, just look at them," cried
Polly in a rapture. "And which is to be mine?"
"None of those spindle-legs yonder," was
Peggy's amused answer. "They will be run-
ning at large for a long time yet. I don't even
begin training them until they are a year old —
at least not in anything but loving and obeying
me. But most of them learn that very quickly.
You must look in this paddock for Silver Star,
Miss Polly. Shall I call him f '
"Will he really come?" asked Polly incred-
ulously.
For answer Peggy slipped into the paddock,
saying as she shot back the bolt :
"We used to have a much simpler fastening,
but they learned how to undo it and make their
escape. For that reason we are obliged to have
these high fences. They have a strain of hunter
blood and a six-foot barrier doesn't mean much
to some of them."
How bonny the girl looked as she stood there.
The horses which were in a little group near the
buildings at the opposite end of the paddock,
raised their heads inquiringly. The girl gave
POLLY ROWLAND 77
a long, clear whistle which was instantly an-
swered by a chorus of loud neighs, as the group
broke into a mad gallop and bore down upon
her. It seemed to Mrs. Harold and Polly as
though the on-rushing creatures must bear her
down, but just when the on-rush seemed mad-
dest, when heads were tossing most wildly, and
tails and manes waving like banners, Peggy
cried :
"Halt! Steady, my beauties !': and as one
the beautiful animals came to a standstill their
hoofs stirring up a cloud of dust, so suddenly
did they brace their forefeet. The next second
they were crowding around her, nozzling her
hair, her shoulders, her hands, evidently beg-
ging in silent eloquence for some expected
dainty.
Peggy carried a small linen bag. She opened
it and instantly the air was filled with the soft,
bubbling whinny with which a horse begs.
" Quiet, Meteor. Be patient, Don. Wait,
Queen. Oh, Shashai, will you never learn
manners?" she cried as her pet stretched his
long neck and catching the little bag in his
teeth snatched it from her hands, then, with all
the delight of a child who has played a clever
trick, away he dashed across the paddock.
78 PEGGY STEWART
"Shashai! Shashai, how dare you! Halt!"
she called after him, but the graceful creature
had no idea of halting.
For a moment Peggy looked at her guests
very much as a baffled schoolmistress might
look in the event of her pupil's open defiance,
then cried:
"This will never, never do. If he disobeys
me once I shall never be able to do anything
with him again. Please excuse me a moment.
I must catch him.':
"Are you in the habit of chasing whirl-
winds?" asked Mrs. Harold laughing.
"You must be able to run faster than most
people,'' laughed Polly, but even as she spoke
Peggy cried :
"Star! Star! Come." And out from the
group slipped a superb chestnut. He came
close to the girl, slipping his beautiful head
across her shoulder and nestling against her
face with the affection of a child. She clasped
her arm up around the satiny neck and said
softly:
"We must catch Shashai, Star," then turn-
ing like a flash, she rested one hand lightly upon
his withers, gave a quick spring and sat astride
the horse's back.
POLLY ROWLAND 79
Polly gave a little cry and clasped her hands,
her eyes sparkling with delight at this mar-
velous equestrian feat. Mrs. Harold was too
amazed to speak.
* ' After him ! Four bells, Star, ' ' cried Peggy,
and away rushed the pair as though horse and
rider were one creature, Peggy's divided cloth
skirt, which up to that moment Mrs. Harold
had not noticed, fluttering back to reveal the
nattiest little patent leather riding boots imag-
inable. It was one of the prettiest pictures
Mrs. Harold and Polly had ever beheld.
But that race was not to end so quickly.
Shashai boasted the same blood as Silver Star,
and was every bit as intelligent as his older
brother. Moreover he had no mind to give up
his treasure-trove. He knew that little bag and
its contents too well and was minded to carry
it to the far end of the paddock and there rend,
tear at it, until its contents were spilled and he
could eat his companions' share as well as his
own. And that was exactly what Peggy did
not propose to permit either for his well-being
or in justice to the other pets.
As the extraordinary game of tag ranged
around the big paddock, Polly fairly danced up
and down in excitement, crying :
80 PEGGY STEWART
"Tanta, Tanta, I didn't know any one could
ride like that girl. Why it is more wonderful
than a circus. And isn't she beautiful? Oh, I
want to know her better. I am sure she must
be a perfect dear. Why if I could ever ride
half as well I'd be the proudest girl in the
world."
"And how simply and unostentatiously she
does everything. Polly, I suspect we shall be
the richer for several things besides a handsome
horse when we return to Wihnot."
Meanwhile Peggy was bearing down upon the
thief and his plunder, though he darted and
dodged like a cat, but in an unguarded moment
he gave Star the advantage and was cornered.
"Shashai, halt! Steady. Down. My pardon."
Never was human speech more perfectly
understood and obeyed. The game was up and
the superb horse stopped, dropped upon his
knees and touched the ground with his muzzle,
the bag still held in his teeth.
"Up, Shashai," and the horse was again
upon his feet.
Peggy reached over and taking hold of his
flowing forelock led him back to the gate. Noth-
ing could have been more demure than the
manner in which he minced along beside her.
POLLY ROWLAND 81
At the gate Peggy slipped from Star's back
as snow slips from a sunny bank, and stretching
forth her hand said:
"Give it to me, Shashai."
The mischievous colt dropped the bag into
her hand.
"Good boy," and a caress rewarded the re-
formed one.
Then Polly's enthusiasm broke forth.
How had she ever done it? Who had taught
her to ride like that? Could she, Polly, ever
hope to do so?
Peggy laughed gaily, and explained Shelby's
methods as best she could, giving a little out-
line of her life on the estate which held a pecul-
iar interest for Mrs. Harold, who read more
between the lines than Peggy guessed, and who
then and there resolved to know something
more of this unusual girl to whose home they
had been so curiously led. She had been thrown
with young people all her life and loved them
dearly, and here to her experienced eyes was a
rare specimen of young girlhood and her heart
warmed to her.
"I'd give anything to ride as you do," said
Polly quite in despair of ever doing so.
"Why I can't remember when I haven't rid-
6
82 PEGGY STEWART
den. Shelby put me on a horse when Mammy
Lucy declared I was too tiny to sit in a chair,
and oh, how I love it and them. It is all so
easy, so free — so — I don't quite know how to
express it. But I must not take any more of
your time talking about myself. Please excuse
me for having talked so much. I wanted you
to see Silver Star's paces but I did not plan to
show them in just this way. But isn't he a
dear? I don't know how I can let him go away
from Severndale, but he as well as the others
must. We sent Columbine only a few days
ago. She has the sweetest disposition of any
horse I have ever trained. It nearly broke my
heart to send her off. They are all relatives.
Shashai and Star are half-brothers. Shashai
is my very own and I shall never sell him.
"Would you like to try Star, Miss Polly? I can
get you a riding skirt. Shall you ride cross or
side? He is trained for both."
"Not today, I think," answered Mrs. Harold
for Polly. "We must make our arrangements
for Star and then we will see about riding les-
sons. I wish you would undertake to teach
Polly."
"Oh, would you really let me teach her?';
cried Peggy enthusiastically.
POLLY HOWLAND 83
"I think the obligation would be all on the
other side," laughed Mrs. Harold. "It would
be a privilege too great to claim."
"There would be no obligation whatever. I'd
just love to," cried Peggy eagerly. "Why it
would be perfectly lovely to have her come out
here every day. Please walk back to the house
and let us talk it over," Peggy's eyes were
sparkling.
"Oh, Tanta, may I?"
"Slowly, Polly. My head is beginning to
swim with so many ideas crowding into it," but
Polly Howl and knew from the tone that the day
was as good as won.
CHAPTER VI
A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS
As they walked back to the house the girls
talked incessantly, Mrs. Harold listening in-
tently but saying very little. She was drawing
her own conclusions, which were usually pretty
shrewd ones.
Commander Harold had for the past four
years been stationed either at the Naval Acad-
emy, or on sea duty on board the Rhode Island
when she made her famous cruise around the
world. Mrs. Harold had remained at Wilmot
Hall during the winter of 1907 and 1908, Polly's
sister Constance spending it with her. Later
Commander Harold had duty at the Academy,
but recently with his new commission, for he
had been a commander only a few months, he
had been given one of the new cruisers and was
at sea once more. They had no children, their
only child having died many years before, but
Mrs. Harold, loving young people as she did,
was never without them near her. This winter
84
A FEIENDSHIP BEGINS 85
her niece, Polly Rowland, would remain with
her and she was anxious to make the winter a
happy one for the young girl. This she had a
rare opportunity of doing, for her pretty sit-
ting-room in Wilmot Hall was a gathering place
for the young people of the entire neighborhood
and the midshipmen in particular, who loved
it dearly and were devoted to its mistress, lov-
ing her with the devotion of sons, and invariably
calling her ' ' the Little Mother, ' ' and her sitting-
room ' ' Middies ' Haven. ' ' And a happier little
rendezvous it would have been hard to find, for
Mrs. Harold loved her big foster-sons dearly,
strove in every way to make the place a home
for them and to develop all that was best in
their diverse characters.
It was to this home that Polly had come to
pass the winter and now a new phase had de-
veloped, the outcome of what seemed to be
chance, but it is to be questioned whether any-
thing in this great world of ours is the outcome
of chance. If so wisely ordered in some re-
spects, why not in alii?
So it is not surprising that Mrs. Harold
watched and listened with rare sympathy and
a keen intuition as the girls walked a little
ahead of her, talking together as freely and
86 PEGGY STEWAET
frankly as though they had known each other
for years instead of hours only.
"Couldn't you come out on the electric car
every morning ?': Peggy was asking. "If you
could do that for about two weeks I am sure
you would be able to ride beautifully at the end
of them."
"Not in the morning, I'm afraid. You see
I am an Annapolis co-ed," Polly answered
laughing gaily at Peggy's mystified expression.
"Yes I am, truly. You see I came down here
to spend the winter with Aunt Janet because
she is lonely when Uncle Glenn is away. But,
of course, I can't just sit around and do noth-
ing, or frolic all the time. Had I remained at
home I should have been in my last year at high
school, but Tanta doesn't want me to go to the
one down here. Oh we've had the funniest dis-
cussions. First she thought she'd engage a
governess for me, and we had almost settled
on that when the funniest little thing changed
it all. Isn't it queer how just a little thing will
sometimes turn your plans all around?' ;
"What changed yours?" asked Peggy, more
deeply interested in this new acquaintance and
the new world she was introducing her into
than she had ever been in anything in her life.
A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS 87
"You'll laugh at me, I dare say, if I tell you,
but I don't mind. Up at my own home in
Montgentian, N. J., I had a boy chum. We
have known each other since we were little tots
and always played together. He is two years
older than I am, but I was only a year behind
him when he graduated from the high last
spring. My goodness, how I worked to catch
up, for I was ashamed to let him be so far
ahead of me. I couldn't quite catch up, though,
and he graduated a year ahead of me in spite
of all I could do. Then he took a competitive
examination for Annapolis and passed finely,
entering the Academy last June. I was just
tickled to death for we are just like brother and
sister, we have been together so much. Then
Tanta sent for me and I came back with her on
September 30. One day we were over in the
yard and the boys — men, I dare say I ought to
call them, for some of them are tall as bean
poles, only they have all been Aunt Janet's
'boys' ever since they entered the Academy —
were teasing me, and telling me I couldn't work
with Ralph any longer. I got mad then and
said I guessed I could work with him if I saw
fit, and I meant to, too. Oh, they laughed and
jeered at me until I could have slapped every
88 PEGGY STEWART
single one of them, but I then and there made
up my mind to follow this year's academic
course if I died in the attempt, and when we
went home I talked it all over with Aunt Janet.
She's such a dear, and always ready to listen to
anything we young people have to tell her. So
I really am a co-ed. Yes, I am; I knew you'd
smile. I have an instructor, a retired captain,
a friend of Aunt Janet's, who lives at Wilmot,
and Aunt Janet has rented an extra room next
mine for a schoolroom, and every morning at
nine o'clock Captain Pennell and I settle down
to real hard work. I have 'math" and mechan-
ical drawing just exactly as Ralph has, and the
same French, Spanish and English course, but
what I love best of all is learning all about a
boat and how to sail her, how to swim, and the
gym work. And Captain Pennell is teaching
me how to fence and to shoot with a rifle and a
revolver. Oh, it is just heaps and heaps of fun.
I didn't dream a girl could learn all those
things, but Captain Pennell is such a dear and
so interesting. He seems to have something
new for each day. But how Aunt Janet's boys
do run me and ask me when I'm coming out for
cutter drill, or field artillery or any old thing
they know I can't do. But never mind. I
A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS 89
know just exactly what all their old orders
mean, and I am learning all about our splendid
big ships and the guns and everything just as
fast as ever I can. But, my goodness, I shall
talk you to death. Mother says I never know
when to stop once I get started. I beg your
pardon," and Polly looked quite abashed as
they drew near the piazza.
''Why I think it is all perfectly fascinating.
How I'd love to do some of those things. I can
shoot and swim and sail my boat, but I've never
been in a gymnasium or done any of those in-
teresting things. I wish Compadre could hear
all about it. They wanted to send me away to a
big finishing school this winter but I begged so
hard for one more year's freedom that Daddy
Neil consented, but I think he would love to have
me know about the things you are learning. "
"Oh, Tanta, couldn't we make some sort of
a bargain! Couldn't Peggy come to us three
days of the week and work with Captain Pen-
nell and me, and then I come out three to learn
to ride?"
Peggy's eyes shone as she listened. She had
not realized how hungry she had been for young
companionship until this sunny-souled young
girl had dropped into her little world.
90 PEGGY STEWART
Mrs. Harold smiled sympathetically upon the
enthusiastic pair.
' ' Perhaps we can make a mutually beneficial
bargain," she said. "I think I shall accept
Silver Star upon your recommendation, Miss
Peggy, and what I have already seen. Then if
you are willing to undertake it, Polly shall be
taught to ride by you, and you in turn must
come to us at Wilmot to join Captain Pennell's
class of fencing, gym work or whatever else
seems wise or you wish to. But who must de-
cide the question, dearT:
How unconsciously she had dropped into the
term of endearment with this young girl. It
was so much a part of her nature to do so.
Peggy's cheeks became rose-tinted with pleas-
ure, and her eyes alight with happiness. Her
smile was radiant as she slipped to Mrs. Har-
old's side saying: "Oh, if Compadre were only
here to decide it right away. He is my guardian
you know, and, of course, I must do as he
wishes, but I hope — oh I hope, he will let me do
this."
"And what is it you so wish to do, Filiola?"
asked a gentle voice within the room.
Peggy gave a little cry of delight.
"Oh, Compadre, when did you come? We
A FEIENDSHIP BEGINS 91
have just been talking about you," cried Peggy,
flitting to the side of the tall, handsome old gen-
tleman and slipping her arm about him as his
encircled her shoulder, and he looked down
upon her with a pair of benign dark eyes as he
answered :
"I have been luxuriating and feasting for the
past half hour while waiting for a truant ward.
Jerome took pity upon me and fed me to keep
me in a good temper.
' ' Oh, Compadre, I want you to know my new
friend, Mrs. Harold and her niece, Polly How-
land. We have been having the loveliest visit
together."
Dr. Llewellyn advanced to meet the guests,
one arm still encircling his ward, the other ex-
tended to take Mrs. Harold's hand as he said:
1 ' This is a great pleasure, madam. To judge
by my little girl's face she has found a con-
genial companion. I am more than delighted
to meet both aunt and niece."
"And we are almost the same age! Isn't
that lovely?" cried Polly.
Dr. Llewellyn exchanged a significant glance
with Mrs. Harold, then asked :
"Have you imparted your peculiar power to
your niece, Mrs. Harold?"
92 PEGGY STEWART
Mrs. Harold looked mystified. "I am afraid
I don't quite understand," she smiled.
"Your chaplain at the Academy is an old
friend of mine. We occasionally hobnob over
the chess board and a modest glass of wine. I
hear of things beyond Bound Bay and Severn-
dale ; I am interested in that gathering of young
men in the Academy and often ask questions.
The chaplain is deeply concerned for their wel-
fare and has told me many things, among others
something of a certain lady to whom they are
devoted and who has a remarkable influence
over them. It has interested me, too, for they
are at the most impressionable, susceptible
period of their lives and a wise influence can do
much for them. I am glad to meet 'The Little
Mother of Middies' Haven.' "
Dr. Llewellyn's eyes twinkled as he spoke.
Mrs. Harold blushed like a girl as she asked:
"Have my sins found me out?"
"It is a pity we could not find all 'sins' as
salutary. I may be a retired old clergyman,
with no greater responsibilities upon my shoul-
ders than keeping one unruly little girl within
bounds," he added, giving a tweak to Peggy's
curls, "and looking after her father's estate —
I tutored him when he was a lad — but I hear
A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS 93
echoes of the doings of the outer world now
and again. Yes — yes, now and again, and when
they are cheering echoes I rejoice greatly. But
let us be seated and hear the wonderful news
which will cause an explosion presently unless
the safety-valves are opened," he concluded,
placing chairs for Mrs. Harold and Polly with
courtly grace.
They talked for an hour and at its end Dr.
Llewellyn and Mrs. Harold had settled upon a
plan which caused Peggy and Polly to nearly
prance for joy.
Mrs. Harold was to talk it over with Captain
Pennell and 'phone out to Severndale the next
morning, and if all went well, Peggy would go
to Annapolis to take up certain branches of the
work with Polly, and in the intervening morn-
ings continue her work with Dr. Llewellyn, and
Polly in return would spend three afternoons
with her.
Star was hired then and there for the winter,
but would live at Severndale until Polly's
horse-worncm-ship was a little more to be relied
upon.
Before Mrs. Harold and Polly realized where
the afternoon had gone it was time to return to
Annapolis. They were driven to the station
94 PEGGY STEWART
by Jess, Peggy and Dr. Llewellyn riding beside
the carriage on Shashai and Dr. Claudius, Dr.
Llewellyn's big dapple-gray hunter, for the old
clergyman was an aristocrat to his fingertips
and lived the life of his Maryland forebears,
at seventy sitting his horse as he had done in
early manhood, and even occasionally follow-
ing the hounds. It was a pretty sight to see
him and Peggy ride, his great horse making its
powerful strides, while Shashai flitted along
like a swallow, full of all manner of little con-
ceits and pranks though absolutely obedient to
Peggy's low-spoken words, or knee-pressure,
for the bridle rein was a quite superfluous
adjunct to her riding gear, and she would have
ridden without a saddle but for conventional-
ities.
They bade their guests good-bye at the little
station, and rode slowly back to Severndale in
the golden glow of the late afternoon, Peggy
talking incessantly and the good doctor occa-
sionally asking a question or telling her some-
thing of the world over in the Academy of
which she knew so little, but of which fate
seemed to have ordained she should soon know
much more.
There was a quiet little talk up in Middies'
A FEIENDSHIP BEGINS 95
Haven that evening, and Captain Pennell
learned from Mrs. Harold of the little girl up
at Round Bay. He was not only willing to ac-
cept Peggy as a second pupil, but delighted to
welcome the addition to his " Co-ed Institution'1
as he called it. He had grown very fond of his
pupil in the brief time she had worked with him,
but felt sure that a little competition would lend
zest to the work. He was deeply interested in
the novel plan and wished his pupil to give her
old chum and schoolmate a lively contest.
Moreover, he was a lonely man whom ill-health
and sorrow had left little to expect from life.
His wife and only daughter had died in Guam
soon after the end of the Spanish war, in which
he had received the wound which had incapac-
itated him for service and forced him to retire
in what should have been the prime of life.
Since that hour he had lived only to kill time;
the deadliest fate to which a human being can
be condemned. Until Polly entered his lonely
world it would have been hard to picture a
duller life than he led, but her sunshiny soul
seemed to have reflected some of its light upon
him, and he was happier than he had been in
years.
It is safe to say that the description of Peggy,
96 PEGGY STEWART
her home, her horses and all pertaining to her,
lost nothing in Polly's telling and it was agreed
that she should become a special course co-ed
upon the following Monday.
And out at Severndale an equally eager,
enthusiastic little body was awaiting the ring-
ing of the telephone bell, and when at nine
o'clock Sunday morning its cheerful jingling
summoned Peggy from her breakfast table, she
was as happy as she well could be and promised
faithfully to be at "Wilmot at nine o'clock the
following morning.
And so began a friendship destined to last as
long as the girls lived, and the glorious autumn
days were filled with delights for them both.
To Peggy it was a wonderful world.
The Tuesday following Polly went to Severn-
dale and her first riding lesson began, with
more or less quaking upon her part, it must be
confessed. She felt tremendously high up in
the air when she first found herself upon Silver
Star's back. But he behaved like a gentleman,
seeming to realize that the usual order of
things was being reversed and that he was
teaching instead of being taught. So, in spite
of Shashai's wicked hints for a prank, he con-
ducted himself in a manner most exemplary
A FRIENDSHIP BEGINS 97
and Polly went back to Wilmot Hall as enthu-
siastic as she well could be.
Mrs. Harold had invited Peggy to spend the
week-end at Wilmot. She wished her to meet
some of Polly's friends and she, herself, wished
to know the young girl better. So Dr. Llew-
ellyn's permission was asked and promptly
granted, and with his consent won that of Har-
rison and Mammy Lucy was a mere form.
Nevertheless, Peggy was too wise to overlook
asking, for Harrison fancied herself the em-
bodiment of the law, and Mammy Lucy, in her
own estimation at least, stood for the dignity
of the Stewart family. And the preparations
for the little week-end visit were undertaken
with a degree of ceremony which might have
warranted a trip to Europe. Peggy's suitcase
was packed by Mammy's own hands, Harrison
hovering near to make sure that nothing was
overlooked, to Mammy's secret disgust, for she
felt herself fully capable of attending to it.
Then came the question of going in, Peggy
very naturally expecting to go by the electric
car as she had during the week. But no! Such
an undignified entrance into Wilmot was not to
be thought of. She must be driven in by Jess.
"But Mammy, how ridiculous," protested
98 PEGGY STEWART
Peggy. ' ' I can get a boy at the station to carry
my suitcase to the hotel.'3
Mammy looked at her in disdain.
' ' Git one ob clem no 'count dirty little nigger
boys what hangs round dat railway station to
tote yo' shute case, a-tailin' long behime yo' for
all de worl lak a tromp. What yo' 'spose yo'
pa would say to we-all if we let yo' go a-visitin'
in amy sich style as dat, an' yo' a Stewart an'
de daughter ob a naval officer who's gwine visit
de wife ob one ob his 'Cademy frien's! Chile,
yo's cl'ar crazy. Yo' go in de proper style
lemme tell yo', or yo' aim gwine go 'tall. Yo'
hear me?''
And Peggy had to meekly submit, realizing
that there were some laws which even a Stewart
might not violate. So on Saturday afternoon
Comet and Meteor tooled the surrey along by
beautiful woodland and field, Peggy clad in her
pretty autumn suit and hat, her suitcase at
Jess' feet, and herself as properly dignified
as the occasion demanded, while in her secret
heart she resolved to enlist Mrs. Harold upon
her side and in future make her visits with less
ceremony.
CHAPTER VII
PEGGY STEWART : CHATELAINE
PEGGY had entered a new world. Plunged
into one, would perhaps better express it, so
sudden had been her entrance, and her letters
to Daddy Neil, now on his way to Guantanamo
for the fall drills, were full of an enthusiasm
which almost bewildered him and started a new
train of thought.
As he knew most members of the personnel
of the ships comprising the Atlantic fleet, he, of
course, knew Commander Harold, though it had
never occurred to him to associate him with
Annapolis, or to make any inquiry regarding
his home or his connections. Like many an-
other, he was merely a fellow-officer. He was
not a classmate, so his interest was less keen
than it would have been had such been the case.
Moreover, Harold was in a different division
of the fleet and they very rarely met. But now
the whole situation was changed by Peggy's
letter. He would hunt up Mr. Harold at the
99
1G9SS8F
100 PEGGY STEWART
first opportunity and with this common interest
to bind them, much pleasure was in store.
True to her word, Peggy sent her letter off
every Sunday afternoon — a conscientious re-
port of the week's happenings. Her "log,"
she called it, and it was the comfort of Daddy
Neil's life.
Meanwhile, she spent about half of her time
with Mrs. Harold and Polly, and in a very short
time became as good a chum of Mrs. Harold's
"boys," the midshipmen, as was Polly. There
was always something doing over at the Acad-
emy, and as Mrs. Harold's guest, Peggy was
naturally included. At present football prac-
tice was absorbing the interest of the Academic
world and its friends, for in a few weeks the
big Army-Navy game would take place up in
Philadelphia and Mrs. Harold had already in-
vited Peggy to go to it with her party. Peggy
had never even seen a practice game until taken
over to the Naval Academy field with her
friends, where the boys teased her unmercifully
because she asked why they didn't "have a
decently shaped round ball instead of a leather
watermelon which wouldn't do a thing but flop
every which way, and call it tussle-ball instead
of football?"
PEGGY STEWART : CHATELAINE 101
There was a little circle which gathered about
Mrs. Harold, and which was always alluded to
as "her big children." These were men from
the different classes in the Academy, for there
were no "class rates" in "Middies' Haven," as
they called her sitting-room. Peggy met them
all, though, naturally, there were some she liked
better than others. Among the upper-classmen
who would graduate in the spring were three
who were at Middies' Haven whenever there
was the slightest excuse for being there. These
boys who seemed quite grown-up men to four-
teen-year-old Peggy, though she soon lost her
shyness with them, and learned that they could
frolic as well as the younger ones, went by the
names of Happy, Wheedles and Shortie, the
latter so nicknamed because he was six feet,
four inches tall, though the others' nicknames
had been bestowed because they really fitted.
There were also two or three second-classmen
and youngsters who frequently visited Mrs.
Harold, one in particular, who fascinated every
one with whom he came in touch. His name
was Durand Leroux, and, strange to state, he
looked enough like Peggy to be her own brother,
yet try as they would, no vestige of a relation-
ship could be traced, for Peggy came of purely
102 PEGGY STEWART
Southern stock while Durand claimed New Eng-
land for his birthplace. Nevertheless, it be-
came a good joke and they were often spoken
of as the twins, though Durand was three years
Peggy's senior.
Polly's chum, Ealph Wilbur, was about the
same age as Durand, though in the lowest or
fourth class, having just entered the Academy,
and consequently was counted as very small fry
indeed. He was a quiet, undemonstrative chap
but Peggy liked him from the moment she met
him. He had mastered one important bit of
knowledge: That a "plebe" does well to lie low,
and as the result of mastering that salient fact
he was well liked by the upper-classmen and
found them ready to do him a good many
friendly turns which a more "raty': fourth-
classman would not have found coming his way.
Altogether, Peggy found herself a member of
a very delightful little circle and was happier
than she had ever been in her life. In Mrs.
Harold she found the love she had missed with-
out understanding it, and in Polly a companion
who filled her days with delight.
And what busy days they were. So full of
plans, duties and pleasures, for Mrs. Harold
had been very quick to understand the barren-
PEGGY STEWART : CHATELAINE 103
ness of Peggy's life in spite of her rich supply
of this world's goods, and she promptly set
about rounding it out as it should be.
And so November with its wonderful Indian
Summer slipped on, and it was during one of
these ideal days that an absurd episode took
place upon the well-conducted estate of Severn-
dale, which caused Peggy to be run most unmer-
cifully by the boys. But before we can tell of
it a few words of explanation are needed.
As can be readily understood, in a large in-
stitution like the Naval Academy, where the
boys foregather from every state in the Union,
there are all classes and all types represented.
Among them are splendid, fine principled
fellows, with high moral standards and unim-
peachable characters. And there are, alas,
those of another type also, and these are the
ones who invariably make trouble for others
and are pretty sure to disgrace themselves.
Fortunately, this type rarely survives the four
years' crucial test of character, efficiency and
aptitude, but is pretty sure to "pack its little
grip and fade away," as the more eligible ones
express it, long before it comes time to receive
a diploma.
Unhappily, there was one man in the present
104 PEGGY STEWAET
first class who had managed to remain in the
Academy in spite of conduct which would have
"bilged" (Academy slang for the man who has
to drop out) a dozen others, and who was the
source of endless trouble for under-classmen
over whom he contrived to exert a wholly ma-
lign influence. He seemed to be not only utterly
devoid of principle and finer feeling, but to take
a perfectly fiendish delight in corrupting the
younger boys. His one idea of being "a man"
seemed to lie in the infringement of every reg-
ulation of the Academy, and to induce others
to do likewise. He had caused the president of
his class endless trouble and mortification, and
distressed Mrs. Harold beyond measure, for her
interest in all in the Academy was very keen,
and especially in the younger boys, whom she
knew to be at the most susceptible period of
their lives.
Had his folly been confined to mere boyish
nonsense it might have been overlooked, but it
had gone on from folly to vicious conduct and
his boast was that it was his duty to harden the
plebes, his idea of hardening them being to get
them intoxicated.
Now if there is one infringement of rules
more sure to bring retribution upon the per-
PEGGY STEWAET : CHATELAINE 105
petrator than any other, it is intoxication, and
the guilty one is most summarily dealt with.
This was fully known to Blue, the delinquent
referred to, but he had by some miraculous
method thus far managed to escape conviction
if not suspicion, though more than one un-
fortunate under-classman had been forced to
tender his resignation as the result of going the
pace with Blue.
So serious had the situation become that the
president of the first class had quietly set about
a little plan in cooperation with other members
of his class which would be pretty sure to rid
the Academy of its undesirable acquisition. It
was only a question of giving Blue enough time
to work his own undoing, and as things had be-
gun to shape this seemed pretty sure to take
place. Naturally, with feeling running so
strong, Peggy heard a good deal of it when she
visited Middies' Haven, especially since Durand
Leroux, whom she had grown to like so well,
seemed to have been selected by Blue as his
newest victim, greatly to Mrs. Harold's dis-
tress, for she knew Durand to be far too easily
led, and too generous and unsuspicious to be-
lieve evil of any one. Happy-go-lucky, care-
free and ever ready for any frolic, he was
106 PEGGY STEWAET
exactly the type to fall a victim to Blue's in-
sidious influence, for Blue could be fascinating
to a degree when it served his turn. Blue was
debarred the privilege of visiting Middies'
Haven, and his resentment of this prompted
him to try to wreak his vengeance upon Mrs.
Harold's boys. To their credit be it told that
he had hitherto failed, but she had misgivings
of Durand; he was too mercurial.
Now Peggy had, as chatelaine of Severndale,
been more than once obliged to order the dis-
missal of some of the temporary hands em-
ployed about the paddock, for Shelby was rigid
upon the rule of temperance. He would have
no bibblers near the animals under his charge,
He had seen too much trouble caused by such
worthless employees. Consequently, Peggy was
wise beyond her years to the gravity of intem-
perance and had expressed herself pretty em-
phatically when Blue was discussed within the
privacy of Middies' Haven, for what was told
there was sacred. That was an unwritten law.
And all this led to a ridiculous situation one day
in the middle of November, for comedy and
tragedy usually travel side by side in this world.
It fell upon an ideal Saturday afternoon, a
half-holiday at the Academy. It also happened
PEGGY STEWART : CHATELAINE 107
to be Wheedles' birthday, and Mrs. Harold
never let a birthday pass without some sort of
a celebration if it were possible to have one.
She had told Peggy about it, and Peggy had
promptly invited a little party up to Bound
Bay.
Now visiting for the midshipmen beyond the
confines of the town of Annapolis is forbidden,
but Mrs. Harold, as the wife of an officer, was
at liberty to take out a party of friends in one
of the Academy launches, so she promptly got
together a congenial dozen, Ralph, Happy,
Shortie, Wheedles and Durand, Captain Pennell
and four others besides Polly and herself, and
in the crispness of the Indian Summer after-
noon, steamed away up the Severn to Round
Bay.
Peggy had asked the privilege of providing
the birthday feast and understanding the pleas-
ure it would give her to do so, Mrs. Harold
had agreed most readily. So immediately after
luncheon formation the party embarked at the
foot of Maryland Avenue and a gayer one it
would have been hard to find.
Knowing the average boy's appetite and the
midshipman's in particular, Mrs. Harold had,
with commendable forethought, brought with
108 PEGGY STEWART
her a big box of crullers, in nowise disturbed
by the thought that it might spoil their appe-
tites for the delayed luncheon. Breakfast is
served at seven A. M. in Bancroft Hall, and the
interval between that and twelve-thirty lunch-
eon is long enough at best. If you add to that
another hour and a half it is safe to conclude
that starvation will be imminent. Hence her
box of crullers to avoid such a calamity.
The launch puffed and chugged its way up
the river, running alongside the pretty Severn-
dale dock sharp to the minute of four bells.
Peggy stood ready to welcome them.
"Oh, isn't this lovely. Scramble ashore as
fast as you can, for Aunt Cynthia is crazy lest
her fried chicken 'frazzle ter a cinder,' ' she
cried as she greeted her guests.
"Who said fried chicken?" cried Happy.
"That last cruller you warned me against
eating never phased me a bit, Little Mother,"
asserted Wheedles, as he assisted Mrs. Harold
up the stone steps leading from the dock.
"Beat you in a race to the lawn, Polly,"
shouted Ealph, back in boyhood's world now
that he was beyond the bounds of Bancroft, and
the next moment he and Polly were racing
across the lawn like a pair of children, for it
PEGGY STEWAET : CHATELAINE 109
seemed so good to be away for a time from the
unrelaxing discipline of the Academy, and Polly
realized this as well as the others.
"We are to have luncheon out under the
oaks," said Peggy. "It is too heavenly a day
to be indoors. Jerome and Mammy have every-
thing ready so we have nothing to do but eat.
You won't mind picnicking will you, Mrs.
Harold."
"Mind!" echoed Mrs. Harold. "Why it is
simply ideal, Peggy dear. What do you say,
sons'?" she asked turning to the others.
"Say! Say! Let's give the Four-N Yell
right off for Peggy Stewart, Chatelaine of
Severndale!" cried Wheedles, and out upon the
clear, crisp autumn air rang the good old Navy
cheer :
"N— n— n— n!
A — a — a — a !
V — v — v — v !
Y— y— y— y!
Navy!
Peggy Stewart ! Peggy Stewart !
Peggy Stewart!"
Peggy's cheeks glowed and her eyes shone.
It was something to win that cheer from these
110 PEGGY STEWART
lads, boys at heart, though just at manhood's
morning, and sworn to the service of their flag.
How she wished Daddy Neil could hear it.
Captain Pennell, into whose life during the past
month had come some incentive to live, joined
in the yell with a will, giving his cap a toss into
the air when the echoes of it went floating out
over the Severn, and Mrs. Harold and Polly
waved their sweaters wildly, yelling with all
their strength.
Never had Severndale been more beautiful
than upon that November afternoon. October's
rich coloring had given place to the dull reds,
burnt-umbers, and rich wood browns of late
autumn, though the grass was still green under-
foot, and the holly and fir trees greener by
contrast.
And Peggy was in her element.
Never in all her short life had she been so
happy. All the instincts of her Stewart an-
cestors with their Southern hospitality was
finding expression as she led the way to a grove
of mighty oaks, tinged by night frosts to the
richest maroon, and literally kings of their sur-
roundings, for the deep umber tones of the
beeches only served to emphasize their coloring.
Beneath them was spread a long table fairly
PEGGY STEWART : CHATELAINE 111
groaning with suggestions of the feast to come,
and near it, flanked by Jerome and Mammy,
stood Dr. Llewellyn.
As the party came laughing, scrambling or
walking toward it he advanced to welcome Mrs.
Harold, saying:
' ' Did you realize that there would be thirteen
at the feast unless a fourteenth could be pressed
into service? Consider me as merely a neces-
sary adjunct, please, and don't let the young
people regard me as a kill-joy because I wear
a long coat buttoned straight up to my chin.
The only difference really is that I have to keep
mine buttoned whereas they have to hook their
collars," and the good doctor laughed. Intro-
ductions followed and then no time was lost in
seating the luncheon party.
Then came a moment's pause. Peggy under-
stood and Mrs. Harold's intuition served her.
She nodded to Dr. Llewellyn, and none there
ever forgot the light which illumined the fine
old face as he bowed his head and said softly
in his beautifully modulated voice as though
speaking to a loved companion.
11 Father, for a world so beautiful, for a day
so perfect, for the joy and privilege of asso-
ciation with these young people, and the new
112 PEGGY STEWART
life which they infuse into ours, we older ones
thank Thee. Bring into their lives all that is
finest, truest, purest and best — true manhood
and womanhood. Amen."
Not a boy or girl but felt the beauty of those
simple words and remembered them for many
a day.
The grove was not far enough from the house
to chance the ruin of any of Aunt Cynthia's
dainties. A grassy path led straight to it from
her kitchen and at the conclusion of Dr. Llew-
ellyn's grace Peggy nodded slightly to Jerome
who in turn nodded to Mammy Lucy, who
passed the nod along to some invisible individ-
ual, the series of nods bringing about a result
which nearly wrecked the dignity of the entire
party, for out from behind the long brick build-
ing in which Aunt Cynthia ruled supreme, filed
a row of little darkies each burdened with a
dish, each bare-footed, each immaculate in little
white shirt and trousers, each solemnly rolling
eyes, the whites of which rivaled his shirt, and
each under Cynthia's dire threat of having his
"haid busted wide open if he done tripped or
spilled a thing," walking as though treading
upon eggs.
Along they came, their eyes fixed upon Je-
PEGGY STEWAET : CHATELAINE 113
rome, for literally they were " between the devil
and the deep sea," Jerome and Cynthia being
at the beginning and end of that path. Jerome
and Mammy received and placed each steaming
dish, the very personification of dignity, and in
nowise disconcerted by the titter, which soon
broke into a full-lunged shout, at the piccanin-
nies' solemn faces.
It was all too much for good Captain Pennell
and the boys, and any "ice" which might pos-
sibly have congealed the party, was then and
there smashed to smithereens.
"Great! Great!" shouted Captain Pennell,
clapping his hands like a boy.
"Eh, this is going some," cried Happy.
"Bully for Chatelaine Peggy!" was Whee-
dles' outburst.
"Who says Severndale isn't all right?"
echoed Ralph.
"Peggy, this is simply delicious," praised
Mrs. Harold.
Peggy glowed and Jerome and Mammy
beamed, while the little darkies beat a grinning
retreat to confide excitedly to Aunt Cynthia :
"Dem gemmens an' ladies yonder in de grove
was so mighty pleased dat dey jist nachally
bleiged fer ter holler and laugh."
8
114 PEGGY STEWART
Far from proving drawbacks to the feast the
captain and the doctor entered heart and soul
into the frolic, the doctor as host, slyly nodding
to the ever alert Jerome or Mammy to replenish
plates, the captain waxing reminiscent and tell-
ing many an amusing tale, and Mrs. Harold
beaming happily upon all, while to and from
Cynthia's realm ran the little darkies full of
enthusiasm for "dem midshipmen mens who
suah could eat fried chicken, corn fritters,
glazed sweet 'taters, and waffles nuff fer ter
bust most mens.'!
Certainly, Aunt Cynthia knew her business
and if ever a picnic feast was appreciated, that
one was.
But the climax came with the dessert.
CHAPTER VIII
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION OP
INTEMPERANCE
THE merrymaking: was at its height. The
festive board had been cleared for dessert.
11 Cleared for action," Captain Pennell said.
"Not heavy fire I hope," sighed Shortie.
" Peggy, will you excuse me, but I have surely
got to let out a reef if anything more is com-
ing," and Shortie let out a hole or two in the
leather belt which encircled the region into
which innumerable waffles had disappeared.
"There are others; yes there are certainly
others," laughed the captain. "Peggy, my
child, to play Circe and still smile is absolutely
cruel. The ancient Circe frowned upon her
victims. ' '
"And how can I swallow another morsel,"
was Polly's wail. "Peggy Stewart, why will
you have so many good things all at once?
Couldn't you have spread it out over several
meals and let us have it on the instalment!
plan?"
115
116 PEGGY STEWART
"Wheedles couldn't have his birthday that
way," laughed Peggy, unwittingly letting a cat
escape from a bag, for woe upon the midship-
man whose birthday is known. Thus far Whee-
dles had kept it a profound secret, and Mrs.
Harold and Polly, who were wise to what was
likely to happen to him if it were known, had
kept muni. But, alack, they had forgotten to
warn Peggy and her words touched off the mine.
1 'Eh? What? Never! Something doing?
You're a sly one. Thought you'd get off scot-
free, did you? Not on your sweet life! Let's
give him what for. Excuse this digression,
Peggy; it's a ceremony never omitted. It would
have been attended to earlier in the day had we
suspected, and it can't be delayed any longer.
Besides we must shake down that which has
gone before if more is to follow. Beg pardon,
Little Mother, but you know the traditions.
Make our peace with Dr. Llewellyn for this lit-
tle side-show," and the next second Wheedles
was in full flight with all his chums hotfoot
upon his trail.
How in the world those boys could run as
they did after such a feast without apoplexy
following, must remain a mystery to all except-
ing those who have lived in their midst.
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 117
Over the lawn, dodging behind the oaks,
vaulting the fence into the adjoining field, to the
consternation of half a dozen sleek, sedate
Alderney cows, tore Wheedles, his pursuers de-
termined to overhand him and administer the
drubbing incident to the iniquity of having a
birthday.
Dr. Llewellyn and Captain Pennell rose to
their feet, one shouting, the other yelling with
the rest of the mob, while Mrs. Harold and the
girls could only sit and laugh helplessly.
It was Shortie 's long legs which overtook the
quarry, both coming to the ground with a crash
which would have killed outright any one but
a football tackle and a basket-ball captain. In a
second the whole bunch had the laughing, help-
less victim.
"Look the other way please, people," called
Shortie, promptly placing Wheedles across his
knee — two men holding his arms, two more his
kicking legs — while Shortie properly and delib-
erately administered twenty sounding spanks.
Then releasing him he said to the others who
were nothing loath :
"Finish the job. I've done my part and I've
had one corking big feed."
And they finished it by holding poor Wheedles
118 PEGGY STEWAET
by his shoulders and feet and bumping him upon
the grass until he must have seen stars — and
the dinner was well shaken down.
"Now will you try to get away from us!"
they demanded, putting him upon his feet.
"It's all over but the shouting, Little
Mother, and we'll be good," they laughed as
they trooped back to the table, settling blouses,
and giving hasty pats to their dishevelled pates,
for Wheedles had certainly given them a run
for their money.
Meanwhile, Jerome and Mammy had looked
on half in consternation, half in glee, for where
is your pure-blooded African, old or young, who
doesn't sympathize with monkey-shines? As
the administrators of justice were in the midst
of their self-imposed duties, the half-dozen little
darky servitors appeared around the corner of
the house bearing the dessert, and there is no
telling what might have happened to it had not
Aunt Cynthia, hearing the uproar, and "cravin'
fer ter know ef de rown' worl' was a-comin' to
an end," followed close behind her satellites.
That great mold of ice cream, mound of golden
wine jelly, dishes of cakes galore would cer-
tainly have met total destruction but for her
prompt and emphatic command:
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 119
"Yo' chillern 'tend to yo' bisness an' nem-
mine what gwine on over yander. ' ' That saved
the feast, for the little darkies were convinced
that "one ob dose young mens liked ter be kill
fer suah."
Had it been mid-July instead of a Maryland
November that ice cream could not have van-
ished more quickly, and in the process of its
disappearance, Jerome vanished also. This
was not noticed by Peggy's guests, but his re-
turn was hailed with first a spontaneous shout
and then a:
' ' Eah ! Eah ! Hoohrah ! Hoohrah ! Navy Hooli-
rah!" and "Oh that's some cake!" "Nothing
the matter with that edifice." "Who said we
couldn't eat any more!" For with the dignity
of a majordomo Jerome bore upon its frilled
paper doily a huge chocolate layer cake, or-
nately decorated with yellow icing, and twenty
dark blue candles, their yellow flames barely
flickering in the still air, while behind him
walked his little trenchermen, one bearing a big
glass pitcher of amber cider, another, dishes of
nuts, and another a tray of Mammy Lucy's
home-made candies.
If ever a birthday cake was enjoyed and ap-
preciated, certainly that one was, and there is
120 PEGGY STEWAET
no telling how long the merry party would have
lingered over the nuts, candies and cider had
not a startling interruption taken place.
The afternoon was well advanced. Mrs. Har-
old, the captain and Dr. Llewellyn had reached
the limit of their appetites and were now watch-
ing and listening to the merry chatter of the
young people who sat sipping the cider — they
had long since passed beyond the drinking point
—and eating the black walnuts and hickory nuts
which had been gathered upon the estate, for
Severndale was famous for its cider and nuts.
The cider was made from a brand of apples
which had been grown in the days of Peggy's
great-grandfather and carefully cultivated for
years. They ripened late, and needed a touch
of frost to perfect them. The ciderhouse and
press stood just beyond the meadow in which
the Severndale cows led a luxurious life of it,
and the odor of the rich fruit invariably drew
a line of them to the dividing fence, where they
sniffed and peered longingly at "forbidden
fruit.' But if every dog, as we are told, has
his day, certainly a cow may hope to have hers
some time. That it should have happened to be
Wheedles' day also was merely accidental.
As in most respectable communities there is
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 121
almost invariably an individual or two whose
conduct is open to criticism, so in Severndale's
eminently irreproachable herd of sleek kine
there was one obstreperous creature and her off-
spring. They were possessed to do the things
their more well conducted sisters never thought
of doing. The cow had a strain of distinctly
plebian blood which, transmitted to her calf,
probably accounted for their eccentricities. If
ever a fence was broken through ; if ever a brim-
ming pail of milk was overturned; if a stable
towel was chewed to ribbons ; a feed bin rifled, it
could invariably be traced to Betsy Brindle and
her incorrigible daughter Sally Simple, and this
afternoon they surpassed themselves. As Peg-
gy's guests sat in that blissful state of mind and
body resulting from being "serenely full, the
epicure would say," they were startled by an
altogether rowdy, abandoned "Moo-oo-oo-oo,"
echoed in a higher key, and over the lawn came
two as disreputable-looking animals as one
could picture, for Betsy Brindle and her daugh-
ter, a pretty little year-old heifer, were unques-
tionably, undeniably, hopelessly intoxicated.
Betsy was swaying and staggering from side to
side, wagging her head foolishly and mooing in
the most maudlin manner, while Sally, whose
122 PEGGY STEWART
libations affected her quite differently, was ca-
vorting madly thither and yonder, one moment
almost standing upon her head, with hind legs
and tail waving wildly in mid-air, the next with
the order reversed and pawing frantically at the
clouds.
Behind the arrant ones in mad chase and con-
sternation came the young negro lad whose duty
it was to see that the cattle were properly
housed at nightfall. He had gone to the meadow
for his charges only to find these incorrigibles,
as upon many another occasion, missing. How
long they had been at large he could not guess.
At last, after long search, he discovered them in
the inclosure where the barreled apples were
kept and two whole barrels rifled. When this
had taken place his African mind did not an-
alyze, though a scientist could have told him
almost to an hour and explained also that in the
cows' double stomachs the apples had promptly
fermented and become highly intoxicating, with
the present result. But poor Cicero was petri-
fied. His young mistress entertaining "de qual-
ity" and his unruly charges scandalizing her by
tearing into their very midst.
< < Moo — o — moo, e — moooo- ' bellowed Betsy,
making snake tracks across the lawn.
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 123
"Moo, Moo, Moo, Moo, Mooee — echoed
Sally in lively staccato, doing a wild Highland
fling with quite original steps.
"Hi dar! Come 'long away. Get offen dat
lawn. Come away from dat 'ar pa'ty,"
screamed Cicero. "Ma Lawd-a-mighty, dem
cows gwine 'grace me an' ruin me fer evah,"
and it would doubtless have proved true had not
the boys sprung to their feet to join in the cow-
herd's duties, only too ready for any prank
which presented an outlet for their fun-loving
souls. Shortie promptly took command of the
defending forces, and crying :
"Come on, fellows, head the old lady off be-
fore she knocks the table endwise," was off with
a rush, the others hotfoot after him, waving
arms and shouting until poor old Betsy Brin-
dle's addled head must have thought all the
imps of the lower regions turned loose upon her.
Circling wide, the boys made a complete barrier
beyond which the poor tipsy cow dared not
force her way. So with a hopelessly pathetic
"moo" and a look at her adversaries which
might have done credit to the mock turtle of
Lewis Carrol's creation, she surrendered forth-
with, and promptly flopped down in the middle
of the lawn.
124 PEGGY STEWART
Not so her daughter. Not a bit of it! She
had not finished her fling and never did madder
chase ensue than the one which at length ended
in effectually cornering the flighty one.
"Lemme tote her home. Fer de Lawd's sake,
sah, lemme tote her home quick, 'fore Unc' Jess
an' Missie Peggy kill me daid," begged Cicero.
"You tote her home, you spindly little
shaver! She'd part her cable and go adrift in
half a minute after you got under way. Come
on, boys, we've got to convey this craft into her
home port. Make fast," and with the expe-
rience of three years' training in seamanship,
Shortie and his companions proceeded to make
fast the recalcitrate Sally, and amidst hoots and
yells calculated to sober up the most hopeless
inebriate, led her back to her barn where Cic-
ero read her the riot act as he fastened her in
her stall. Meanwhile Betsy had succumbed
to slumber and at Dr. Llewellyn's suggestion
was left to sleep off the effects of her over-in-
dulgence. When the boys got back from the
barn poor Peggy was run unmercifully.
"And we thought Severndale a model home.
A well-conducted establishment. Yet the very
first time we come out here we find even the
cows with a jag on that a confirmed toper
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 125
couldn't equal if lie tried, and yet you pose as
a model young woman, Peggy Stewart, and are
accepted in all good faith as our Captain Polly's
friend. Watch out, Little Mother. "Watch out.
We can't let our little Captain visit where even
the cows give way to such disgraceful perform-
ances.'
Poor Peggy was incapable of defending her-
self for she and Polly had laughed until they
were weak, and for many a long day after Peggy
heard of her sportive cows.
When peace once more descended upon the
land it was almost time for the visitors to re-
turn to Annapolis, but before departing they
visited the paddock, the stables, and the beau-
tiful old colonial house. And so ended Whee-
dles' birthday, and the next excitement was
caused by the Army-Navy game to which Peggy
went with Mrs. Harold's party, enjoying the
outing as only a girl whose experiences have
been limited, and who is ready for new impres-
sions, can enjoy. And with the passing of the
game November passed also and before she
knew it Christmas was upon her, and Christmas
hitherto for Peggy had meant merely gifts
from Daddy Neil and a merrymaking for the
servants. Without manifesting undue curios-
126 PEGGY STEWART
ity Mrs. Harold had learned a good deal con-
cerning Peggy's life and nothing she had
learned had touched her so deeply as the loneli-
ness of the holiday season for the young girl.
It seemed to her the most unnatural she had
ever heard of, and something like resentment
filled her heart when she thought of Neil Stew-
art's unconscious neglect of his little daughter.
She argued that his failing to appreciate that
he was neglectful did not excuse the fact, and
she resolved that this year Peggy should spend
the holidays with her and Polly at Wilmot, and
the servants at Severndale could look to their
own well-being. Nevertheless, Peggy laid her
plans for the pleasure of the Severndale help
and saw to it that they would have a happy
time under Harrison's supervision. Then Peggy
betook herself to Wilmot for the happiest
Christmastide she had ever known.
The holiday season at the Academy is always
a merry one, but there is no vacation recess as
in the college world, and the midshipmen must
find their amusement right in the little old town
of Annapolis, or within the Academy's limits.
The frolicking begins with the Christmas eve
hop given by the midshipmen.
Mrs. Harold had not allowed Polly to attend
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 127
the hops given earlier in the winter, for she was
a wise woman and felt that social diversions of
that nature were best reserved for later years,
when school-days were ended. But she made
an exception at the Christmas season, when
Polly in common with other girls, had a holiday,
and Peggy and Polly would go to the hop.
Unless one has seen a hop given at the Acad-
emy it is difficult to understand the beauty of
the scene, and to Peggy it seemed a veritable
fairy-land, with its lights, its banners, its
lovely girls, uniformed laddies and music
"which would make a wooden image dance,"
she confided to Mrs. Harold, and added: "And
do you know, I used to rebel and be so cranky
when Miss Arnaud came to give me dancing
lessons when I was a little thing. I just hated
it, and how she ever made me learn I just don't
know. But I had to do as she said, and maybe
I'm not glad that I did. Why, Little Mother,
suppose I hadn't learned. "Wouldn't I have
been ashamed of myself now?"
Mrs. Harold pulled a love-lock as she an-
swered: "You train your colts, girlie, and they
are the better for their training, aren't they?''
Peggy gave a quick glance of comprehension,
and her lips curved in a smile as she said :
128 PEGGY STEWAKT
"But they never behave half as badly as I
used to with Miss Arnaud."
And so the Christmas eve was danced away.
Christmas morning was the merriest Peggy
had ever known. Long before daylight she was
wakened by Polly shaking her and crying:
1 ' Peggy, wake up ! Wake up ! What do you
think? Aunt Janet has filled stockings and
hung them on the foot of the bed. She must
have slipped in while we were sound asleep,
and oh, I don't wonder we slept after that
dance, do youT; rattled on Polly, scrambling
around to close the window and turn on the
steam, for the morning was a snappy one.
"Whow! Ooo!" yawned Peggy, to whom late
hours were a novelty and who felt as though
she had dropped asleep only ten minutes before.
"Why, Polly Howland, it's pitch dark, and mid-
night! I know it is," she protested. "How
do you know there are stockings there, any-
way?"
"I was shivering and when I reached over to
get the puff cover my hand touched something
bumpy. I've felt of it and I know it's a stock-
ing. I never thought of having one, for I
thought all those things were way back in little
girl days. But turn on the electric lights quick
A SHOCKING DEMONSTRATION 129
^-they're on your side of the bed — and we'll see
what's in them; the stockings, I mean."
Peggy turned the button and the lights
flashed up.
"Goodness, isn't it freezing cold," she cried.
''Let's put the puff cover around us," and
rolled up in the big down coverlet the girls dove
into their bumpy stockings, exclaiming or laugh-
ing over the contents, for evidently the boys
had been in the secret, for out of Peggy's came
a little bronze cow and calf labeled "C. and S."
' ' Now what in the world does C. and S. stand
for, I wonder?" she said.
"Oh, Peggy, those are the initials for 'Clean
and Sober,' the report the officer-of-the-deck
makes when the enlisted men come aboard after
being on liberty. If they are intoxicated and
untidy they check them up D. and D. — which
means Drunk and Dirty. You'll never hear
the last of Betsy Brindle's caper."
"Well look and see what they've run you
about, for you won't escape, I'll wager,"
laughed Peggy as merrily as though it were
broad daylight instead of five A. M.
Polly dove into her stocking to fish out a
tiny rocking horse with a doll riding astride it.
The horse was to all intents and purposes on a
9
130 PEGGY STEWART
mad gallop, for his rider's hair, dyed a vivid
red, was streaming out behind, her collar was
flying loose, her feet were out of the stirrups
and one shoe was gone. The mad rider bore
the legend :
"Lady Gilpin."
A dozen other nonsensical things followed,
but down in the toe of each was a beautiful 19—
class pin for each of the girls, with "Co-ed
19 — " engraved on them and cards saying
"with the compliments of the bunch."
By the time the stockings' contents were in-
vestigated it was time to dress and go with
Mrs. Harold to see the Christinas Parade, al-
ways given before breakfast in Bancroft Hall
and through the Yard. Mrs. Harold tapped
upon the girls' door and was greeted with
"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" She
entered, taking them, in her arms and saying :
"Dozens and dozens for each of you, my
little foster-daughters. I am so glad to have
you with me, for Christmas isn't Christmas
without young people to enjoy it, and I think
I've got some of the very sweetest and best to
be had — both daughters and sons. There are
no more children like my foster-children. I
am one lucky old lady."
A SHOCKING DEMONSTEATION 131
"Old!" cried Peggy indignantly, "Why
you'll never, never seem old to us, for you just
think, and see, and feel every single thing as
we do."
"That's a pretty compliment," replied Mrs.
Harold, sealing her words with a kiss which
was returned with earnest warmth, for Peggy
was learning to love this friend very dearly.
The Christmas Parade was funny enough,
for the midshipmen had sent to Philadelphia
for their costumes and every living thing, from
Fiji Islanders, to priests, bears, lions, ballet
girls or convicts raced through the Yard to the
music of "Tommy's band" as they called the
ridiculous collection of wind instruments over
which one of the midshipmen waved his baton
as bandmaster.
When this great show ended, all hurried away
to dress for breakfast formation, for many were
the invitations to breakfast with friends out in
town, legal holidays being the only days upon
which such privileges were allowed. Mrs. Har-
old had a party of five beside Polly and Peggy
and the griddle cakes which vanished that
morning rivaled the number of waffles which
had disappeared at Severndale. When break-
fast ended Mrs. Harold said:
132 PEGGY STEWAET
"Can you young people give me about two
hours out of your day! Polly and I have laid
a little plan for someone's pleasure, which we
know will be enhanced if you boys cooperate
with us."
"Count on us, Little Mother."
"We'll do any tiling we can for you, for you
do enough for us."
"Sure thing," were the hearty replies, while
Peggy slipped to her side to whisper: "I'd al-
most be willing to give up my 'Co-ed' class pin
if you asked me to."
"No such sacrifice as that, honey. But let's
all go up to Middies' Haven where I'll tell you
all about it."
CHAPTER IX
DUNMORE'S LAST CHRISTMAS
WHEN Mrs. Harold's little breakfast party
returned to her sitting-room, she dropped into
her favorite chair before the blazing log fire,
motioning to the others to gather about her.
Polly and Peggy promptly perched upon the
arms of her chair, nestling close; Durand squat-
ted, Turk-fashion, upon a big cushion at her
feet. Wheedles leaned with unstudied grace
against the mantel-shelf, while Happy, Ealph,
and Shortie seated themselves upon the big
couch whose capacity seemed to be something
like the magic tent of the Arabian Nights' tale,
and capable of indefinite expansion.
"What is it, Little Mother?" asked Whee-
dles, while Durand glanced up with his deep,
dark eyes, and a slight quiver of the sensitive
mouth.
"Just a little plan I have for Dunmore's hap-
piness today" she answered, alluding to a sec-
ond-classman who had been severely injured
133
134 PEGGY STEWAET
upon the football field late in October, and who
had been paralyzed ever since. None of his
relatives had been able to come to pass the holi-
days with him, and the day would have been a
sad one but for his chums in the Academy and
his many friends.
Among these latter none were more devoted
than Mrs. Harold and Polly, for Lewis Dun-
more had been one of the Little Mother's boys
since he first entered the Academy and she was
nearly heart-broken at the serious outcome of
his accident, as no hope was entertained of his
recovery.
All knew this, and the tenderest sympathy
went out to the sick lad who had never for a
moment ceased to hope for ultimate recovery
and whose patience, courage and cheerfulness
under conditions so terrible filled with admira-
tion the hearts of all who knew him.
Polly had been untiring in her devotion to
him, and "the little foster-sister," as he called
her, spent many an hour in the hospital, read-
ing, talking, or whistling like a bird, for whis-
tling was Polly's sole accomplishment. Peggy
often went with her, for she loved to make others
happy, and many a weary hour was made
less weary for him by the two girls, and Peggy
DUNMORE'S LAST CHRISTMAS 135
had sent many a dainty dish from Severndale,
or the fruit and flowers for which it was noted.
She knew Polly and Mrs. Howland had planned
something for Christmas day, but waited for
them to tell her, feeling delicate about asking
questions. She had sent over every dainty she
could think of and great bunches of mistletoe.
Mrs. Harold smiled upon the young faces she
loved so dearly and said
"Yesterday morning Polly and I sent up a,
lot of Christmas greens and a tree for Lewis,
and later went up to dress it, arranging with
the nurses to put it in his room when he was
sleeping that it might be the first thing his eyes
fell upon when he wakened this morning. He
has probably been looking at it many an hour,
but we told the nurses we would come up about
ten-thirty to give him the presents. We wanted
to make it a merry hour for him, and so a lot of
nonsensical things were put on for his friends
also, among them you boys and some others to
whom I have written, and who will meet us
there. Can you join us?'!
"Can we! Well why not? Sure! Poor old
chap!" were some of the hearty responses.
"I knew I could count upon you, so let us
start at once. Go get ready, girls."
136 PEGGY STEWART
The girls flew to their room and a moment
later came back coated and furred, for the walk
up to the hospital on the hill was a bleak one.
The boys were inured to all sorts of weather,
and their heavy overcoats were a safe protec-
tion against it. It was a merry, frolicking party
which set forth, and as they crossed the athletic
field a lively snowballing took place, for a light
snow had fallen the day before, turning the
Yard into a beautiful white world.
Mrs. Harold was not to be outdone by any
of her young people, but catching up handfuls
of snow in her woolen-gloved hands tossed
snowballs with the best of them.
The contrast from the joy, the vigorous health
of the group entering Dunmore's room to the
still, helpless figure lying upon the cot was
pathetic. The invalid could not move his head,
but his great brown eyes, and fine mouth smiled
his welcome to his friends, and he said:
' ' Oh, it was great ! Great ! I saw it the first
thing when I woke up. And the holly and
mistletoe up here over my bed. I don't see
how they got it hung there without my knowing
when they did it."
"That was our secret," cried Polly. "And
Peggy sent over the mistletoe from Severndale,
DUNMORE'S LAST CHRISTMAS 137
though she didn't know we were to have the
tree."
" Peggy, you are all right," was Dunmore's
hearty praise. "But that tree is the prettiest
thing ever. I'm as crazy as a kid about it. I
sort of dreaded Christmas, but you people have
fixed it up all right and I'm no end grateful.
It's a great day after all.
Peggy who was standing where Dunmore
could not see her glanced at Polly. Polly
nodded in quick understanding. "The day all
right," and the poor lad helpless as some life-
less thing. The girls' eyes filled with quick
tears which they hastened to wink away, for
not for worlds would they have saddened what
both knew to be the last Christmas Lewis could
pass in this world, and Polly cried:
"Now, Tanta, let us have the presents!"
For an hour the room was the scene of a happy
merrymaking, as Shortie, because he was "built
on lines to reach the top-gallants," they said,
distributed the gifts, funny or dainty, and
Lewis' bed looked like a stand in a bazar. Mrs.
Harold had given him a downy bathrobe;
Peggy had made him a hop pillow; Polly had
made up a nonsense jingle for each day for a
month, sealing each in an envelope and label-
138 PEGGY STEWART
ling it with dire penalties if read before the
date named.
But best of all, the class had sent him his
class-ring and when it was slipped upon his
finger by his roommate, the poor lad broke
down completely.
Mrs. Harold hastened to the bedside and the
others did their best to relieve the situation.
The class-ring is never worn by a second-
classman until the last exam is passed by the
first class. Then the new class-rings blossom
forth in all their glory, for this ring is pecu-
liarly significant: It is looked forward to as
one of the greatest events in the class' history,
and is a badge of union forever.
Realizing that Dunmore could not be with
them when the time came for them to put on
their own, his classmates had unanimously
voted to give him his as a Christmas gift, and
nothing they could have done could possibly
have meant so much to him. He was prouder
than he had ever been before in his life, but —
with the gift came the faint premonition of the
inevitable; the first doubt of future recovery;
the first hint that perhaps he had been harbor-
ing false hopes, and it almost overwhelmed him,
and Mrs. Harold read it all in a flash.
DUNMORE'S LAST CHRISTMAS 139
But Peggy saved the day. Slipping to his
side she said :
" Aren't yon proud to be the very first to
wear it? They wanted to give you a Christmas
present, but couldn't think of a single thing
you'd enjoy while you were so ill. Then they
thought of the ring. Of course you could enjoy
that, and there was no reason in the world that
you shouldn't either, and the other boys will be
happy seeing you wear it and count the days
before they can put theirs on. And it is such
a beauty, isn't it? We are all so glad you've
got it. You can just wiggle your finger and
crow over the others every time they come to
visit you."
Lewis looked up at her and smiled. He under-
stood better than she guessed why she had
talked so fast, and was grateful, but the pang
was beneath the smile nevertheless.
Then dinner-hour drawing near the white-
capped nurse came in as a gentle hint that her
patient had had about all the excitement he
could stand, and Mrs. Harold suggested their
departure. Their last glance showed them
Lewis Dunmore looking at his class-ring, for
he could move that arm just enough to enable
him to raise the hand within his range of vision.
140 PEGGY STEWAET
The week following was a happy one for all.
Each afternoon an informal dance was given
in the gymnasium and the girls pranced to their
hearts' content. As the week drew to an end
the weather grew colder and colder until with
Saturday came a temperature which froze Col-
lege Creek solid. This was most unusual for
the season, but was hailed with wild rejoicings
by the boys and girls, for skating is a rare
novelty in Annapolis.
Saturday dawned an ideal winter day, clear,
cold, and white.
"Can you skate, Peggy?" asked Polly, diving
into her closet for a pair of skates which she
had brought South with her, though with small
hope of using them.
< t Y— e — s, ' ' answered Peggy, doubtfully. * ' I
can skate — after a fashion, but I'm afraid my
skating will not show to very great advantage
beside yours, you Northern lassie.'1
"Nonsense. I'll wager one of Aunt Cyn-
thia's cookies that you can skate as well as I
can, though you never would admit it. ' '
There had not been much chance for stirring
exercise for the girls since the snow fell and
really cold weather set in, for there was not
much pleasure in riding under such conditions,
DUNMOEE'S LAST CHEISTMAS 141
and they had both missed the healthy outdoor
sport. But the prospect of skating set them
both a-tingle to get upon the ice and they were
eagerly awaiting the official order from the
Academy, for no one is allowed upon 'the ice
until it is pronounced entirely safe by the
authorities, and the Commandant gives per-
mission. Of course, this does not apply to the
townspeople or to that section of the creek
beyond the limits of the Academy, but it is very
rigidly enforced within it. As the girls were
eager to learn whether the brigade would have
permission that afternoon, they went over to
hear the orders read at luncheon formation,
and came back nearly wild with delight to in-
form Mrs. Harold that not only was permission
granted but that the band would play at the
edge of the creek from four until six o'clock.
"And if that won't be ideal I'd like to know
what can be, ' ' cried Polly, and scarcely had she
spoken when the telephone rang.
"Hello. Yes, it's Polly. Of course we can.
"What time? To the very minute. Yes, Peggy's
right here beside me and fairly dancing up and
down to know what we are talking about. No,
don't come out for us; we will meet you at the
gate at three-thirty sharp. Good-bye," and
142 PEGGY STEWAET
snapping the receiver into its socket, Polly
whirled about to catch Peggy in a regular bear
hug and cry:
"It was Happy. He and the others want us
all to come over at three-thirty. Aunt Janet,
too. They have an ice-chair for her ; they bor-
rowed it from someone. Oh, won't it be fun!"
Peggy's dark eyes sparkled, then she said:
' ' But my skates. They are 'way out at Severn-
dale."
Without a word Mrs. Harold walked to the
telephone and a moment later was talking with
Harrison. The skates would be sent in by the
two o'clock car. Promptly at three-thirty the
girls and Mrs. Harold entered the Maryland
Avenue gate where they were met by Shortie,
Wheedles, Happy, Durand and Ralph; Durand
promptly appropriating Peggy, while Ralph
cried :
"Come on, Polly, this is going to be like old
times up at Montgentian."
It would have been hard to picture a prettier
sight than the skaters presented that afternoon,
the boys in their heavy reefers and woolen
watch-caps; the girls in toboggan caps and
sweaters. Over in the west the sky was a rich
rosy glow, for the sun sinks behind the hills by
DUNMOEE'S LAST CHEISTMAS 143
four-thirty during the short winter afternoons.
The Naval Academy band stationed at the edge
of the broad expanse of the ice-bound creek was
sending its inspiring strains out across the
keen, frosty air which seemed to hold and toy
with each note as though reluctant to let it die
away.
The boys took turns in pushing Mrs. Har-
old's chair, spinning it along over the smooth
surface of the ice in the wake of Peggy, Polly
and the others, who now and again joined hands
to ' ' snap-the-whip, " * ' run-the-train, " or go
through some pretty figure. Polly and Ealph
were clever at this and very soon Peggy caught
the trick. The creek was crowded, for nearly
half the town as well as the people from the
Yard were enjoying the rare treat.
The band had just finished a beautiful waltz
to which all had swung across the creek in per-
fect rhythm, when one of the several enlisted
men, stationed along the margin of the creek,
and equipped with stout ropes and heavy planks
in the event of accident, sounded "attention"
on a bugle. Instantly, every midshipman, of-
ficer, or those in any way connected with the
Academy, halted and stood at attention to hear
the order.
144 PEGGY STEWAET
"No one will be allowed to go below the
bridge. Ice is not safe," rang out the order.
Nearly every one heard and to hear was, of
course, to obey for all in the Academy, but
there are always heedless ones, or stupid ones
in this world, and in the numbers gathered upon
the ice that afternoon there were plenty of that
sort, and it sometimes seems as though they
were sent into this world to get sensible people
into difficulties. Of course the heedless ones
were too busy with their own concerns to pay
heed to the warning. A group of young girls
from the town were skating together close to
the lower bridge. Durand and Peggy were near
the Marine Barracks shore, when they became
aware of their reckless venturing upon the
dangerous ice.
"Durand, look," cried Peggy. "Those girls
must be crazy to go out there after hearing that
order."
"They probably never heard it at all. Some
of those cits make me tired. They seem to
have so little sense. Now I'll bet my sweater
that every last person connected with the Yard
heard it, but, I'd bet two sweaters that not half
the people from the town did, yet there was no
reason they shouldn't. It was read for their
DUNMOKE'S LAST CHRISTMAS 145
benefit just exactly as much as ours, but they
act as though we belonged to some other world
and the orders were for our benefit, but their
undoing. ' '
"Not quite so bad as all that, I hope,"
laughed Peggy, as they joined hands and swung
away. A moment later she gave a sharp cry.
Durand had turned and was skating backward
with Peggy "in tow." He spun around just
in time to see a little girl about ten years of age
throw up her hands and crash through the rot-
ten ice. Peggy had seen her as she laughingly
broke away from the group of older girls to
dart beneath the bridge.
* ' Quick ! Beat it for help, ' ' shouted Durand,
flinging off his reefer and striking out for the
screaming girls. He had not made ten strides
when a second girl in rushing to her friend's
assistance, went through too, the others darting
back to safer ice and shrieking for help.
Durand now had a proposition on hand in short
order, but Peggy's wits worked rapidly: If she
left Durand to go for help he would have his
hands more than full. Moreover, the alarm had
already been sounded and the Jackies were com-
ing on a run. So she did exactly as Durand was
doing : laid flat upon the ice and worked her way
10
146 PEGGY STEWAKT
toward the second struggling victim. Durand
had caught the child and was doing his best to
keep her afloat and himself from being dragged
into the freezing water, but Peggy's victim was
older and heavier.
"Oh, save me! Save me!" she screamed.
"Hush. Keep still and we'll get you out,"
commanded Peggy, doing her utmost to keep
free of the wildly thrashing arms, while holding
on to the girl's coat with all the strength of
desperation. It would have gone ill with the
girl and Peggy, however, had not help come
from the bridge where the Jackies had acted as
such men invariably do : promptly and without
fuss. In far less time than seemed possible,
two of them, with ropes firmly bound about
their bodies, were in the water, while two more
pulled them and their struggling charges to
safety, and two more in the perfect order of
their discipline drew Peggy and Durand from
their perilous situation, and just then Mrs. Har-
old's party came rushing up, she and Polly
white with terror.
"Peggy, Peggy, my little girl! If anything
had happened to you, ' ' cried Mrs. Harold, gath-
ering her into her arms.
"But there hasn't. Not a single thing, Little
DUNMORE'S LAST CHRISTMAS 147
Mother. I'm not hurt a bit, and only a little
wet and that won't hurt me because my clothes
are so thick." But the girl's voice shook and
she trembled in spite of her words, for the
last few minutes had taxed both strength and
courage.
Meantime the boys had gathered about Dur-
and, but boy-like made light of the episode
though down in their hearts they knew it had
required pluck and steady nerve to do as he
had done, and their admiration found expres-
sion in hauling off their reefers to force them
upon him, or in giving him a clip upon the back
and telling him he was "all right," and to
"come on back to Bancroft for a rub-down after
his bath." But no one underrated the courage
of either and they were hurried home to be
cared for, though it was many hours before
Mrs. Harold could throw off the horror of what
might have happened, and Peggy was a heroine
for many a day to her intense annoyance.
CHAPTER X
A DOMESTIC EPISODE
IN spite of the scare all had received the
previous Saturday, the New Year's eve hop
was thoroughly enjoyed, for neither Durand
nor Peggy was the worse for the experience,
and the old year was danced out upon light,
happy toes, only one shadow resting upon the
joyous evening.
For over a year, there had been an officer
stationed at the Academy who had been a
source of discord among his fellow-officers, and
a martinet with the midshipmen. He was small,
petty, unjust, and not above resorting to meth-
ods despised by his confreres. He was loathed
by the midshipmen because they could never
count upon what they termed "a square deal,"
and consequently never knew just where they
stood.
There were several who seemed to have in-
curred his especial animosity, and Durand in
particular he hated; hated because the boy's
148
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 149
quick wits invariably got Mm out of the scrapes
which his mischievous spirit prompted, and
"Gumshoes," as the boys had dubbed the of-
ficer owing to his habit of sneaking about
"looking for trouble," was not clever enough
to catch him.
And thus it came about that, being once more
circumvented by Durand on New Year's eve in
a trivial matter at which any other officer would
have laughed, he resorted to ways and means
which a man with a finer sense of honor would
have despised and — again he failed. But his
chance came on New Year's day, when Durand,
led into one of the worst scrapes of his life by
Blue, fell into his clutches and the outcome was
so serious that the entire brigade was restricted
to the Yard's limits for three months, and gloom
descended not only upon the Academy but upon
all its friends.
Naturally, with her boys debarred from Mid-
dies' Haven, Mrs. Harold could do little for the
girls, and their only sources of pleasure lay in
such amusements as the town afforded and
these were extremely limited. So much time
was spent at Severndale with Peggy, and it was
during one of these visits that Mrs. Harold fig-
ured in one of the domestic episodes of Severn-
150 PEGGY STEWAET
dale. They were not new to Peggy for she was
Southern-born and used to the vagaries and
childlike outbreaks of the colored people. But
even though Mrs. Harold had lived among them
a great deal, and thought she understood them
pretty thoroughly, she had yet to learn some of
the African's eccentricities.
January dragged on, the girls working with
Captain Pennell and Dr. Llewellyn. During
the month, one of the hands, Joshua Jozadak
Jubal Jones, by the way, fell ill with typhoid
fever, and was removed to the hospital. From
the first his chances of recovery seemed doubt-
ful, and "Minervy" his wife, as strapping, ro-
bust a specimen of her race as poor Joshua was
tiny and, as she expressed it, ''pore and pind-
lin','' was in a most emotional frame of mind.
Again and again she came up to the great house
to "crave consolatiom" from Miss Peggy, or
Mammy Lucy, though, truth to tell, Mammy's
sympathies were not very deeply enlisted.
Minervy Jones did not move in the same social
set in which Mammy held a dignified position:
Mammy was "an emerged Baptis' "; Minervy
a "Shoutin' Mefodist," and a strong feeling
existed between the two little colored churches.
Peggy visited the hospital daily and saw that
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 151
Joshua lacked for nothing. Mrs. Harold was
deeply concerned for Peggy's sake, for Peggy
looked to the well-being of all the help upon the
estate with the deep interest which generations
of her ancestors had manifested, indeed re-
garded as incumbent upon them and part of
their obligation to their dependents.
Days passed and poor Joshua grew no better,
Minervy meanwhile spending most of her time
in Aunt Cynthia 's kitchen where she could sus-
tain the inner woman with many a tidbit from
the white folks' table, and speculate upon what
was likely to become of them if her "pore HI
chillern were left widderless orphans." It
need hardly be added that the prospective "wid-
derless orphans" were left to shift largely for
themselves while she was accepting both mental
and physical sustenance.
It was upon one of these visits, so indef-
initely prolonged that Mammy's patience was
at the snapping point, that she decided to give
a needed hint. Entering the kitchen she said
to Aunt Cynthia :
"'Pears ter me yo' must have powerful lot
o' time on han', Sis' Cynthy."
"Well'm I ain't. No ma'am, not me," was
Cynthia's prompt reply, for to tell the truth she
152 PEGGY STEWART
was beginning to weary of doling out religious
consolation and bodily sustenance, yet hospital-
ity demanded something.
''Well, I reckons Miss Peggy's cravin' fer her
luncheon, an' it's high time she done got it, too.
Is yo' know de time?''
"Cou'se I knows de time," brindled Cynthia,
"but 'pears lak time don' count wid some folks.
Kin yo' see de clock, Mis' Jones?"
The question was sprung so suddenly that
Minerva jumped.
"Yas'm, yas'm, Mis' Johnson, I kin see hit;
yis, I kin, ' ' answered Minervy, craning her neck
for a pretended better view.
"Well, den, please, ma'am, tell me just
'zactly what it is."
This was a poser. Minervy knew no more
of telling time than one of her own children,
but rising from her chair, she said:
"I 'clar ter goodness, I'se done shed so many
tears in ma sorrer and grief over Joshua dat I
sho' is a-loosin' ma eyesight." She then went
close to the clock, looked long and carefully at
it, but shook her head doubtfully. At length
a bright idea struck her and turning to Cynthia
she announced :
"Why, Sis' Cynthia, I believes yo' tryin' ter
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 153
projec' wid me; dat clock don' strike 'tall. But
I 'clar I mus' be a-lmmpin' masef todes dem
chillern. I shore mus'."
"Yes, I'd 'vise it pintedly,"1 asserted Cyn-
thia, while Mammy Lucy added:
"It's sprisin' how some folks juties slips dey
inin's."
Three days later word came to Severndale
that Joshua could hardly survive the day and
Peggy, as she felt duty bound, went over to
Minervy's cabin. She found her sitting before
her fire absolutely idle.
"Minervy," she began, "I have had word
from the hospital and Joshua is not so well. I
think you would better go right over."
"Yas'm, yas'm, Miss Peggy, I spec's yo' sees
it dat-a-way, honey, but — but yo' sees de chil-
lern dey are gwine car'y on scan'lus if I leaves
'em. My juty sho' do lie right hyer, yas'm it
sho' do."
"But Minervy, Joshua cannot live."
"Yas'm, but he ain' in his min' an' wouldn't
know me no how, but dese hyer chillerns is all
got dey min's cl'ar, an' dey stummicks empty.
No'm, I knows yo' means it kindly an' so I teks
hit, but I knows ma juty," and nothing Peggy
could say had any effect.
154 PEGGY STEWAET
That night Joshua died. The word came to
Severndale early the following morning.
"Well," said Mrs. Harold, "from her philo-
sophical resignation to the situation yesterday,
I don't imagine she will be greatly overcome
by the news.'3
"Mh — um," was Mammy's non-committal
lip-murmur, and Peggy wagged her head. Mrs.
Harold and Polly were spending the week at
Severndale, and were dressing for breakfast.
Their rooms communicated with Peggy's and
they had been laughing and talking together
when the 'phone message came.
"Mammy," called Peggy. "Please send
word right down to Minervy. ' '
"Yas, baby, I sends it, and den yo' watch
out," warned Mammy.
"What for?" asked Peggy.
" Fo ' dat 'oman. She gwine mak one fuss dis
time ef she never do again."
"Nonsense, Mammy, I don't believe she cares
one straw anyway. She is the most unfeeling
creature I've ever seen."
"She' may be cwfeelin' but she ain' ow-doin',
yo' mark me," and Mammy went off to do as
she was bidden.
Perhaps twenty minutes had passed when
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 155
the quiet of the lower floor was torn by wild
shrieks and on-rushing footsteps, with voices
vainly commanding silence and decorum: com-
mands all unheeded. Then came a final rush
up the stairs and Minervy distraught and dis-
hevelled burst into Mrs. Harold's room, and
without pausing to see whom she was falling
upon, flung her arms about that startled woman,
shrieking :
"He's daid! He's daid! Dem pore chillern
is all widderless orphans. I felt it a-comin'!
Who' gwine feed an' clothe and shelter dose
pore lambs? Ma heart's done bruck! Done
bruck ! ' '
"Minervy! Minervy! Do you know what
you are doing ! Let go of Mrs. Harold this in-
stant," ordered Peggy, nearly overcome with
mortification that her guest should meet with
such an experience at Severndale. "Do you
hear me? Control yourself at once."
She strove to drag the hysterical creature
from Mrs. Harold, but she might as well have
tried to drag away a wild animal. Minervy
continued to shriek and howl, while Mammy,
scandalized beyond expression, scolded and
stormed, and Jerome called from the hall below.
Then Mrs. Harold's sense of humor came to
156 PEGGY STEWAET
her rescue and she had an inspiration, for she
promptly decided that there was no element of
grief in Minervy's emotions.
''Minerva, Minerva, have you ordered your
mourning? You knew Joshua could not live,"
she cried.
Had she felled the woman with a blow the
effect could not have been more startling. In-
stantly the shrieks ceased and releasing her
hold Minervy struck an attitude:
"No'm, I hasn't! I cyant think how I could
a-been so careless-like, an' knowin' all de en-
durin' time dat I boun' fer ter be a widder.
How could I a-been so light-minded?'1
"Well, you have certainly got to have some
black clothes right off. It would be dreadful
not to have proper mourning for Joshua."
Meanwhile Peggy and Polly had fled into the
next room.
"I sho' mus', ma'am. How could I a-been so
'crastinatin' an' po' Joshua a-dyin' all dese
hyer weeks. I ain' been 'spectful to his chil-
lern; dat I ain't. Lemme go right-way an' tink
what I's needin'. But please ma'am, is yo'
a widder 'oman? Case ef yo' is yo's had spur-
rience an' kin tell me bes' what I needs."
It was with difficulty that Mrs. Harold con-
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 157
trolled her risibles, so utterly absurd rather
than pathetic was the whole situation, for not
one atom of real grief for Joshua lay in poor,
shallow Minervy 's heart. Then Mrs. Harold
replied :
"No, Minervy. I am not a widow; at least
I am only a grass widow, and they do not wear
mourning, you know."
"No'm, no'm, I spec's not. But what mus'
I git for masef an' does po' orphans!"
"Well, you have a black skirt, but have you
a waist and hat? And you would better buy a
black veil; not crape, it is too perishable; get
nun's veiling, and—
"Nun's veilin'? Nun's veilin'?" hesitated
Minervy. "But I ain' no nun, mistiss, I'se a
widder. I ain' got no kind er use fer dem
nunses wha' don' never mahry. I'se been a
mahryin' 'onian, 7 is."
"Well you must choose your own veil then,"
Mrs. Harold managed to reply.
"Yas'm, I guesses I better, an' I reckons I
better git me a belt an' some shoes, 'case if I
gotter be oneasy in ma min' dars no sort o*
reason fer ma bein' uneasy in ma foots too,
ner dem chillern neither. Dey ain' never is had
shoes all 'roun' ter onct, but I reckons dey better
158 PEGGY STEWAET
be fitted out right fer dey daddy's funeral.
Dey can't tend it but onct in all dey life-times
no how. And 'sides, I done had his life assured
'gainst dis occasiom, an' I belongs ter de sas-
siety wha' burys folks in style wid regalions.
Dey all wears purple velvet scaffses ober dey
shoulders an' rna'ches side de hearse. Dar ain'
nothin' cheap an' no 'count bout dat sassiety.
No ma'am! An' I reckons I better git right
long and look arter it all," and Minervy, still
wiping her eyes, hurried from the room,
Mammy's snort of outrage unheeded, and her
words :
" Now what I done tole yo', baby? I tells yo'
dat 'ornan ain' mo'n ha'f human if she is one ob
ma own color. I's a cullured person, but she's
jist pure nigger, yo' hyar me?" and Mammy
flounced from the room.
Polly and Peggy reentered Mrs. Harold's
room. She had collapsed upon the divan, al-
most hysterical, and Polly looked as though
someone had dashed cold water in her face.
Peggy was the only one who accepted the situa-
tion philosophically. With a resigned expres-
sion she said:
"That's Minervy Jones. She is one type of
her race. Mammy is another. Now we'll see
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 159
what she'll buy. I'll venture to say that every
penny she gets from Joshua's life-insurance
will be spent upon clothes for herself and those
children. ' '
"And I started the idea," deplored Mrs.
Harold.
"Oh, no, you did not. She would have
thought of it as soon as she was over her
screaming, only you stopped the screaming a
little sooner, for which we ought to be grateful
to you. She is only one of many more exactly
like her."
1 ' Do you mean to tell me that there are many
as heedless and foolish as she is?" demanded
Mrs. Harold.
"Dozens. Ask Harrison about some of
them."
"Well, I never saw anything like her," cried
Polly, indignantly. "I think she is perfectly
heartless."
"Oh, no, she isn't. She simply can't hold
more than one idea at a time. Just now it's the
display she can make with her insurance money.
They insure each other and everything insur-
able, and go half naked in order to do so. The
system is perfectly dreadful, but no one can
stop them. Probably every man and woman
160 PEGGY STEWAET
on the place knows exactly what she will receive
and half a dozen will come forward with money
to lend her, sure of being paid back by this in-
surance company. It all makes me positively
sick, but there is no use trying to control them
in that direction. I don't wonder Daddy Neil
often says they were better off in the old days
when a master looked after their well-being."
An hour later Minervy was driving into An-
napolis, three of her boon companions going
with her, the "widderless orphans" being left
to get on as best they could. She spent the en-
tire morning in town, returning about three
o'clock with a wagonful of purchases. Poor
Joshua's remains were being looked after by
the Society and would later come to Severndale.
Mrs. Harold and the girls were sitting in the
charming living-room when Jerome came to ask
if Miss Peggy would speak with Minervy a
moment.
"Oh, do bring her in here," begged Mrs.
Harold.
Peggy looked doubtful, but consented, and
Jerome went to fetch the widow.
When she entered the room Mrs. Harold and
the girls were sorely put to it to keep sober
faces, for Minervy had certainly outdone her-
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 161
self; not only Minervy, but her entire brood
which followed silently and sheepishly behind
her. Can Minervy 's "mourning" be described?
Upon her head rested a huge felt hat of the
" Merry Widow" order, and encircling it was
a veil of some sort of stiff material, more like
crinoline than crape. There were yards of it,
and so stiff that it stuck straight out behind her
like a horse's tail. Under the brim was a white
widow's ruche. Her waist was a black silk one
adorned with cheap embroidery, and a broad
belt displayed a silver buckle at least four inches
in diameter, ornamented with a huge glass car-
buncle at least half the buckle's size. On her
own huge feet were a pair of shining patent-
leather shoes sporting big gilt buckles, and each
child wore patent-leather dancing pomps.
"Why, Minervy," cried Peggy, really dis-
tressed, "How could you?"
"Why'm, ain' we jist right? I thought I
done got bargains wha' jist nachally mak' dat
odder widow 'oman tek a back seat an' sit down.
She didn't git no sich style when James up an
died," answered Minervy, reproach in her tone
and eyes.
"But, Minervy," interposed Mrs. Harold.
"That bright red stone in the buckle; how can
11
162 PEGGY STEWAET
you consider that mourning? And your veil
shouldn't stick — I mean it ought to hang down
properly.''
Minervy looked deeply perturbed. Shifting
from one patent-leather-shod foot to the other,
she answered:
"Well'm, well'm, I dare say you's had more
spurrience in dese hyer t'ings 'n I is, but dat
ston certain 'y did strike ma heart. But ef yo*
say 'taint right why, pleas ma'am git a pair
o' scissors an' prize it out, tho' I done brought
de belt fer de sake ob dat buckle. "Well, nem-
mine. I reckons I kin keep it, an' if I ever
marhrys agin it sho will come in handy."
The combined efforts of Mrs. Harold, Peggy
and Polly eventually got Minervy passably pre-
sentable as to raiment, but there they gave up
the obligation.
On the following Sunday the funeral was held
with all the ceremony and display dear to the
African heart, but "Sis Cynthia, Mammy Lucy
and Jerome were too occupied with domestic
duties to attend." "I holds masef clar 'bove
sich go in Von, ' ' was Mammy 's dictum. ' ' When
/ dies, I 'spects ter be bur 'rid quiet an' dig-
numfied by ma mistiss, an' no sich crazy goin's
on as dem yonder."
A DOMESTIC EPISODE 163
Later Minervy and her "nine haid ob chil-
lern" betook themselves into the town of An-
napolis where matrimonial opportunities were
greater, and, sure enough, before two months
were gone by she presented herself to Peggy,
smiling and coy, to ask:
"Please, ma'am, is yo' got any ol' white stuff
wha' I could use fer a bridal veil?"
"A bridal veil?" repeated Peggy, horrified
at this new development.
"Yas'm, dat's what I askin' fer. Yo' see,
Miss Peggy, dat haid waiter man at de Central
Hotel, he done fall in love wid ma nine haid o'
po' orphanless chillern an' crave fer ter be a
daddy to 'em. An' Miss Peggy, honey, Johanna
she gwine be ma bride's maid, an' does yo'
reckon yo's got any ole finery what yo' kin giv'
her? She's jist 'bout yo' size, ma'am.'1
Johanna was Minervy 's eldest daughter.
* * Yes. I '11 get exactly what you want, ' ' cried
Peggy, her lips set and her eyes snapping, for
her patience was exhausted.
Groing to her storeroom Peggy brought to
light about three yards of white cotton net and
a pistachio green mull gown, long since dis-
carded. It was made with short white lace
sleeves and low cut neck.
164 PEGGY STEWAET
''Here you are," she said, handing them to
Minervy who was thrown into a state of ecstacy.
"But wait a moment; it lacks completeness,"
and she ran to her room for a huge pink satin
bow. "There, tell Johanna to pin that on her
head and the harlequin ice will be complete.*'
But her sarcasm missed its mark. Th'eri
Peggy went to her greenhouses and gathering
a bunch of Killarney roses walked out to the
little burial lot where the Severndale help slept
and laying them upon Joshua's grave said
softly :
" You were good and true and faithful, and
followed your light."
NOTE — The author would like to state that this episode
actually did take place upon the estate of a friend.
CHAPTER XI
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN
FEBEUAKY had passed and March was again
rushing upon Severndale. A cold, wild March,
too. Perhaps because it was coming in like a
lion it would go out like a lamb. It is nearly
a year since we first saw Peggy Stewart seated
in the crotch of the snake-fence talking with
Shashai and Tzaritza, and in that year her
whole outlook upon life has changed. True it
was then later in the month and spring filled
the air, but a few weeks make vast changes in a
Maryland springtide. And Daddy Neil was
coming home soon! Coming in time for an
alumni meeting during June week at the Acad-
emy, and Mr. Harold was coming also. These
facts threw every one at Severndale, as well as
Mrs. Harold and Polly into a flutter of antici-
pation. But several weeks — yes, three whole
months in fact — must elapse before they would
arrive, for the ships were only just leaving
Guantanamo for Hampton Eoads and then
165
166 PEGGY STEWAET
would follow target practice off the Virginia
Capes.
Mrs. Harold and Polly were going to run
down to Hampton Eoads for a week, to meet
Mr. Harold, but Commander Stewart's cruiser
would not be there. He was ordered to Nica-
ragua where one of the periodical insurrec-
tions was taking place and Uncle Sam's sailor
boys' presence would probably prove salutary.
At any rate, Neil Stewart could not be at Hamp-
ton Koads, and consequently Peggy decided not
to go down with her friends, though urged to
join them. Meanwhile she worked away with
Compadre and as March slipped by acquired
for Severndale a most valuable addition to its
paddock.
It all came about in a very simple manner,
as such things usually do.
All through Maryland are many small farms,
some prosperous, some so slack and forlorn
that one wonders how the owners subsist at all.
It often depends upon the energy and industry
of the individual. These farmers drive into
Annapolis with their produce, and when one
sees the animals driven, and vehicles to which
they are harnessed, one often wonders how the
poor beasts have had strength to make the
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 167
journey even if the vehicle has managed to hold
together. Often there is a lively "swapping"
of horses at the market-place and a horse may
change owners three or four times in the course
of a morning.
It so happened that Peggy had driven into
Annapolis upon one of these market days, and
having driven down to the dock to make inquiry
for some delayed freight, was on her way back
when she noticed a pair of flea-bitten gray
horses harnessed to a ramshackle farm wagon.
The wagon wheels were inches thick with dry
mud, for the wagon had probably never been
washed since it had become its present owner's
property. The harness was tied in a dozen
places with bits of twine, and the horses were so
thin and apparently half-starved that Peggy's
heart ached to see them. Pulling up her own
span she said to Jess :
"Oh, Jess, how can any one treat them so?
They seem almost too weak to stand, but they
have splendid points. Those horses have seen
better days or I'm much mistaken and they
come of good stock too."
"Dey sho' does, missie," answered Jess,
pleased as Punch to see his young mistress'
quick eye for fine horseflesh, though it must be
168 PEGGY STEWART
admitted that the fine qualities of these horses
were well disguised, and only a connoisseur
could have detected them.
As they stood looking at the horses the owner
came up accompanied by another man. They
were in earnest conversation, the owner evi-
dently protesting and his companion expostu-
lating. Something impelled Peggy to tarry,
and without seeming to do so, to listen. She
soon grasped the situation: The horses' owner
owed the other man some money which he was
unable to pay. The argument grew heated.
Peggy was unheeded. The upshot was the
transfer of ownership of one of the span of
horses to the other man, the new owner helping
unharness the one chosen, its mate looking on
with surprised, questioning eyes, as though
asking why he, too, was not being unharnessed.
The new owner did not seem over-pleased with
his bargain either (he lacked Peggy's discern-
ment) and vented his ill-temper upon the poor
horse. Presently he led him away, the mate
whinnying and calling after his companion in a
manner truly pathetic.
"Quick, Jess," ordered Peggy, "go and find
out who that man is and where he is taking that
horse, but don't let him suspect why."
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 169
Jess scrambled out of the surrey, saying:
"Yo* count on me, Miss Peggy. I's wise, I is;
I ketches on all right."
Peggy continued to watch. The man sat
down upon an upturned box near his wagon,
buried his face in his hands and seemed obliv-
ious of all taking place around him. Presently
the horse turned toward him and nickered ques-
tioningly. The man looked up and reaching
out a work-hardened hand, stroked the poor
beast's nose, saying:
'"Taint no use, Pepper; he's done gone fer
good. Every thin 's gone, and I wisht ter Gawd
I was done gone too, fer 'taint no use. The
fight's too hard for us."
Just then he caught the eye of the young girl
watching him. There was something in her
expression which seemed to spell hope : he felt
utterly hopeless. She smiled and beckoned to
him. She was so used to being obeyed that his
response was as a matter of course to her. He
moved slowly toward the surrey, resting his
hand upon the wheel and looking up at her with
listless eyes. "You want me, miss?" he asked.
Peggy said gently:
"I couldn't help seeing what happened; I
was right here. Please don't think me inquisi-
170 PEGGY STEWART
tive, but would you mind telling me something
about your horses'? I love them so, and — and
—and — I think yours have good blood. "
The furrowed, weatherbeaten face seemed
transformed as he answered:
"Some of the best in the land, miss. Some
of the best. How did ye guess it?':
"I did not guess it; I knew it. I raise
horses."
"Then you're Miss Stewart from Severn-
dale, ain't ye?"
"Yes, and you?"
"I'm jist Jim Bolivar. I live 'bout five mile
this side of Severndale. Lived there nigh on ter
twenty year, but yo' wouldn't never know me,
o' course, though I sometimes drives over to
yo' place. "
"But how do you expect to drive back all that
distance with only one horse? Did you sell the
other, or only lend him?':
For a moment the man hesitated. Then look-
ing into the clear, tender eyes he said :
"He had ter go, miss. Everything's gone
ag'in me for over a year; I owed Steinberger
fifty dollars; I couldn't pay him; I'd given
Salt fer s'curity."
"Salt?" repeated Peggy in perplexity.
PLAYING GOOD SAMAEITAN 171
"Yes'm, Pepper's mate. I named 'em Pep-
per 'n Salt when they was young colts," and a
faint smile curved the speaker's lips. Peggy
nodded and said:
"Oh, I see. That was clever. They do look
like pepper and salt."
"Did," corrected the man. "There ain't but
one now. But Salt were worth more 'n fifty
dollars; yes, he were."
' ' He certainly was, ' ' acquiesced Peggy. ' * Do
you want to sell Pepper too?"
"I'd sell my heart, miss, if I could get things
fer Nell."
"Who is Nell?"
"My girl, miss. Nigh 'bout yo' age, I reck-
ons, but not big an' healthy an' spry like yo'.
She's ailin' most o' the time, but we's mighty
po,' miss, mighty po'. We ain't allers been,
but things have gone agin us pretty steady.
Last year the hail spoilt the crops, an' oh well,
yo' don't want ter hear 'bout my troubles."
"I want to hear about any one's troubles if
I can help them. How shall you get back to
your place?"
"Beckon I'll have ter onhitch an' ride Pep-
per back, on'y I jist natchelly hate ter see Nell's
face when I get thar 'thout Salt. She set sich
172 PEGGY STEWART
store by them horses, an' they'd f oiler her any-
wheres. I sort ter hate ter start, miss."
"Listen to me," said Peggy. "What does
Nell most need?"
"Huh! Most need? Most need? Well if I
started in fer ter tell what she most needs I
reckon you'd be scart nigh ter death. She needs
every thin' an' seems like I can't git nothin'."
"Well what did you hope to get for her?':
asked Peggy, making a random shot.
"Why she needs some shoes pretty bad, an'
the doctor said she ought ter have nourishin'
things ter eat, but, somehow, we can't seem ter
git many extras."
"Will you go into the market and get what
you'd like from Mr. Bodwell? Here, give him
this and tell him Miss Stewart sent you," and
hastily taking a card from her case, Peggy
wrote upon it:
"Please give bearer what is needed," and
signed her name. "Get a good thick steak and
anything else Nell would like."
The man hesitated. "But I ain't askin' char-
ity, miss."
"This is for Nell, and maybe I'll buy Pepper
-if she will sell him," flashed Peggy, with a
radiant smile.
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 173
"I'll do as yo' tell me, miss. Mebbe it's
Providence. Nell always says: 'The good
Lord '11 tell us how, Dad,' an' mebbe she's
right, mebbe she is," and worn, weary, dis-
couraged Jim Bolivar went toward the mar-
ket. During his absence Jess returned.
"Dat man's a no' 'count dead beat, Miss
Peggy. Yas'm, he is fer a fac', an' he gwine
treat dat hawse scan'lous."
Peggy's eyes grew dark. "We'll see," was
all she said, but Jess chuckled. Most of the
help at Severndale knew that look. "Jess, un-
harness that horse and tie him behind the
surrey," was her next astonishing order.
"Fo' de Lawd's sake, Miss Peggy, what yo'
bown' fer ter do? Yo' goin' start hawse-
stealin"?" Jess didn't know whether to laugh
or take it seriously. When Jim Bolivar re-
turned Pepper was trying to reason out the
wherefor of being hitched behind such a hand-
some vehicle as Peggy's surrey, and Jess was
protesting:
"But — but — butter," stammered Jess, "Miss
Peggy, yo' ain' never in de roun' worl' gwine
ter drive froo de town an' clar out ter Severn-
dale wid dat disrep'u'ble ol' hawse towin' 'long
behime we all?"
174 PEGGY STEWAET
"I certainly am, and what is more, Jim Bol-
ivar is going to sit on the back seat and hold the
leader. He has got to get home and he can't
without help. Mr. Bolivar, please do as I say,"
Peggy's voice held a merry note but her little
nod of authority meant "business."
"But look at me, miss," protested Bolivar.
"I ain't fit ter ride with yo', no how."
"I am not afraid of criticism," replied
Peggy, with the little up-tilting of the head
which told of her Stewart ancestry. "When I
know a thing is right I do it. Steady, Comet.
Quiet, Meteor," for the horses had been stand-
ing some time and seemed inclined to proceed
upon two legs instead of four. "We'll stop at
Brooks' for the shoes, then we'll go around to
Dove's; I've a little commission for him."
"Yas'm, yas'm," nodded Jess.
The shoes were bought, Peggy selecting them
and giving them to Bolivar with the words : "It
will soon be Easter and this is my Easter gift
to Nellie, with my love," she added with a smile
which made the shoes a hundred-fold more
valuable.
Then off to the livery stable.
' ' Mr. Dove, do you know a man named Stein-
berger?"
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 175
"I know an old skinflint by that name," cor-
rected Dove.
"Well, you are to buy a horse from him.
Seventy-five dollars ought to be the price, but a
hundred is available if necessary. But do your
best. The horse's name is Salt — yes — that is
right," as Dove looked incredulous, "and he is
a flea-bitten gray — mate to this one behind us.
Steinberger bought him today, and I want you
to beat him at his own game if you can, for he
has certainly beaten a better man."
"You count on me, Miss Stewart, you count
on me. Whatever you say goes with me."
* ' Thank you, I '11 wait and see what happens. ' '
Their homeward progress was slower than
usual, for poor half-starved Pepper could not
keep pace with Comet and Meteor. About four
miles from Annapolis Bolivar directed them
into a by-road which led to an isolated farm, as
poor, forlorn a specimen as one could find. But
in spite of its disrepair there was something of
home in its atmosphere and the dooryard was
carefully brushed. Turkey red curtains at the
lower windows gave an air of cheeriness to
the lonely place. As they drew near a hound
came bounding out to greet them with a deep-
throated bark, and a moment later a girl about
176 PEGGY STEWABT
Peggy's age appeared at the door. Peggy
thought she had never seen a sweeter or a sad-
der face. She was fair to transparency with
great questioning blue eyes, masses of golden
hair waving softly back from her face and
gathered into a thick braid. She walked with
a slight limp, and looked in surprise at the
strange visitors, and her big blue eyes were full
of a vague doubt.
"It's all right, honey. It's all right," called
Bolivar. " 'Aint nothin' but Providence
a-workin' out, I reckon, jist like yo' say.
"We have brought your father and Pepper
home. Salt is all right, Nelly. You will see
him again pretty soon."
"Oh, has anything happened to Salt, Dad!"
asked the girl quickly.
"Well, not anything, so-to-speak. Jist let
Miss Stewart, here, run it and it'll come out all
right. I'm bankin' on that, judgin' from the
way she's done so far. She's got a head a mile
long, honey, she has, an' has mine beat ter a
frazzle. Mine's kind o' wore out I reckon, an'
no 'count, no more. Come long out an' say
howdy. ' '
Nelly Bolivar came to the surrey and smiling
up into Peggy's face, said:
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 177
"Of course I know who you are, everybody
does, but I never expected to really, truly know
you, and I'm a right proud girl to shake hands
with you," and a thin hand, showing marks of
toil, was held to Peggy. There was a sweet
dignity in the act and words.
Peggy took it in her gloved one, saying:
"I didn't suspect I was so well known. For
a quiet girl I'm beginning to know a lot of peo-
ple. But I must go now, it is getting very late.
Your father is going to bring Pepper over to
see me soon and maybe he will bring you, too.
He has such a lot to tell you that I'll not delay
it a bit longer. Good-bye, and remember a lot
of pleasant things are going to happen," and
with the smile which won all who knew her,
Peggy drove away.
If people's right ears burn when others are
speaking kindly of them, Peggy's should have
burned hard that evening, for Nelly Bolivar
listened eagerly as her father told of the after-
noon's experiences and Peggy's part in them.
Two days later Salt was delivered at Severn-
dale. Dove had been as good as his word.
Shelby gave him one glance and said :
"Well, if some men knew a hoss as quick as
that thar girl does, there 'd be fewer no 'count
12
178 PEGGY STEWART
beasts in the world. Put him in a stall and tell
Jim Jarvis I want him to take care of him as if
he was the Emperor. I know what I'm savin',
an' Miss Peggy knows what she's a-doin', an'
that's more 'n I kin say for most women-folks.'1
So Salt found himself in the lap of luxury
and one week of it so transformed him that at
the end of it poor Pepper would hardly have
known his mate. Yet with all the care be-
stowed upon him the poor horse grieved for his
mate, and never did hoof-beat fall upon the
ground without his questioning neigh.
Peggy visited him every day and was touched
by his response to her petting ; it showed what
Nelly had done for him. But she was quick to
understand the poor creature's nervous watch-
ing for his lost mate, and evident loneliness.
At length she had him turned into the paddock
with the other horses, but even this failed to
console him. He stood at the paling looking
down the road, again and again neighing his
call for the companion which failed to answer.
Peggy began to wonder what had become of
Jim Bolivar. Two more weeks passed. Mrs.
Harold and Polly had returned from Old Point
and upon a beautiful April afternoon Polly and
Peggy were out on the little training track
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 179
where Polly, mounted upon Silver Star, was
taking her first lesson in hurdles ; a branch of
her equestrian education which thus far had
not been taken up.
Star was beautifully trained, and took the low
hurdles like a lapwing, though it must be con-
fessed that Polly felt as though her head had
snapped off short the first time he rose and
landed.
"My gracious, Peggy, do you nearly break
your neck every time you take a fence?" she
cried, settling her hat which had flopped down
over her face.
"Not quite," laughed Peggy, skimming over
a five-barred hurdle as though it were five
inches. "But, oh, Polly, look at Salt! Look
at him! He acts as though he'd gone crazy,"
she cried, for the horse had come to the fence
which divided his field from the track and was
neighing and pawing in the most excited man-
ner, now and again making feints of springing
over.
"Why I believe he would jump if he only
knew how," answered Polly eagerly.
"And I believe he does know how already,"
and Peggy slipped from Skashai to go to the
fence. Just then, however, the sound of an
180 PEGGY STEWAET
approaching vehicle caught her ears, and the
next instant Salt was tearing away across the
field like a wild thing, neighing loudly with
every bound, and from the roadway came the
answering neigh for which he had waited so
long, and Pepper came plodding along, striving
his best to hasten toward the call he knew and
loved. But Pepper had not been full-fed with
oats, corn and bran-mashes, doctored by a
skilled hand, or groomed by Jim Jarvis, as Salt
had been for nearly four blissful weeks, and an
empty stomach is a poor spur. But he could
come to the fence and rub noses with Salt, and
Peggy and Polly nearly fell into each other's
arms with delight.
"Oh, doesn't it make you just want to cry to
see them?" said Polly, half tearfully.
"They shan't be separated again," was
Peggy's positive assertion. "How do you do,
Mr. Bolivar? Why, Nelly, have you been ill?"
for the girl looked almost too sick to sit up.
"Yes, Miss Peggy, that's why Dad couldn't
come sooner. He had to take care of me. He
has fretted terribly over it too, because—
"Now, now! Tut, tut, honey. Never mind,
Miss Peggy don't want to hear nothin' 'bout
us."
PLAYING GOOD SAMARITAN 181
"Yes she does, too, and Nelly will tell us.
She is coming right up to the house with us-
this is my friend Miss Polly Howland, Nelly —
Nelly Bolivar, Polly — and while you go find
Shelby, Mr. Bolivar, and tell him I say to take-
oh, here you are, Shelby. This is Mr. Bolivar.
Please take him up to your cottage and take
good care of him, and give Pepper the very best
feed he ever had. Then turn him out in the
pasture with Salt. We will be back again in
an hour to talk horse just as fast as we can,
and don't forget ivhat I told you about Pepper's
points."
"I won't, Miss Peggy, but I ain't got to open
more'n half an eye no how."
Peggy laughed, then slipping her arm through
Nelly's, said:
"Come up to the house with us. Mammy
will know what you need to make you feel
stronger, and you are going to be Polly's and
my girl this afternoon."
Quick to understand, Polly slipped to Nelly's
other side, and the two strong, robust girls,
upon whom fortune and Nature had smiled so
kindly, led their less fortunate little sister to
the great house.
CHAPTEE XII
THE SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT
ABOUT an hour later the girls were back at
the paddock, Nelly's face alight with joy, for
it had not taken good old Mammy long to see
that the chief cause of Nelly's lack of strength
was lack of proper nourishment, and her skilled
old hands were soon busy with sherry and raw
eggs as a preliminary, to be followed by one of
Aunt Cynthia's dainty little luncheons ; a lunch-
eon composed of what Mammy hinted "mus' be
somethin' wha' gwine fer ter stick ter dat
po' chile's ribs, 'case she jist nachelly half-
starved."
Consequently, the half-hour spent in partak-
ing of it did more to put new life in little Nelly
Bolivar than many days had done before, and
there was physical strength and mental spirit
also to sustain her.
The old carryall still stood near the training
track and saying:
"Now you sit in there and rest while Polly
182
SPICE OP PEPPER AND SALT 183
and I do stunts for your amusement," Peggy
helped Nelly into the seat.
"I feel just like a real company lady," said
Nelly happily, as she settled herself to watch
the girls whom she admired with all the ardor
of her starved little soul.
"You are a real company lady," answered
Peggy and Polly, "and we are going to enter-
tain you with a sure-enough circus. All you've
got to do is to applaud vigorously no matter
how poor the show. Come on, Polly," and
springing upon their horses, which had mean-
time been patiently waiting in the care of Bud,
off they raced around the track, Nelly watching
with fascinated gaze.
Meanwhile Pepper and Salt had been rejoic-
ing in their reunion, Salt full of spirit and
pranks as the result of his good care, and poor
Pepper, for once full-fed, wonderfully "chir-
kered" up in consequence, though in sharp con-
trast to his mate.
As Peggy and Polly cavorted around the
track, racing, jumping and cutting all manner
of pranks, Salt's attention to his mate seemed
to be diverted. The antics of Star and Shashai,
unhampered, happy and free as wild things,
seemed to excite him past control. Again and
184 PEGGY STEWART
again lie ran snorting toward the paling, turn-
ing to whinny an invitation to Pepper, but, even
with his poor, half-starved stomach for once
well-filled, Pepper could not enthuse as his mate
did ; one square meal a year cannot compensate
for so many others missed, and bring about
miracles.
Around and around the track swept the girls,
taking hurdles, and cutting a dozen antics. At
length Peggy, who had been watching Salt,
stopped, and saying to Polly :
''I'm going to try an experiment," she
slipped from Shashai's back. Going to the
fence she vaulted the four-foot barrier as easily
as Shashai would have skimmed over six. Salt
came to her at once, but Pepper hesitated. It
was only momentary, for soon both heads were
nestling confidingly to her. She was never
without her little bag of sugar and a lump or
two were eagerly accepted. Then going to
Salt's side she crooned into his ear some of her
mysterious "nightmare talk," as Shelby called
it. It was a curious power the girl exercised
over animals — almost hypnotic. Salt nozzled
and fussed over her. Then saying :
"Steady, boy. Steady." She gave one of
her sudden springs and landed astride his back,
SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT 185
saddleless and halterless. He gave a startled
snort and tore away around the paddock. Polly
was now used to any new departure, but Nelly
gave a little shriek and clasped her hands.
"She is all right, don't be frightened," smiled
Polly. "She can do anything with a horse; I
sometimes think she must have been a horse
herself once upon a time." Nelly looked puz-
zled, but Polly laughed. Meanwhile Peggy
was talking to her unusual mount. He seemed
a trifle bewildered, but presently struck into a
long, sweeping run — the perfect stride of the
racer. Peggy gave a quick little nod of under-
standing as she felt the long, gliding motion she
knew so well. As she came around to her
friends she reached forward and laying hold
of a strand of the silvery mane, said softly:
"Who — ooa. Steady." What was it in the
girl's voice which commanded obedience? Salt
stopped close to his mate and began to rub
noses with him as though confiding a secret.
"Bud," commanded Peggy, "go to the stable
and fetch me a snaffle bridle." The bridle was
brought and carefully adjusted.
"Come, Salt, now we will put it to the test;
those flank muscles mean something unless I'm
mistaken."
186 PEGGY STEWART
During all this Shelby and Bolivar had come
up to the paddock and stood watching the girl.
"Ain't she jist one fair clipper?" asked
Shelby, proudly. ''Lord, but that girl's worth
about a dozen of your ornery kind. She's a
thoroughbred all through, she is."
"Well, I ain't never seen nothin' like that,
fer a fact, I ain't. I knowed them was good
horses, but, well, I didn't know they was saddle
horses."
"They've more'n saddle horses, man, an' I'm
bettin' a month's wages your eyes '11 fair pop
out inside five minutes. I know her ways. I
lamed 'em to her, some on 'em, at least — but
most was born in her. They has ter be. There's
some things can't be I'arnt, man."
Once more Peggy started, this time her mount
showing greater confidence in her. At first
they loped lightly around the paddock, poor old
Pepper alternately following, then stopping to
look at his mate, apparently trying to reason it
all out. Gradually the pace increased until
once more Salt swept along in the stride which
from time immemorial has distinguished racing
blood. The fifth time around the broad field,
Peggy turned him suddenly and making straight
for the paling, cried in a ringing voice:
SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT 187
"On! On! Up— Over!"
The horse quivered, his muscles grew tense,
then there was a gathering together of the best
in him and the fence was taken as only running
blood takes an obstacle.
Then her surprise came :
Pepper meantime seemed to have lost his
wits. As Salt neared the fence, the mate who
for years had plodded beside him began to tear
around and around the field, snorting, whinny-
ing and giving way to the wildest excitement.
As Salt skimmed over the fence Pepper's de-
corum fled, and with a loud neigh he tore after
him, made a wild leap and cleared the barrier
by a foot, then startled and shaken from his
unwonted exertion, he stood with legs wide
apart, trembling and quivering.
In an instant Peggy had wheeled her mount
and was beside the poor frightened creature;
frightened because his blood had asserted itself
and he had literally outdone himself. Slipping
from Salt's back she tossed her bridle to Shelby
who had hurried toward her, and taking Pep-
per's head in her arms petted and caressed him
as she would have petted and caressed a child
which had made a superhuman effort to per-
form some seemingly impossible act.
188 PEGGY STEWART
"Nelly, Nelly, come here. Come. He will
know your voice so much better than mine,"
she called, and Nelly scrambled out of the
wagon as quickly as possible, crying:
"Why, Miss Stewart, hoiv did you do it. Why
we never knew they were so wonderful. Oh,
Dad, did you know they could jump and run
like that?"
"I knew they come o' stock that had run, an'
jumped like that, but I didn't know all that
ginger was in 'em. No I did not. It took Miss
Stewart fer ter find that out, an' she sure has
found it. Why, Pepper, old hoss," he added,
stroking the horse's neck, "youVe sartin' done
yo'self proud this day."
Pepper nozzled and nickered over him, evi-
dently trying to tell him that the act had been
partly inspired by the call of the blood, and
partly by his love for his mate. Perhaps Bol-
ivar did not interpret it just that way, but
Peggy did.
"Mr. Bolivar, I know Nelly loves Pepper and
Salt, but I'd like to make you an offer for those
horses just the same. I knew when I first saw
them that they had splendid possibilities and
only needed half a chance. You need two
strong, able work-horses for your farm — these
SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT 189
horses are both too high-bred for such work,
that you know as well as I do — so I propose
that we make a sensible bargain right now. We
have a span of bays ; good, stout fellows six
years old, which we have used on the estate.
They shall be yours for this pair with one hun-
dred and twenty-five dollars to boot. Salt and
Pepper are worth six hundred dollars right
now, and in a little while, and under proper care
and training, will be worth a good deal more.
Shelby will bear me out in that, won't you?"
"I'd be a plumb fool if I didn't, miss," was
Shelby's reply, and Peggy nodded and re-
sumed: "I have paid seventy-five dollars for
Salt, adding to that the one-twenty-five and
the span, which I value at four hundred, would
make it a square deal, don't you think so?"
Bolivar looked at the girl as though he
thought she had taken leave of her wits. "One
hundred and twenty-five dollars, and a span
worth four hundred for a pair of horses which
a month before he would have found it hard to
sell for seventy-five each! — well, Miss Stewart
must certainly be crazy." Peggy laughed at
his bewilderment.
"I'm perfectly serious, Mr. Bolivar," she
said.
190 PEGGY STEWABT
"Yas'm, yas'm, but, my Lord, miss, I ain't
seen that much money in two year, and your
horses — I ain't seen 'em, and I don't want ter;
if you say they're worth it that goes, but — but
-well, well, things has been sort o' tough-
sort o' tough," and poor, tired, discouraged
Jim Bolivar leaned upon the fence and wept
from sheer bodily weakness and nervous ex-
haustion.
Nelly ran to his side to clasp her arms about
him and cry:
"Dad! Dad! Poor Dad. Don't! Don't! It's
all right, Dad. We won't worry about things.
God has taken care of us so far and He isn't
going to stop.'3
"That ain't it, honey. That ain't it," said
poor Bolivar, slipping a trembling arm about
her. "It's— it's — oh, I can't jist rightly say
what 'tis."
"Wall by all that's great, I know, then," ex-
claimed Shelby, clapping him on the shoulder.
"/ know, 'cause I've been there: It's bein' jist
down, out an' discouraged with every thin' and
not a blame soul fer ter give a man a boost
when he needs it. I lived all through that kind
o' thing afore I came ter Severndale, an' 'taint
a picter I like fer ter dwell upon. No it ain't,
SPICE OF PEPPEE AND SALT 191
an' we're goin' ter bust yours ter smithereens
right now. You don't want fer ter look at it
no longer.'1
"No I don't, I don't fer a fact," answered
Bolivar, striving manfully to pull himself to-
gether and dashing from his eyes the tears
which he felt had disgraced him.
Peggy drew near. Her eyes were soft and
tender as a doe's, and the pretty lips quivered
as she said:
"Mr. Bolivar, please don't try to go home
tonight. Shelby can put you up, and Nelly
shall stay with me. You are tired and worn out
and the change will do you good. Then you
can see the horses and talk it all over with
Shelby, and by tomorrow things will look a lot
brighter. And Nelly and I will have a little talk
together too."
"I can't thank ye, miss. No, I can't. There
ain't no words big nor grand enough fer ter do
that. I ain't never seen nothin' like it, an'
yo've made a kind o' heaven fer Nelly. Yes,
go 'long with Miss Peggy, honey. Ye ain't
never been so looked after since yo' ma went
on ter Kingdom Come." He kissed the deli-
cate little face and turning to Shelby, said :
"Now come on an' I'll quit actin' like a fool.'*
192 PEGGY STEWAET
"There's other kinds o' fools in this world, "
was Shelby's cryptic reply. "Jim," he called,
"look after them horses," indicating Pepper
and Salt, and once more united, the two were
led away to the big stable where their future
was destined to bring fame to Severndale.
Bolivar went with Shelby to his quarters, and
their interest in riding having given way to the
greater one in Nelly, the girls told Bud to take
their horses back to the stable. From that
moment, Nelly Bolivar's life was transformed.
The following day she and her father went back
to the little farm behind the well conditioned
span from Severndale, and a good supply of
provisions for all, for Shelby had insisted upon
giving them what he called, "a good send off"
on his own account, and enough oats and corn
went with Tom and Jerry, as the new horses
were named, to keep them well provisioned for
many a day.
"Jist give 'em half a show an' they'll earn
their keep,'1' advised Shelby. "I'll stop over
before long and lend a hand gettin' things ship-
shape. I know they're boun' ter get out o'
kilter when yo' don't have anybody ter help.
One pair o' hands kin only do jist so much no
matter how hard they work. Good luck."
SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT 193
From that hour Nelly was Peggy's protege.
The little motherless girl living so close to
Severndale, her home, her circumstances in such
contrast to her own, wakened in Peggy an
understanding of what lay almost at her door,
and so many trips were made to the little farm-
house that spring that Shashai and Tzaritza
often started in that direction of their own ac-
cord when Peggy set forth upon one of her
outings.
And meanwhile, over in the hospital, Dun-
more was growing weaker and weaker as the
advancing springtide was bringing to Nelly
Bolivar renewed health and strength, so
strangely are things ordered in this world, and
with Easter the brave spirit took its flight,
leaving many to mourn the lad whom all had so
loved. For some time the shadow of his pass-
ing lay upon the Academy, then spring athletics
absorbed every one's interest and Ralph made
the crew, to Polly's intense delight. In May
he rowed on the plebe crew against a high school
crew and beat them "to a standstill." Then
came rehearsal for the show to be given by the
Masqueraders, the midshipmen's dramatic as-
sociation, and at this occurred something which
would have been pronounced utterly impossible
13
194 PEGGY STEWART
had the world's opinion been asked. The show
was to be given the last week in May.
Mr. Harold and Mr. Stewart would arrive a
few days before, each on a month's leave. As
Happy was one of the moving spirits of the
show, he was up to his eyes in business. Clever
in everything he undertook, he was especially
talented in music, playing well and composing
in no mediocre manner. He had written prac-
tically all the score of the musical comedy to be
given by the Masqueraders, and among other
features, a whistling chorus.
Now if there was one thing Polly could do it
was whistle. Indeed, she insisted that it was
her only accomplishment and many a happy
little impromptu concert was given in Middies'
Haven with Happy's guitar, Shortie's mandolin
and Durand's violin.
Of course, all the characters in the play were
taken by the boys, many of them making per-
fectly fascinating girls, but when the whistling
chorus was written by Happy, Polly was no
small aid to him, and again and again this
chorus was rehearsed in Middies' Haven, some-
times by a few of the number who would com-
pose it, and again by the entire number; the
star performer being a little chap from Ralph's
SPICE OF PEPPER AND SALT 195
class whose voice stil1 held its boyish treble
and whose whistle was like a bird's notes. Na-
turally, Polly had learned the entire score, for
one afternoon during the late autumn while the
girls were riding through the beautiful wood-
lands near Severndale, Polly had whistled an
answer to a bob-white's call. So perfect had
been her mimicry that the bird had been com^
pletely deceived and answering repeatedly, had
walked almost up to Silver Star's feet. Peggy
was enraptured, and then learned that Polly
could mimic many bird calls, and whistle as
sweetly as the birds themselves. Peggy had
lost no time in making this known to the boys,
much to Polly's embarrassment, but the out-
come had been the delightful little concerts, and
Happy had made the various bird notes the
theme of his bird chorus. It was a wonder-
fully pretty thing and bound to make a big hit,
so all agreed. Consequently, little Van Nos-
trand had been drilled until he declared he
woke himself up in the night whistling, and so
the days sped away. Mr. Harold and Daddy
Neil had arrived and the morning of the Mas-
queraders' show dawned. In less than twelve
hours the bird chorus would be on the stage
whistling Polly's bird notes. Then Wharton
196 PEGGY STEWART
Van Nostrand fell ill with tonsilitis and was
packed off to the hospital !
Happy was desperate. Who under the sun
would take his part? There was not another
man whose voice was like Wharton's. Happy
flew about like a distracted hen, at length rush-
ing to Mrs. Harold and begging her to give him
just ten minutes private interview.
"Why, what under the sun do you want,
Happy?" she asked, going into her own room
and debarring all the others whose curiosity
was at the snapping point. When they emerged
Happy's face was brimful of glee, but Mrs.
Harold warned:
"Mind the promise is only conditional: If
Polly says 'yes' well and good, but if you let
the secret out you and I will be enemies for-
evermore. ' ;
CHAPTER XIII
THE MASQUERADERS' SHOW
IT was the night of the Masqueraders' Show.
The auditorium was packed, for Annapolis was
thronged with the relatives of the graduating
class as well as hundreds of visitors.
Among others were Polly Rowland's mother,
her married sister Constance, and her brother-
in-law, Harry Hunter, now an ensign. They
had been married at Polly's home in Montgen-
tian, N. J., almost a year ago. Harry Hunter
had graduated from the Academy the year
Happy and his class were plebes, and had been
the two-striper of the company of which
Wheedles was now the two-striper. His return
to Annapolis with his lovely young wife was the
signal for all manner of festive doings, and it
need hardly be added that Mrs. Harold's party
had a row of seats which commanded every
corner of the stage. Mr. Stewart and Peggy
were of the party, of course, and anything
radiating more perfect happiness than Peggy's
197
198 PEGGY STEWABT
face that night it would have been hard to find.
Was not Daddy Neil beside her, and in her
private opinion the finest looking officer pres-
ent? Again and again as she sat next him she
slipped her hand into his to give it a rapturous
little squeeze. Nor was "Daddy Neil" lacking
in appreciation of the favors of the gods. The
young girl sitting at his side, in spite of her
modesty and utter lack of self-consciousness,
was quite charming enough to make any par-
ent's heart thrill with pride. With her excep-
tional tact, Mrs. Harold had won Harrison's
favor, Harrison pronouncing her: "A real,
born lady, more like your own ma than any one
you've met up with since you lost her; she was
one perfect lady if one ever lived. "
It had been rather a delicate position for Mrs.
Harold to assume, that of unauthorized guar-
dian and counsellor to this young girl who had
come into her life by such an odd chance, but
Mrs. Harold seemed to be born to mother all the
world, and subtly Harrison recognized the fact
that Peggy was growing beyond her care and
guidance, and the thousand little amenities of
the social world in which she would so soon
move and have her being. For more than a
year this knowledge had been a source of dis-
THE MASQUER ADEBS' SHOW 199
quietude to the good soul who for eight years
had guarded her little charge so faithfully, and
she had often confided to Mammy Lucy :
"That child is gett-ing clear beyond me. She's
growin' up that fast it fair takes my breath
away, and she knows more right now in five
minutes than I ever knew in my whole life,
though 'twouldn't never in this world do to let
her suspicion it."
Consequently, once having sized up Mrs. Har-
old, and fully decided as the months rolled by
that she "weren't no meddlesome busybody,
a-trying to run things," she was only too glad
to ask her advice in many instances, and
Peggy's toilet this evening was one of them.
Poor old Harrison had begun to find the in-
tricacies of a young girl's toilet a trifle too tax-
ing for her, and had gone to Mrs. Harold for
advice. The manner in which it was given
removed any lingering vestige of doubt re-
maining in Harrison's soul, and tonight Peggy
was a vision of girlish loveliness in a soft pink
crepe meteor made with a baby waist, the round
neck frilled with the softest lace, the little
puffed sleeves edged with it, and a "Madam
Butterfly" sash and bow of the crepe encircling
her lithe wais-t. Her hair was drawn loosely
200 PEGGY STEWART
back and tied a la pompadour with a bow of
pink satin ribbon, another gathering in the rich,
soft abundance of it just below the neck.
By chance she sat between Mrs. Howland
and her father, Mrs. Harold was next Mrs.
Howland, with Mr. Harold, Constance and Snap
just beyond, and Polly at the very end of the
seat, though why she had slipped there Mrs.
Howland could not understand.
Peggy had instantly been attracted to Mrs.
Howland and had fallen in love with Constance
as only a young girl can give way to her admi-
ration for some other a few years her senior.
But there was nothing of the foolish " crush" in
her attitude: it was the wholesome admiration
of a normal girl, and Constance was quick to
feel it. Mrs. Howland was smaller and daintier
than Mrs. Harold, though in other ways there
was a striking resemblance between these two
sisters. Mrs. Harold, largely as the result of
having lived among people in the service, was
prompt, decisive of action, and rather com-
manding in manner, though possessing a most
tender, sympathetic heart. Mrs. Howland,
whose whole life had been spent in her home,
with the exception of the trips taken with her
husband and children when they were young,
THE MASQUER ADERS' SHOW 201
for she had been a widow many years, had a
rather retiring manner, gentle and lovable, and,
as Peggy thought, altogether adorable, for her
manner with Polly was tenderness itself, and
Polly's love for her mother was constantly man-
ifested in a thousand little affectionate acts.
She had a little trick of running up to her and
half crying, half crooning:
"Let me play cooney-kitten and get close,"
and then nestling her sunny head into her
mother's neck, where the darker head invari-
ably snuggled down against it and a caressing
hand stroked the spun gold as a gentle voice
said:
" Mother's sun-child. The little daughter
who helps fill her world with light." Polly
loved to hear those words and Peggy thought
how dear it must be to have some claim to such
a tender love and know that one meant so much
to the joy and happiness of another.
Mrs. Harold had written a great deal of
Peggy's history to this sister, so Mrs. Howland
felt by no means a stranger to the young girl
beside her, and her heart was full of sympathy
when she thought of her lonely life in spite of
all this world had given her of worldly goods.
Meantime the little opera opened with a dash-
202 PEGGY STEWAET
ing chorus, a ballet composed, apparently, of
about fifty fetching young girls, gowned in the
most up-to-date costumes, wearing large pic-
ture hats which were the envy of many a real
feminine heart in the audience, and carrying
green parsols with long sticks and fascinating
tassles. Oh, the costumer knew his business
and those dainty high-heeled French slippers
seemed at least five sizes smaller than they
really were as they tripped so lightly through
the mazes of the ballet. But alack ! the illusion
was just a trifle dispelled when the ballet-girls
broke into a rollicking chorus, for some of those
voices boomed across the auditorium with an
undoubtable masculine power.
Nevertheless, the ballet was encored until the
poor dancers were mopping rouge-tinged per-
spiration from their faces. One scene followed
another in rapid order, all going off without a
hitch until the curtain fell upon the first act,
and during the interval and general bustle of
friend greeting friend Polly and Mrs. Harold
disappeared. At first, Mrs. Rowland was not
aware of their absence, then becoming alive to
it she asked :
1 'Connie, dear, what has become of Aunt
Janet and Polly?"
THE MASQUER ADERS' SHOW 203
"I am sure I don't know, mother. They were
here only a moment ago," answered Constance.
"1 saw them go off with Happy, beating it
for all they were worth toward the wings, Car-
issima," answered Snap, using for Mrs. How-
land the name he had given her when he first
met her, for this splendid big son-in-law loved
her as though she were his own mother, and
that love was returned in full.
"Peggy, dear, can you enlighten us?" asked
Mrs. Howland looking at the girl beside her,
for her lips were twitching and her eyes
a-twinkle.
Peggy laughed outright, then cried contritely :
"Oh, I beg your pardon, Mrs. Howland, I did
not mean to be rude, but it is a secret, and such
a funny one, too; I'd tell if I dared but I've
promised not to breathe it."
"Run out an extra cable then, daughter,"
laughed Commander Stewart.
"I think this one will hold," was Mrs. How-
land's prompt answer, with a little pat upon
Peggy's soft arm. "She's a staunch little
craft, I fancy. I won't ask a single question if
I must not." A moment later the lights were
lowered and the curtains were rung back. The
scene drew instant applause. It was a pretty
204 PEGGY STEWART
woodland with a stream flowing in the back-
ground. Grouped upon the stage in picturesque
attitudes were about forty figures costumed to
represent various birds, and in their midst was
a charming little maiden, evidently the only
human being in this bird-world, and presently
it was disclosed to the audience that she was
held as a hostage to these bird-beings, until the
prince of their enchanted world should be re-
leased from bondage in the land of human
beings and restored to them.
"Why who in this world can that little chap
be?"
"I didn't know there was such a tiny mid-
shipman in the whole brigade."
"Doesn't he make a perfectly darling girl,
though?"
"Perfectly lovable, hugable and adorable,"
were the laughing comments.
In the dim light Peggy buried her head in
Daddy Neil's lap, trying to smother her
laughter.
"You — you little conspirator," he whispered.
"I believe I've caught on."
"Oh, don't whisper it. Don't!" instantly
begged Peggy. "Polly would never forgive
me for letting out the secret."
THE MASQUER ADERS' SHOW 205
"You haven't. I just did a little Yankee
guessing, and I reckon I'm not far from the
mark. ' '
"Hush, and listen. Isn 't it pretty 1 ' '
It was, indeed, pretty. The captive princess,
captured because she had learned the secret of
the bird language, began a little plaintive
whistling call, soft, sweet, musical as a flute;
the perfect notes of the hermit thrush. This
was evidently the theme to be elaborated upon
and the chorus took it up, led so easily, so har-
moniously and so faultlessly by the dainty little
figure with its bird-like notes. From the her-
mit-thrush's note to the liquid call of the wood-
thrush, the wood-peewee, the cardinal's cheery
song, the whip-poor-will's insistent questioning,
on through the gamut of cat-birds, warblers,
bob-whites and a dozen others, ran the pretty
chorus, with its variations, the little princess'
and her jailor birds' dancing and whistling com-
pleting the clever theme. When it ended the
house went mad clapping, calling, shouting:
"Encore! Encore!"
And before it could be satisfied the obliging
actors had given their chorus and ballet five
times, and the whistlers' throats were dry as
powder. As they left the stage for the last time
206 PEGGY STEWART
the little princess flung herself into Mrs. Har-
old's arms, gasping.
"I know my whistle is smashed, destroyed,
and ruined beyond repair, Aunt Janet, but oh,
wasn't it perfectly splendid to do it for the
boys and hear that house applaud them."
"Them?" cried a feathered creature coming
up to give Polly a clap upon the back as he
would have given a classmate. "Them! And
where the mischief do you come in on this show-
down? There listen to that. Do you know
what it means? It means come out there in
front of that curtain and get what's coming to
you. Come on."
"Oh, I can't! I can't! They'd recognize
me and I wouldn't have them for worlds. Not
for worlds ! It would be perfectly awful," and
Polly shrank back abashed.
"Recognized! Awful nothing! You've got
to come out. It's part of the performance,"
and hand in hand with Happy and Wheedles the
abashed little princess was led before the foot-
lights to receive an ovation and enough Amer-
ican beauty roses to hide her in a good-sized
bower. As she started back she let fall some of
her posies. Instantly, Wheedles was upon his
knees, his hand pressed to his heart, and his
THE MASQUEEADEES' SHOW 207
eyes dancing with fun, as he handed her the
roses. Shouts and renewed applause went up
from the auditorium.
"I know that is a girl. I am positive of it.
But who can she be?" was the comment of one
of the ladies behind Mrs. Howland.
"Well I have an idea I might tell her name if
I chose," said Mrs. Howland under her breath
to Peggy.
"Didn't she do it beautifully?" whispered
Peggy, squeezing Mrs. Rowland's hand in a
rapture. "But please don't tell. Please don't.''
Mrs. Howland smiled down upon the eager
face upraised to hers. "Do you think I am
likely to?" she asked.
Peggy nodded her head in negative, but be-
fore she could say more Polly and another girl
came walking down the aisle. Even Peggy
looked in surprise at the newcomer, then she
gave a little gasp. The girl was much taller
than Polly, and rather broad shouldered for a
girl, but strange to relate, looked enough like
Peggy to be her twin. Mr. Stewart gave a
startled exclamation and seemed about to rise
from his seat. Peggy laid a detaining hand
upon his and whispered : * ' Don 't. ' ' Her father
looked at her as though he did not know whether
208 PEGGY STEWAET
his wits or hers were departing. The play was
again in progress so Polly and her companion
took their seats next Mrs. Harold who had re-
turned some minutes before. Polly was doing
her best to control her laughter, but the girl
with her was the very personification of de-
corum.
"In heaven's name who is that girl?"
Peggy's father asked in a low voice.
"He's — he's- ' and Peggy broke down.
"What?"
"Yes — I'll tell you later, but isn't it too funny
for words?"
"Why child she — he — ahem — that person is
enough like you to be your sister. Who- ' and
poor puzzled Neil Stewart was too bewildered
to complete his sentence or follow the play.
"Yes; I've known that from the first and it
is perfectly absurd," answered Peggy, "but I
never realized hoiv like me until this minute.
But he will catch the very mischief if he is
found out. But ivhere did he get those clothes?
They aren't a part of the costumes so far as I
know. ' !
But there is just where Peggy's calculations
fell down, for the dainty lingerie gown, with its
exquisite Charlotte Corday hat had been added
THE MASQUER ADEBS' SHOW 209
to the costumes to substitute others which had
been ordered but could not be supplied. Con-
sequently Peggy had not happened to see it.
And the handsome girl? Well she certainly
was a beauty with her dark hair, perfect eye-
brows, flashing dark eyes and faultless teeth.
Her skin was dark but the cheeks were mantled
with a wonderful color. As the play was still
in progress, she could not, of course, enter into
conversation with Polly's friends, but her smile
was fascinating to a rare degree.
At length the second act ended, and Neil
Stewart could stand it no longer.
" Peggy, introduce me to that girl right off.
Why — why, she might be you," and Peggy's
father fairly mopped his brow in perturbation.
Peggy beckoned to the new arrival who man-
aged to slip around the aisle and come to her
end of the seat. If she minced with a rather
affected step it was not commented upon. Most
people were too fascinated by her beauty to
criticise her walk. The look which the two ex-
changed puzzled Mr. Stewart more than ever.
Peggy's lips were quivering as she said:
"Miss — er, Miss Leroux, I want you to know
Mrs. Howland and my father."
"So delighted to," replied "Miss" Leroux,
H
210 PEGGY STEWAET
but at the words Mrs. Howland gave a little
gasp and Mr. Stewart who had risen to meet
Peggy's friend, started as though some one had
struck him, for the voice, even with Durand's
best attempts to disguise it to a feminine pitch,
held a quality which no girl's voice ever held.
"Well I'll be — I'll be — why you unqualified
scamp, who are you, and what do you mean by
looking so exactly like my girl here that I don't
know whether I've one daughter or twoT:
Then Durand fled, laughing as only Durand
could — with eyes, lips and an indescribable ex-
pression which made both the laugh and him-
self absolutely irresistible.
The following week sped away and before
any one quite knew where it had gone the great
June ball was a thing of the past and the morn-
ing had come which would mean the dividing
of the ways for many.
Happy, Wheedles, and Shortie had graduated
and would have a month's leave. Durand was
now a second-classman, Ralph a youngster, and
about to start upon the summer practice cruise.
The ships were to run down to Hampton
Roads and then up to New London, where Mrs.
Harold and all her party were to meet them,
she and Mrs. Howland having taken rooms at
THE MASQUEEADEBS' SHOW 211
the Griswold for the period the ships would be
at New London.
They had asked Peggy to go with them and
when "Daddy Neil" arrived he was included in
the invitation.
But Daddy Neil had a plan or two of his own,
and these plans he was not long in turning over
with Mr. Harold to the satisfaction of all con-
cerned, and they all decided that they "beat
the first ones out of sight."
As Daddy Neil was a man of prompt actions
he was not long in carrying them into effect,
and they were nothing more nor less than a big
house party in New London rather than the
hotel life which had been planned. So tele-
graph wires were kept busy, and in no time one
of the Griswold cottages was at the disposal of
the entire party.
CHAPTEE XIV
OFF FOR NEW LONDON
"Now I'm going to run this show, Harold,
and you may just as well pipe down, ' ' rumbled
Neil Stewart in his deep, wholesome voice.
"Besides, I'm your ranking officer and here's
where I prove it," he added, forcing Mr. Har-
old into his pet Morris chair and towering above
him, his genial laugh filling the room.
It was the Sunday afternoon following
graduation. Many, indeed the greater portion
of the graduates, had left for their homes, or to
pay visits to friends before joining their ships
at the end of their month's leave, though some
still lingered, their plans as yet unformed.
Wilmot Hall was practically deserted, for
the scattering which takes place after gradua-
tion is hard to understand unless one is upon
the scene to witness it.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold, with Mr. Stewart,
Peggy, Mrs. Howland, Constance, Snap, Polly,
Shortie, Wheedles and Happy were gathered
212
OFF FOE NEW LONDON 213
in Middies' Haven, and Neil Stewart had the
floor. Since his return to Severndale he had
spent more than half the time at Wilmot where
his lodestar, Peggy, was staying with those she
had grown to love so dearly, and where she was
so entirely happy. Mr. Stewart had taken a
room for June week in order to be near her,
feeling reluctant to take her away from the
friends who had done so much for her ; more, a
vast deal, he felt, than he could ever repay. It
did not take him long to see the change which
nine months had made in this little girl of his.
Always lovable and exceptionally capable,
there was now the added charm which associa-
tion with a girl of her own age had developed
in spontaneity, and her attitude toward Mrs.
Harold — the pretty little affectionate demon-
strations so unconsciously made — revealed to
her father what Peggy had lacked for nearly
nine years, and he began to waken to the fact
to which Mrs. Harold had been alive for some
time : that without meaning to be selfish in his
sorrow for Peggy's mother, he had been wholly
self-absorbed, leaving Peggy to live her life in
a little world of her own creation.
During the past two weeks he had been put
through a pretty severe scrutiny by Mrs. Har-
214 PEGGY STEWART
old, and in spite of her prejudices she began to
see how circumstances had conspired to evolve
the unusual order of things for both father and
daughter, and her heart softened toward the big
man who while so complete a master of every
situation on board his own ship, was so helpless
to cope with this domestic problem. Nor could
she see her way clear to remedy it further than
she had already done. It seemed to be one of
life's handicaps. But we can not understand
the "why" of all things in this world, and must
leave a great deal of it to the Father of all.
Just now it seemed as though Neil Stewart was
the instrument of that ordering.
Mr. Harold looked up at him and joined in
the laugh.
"Maybe you think I'm going to give these
fellows a demonstration of insubordination the
very first clip. Not on your life. Fire away.
You have the deck. ' !
"Well, I've got my cottage up there in New
London — a good one too, if I can judge by all
the hot air that has escaped concerning it. Je-
rome and Mammy are packed off to open it up
and make it habitable against our arrival, and
everything's all skee and shipshape so far as
that part of the plan is blocked out. The ship's
OFF FOR NEW LONDON 215
in commission but now comes the question of
her personnel. You, Harold, and your wife
have been good enough to act as second and
third in command but we must have junior
officers. Thus far the detail foots up only five ;
just a trifle shy on numbers, and I want it to
number, let me see, at least el even, " and he
nodded toward the others seated about the
room. Some looked at him in doubt. Then
Happy said :
1 'But, Mr. Stewart. I'm afraid I've got to
beat it for home, sir."
"Where is home?"
"Up the Hudson, sir."
"That's all right. And yours?" indicating
Shortie.
"Vermont, sir."
"And yours?"
"Near Philadelphia, sir," said Wheedles.
"All within twelve hours of New London,
aren't they?"
"Yes sir."
"Very well; that settles it. You give us ten
days at least, and we'll do the Regatta at New
London and any other old thing worth doing.
Will you wire your people that you're going
with us? 'Orders from your superior officer.'
216 PEGGY STEWART
Who knows but you may all hit my ship and in
that case you may as well fall in at once."
"Well you better believe there'll be no kick
-I beg your pardon sir — I mean, I'll be de-
lighted," stammered Happy.
"That Western Union wire is going to fuse,
sir," was Wheedles' characteristic response.
"I said last time I was up at New London
that I'd be singed and sizzled if I ever went
again, sir, and that just goes to show 'what
fools we mortals be'," was Shortie's quizzical
answer.
"Orders received and promptly obeyed. So
far so good," was the hearty response. "Now
to the next. Mrs. Howland, what about you
and your plans? We've got this little girl in
tow all tight and fast, but you haven't put out
a signal."
"It all sounds most enticing, but do you know
I have another girl to think about? She is up
at Smith College and will graduate in one week.
I must be there for that if I never do another
thing. It is an event in her life and mine."
"Hum; yes; I see; of course. We've got to
get around that, haven't we? And I dare say
you two think you've got to be on deck also,"
he added, nodding at Constance and Snap, who
OFF FOE NEW LONDON 217
in return nodded their reply in a very positive
manner.
1 'Are you going to jump ship too, little cap-
tain?" he asked, turning suddenly to Polly.
"Oh please don't. We need you so much,"
pleaded Peggy.
"I'd like to see Gail graduate, but oh, I do
want to go to New London just dreadfully,"
cried Polly.
"You would better go, dear," said Mrs. How-
land, deciding the question for her. "You
would have but three days at Northampton
and they would hardly mean as much to you as
the same number at New London. Constance,
Snap and I will go up, and then perhaps we will
come on to New London. I must first learn
Gail's plans."
"You will all come up. Every last one of
you, Gail too ; and if Gail bears even a passing
resemblance to the rest of her family she isn't
going to disgrace it."
"She's perfectly lovely, Mr. Stewart," was
Polly's emphatic praise of her pretty, twenty-
year-old sister.
"Your word goes, captain," answered Mr.
Stewart, crossing the room to where the girls
sat upon the couch. "Gangway, please," he
218 PEGGY STEWART
said, motioning them apart and seating himself
between them. "My, but these are pretty snug
quarters," he added, placing an arm around
each and drawing them close to him. Peggy
promptly nestled her head upon his shoulder.
"My other shoulder feels lonesome," said
Mr. Stewart, smiling into Polly's face. The
next second the bronze head was cuddled down
also. "That's pretty nice. Best game of
rouge et noir ever invented," nodded Neil Stew-
art, a happy smile upon his strong face. "Now
to proceed: There are, thus far, eleven of us.
"When we capture Gail we shall have twelve. A
round dozen. Good ! Now how to get up there
is the next question. I've hit it! Let's make
an auto trip of it."
"An auto trip," chorused the others.
"Sure thing! Why not? Look here, people,
this is my holiday. Such a holiday as I haven't
had in years, and at the end of it is something
else for me. Harold knows, but he's been too
wise to give it away. I didn't know it myself
until I came through Washington, but — well —
it's pretty good news. I didn't mean to blurt
it out, but this is sort of a family conclave and
I needn't ask you all to keep it in the family;
but up there in the Boston Navy Yard is an old
OFF FOE NEW LONDON 219
fighting machine of which I am to be captain
when I get back in harness — "
"What! Oh, Daddy! Daddy! How splendid!"
cried Peggy. "Oh, I've just got to hug you
hard," and she smothered him in a regular bear
hug.
"That's better than the promotion," he said,
his eyes shining, and his thoughts harking back
to another impulsive young girl who had
clasped her arms about him when he received
his commission as lieutenant. How like her
Peggy was growing. It would have meant a
good deal to her could she have lived to see him
attain his captaincy. He always recalled her
as a young girl. It was almost impossible for
him to realize that were she now alive she would
be Mrs. Harold's age, though she was consider-
ably younger than himself when they had mar-
ried.
And so it was settled. Neil Stewart was to
engage a couple of large touring cars for a
month and in these the party was to make the
trip to New London. A man of prompt action,
he lost no time in putting his plan into effect,
and the following Wednesday a merry party
set out from Wilmot Hall. Each car carried
six comfortably in addition to the chauffeur.
220 PEGGY STEWAET
Each was provided with, everything necessary
for the long trip which they calculated would
take about three days, and the pairing off was
arranged to every one's satisfaction, an ar-
rangement known to have exceptions. Mr. and
Mrs. Harold, Happy, Shortie and Polly and
Peggy were in one car, Mr. Stewart, Mrs. How-
land, Snap, Constance and Wheedles in the
other, the extra seat, Mr. Stewart said was to
be held in reserve for Gail when Mrs. Howland
should bring her to New London.
None of the party ever forgot that auto ride
through Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
New York and Connecticut. The weather was
ideal, and for the men just ashore after months
of sea-duty, and the midshipmen, just emanci-
pated from four years of the strictest discipline
and a most limited horizon, it was a most won-
derful world of green things, and an endless
panorama of beauty.
One night was spent in Philadelphia where
all stopped at the Aldine and went to see "The
Balkan Princess." Another night in New York
at the Astor with "Excuse Me" to throw every
one into hysterics of laughter.
And what a revelation it all was to Peggy.
What a new world she had entered.
OFF FOR NEW LONDON 221
"I didn't know there could be anything like
it," she confided to Polly, "and oh, isn't it
splendid. But how I wish I could just share it
with everybody."
"It seems to me you are sharing it with a
good many bodies, Peggy Stewart. What do
you call ten people besides yourself!'1
"Oh, I mean people who never have or see
anything like it. Like Nelly, for instance, and
« — and — oh just dozens of people who seem to
go all their lives and never have any of the
things which so many other people have. I
wonder why it is so, Polly? It doesn't seem
just right, does it?"
"I wonder if you know how many people you
make happy in the course of a year, Peggy
Stewart. I don't believe you have the least
idea, but it's a pity a few of them couldn't lift
up their voices and make it known."
"Well, I'm right thankful they can't. It
would be awful."
It was a glorious June afternoon when the
two big touring cars swept under the porte-
cochere of the Griswold Hotel at New London,
and attendants hurried out to assist the new
arrivals from them. Mr. Stewart waved them
aside and saying to his guests :
222 PEGGY STEWART
"Wait here until I find out where that shack
of ours is located and then we'll go right over
to it and get fixed up as soon as possible," he
disappeared into the hotel to return a moment
later with a clerk.
"This man will direct us," and presently the
cars were rolling down toward the shore road.
In five minutes they had stopped before a large
bungalow situated far out on one of the rocky
points commanding the entire sweep of the bay,
and before them riding at anchor was the prac-
tice squadron, the good old flagship Olympia,
on which Commodore Dewey had fought the
battle of Manila Bay, standing bravely out from
among her sister ships the Chicago, the Tonopah
and the old frigate Hartford anchored along
the roadstead.
' ' Oh, Peggy ! Peggy ! See them ! See them !
Don't you love them, every inch of them, from
the fighting top to the very anchor chains? I
do."
"I ought to," assented Peggy, "for Dad
loves his ship next to me I believe."
"How could he help it?"
They were now hurrying into the cottage
where Jerome and Mammy were waiting to
welcome them. A couple of servants had been
OFF FOR NEW LONDON 223
sent over from the Griswold to complete the
menage with Mammy and Jerome as command-
ers-in-chief.
It was a pretty cottage with a broad veranda
running around three sides of it and built far
out over the water on the front; an ideal spot
for a month's outing.
Launches were darting to and from the ships
with liberty parties, often with two or three
cutters in tow filled with laughing, skylarking
midshipmen. On the opposite shore where the
old Pequoit House had once stood, was another
landing at which many of the ships' boats, or
shore boats, were also making landings with
parties which had been out to visit the ships.
The ships wore a festive air with awnings
stretched above their quarter-decks and alto-
gether it was an enchanting picture.
Mammy welcomed her family with enthu-
siasm, and Jerome with the ceremony he never
omitted, and in less time than seemed possible
all were settled in their spacious, airy rooms.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold had a room looking out
over the river, with the two girls next them,
while Mrs. Howland, Mr. Stewart, Snap and
Constance had rooms just beyond, the three
boys being quartered on the floor above.
224 PEGGY STEWART
"Oh, Peggy, isn't it the dearest place you
ever saw?" cried Polly, running out on the
balcony upon which their room gave. "And
there's the dear old flat-iron," the "flat-iron"
being the name bestowed by the boys upon the
monitor Tonopah because she set so low in the
water and was shaped not unlike one, her tur-
rets sticking up like bumpy handles.
"Look, Polly! Look! Some one is wigwag-
ging on the bridge of the Olympia. Oh, Daddy
Neil, Daddy Neil, come quickly and tell us what
they are saying," she called into the next room.
Neil Stewart hurried out to the balcony,
slightly lowering his eyelids as he would have
done at sea, a little trick acquired by most men
who look across the water.
"Why they are signalling us," he exclaimed.
"That's Boynton on the bridge," mentioning
an officer whom he knew, "and the chap sig-
nalling is — you — no, no I don't mean that, I
mean it's the chap who ought to be you, that
Devon, Deroux, no — Leroux — isn't that his
name? The fellow who rigged up in girl's
clothes and fooled me to a frazzle. He's saying
— what's that? Hold on — Yes! 'Welcome to
New London' and — 'Coming on board.' That
means that a whole bunch will descend upon us
OFF FOR NEW LONDON 225
tonight I'll bet all I'm worth. Well, let 'em
come ! Let 'em come ! The more the merrier for
there's nothing amiss with the commissary de-
partment. Here, Happy, Happy, come and an-
swer that signal out yonder. I'm rusty, but
you ought to have it down pat."
"Aye, aye, sir," answered Happy, appearing
at the window overhead and by some miracu-
lous means scrambling through it and letting
himself drop to the balcony where Mr. Stewart
and the girls were standing.
"Give me a towel, quick, Peggy."
Peggy rushed for a towel and a moment later
the funny wigwag was answering:
"Come along. Delighted."
And that night the bungalow was filled to
overflowing, for not only did the boys come, but
several officers who had known Mr. Stewart and
Mr. Harold for years were eager to renew their
acquaintance, and talk over old days.
"And you've come just in time for the re-
gatta. Going to be a big race this year. The
men are up at Gales ferry now and look fit to i
finish. How are you planning to see it I" asked
the captain of the Olympia.
"Haven't planned a thing yet. Why weVe
only just struck our holding ground, man."
15
226 PEGGY STEWAET
' ' Good, I'm glad of it. That fixes it all right.
You are all to be my guests that day — yes — no
protests. Eockhill has gone to Eu'rope and
left his launch at my service and she's a jim-
dandy, let me tell you. She's a sixty-footer
and goes through the water like a knife blade.
You'll all come with me and we'll see the show
from a private box.'3
"Can you carry all of us?" asked Peggy in-
credulously.
"Every last one, little girl, and a dozen more
if you like. So fly to the east and fly to the west
and then invite the very one whom you love
best," answered Captain Boynton, pinching
Peggy's velvety cheek.
"Oh, there are so many we love best," she
laughed, "that we'd never dare ask them all,
would we, Polly J"
"Let's ask all who are here tonight," was
Polly's diplomatic answer, "then no one can
feel hurt."
"Hoopla!" rose from the other end of the
porch where Durand, Ealph, and three of the
other boys from the ships were sitting around
a big bamboo table drinking lemonade.
And so the party was then and there arranged
for New London's big day.
CHAPTER XV
REGATTA DAY
PEGGY and Polly scrambled out of bed the
morning of the Yale-Harvard crew race, to find
all the world sparkling and cool with a stiff
breeze from the Sound. It was a wonderful
day and already the sight presented in the bay
was enough to thrill the dullest soul. During
the five days in which "Navy Bungalow," as it
had been promptly named by the young people,
had been occupied by the congenial party from
Annapolis, old friendships had strengthened
and new ones ripened, and a happier gathering
of people beneath one roof it would have been
hard to find. Perfect freedom was accorded
every one, and the boys who had just graduated
soon found their places with the older officers,
for the transition, once the diploma is won, is a
swift one. As passed midshipmen and "sure
enough" junior officers, they had an established
position impossible during their student days
in the Academy.
227
228 PEGGY STEWART
The boys on the practice cruise also felt a
greater degree of liberty, and the fact that they
were the proteges of Commander Harold and
Captain Stewart gave them an entree every-
where.
To Durand the experience was not a new one,
for he had the faculty of winning an entree al-
most anywhere, but to Ralph and his roommate,
Jean Paul Nicholas, as bright, merry a chap as
ever looked frankly into one's face with a pair
of the clearest, snappiest blue eyes ever seen,
the world was an entirely new one and fairly
overflowing with delightful experiences. Then,
too, they were now youngsters instead of plebes,
and this fact alone would have been almost
enough to fill their cups with joy. The other
boys who came from the ships had been second-
classmen during the past year, but were now
in all the glory of first-classmen, and doing
their best to make good during the cruise
in order to carry off some of the stripes waiting
to be bestowed upon the efficient ones during
the coming October.
In the two weeks spent with Mrs. Harold at
Annapolis, Mrs. Howland had learned to love
Peggy Stewart very dearly and Mrs. Harold
said:
EEGATTA DAY 229
" Madeline, you have won more from Peggy
Stewart than you realize. She has a rarely
sweet character, though I am forced to admit
that she seems to have been navigating un-
charted waters. I have never known a girl of
her age to live such an extraordinary life and
why she is half as lovable, charming and pos-
sessed of so much character is a problem I have
been trying all winter to solve. But I rather
dread the next few years for her unless some
one both wise and affectionate takes that little
clipper ship's helm. She is entirely beyond
Harrison and Mammy now, and her father
hasn't even a passing acquaintance with his
only child. He thinks he has, and he loves her
devotedly, but there's more to Peggy Stewart
in one hour than Neil Stewart will discover in
years at the rate of two months out of twelve
spent with her. I think the world of the child,
but Polly is my girl, and has slipped into Con-
stance's place. I want you to let her stay with
me, too. I have been so happy this winter, and
she with me, but I wish there was someone to
be in Peggy's home, or she could be sent to a
good school for a year or two. Sometimes I
think that would be the best arrangement in the
long run."
230 PEGGY STEWAET
Meanwhile Peggy was entirely unaware of
the manner in which her future was being dis-
cussed and she and Polly were looking forward
to regatta day and the liveliest anticipation.
As Peggy and Polly looked out over the bay
and up the river that perfect morning Peggy
cried:
"Oh, Polly could anything be lovelier than
this day? The sky is like a blue canopy, not a
cloud to be seen, the air just sets one nearly
crazy, and that blue, sparkling water makes me
long to dive head-first into it."
"Well, why not?" asked Polly. "It is only
half past six and loads of time for a dip before
breakfast. Let's get into our bathing suits,
bang on the ceiling to wake up Happy, Shortie
and Wheedles and make them stick their heads
out of the window."
It did not take five minutes to carry the sug-
gestion into effect and a golf stick thumping
"reveille" under Wheedles' bed effectually
brought him back from dreams of Annapolis.
Rousing out the other two he stuck a tousled
head out of his window to be hailed by two
bonny little figures prancing excitedly upon the
balcony beneath him.
"Hello, great god Sumnus," cried Polly.
EEGATTA DAY 231
' ' Wake up ! Oh, but you do look sleepy. Stir
up the others. Peggy and I are going down for
a dip before breakfast and to judge by your
eyes they need the sand washed out of them."
"Awh! Whow! Oh," yawned Wheedles,
striving vainly to keep his mouth closed and to
get his eyes opened. Just then two other heads
appeared.
"What's doing? House afire?" they asked.
"No, it's the other element — water," laughed
Peggy. "Come and get into it. That's what
we are going to do. You may think those pink
and blue jackets you're wearing are the pret-
tiest things in the world — we know they are
part of your graduation "trousseau," but bath-
ing suits are in order just now. So put them
on and hurry down. ' '
"Bet your life," was chorused as the three
tousled heads vanished.
The average midshipman's "shift" requires
as a rule, about two minutes, and passed-mid-
dies are no exception. Before it seemed pos-
sible three bath-robed figures joined the girls,
who had put their raincoats over their bathing
suits, and all slipped down to the little beach
in front of the cottage and struck out for the
float anchored about fifty feet off shore.
232 PEGGY STEWART
What a sight the bay and river presented that
morning. Hundreds of beautiful yachts, fore-
gathered from every part of the world, for New
London makes a wonderful showing Regatta
week, and flying the flags of innumerable yacht
clubs, were crowding the roadstead. A more
inspiring sight it would be difficult to imagine.
Just beyond the float, and lying between the
Olympia and Navy Bungalow, the pretty little
naptha launch on which Captain Stewart's
party were to be Captain Boynton's guests,
rode lightly at anchor, her bright work reflect-
ing the sunlight, her awning a-flutter, her signal
pennant waving bravely.
"I've got to play I'm a porpoise. I've simply
got to. Come on, Wheedles, nothing else will
work off my pent-up excitement," cried Polly,
diving off the float to tumble and turn over and
over in the water very like the fish she named,
for Polly's training with Captain Pennell dur-
ing the winter had made her almost as much at
home in the water as on land and Peggy swam
equally well.
While the young people were splashing about
Mrs. Harold and Mrs. Howland came out on
the piazza to enjoy the sight.
For half an hour the five splashed, dove, and
REGATTA DAY 233
gamboled as carefree as five young seals, and
with as much freedom, then all hurried into the
bathhouses where Mammy and Jerome had al-
ready anticipated their needs by hurrying down
with a supply of necessary wearing apparel ; a
trifling matter quite overlooked by the bathers
themselves.
A gayer, heartier, more glowing group of
young people than those gathered at the break-
fast table could not have been found in New
London or anywhere else; certainly not at the
Griswold where the majority of them were
either satiated society girls whose winters had
been spent in a mad social whirl, or the blase
city youths who at nineteen had already found
life "such a beastly bore."
"Gad," cried Neil Stewart, slapping Shortie's
broad shoulders, "but it's refreshing to find fel-
lows of your age who can still show up such a
glow in their cheeks, and such a light in their
eyes, and an enthusiasm so infectious that it
sets a-tingle every drop of blood in an old ker-
foozalem like me. Hang fast to it like grim
death for you'll never get it back if you once
lose it. That old school down there turns
out chaps who can get more out of the simple
life than any bunch I know of. It may be the
234 PEGGY STEWAET
simple life in some respects, but it's got a con-
founded lot of hard work in it all the same, and
when you've finished that you're ready to take
your fun, and you take it just as hard as you
take your work, and I don't want to see a better
bunch of men than that system shows. I was
over at the hotel last night, talking with four
or five chaps, younger than you fellows here,
and I swear it made me sick: Bored to extinc-
tion doing nothing. I'd like to take 'em on
board for just about one month and if they
didn't find something doing in a watch or two
I'd know why. Keep right on having your
fun, you and the girls — yes, girls, not a lot of
kids playing at being nerve-racked society
women.'
"Hear ! Hear !" cried Glenn Harold. " What's
stirred you up, old man?"
* ' That bunch over yonder. Keep a little girl
as long as you can, Peggy and you, Polly, hold
your present course. Who ever charted it for
you knew navigation all right."
"I guess mother began it and then turned the
job over to Aunt Janet, sir," answered Polly.
"Well, she knew her business all right. I'm
mighty sorry she can't be here today to see the
race, but when she comes back from North-
KEGATTA DAY 235
ampton she'll bring that other girl I'm so
anxious to know too. By George, the Howland
crowd puts up a good showing, and they seem
to know how to choose their messmates too, If
I can judge by Hunter."
" Isn't he the dearest brother a girl ever
had?" asked Polly enthusiastically, for her
love for her brother-in-law was a subject of
pleasurable comment to all who knew her.
"One of the best ever, as I hear on all sides,"
was Captain Stewart's satisfactory answer.
"But here comes Boynton. Ahoy! Olympia
Ahoy!" he shouted, hurrying out upon the
piazza as a launch from the Olympia came boil-
ing "four bells" toward Navy Bungalow's
dock, the white clad Jackies looking particularly
festive and Captain Boynton of the Olympia
with Commander Star of the Chicago sitting
aft. They waved their caps gaily and shouted
in return.
"Glorious day! Great, isn't it?" then ran
alongside the dock, where all had hurried
down to meet them.
"We came over to see how early you could
be ready. "We must get up the course in good
season this afternoon in order to secure a
vantage point. Mrs. Boynton wants you all —
236 PEGGY STEWAET
yes — the whole bunch, to come over to the Gris-
wold for an early luncheon. Mrs. Star will be
with her and we'll shove off right afterward.
Now no protests," as Captain Stewart seemed
inclined to demur.
"All right. Your word goes. We'll report
for duty. What's the hour?"
" Twelve sharp. There's going to be an all-
fired jam in that hotel but Mrs.B. has a private
dining-room ready for us and has bribed the
head waiter to a degree that has nearly proved
my ruin. But never mind. We can't see the
Yale-Harvard race every day, and a month
hence we '11 be up in Maine with all this fun be-
hind us."
That luncheon was a jolly one. Captain
Boynton had a daughter a little younger than
Peggy and Mr. Star a little girl of eight.
Promptly at two the party went down to the
Griswold dock, gay with excitement and a holi-
day crowd embarking in every sort of craft, all
bound for the course up the river. The naptha
launch had been run alongside the long Gris-
wold pier and it did not take long for Captain
Boynton 's party to scramble aboard. Captain
Boynton, Captain Stewart and the girls went
forward, some of the boys making for the bow
EEGATTA DAY 237
where the outlook was enough to stir older
and far more staid souls than any the Frolic
carried that day.
They cast off, and soon were making their
fussy way in and out among the hundreds of
launches, yachts and craft of every known
description.
The crew of the Frolic was a picked one, the
coxswain, an experienced hand, as was cer-
tainly required that day. The pretty launch
was dressed in all her bunting, and flying the
flag of her club.
Through the mass of festive shipping the
launch worked her way, guided by the steady
hand of the man at her wheel, his gray eyes
alert for every move on port or starboard.
Peggy and Polly were close beside him. Cap-
tain Stewart and Captain Boynton stood a little
behind watching the girls, whose eager eyes
noted every turn of the wheel. An odd light
came into Captain Boynton 's eyes as he watched
them. Presently he asked Peggy:
"Do you think you could handle a launch,
little girl?"
"Why — perhaps I could — a little," answered
Peggy modestly.
"Why, Peggy Stewart, there isn't a girl in
238 PEGGY STEWART
Annapolis who can handle a launch or a sail-
boat as you do," cried Polly, aroused to em-
phatic protest.
Peggy blushed, and laughingly replied:
"Only Polly Rowland, the Annapolis Co-Ed."
"Eh? What's that?" asked Captain Boynton.
"Oh, Polly has had a regular course in sea-
manship, Captain Boynton, and knows just
everything. ' '
"Any more than you do, miss?" demanded
Polly. '
"Yes, lots," insisted Peggy.
"Well, I'll wager anything you could take
this launch up the river as easily as the cox-
swain is doing it," was Polly's excited state-
ment.
"How's that, Stewart? Have you been
teaching your girl navigation?"
"I hadn't a thing to do with it. It's all due
to the good friends who have been looking after
her while I've been shooting up targets. But
Polly's right. She can handle a craft and so
can this little redhead," laughed Captain Stew-
art, pulling a lock of Polly's hair which the
frolicsome wind had loosened.
"By Jove, let's test it. Not many girls can
do that trick. Coxswain, turn over the wheel
EEGATTA DAY 239
to this young lady, but stand by in case you're
needed."
The coxswain looked a little doubtful, but
answered: "Aye, aye, sir."
"Oh, ought I!" asked Peggy.
"Get busy, messmate," said Captain Boyn-
ton.
The next second the girl was transformed.
Tossing her big hat aside and giving her hair a
quick brush, she laid firm hold upon the wheel
and instantly forgot all else. Her eyes nar-
rowed to a focus which nothing escaped, and
Stewart gave a little nod of gratified pride and
stepped back a trifle to watch her. Captain
Boynton's face showed his appreciation and
Polly's was radiant. The old coxswain mut-
tered: "Well, well, you get on to the trick of
that, lassie. You might have served on a man-
o-war."
They were now well out in the river and mak-
ing straight for the railway bridge. Peggy
alert and absorbed was watching the current
as it swirled beneath the arches. "How does
the tide set in that middle arch, coxswain?" she
asked.
"Keep well to starboard, miss," he answered.
Peggy nodded, and gave an impatient little
240 PEGGY STEWART
gesture as a lumbering power boat, outward
bound seemed inclined to cut across her course.
"What ails that blunderbuss? I have the right
of way. Why doesn't he head inshore?" and
she signalled sharply on her siren to the land-
lubber evidently bent upon running down every-
thing in sight, and wrecking the tub he was navi-
gating. Then with a quick motion she flicked
over her wheel and rushed by, making as pretty
a circle around him as the coxswain himself
could have made.
"Holy smoke, but ye have given him the go-
by in better shape than I could myself. Who-
ever taught ye?':
"A navy captain down at Annapolis," an-
swered Peggy, as she shot the launch beneath
the bridge.
"Well, he did the job all right, all right, and
I may as well go back and sit down. Faith, I
thought we were as good as stove in when I
handed over the wheel to ye, but I'm thinking
I can learn a fancy touch or two myself."
"Oh, no, don't go. I don't know the river,
you know, though I want to do my best just to
make Daddy proud of me," answered Peggy
modestly.
"Well then he should be a-yellin' like them
REGATTA DAY 241
crazy loons yonder on the observation train —
that's what he should," nodded the coxswain.
Neil Stewart was not yelling, but he wasn't
missing a thing, and presently Peggy ran the
launch into a clear bit of water near the three-
mile flag.
Bringing her around, she issued her orders,
her mind too intent upon the business in hand
to be conscious that all on the launch had been
watching her with absorbing interest. Anchors
were thrown over fore and aft in order to hold
the launch steady against the current, then
turning the wheel over to the admiring cox-
swain, Peggy wiped her hands upon her hand-
kerchief and holding out her right one to Cap-
tain Boynton, said:
''Thank you so much for letting me try. It
was perfectly glorious to feel her respond to
every touch and thread her way through all
that ruck."
"Thank me? Great Scott, child, you've done
more for the whole outfit than you guess.
Stewart, my congratulations."
Poor Peggy was overcome, but the boys and
Polly were alternately running and praising
her, every last one of them as proud as possible
to call Peggy Stewart chum.
61
242 PEGGY STEWART
But out yonder the shells were already in the
water and the electric spark of excitement had
flashed from end to end of that long line of
gayly bedecked expectant yachts and launches,
as down to them floated the strains of the Yale
boating song as it is never sung at any other
time, and thousands of eager eyes were peering
along the course watching for the first glimpse
of the dots which would flash by to victory or
defeat.
CHAPTER XVI
THE RACE
THE shells had now gotten away and were
maneuvering to get into a good position at
their stake boats, far beyond the sight of the
gay company on board the Frolic, which could
only guess how things were progressing by the
rocketing cheers all along the line of anxiously
waiting spectators.
Along the course the launches of the com-
mittee were darting thither and yonder like
water-bugs in their efforts to keep the course
clear. Presently arose the cries:
"They are off! They are off! They are com-
ing ! They are coming, ' ' and far up the line the
puffing of the observation train could be heard
with now and again an excited, hysterical toot-
ing of the engine's whistle, as though in the
midst of so much excitement it had to give vent
to its own.
Presently two dots were visible, looking little
more than huge water-bugs in the perspective,
243
244 PEGGY STEWART
the foreshortening changing the long sixty-foot
shells into spidery creatures with spreading
legs.
The observation train following along the
shore presented an animated, vari-colored spec-
tacle, with its long chain of cars filled with
beautifully gowned women and girls, and men
in all the bravery of summer serges and white
flannels. Banners were waving and voices
cheering, to be caught up and flung back in
answering cheers from the craft upon the river.
Peggy and Polly stood as girls so often do in
stress of excitement, with arms clasped about
each others' waists. The boys stood in charac-
teristic attitudes : Durand with his hands upon
his hips — lithe and straight as an arrow, but in-
tent upon the onrushing crews ; Shortie with his
arm thrown over Wheedles' shoulder subcon-
sciously demonstrating the affection he felt for
this chum from whom he would so soon be sepa-
rated and for how long he could not tell. The
friendships formed at the Academy are excep-
tionally firm ones, but with graduation comes a
dividing of the ways sometimes for years, some-
times forever. It is a special provision of Prov-
dence that youth rarely dwells upon this fact,
and the feeling is invariably expressed by :
THE EACE 245
"So long! See you later, old man."
Captain Stewart and Commander Harold
were a striking evidence of this fact. They
had not met until years had elapsed and the
common tie of daughter and niece had re-united
their interests. But, another strange feature;
they had as much in common today as though
their ways had divided only the week before.
They now stood watching the approaching
crews with powerful glasses, their terse com-
ments enlightening their friends as to what was
taking place beyond their unaided range of
vision. Peggy and Polly were fairly dancing
up and down in their eagerness.
On came the shells growing every second
more defined in outline, although from their
distance from the Frolic their progress seemed
slow, only the flashing of the blades in and out
of the water indicating that the men were not
out for a pleasure pull, and the blue ripples
astern telling that sixteen twelve-foot sweeps
were pushing that water behind them for all
they were worth.
Thus far Harvard was in the lead by half a
length, and holding her own as she drew near
the three-mile flag, where the Frolic swung and
tugged at her anchors. But it must be admit-
246 PEGGY STEWAET
ted that the sympathies and hopes of all in the
Frolic centered in the Yale shell ; a Yale coach
had drilled and scolded and "cussed" and
petted the Navy boys to victory only a few
weeks before, and Ralph, if no one else, felt that
all his future rested in the ability of that Yale
coach "to knock some rowing sense into his
block."
"Daddy Neil! Daddy Neil, yell at them!
Yell!" screamed Peggy, breaking away from
Polly to run to her father's side and literally
shake him, as the crews drew nearer and nearer.
"I am yelling, honey. Can't you hear me?"
"I mean yell something that will make those
Yale men put — put oh, something into their
stroke which will overhaul the red blades."
"Ginger? You mean ginger? To make 'em
pull like the very — ahem. Like the very dick-
ens? Hi! Shortie, whoop up the Siren — there
are only about a dozen of us here but give it
hard. Give it for all you're worth when the
Yale crew crosses our bow. You girls know it
and so do the older women, and the crew can
make a try at it. Now be ready. Whoop it
up!"
Shortie sprang into position as cheer-leader
pro-tern and if wild gyrations and a deep voice
THE EACE 247
lent inspiration certainly nothing more was
needed, for as the shells came rushing on
' l Hoo — oo — oo — oo — oooo !
Hoo — oo — oo — oo — oooo !
Hoo — oo — oo — oo — oooo !
Hoo — oo — oo — oo — oooo !
Navy! Navy! Navy!
Yale! Yale! Yale!"
was wailed out over the water, and as upon
many another occasion back yonder on the old
Severn it had acted as a match to gunpowder
to a losing cause with the Navy boys, so it now
startled the men in the Yale boat, for they had
many friends in the Navy School and had
heard that yell too often when they were in the
lead in some sport not to know the full signifi-
cance of it. It meant to the losing people:
"Get after the other fellows and beat them in
spite of all the imps of the lower regions!"
The Yale men had no time to acknowledge
the cheer; all their thoughts and energies must
center upon the 0-n-e, T-w-o, T-h-r-e-e, F-o-u-r,
F-i-v-e, etc. of the coxswain and his "Stroke!
Stroke ! Stroke ! " But that yell had done what
Peggy hoped and secretly prayed it would :
The long blades flashed in and out of the
248 PEGGY STEWAET
water quicker and cleaner, cutting down Har-
vard's lead, until just as they swept by the
Frolic that discouraging discrepancy was closed
and the two shell's noses were even. Yale had
made a gallant spurt.
"Up anchor and after them," ordered Cap-
tain Boynton and the crew sprang to obey
orders, eagerness to see the finish lending
phenomenal speed to their fingers, and the
Frolic was soon in hot pursuit of the shells,
Yale now pulling a trifle ahead of her adversary
in that last fateful mile.
How those eight bare backs swayed back and
forth. Harvard's beautiful, long, clean sweep
was doing pretty work, but that Siren Yell
seemed to have supplied the "ginger" neces-
sary to spur on the Yale men.
"Give 'em another! Give 'em another!"
shouted Captain Stewart, as the Frolic came
abreast of the Yale crew, and fairly shaking
Captain Harold in his excitement.
"Avast there! Give way, man! Do you
want to yank me out of my coat?" he laughed.
"I'll yank somebody out of something if
those Yale boys don't pull a length ahead
of those Johnny Harvards," sputtered Neil
Stewart.
THE EACE 249
''Whoop it up fellows — and friends. The
four N Yell for old Yale," bawled Shortie in
order to make himself heard above the din and
pandemonium of screaming sirens and the yell-
ing, and in spite of it all the Yale crew heard
"N— n— n— n!
A — a — a — a !
V — v — v — v !
Y-y-y-y!
Yale! Yale! Yale!"
and laid their strength to their sweeps. Chests
Were heaving and breath coming in panting
gasps, but the coxswain of the Yale crew was
abreast of number three in the Harvard shell,
and inch by inch the space was lengthening in
favor of the blue-tipped blades.
"Yale! Yale! Yale!"
yelled the crowd as only such a crowd can yell.
Then clear water showed between the shells and
the four-mile flag fluttered like a blur as the
Yale crew rushed by it. Slower plied the
blades, shoulders which had swayed backward
and forward in such perfect rhythm drooped,
and one or two faces, gray from exhaustion, fell
forward upon heaving chests. Then the row-
ing ceased, the long oars trailed over the water,
250 PEGGY STEWAET
Harvard's crew rushed by and came to a stand-
still. Friends flocked to the shells to bring
them alongside the floats where, nerve-force
coming to the rescue of physical exhaustion,
the big fellows managed to scramble to the
floats and fairly hug each other as they did an
elephantine dance in feet from which some
stockings were sagging, and some gone alto-
gether. But who cared whether legs were bare
or covered?
The Frolic came boiling up to the float at a
rate calculated to smash things to smithereens
if she did not slow down at short order, every-
body yelling, everybody shouting like bed-
lamites.
"Best ever! Best ever! The Siren started it
and the Four N. did the trick!" shouted Cap-
tain Stewart, while all the others cheered and
congratulated in chorus.
4 'Give 'em again. Give 'em again. By Jove,
I'm going to get up a race of my own and all
you fellows will have to come to yell for us,"
cried Captain Boynton, and again the Navy
Yell sent a thrill through those weary bodies
upon the float. Then gathering together all
the "sand" left in them they gave the old Eli
Yell for their friends of the Navy with more
THE BACE 251
spirit than seemed possible after such a ter-
rific ordeal as they had just undergone.
And all those months of training, all that
endless grind of hard work, for a test which had
lasted but a few minutes, ending in a certain
victory for one shell and a certain defeat for
the other, since victory surely could not pos-
sibly result for both.
"See you all at the Griswold tonight," called
Captain Boynton, as the launch shoved off and
got under way.
"Sure thing! Have our second wind by that
time we hope," were the cheery answers.
"Take the helm again, little skipper," or-
dered Captain Boynton. "Your Daddy is just
dying to have you but modesty forbids him to
even look a hint of it."
"May I really?" asked Peggy.
"Get busy," and Peggy laughed delightedly
as she took the wheel from the coxswain who
handed it over with :
"Now I'll take a lesson from a man-o-war's
lassie."
Shortie, Happy and Wheedles had now gone
aft to "be luxurious" they said, for wicker
chairs there invited relaxation and the ladies
were more than comfortable. Ealph, Durand
252 PEGGY STEWART
and Jean had gone forward to the wheel to
watch the little pilot's work, Durand's expres-
sive face full of admiration for this young girl
who had grown to be his good comrade.
Durand was not a "fusser," but he admired
Peggy Stewart more than any girl he had ever
known, and the friendship held no element of
silly sentimentality.
How bonny they both looked, and how strik-
ingly alike. Could there, after all, have been
any kindred drop of blood in their ancestry?
It did not seem possible, yet how could two peo-
ple look so alike and not have some kinship to
account for it?
Peggy was not conscious of Durand's close
scrutiny. She was too intent upon taking the
Frolic back to the Griswold's dock without
being stove in, for in the homeward rush of the
sightseers, there seemed a very good chance of
such a disaster.
Nevertheless, there always seems to be a
special Providence watching over fools, and to
judge by the manner in which some of those
launches were being handled, that same Provi-
dence had all it could handle that afternoon.
They had gone about half the distance, and
Peggy was having all she wanted to do to keep
THE RACE 253
clear of one particularly erratic navigator, her
face betokening her contempt for the wooden-
headed youth at the helm.
The badly handled launch was about thirty
feet long, and carrying a heavier load than was
entirely safe. She was yawing about erratic-
ally, now this way, now that.
"Well, that gink at the helm is a mess and no
mistake," was Durand's scornful comment.
' ' What the mischief is he trying to do with that
tub anyhow 1 ' '
"Wreck it, ruin a better one, and drown his
passengers, I reckon," answered Peggy.
"And look at that little child. Haven't they
any better sense than to let her clamber up on
that rail?" exclaimed Polly, for just as the
launch in question was executing some of its
wildest stunts, a little girl, probably six years
of age, had scrambled up astern and was trying
to reach over and dabble her hands in the
water.
"They must be seven kinds of fools," cried
Durand. "Say, Peggy, there's going to be
trouble there if they don't watch out."
But Peggy had already grown wise to the
folly — yes, rank heedlessness — on board the
other launch. If any one had the guardianship
254 PEGGY STEWAET
of that child she was certainly not alive to the
duty.
"I'm going to slow down a trifle and drop a
little astern," she said quietly to Durand.
"Don't say a word to any one else but stand by
in case that baby falls overboard ; they are not
taking any more notice of her than if she didn't
belong to them. I never knew anything so out-
rageous. What sort of people can they be, any
way?"
"Fool people," was Durand 's terse rejoinder
and his remark seemed well merited, for the
three ladies on board were chatteringly obliv-
ious of the child's peril, and the men were not
displaying any greater degree of sense.
Peggy kept her launch about a hundred feet
astern. They had passed the bridge and were
nearing the broader reaches of the river where
ferry boats were crossing to and fro, and the
larger excursion boats which had brought
throngs of sightseers to New London were
making the navigation of the stream a problem
for even more experienced hands, much less the
callow youth who was putting up a bluff at
steering the "wash tub," as Ralph called it.
The older people in the Frolic were not aware
of what was happening up ahead. The race
THE KACE 255
was ended, they had been under a pretty high
stress of excitement for some time, and were
glad to settle down comfortably and leave the
homeward trip to Peggy and the coxswain who
was close at hand. Never a thought of disaster
entered their minds.
Then it came like a flash of lightning :
There was a child's pathetic cry of terror; a
woman's wild, hysterical shriek and shouts of
horror from the near-by craft.
In an instant Durand was out of his white
service jacket, his shoes were kicked off and
before a wholesome pulse could beat ten he was
overside, shouting to Peggy as he took the
plunge :
"Follow close!"
"I'm after you," was the ringing answer.
"Heaven save us!" cried Captain Stewart,
springing to his feet, while the others started
from their chairs.
"Trust him. He is all right, Daddy. I've
seen him do this sort of thing before," called
Peggy, keeping her head and handling her
launch in a manner to bring cheers from the
other boats also rushing to the rescue.
It was only the work of a moment for Durand
swimming as he could swim, and the next second
256 PEGGY STEWART
he had grasped the child and was making for
the Frolic, clear-headed enough to doubt the
chance of aid being rendered by the people on
the launch from which the child had fallen, but
absolutely sure of Peggy's cooperation, for he
had tested it under similar conditions once be-
fore when a couple of inexperienced plebes had
been capsized from a canoe on the Severn, and
Peggy, who had been out in her sailboat at the
time, had sped to their rescue. A boat-hook
was promptly held out to the swimmer and he
and his burden were both safe on board the
Frolic a moment later, neither much the worse
for their dip, though the child was screaming
with terror, answering screams from one of the
women in the other launch indicating that she
had some claim to the unfortunate one.
"She's all right. Not a hair harmed. Keep
cool and we'll come alongside,"' ordered Cap-
tain Stewart. "Not the least harm done in the
world."
But the woman continued to shriek and rave
until Mrs. Harold said:
"I would like to shake her soundly. If she
had been paying any attention to the child the
accident never could have happened."
The dripping baby was transferred to her
THE EACE 257
mother, Captain Harold had clapped Durand
on the back and cried: ''Boy, you're a trump of
the first water," and the rest of the party were
telling Peggy that she was "a brick" and "a
first-class sport," and "a darling," according
to the vocabulary or sex of the individual, when
the second feminine occupant of the launch
which had been the cause of all the excitement,
electrified every one on the Frolic by exclaim-
ing:
"Why, Neil! Neil Stewart! Is it possible
after all these years? Don't you know me?
Don't you know Katherine? Peyton's wife!':
For a moment Neil Stewart looked non-
plussed. His only brother had married years
before. Neil had attended the wedding, meet-
ing the bride then, and only twice afterward,
for his brother had died two years after his
marriage and Neil had never since laid eyes
upon Peyton's wife. If the truth must be told
he had not been eager to, for she was not the
type of woman who attracted him in the least.
Yet here she was before him. By this time the
launches had been run up to one of the docks
upon the West shore of the Thames. Naturally,
both consolation for the emotional mother of
the child as well as introductions were now in
17
258 PEGGY STEWAET
order, Mrs. Harold and Captain Stewart offer-
ing their services. These, however, were de-
clined, but Mrs. Peyton Stewart embraced the
opportunity to rhapsodize over ''that darling
child who had handled the launch with such
marvelous skill and been instrumental in sav-
ing sweet little Clare's life." Durand, drying
off in the launch, seemed to be quite out of her
consideration in the scheme of things, for which
Durand was duly thankful, for he had taken one
of his swift, inexplicable aversions to her. But
Madam continued to gush over poor Peggy
until that modest little girl was well-nigh beside
herself.
' ' And to think you are right here and I have
not been aware of it. Oh, I must know that
darling child of whose existence I have actually
been ignorant. I shall never, never cease to
reproach myself."
Neil Stewart did not inquire upon what score,
but as soon as it could be done with any sem-
blance of grace, bade his undesirable relative
farewell, promising to "give himself the pleas-
ure of calling the following day."
"And be sure 7 shall not lose sight of that
darling girl again," Mrs. Peyton Stewart as-
sured him.
THE RACE 259
"I'm betting my hat she won't either," was
Durand's comment to Wheedles, "and I'd also
bet there's trouble in store for Peggy Stewart
if that femme once gets her clutches on her.
Ugh ! She 's a piece of work.
"A rotten, bad piece, I'd call it," answered
"Wheedles under his breath.
When Mr. and Mrs. Harold, Captain Stewart
and Peggy returned to the launch one might
have thought that they, instead of Durand, had
been plunged overboard. They seemed dazed,
and the run across to the Griswold dock was
less joyous than the earlier portion of the day
had been.
CHAPTEB XVII
SHADOWS CAST BEFORE
CAPTAIN Boynton as host entertained the
launch party at dinner at the Griswold that
evening, and later all attended the dance given
in honor of the winning crew.
Many of the Yale and Harvard men were old
friends of the midshipmen, having been to
Annapolis a number of times either to witness
or participate in some form of athletics. So
old friendships were renewed, and new ones
made, though, in some way Peggy and Polly felt
less at home with the college men than with
"our boys," as they both called all from Annap-
olis, notwithstanding the fact that "our boys"
were in some instances the seniors of the col-
lege men. But the Academy life is peculiar in
that respect, and tends to extremes. Where
the collegian from the very beginning of his
career is permitted to go and come almost .at
will, and as a result of that freedom of action
attains a liberty which, alack, has been known
260
SHADOWS CAST BEFOEE 261
to degenerate into license, the midshipman must
conform to the strictest discipline, his outgo-
ings limited, with the exception of one month
out of the twelve, to the environs of a little, un-
developed town, and with every single hour of
the twenty-four accounted for. Yet, on the
other hand he must at once shoulder respon-
sibilities which would make the average col-
legian think twice before he bound himself to
assume them.
And the result is an exceptional development :
they are boys at heart, but men in their ability
to face an issue. Ready to frolic, have "a
rough house," and set things humming at the
slightest provocation, but equal to meet a crisis
when one must be met and — with very rare ex-
ceptions— gentlemen in word and deed.
Peggy's and Polly's chums during the winter
just past had been chosen from the best in the
Academy, and it was no wonder they drew very
sharp, very critical comparisons when brought
in touch with other lads. In Peggy's case it
was all a novelty, though Polly had known boys
all her life.
Nevertheless, the ball given at the Griswold
would have been joy unalloyed but for one fly
in the pot of ointment : A most insistent, buzzing
262 PEGGY STEWAET
fly, too, in the form of Mrs. Peyton Stewart.
Perhaps while all the world is a-tiptoe in the
packed ballroom, or crowding the broad piazzas
of the hotel, this will be an opportune moment
in which to drop a word regarding Mrs. Peyton
Stewart.
As lads, Neil Stewart and his brother had
been devotedly attached to each other. Peyton
was five years Neil's junior, and Neil fairly
adored the bright little lad. Naturally, Neil
had entered the Naval Academy while Peyton
was still a small boy at boarding-school. Then
Peyton went to college and at the ripe age of
twenty-two, married.
Had the marriage been a wise one, or one
likely to help make a man of the heedless, har-
um-scarum Peyton, his family, and his brother,
would probably have accepted the situation
with as good a grace as possible. But it was
not wise: it was the very essence of folly, for
the girl was nearer Neil's age than Peyton's,
and came of a family which could never have
had anything in common with Peyton Stewart's.
She was also entirely frivolous, if not actually
designing. Neil was the only member of his
family who attended the wedding, which took
place in a small New Jersey town, and, as has
SHADOWS CAST BEFOEE 263
been stated, had seen his undesirable sister-in-
law only twice after her wedding-day. Upon
one occasion by accident, and upon the last at
his brother's death, only two years after the
marriage, and had then and there resolved
never to see her again if he could possibly help
it, for never had one person rubbed another
the wrong way as had Mrs. Peyton rubbed her
brother-in-law.
Naturally, Peyton had received his share of
his inheritance upon the death of his parents,
but Neil had inherited Severndale, so while
Madam Peyton Stewart was not by any means
lacking in worldly goods, she had nothing like
the income her brother-in-law enjoyed. But
she was by no means short-sighted, and like a
flash several thoughts had entered her head
when chance brought her in touch with him.
She had never been of the type which lets a
good opportunity slip for lack of prompt action,
so in spite of her hostess' rather excited frame
of mind as the result of the afternoon's acci-
dent, she persuaded her to attend the ball at the
Griswold that evening.
She "must have something to divert her
thoughts from the horror of that precious
child's disaster and miraculous rescue from
264 PEGGY STEWAET
death," she urged, that same child, as a matter
of fact, being as gay and chipper as though a
header from the stern of a crowded launch into
a more crowded river was a mere daily incident
in her life.
So there sat Madam, gorgeous in white satin
and silver, plying her fan and her tongue with
equal energy.
Presently Peggy danced by with Durand, not
a few eyes following the beautiful young girl
and handsome boy, and to an individual those
who saw them decided that they were brother
and sister. This was Mrs. Stewart's oppor-
tunity and she made the most of it : Turning to
a lady beside her she gurgled:
"Oh, that darling child. She is my only
niece though I have never met her until this
very afternoon. Isn't she a beauty? Think
what a sensation she will be sure to create a
year or two hence when she comes out. Don't
you envy me? for, of course, there is no one
else to introduce her to society. Her mother
died years ago."
"And the young man with her?" questioned
the lady, wondering why the darling niece had
not figured more prominently in the aunt's life
hitherto. "Is he her brother?"
SHADOWS CAST BEFORE 265
"No. He is the hero of the day. The young
naval cadet [save the mark!] who so nobly
sprang overboard after sweet little Clare and
saved her under such harrowing circumstances.
Isn't he simply stunning? Have you ever seen
a more magniiicent figure? I think he is the
handsomest thing I've ever laid my eyes upon.
And 50 devoted to dear Peggy. And they say
he has a fortune in his own right. But, that is
a minor consideration; the dear child is an
heiress herself. Magnificent old home in Mary-
land and, and, oh, all that, don't you know."
Madam's information concerning her niece's
affairs seemed to have grown amazingly since
that chance encounter during the afternoon.
At that moment the dance came to an end and
by evil chance Peggy and Durand were not ten
feet from Mrs. Stewart. She beckoned to them
and, of course, there was nothing to do but
respond. They at once walked over to her.
"Oh, Mrs. Latimer, let me present my dear
niece Miss Stewart to you, and Peggy darling,
I must know this young hero. You dear, dear
boy, weren't you simply petrified when you saw
that darling child plunge overboard? You are
a wonder. A perfect wonder of heroism. Of
course the girls are just raving over you. How
266 PEGGY STEWAET
could they help it? Uniforms, brass buttons,
the gallant rescuer and — now turn your head
the other way because you are not supposed to
hear this — all the gifts and graces of the gods.
Ah, Peggy, I suspect you have rare discrim-
ination even at your age, and well — Mr. Leroux
— you have not made any mistake, I can assure
you."
Perhaps two individuals who have suddenly
stepped into a hornet's nest may have some
conception of Peggy's and Durand's sensa-
tions. Peggy looked absolutely, hopelessly
blank at this volley. Durand's face was first a
thunder-cloud and then became crimson, but
not on his own account : Durand was no fool to
the ways of foolish women; his mortification
was for Peggy's sake; he loathed the very
thought of having her brought in touch with
such shallowness, exposed to such vulgarity,
and the charm of their rarely frank inter-
course invaded by suggestion of a silly senti-
mentality. Thus far there had never been a
hint, not the faintest suggestion of it ; only the
most loyal good fellowship; and his own atti-
tude toward Peggy Stewart was one of the
highest esteem for a fine, well-bred girl and the
tenderest sense of protection for her lonely,
SHADOWS CAST BEFORE 267
almost orphaned position. He looked at Mrs.
Peyton Stewart with eyes which fairly blazed
contempt and she had the grace to color under
his gaze, boy of barely nineteen that he was.
"And you are going to let me know you bet-
ter, aren't you, dear?" persisted Mrs. Stewart.
"I am coming to see you. Do ask father to
come and talk with me. There are a thousand
questions I must ask him, and innumerable in-
cidents of old times to discuss."
"Captain Stewart is just across the room. I
will tell him you are anxious to see him, Mrs.
Stewart, and then I must take you to Mrs.
Harold, Peggy, or the other fellows will never
find you in this jam," and away fled Durand,
quick to find a loophole of escape. Whether
Neil Stewart appreciated his zeal in serving the
family cause is open to speculations, but it
served the turn for the moment. Neil Stewart
was obliged to cross the room and talk to his
sister-in-law, said sister-in-law taking the initia-
tive to rise at his approach, place her hand
upon his arm, and say :
"Dear Neil, what a delight after all these
years. But pray take me outside. It is insuf-
ferably oppressive in here and I have so much
I wish to say to you."
268 PEGGY STEWAET
Just what "dear Neil's" innermost thoughts
were need not be conjectured. He escorted the
lady from the big ballroom, and Durand whisked
Peggy away to Mrs. Harold, though he said
nothing to the girl — he was raging too fiercely
inwardly, and felt sure if he said anything he
would say too much. Nor was Peggy her usual
self. She seemed obsessed by a forewarning
of evil days ahead. Durand handed her over
to the partner who was waiting for her, and saw
her glide away with him, then slipping into a
vacant chair behind Mrs. Harold, who for the
moment happened to be alone, he said:
"Little Mother, have you ever been so rip-
snorting mad that you have wanted to smash
somebody and cut loose for fair, and felt as if
you'd burst if you couldn't? "
The words were spoken in a half -laughing
tone, but Mrs. Harold turned to look straight
into the dark eyes so near her own.
"What has happened, son?" she asked in the
quiet voice which always soothed his perturbed
spirit. He repeated the conversation just
heard, punctuating it with a few terse comments
which revealed volumes to Mrs. Harold. Her
face was troubled as she said:
"I don't like it. I don't like it even a little
SHADOWS CAST BEFORE 269
bit. I'm afraid trouble is ahead for that little
girl. Oh, if her father could only be with her
all the time. Outsiders can do so little because
their authority is so limited and those who have
the authority are either too guileless or de-
barred by their stations. Dr. Llewellyn, Har-
rison and Mammy are the only ones who have
the least right to say one word, and-
Mrs. Harold ceased and shrugged her shoul-
ders in a manner which might have been copied
from Durand himself.
"Yes, I know who you mean. And Peggy is
one out of a thousand. She and Polly too.
Great Scott, there isn't an ounce of nonsense
in their heads, and if that old fool — I beg your
pardon," cried Durand, fussed at his break, but
Mrs. Harold nodded and said :
(. i There are times when it is excusable to call
a spade a spade."
"Well," continued Durand, "if that femme
starts in to talk such rot to Peggy it's going to
spoil everything. Why, you never heard such
confounded foolishness in all your life."
"Come and walk on the terrace with me,
laddie, and cool off both mentally and physi-
cally. I know just how you feel and I wish I
could see the way to ward off the inevitable —
270 PEGGY STEWAET
at least that which intuition hints to be in-
evitable—
* ' And that is I " asked Durand anxiously.
" Child, you have been like a son to me for
two years. Peggy has grown almost as dear
to me as Polly. I long to see that rare little girl
blossom into a fine woman and she will if wisely
guided, but with such a person as her aunt — "
"You don't for a moment think she will go
and camp down at Severndale?" demanded
Durand, stopping stock-still in consternation
at the picture the words conjured up.
"I don't know a thing! Not one single thing,
but I am gifted with an intuition which is posi-
tively painful at times," and Mrs. Harold re-
sumed her walk with a petulant little stamp.
Nor was her intuition at fault in the present
instance. In some respects Neil Stewart was
as guileless and unsuspicious as a child, but
Madam Stewart was far from guileless. She
was clever and designing to a degree, and before
that conversation upon the Griswold piazza
ended she had so cleverly maneuvered that she
had been invited to spend the month of Sep-
tember at Severndale, and that was all she
wanted: once her entering wedge was placed
she was sure of her plans. At least she always
SHADOWS CAST BEFORE 271
had been, and she saw no reason to anticipate
failure now.
But she did not know Peggy Stewart. She
thought she had read at a glance the straight-
forward, modest little girl, but the real Peggy
was not to be understood in the brief period of
four hours.
Meanwhile, Peggy was blissfully unaware of
her impending fate, and had almost dismissed
Mrs. Stewart's very existence from her
thoughts. She and Polly were dancing away
the hours in all the joy of fifteen summers, and
rumors of a wonderful plan were afloat for the
following day. This was no more nor less than
a cutter race between the midshipmen of the
Olympia and the Chicago. For days the two
crews had been practising and were only wait-
ing for the big day to come and pass before
holding their own contest.
The Chicago really had the picked men, most
of them being the regular crew men, and while
pulling in a cutter is a far cry from pulling in
a shell, nevertheless, the work of trained men
usually counts in the long run, and the boys and
the Jackies had bet everything they owned,
from their best shoes to a month's pay, upon the
victory of the Chicago's crew.
272 PEGGY STEWART
But the Olympia boys "were lyin' low, an'
playin' sly." They had but one crew man in
their cutter, but he was "a jim dandy," being
no less than Lowell, the stroke oar of the Navy
crew, and a man who could "put more ginger
into a boatload of fellows than any other in the
outfit," so his chums averred.
Durand was on the Olympia' 's crew, and Dur-
and's shoulders were worth considerable to any
crew.
Nicholas was on the "Old Chi," Ealph on the
Olympia, so the forces were about equally di-
vided, and the girls were nearly distracted over
the issue, for if they could have had the decision
both would have been victorious.
The following morning dawned as sparkling
and clear as the previous one. "Regular Har-
old weather," the boys pronounced it, owing to
the fact that rarely had Mrs. Harold planned a
frolic of any sort back yonder in Annapolis
without the weather clerk smiling upon it.
When "Colors" came singing across the
water at eight o'clock, up went the squadron's
bunting in honor of the day, and a pretty pict-
ure the ships presented dressed from stem to
stern in their gay, varicolored flags.
The race would take place at three o'clock in
SHADOWS CAST BEFOEE 273
the afternoon but a preliminary pull over the
course was in order for the morning, and Cap-
tain Boynton of the Olympic, and Captain Star
of the Chicago were as eager to have all condi-
tions favorable, and the lads "fit to a finish,"
as though their ages, like those of the contest-
ants were within the first score of life's journey.
So their launches were ordered out to watch
that morning practice and they ran and jeered
each other like a couple of schoolboys out for
a lark, and that attitude did more to put spirit
in the boys, to establish good feeling and the
determination to "Put up a showing for the
Old Chi" or "that fighting machine of the
old man's," the "old man" being their term
of affection for Admiral Dewey, than all the
"cussing out" in the English vocabulary could
have done.
18
CHAPTER XVIII
YOU'VE SPOILED THEIR TEA PARTY
So absolutely confident of winning were the
people, officers, midshipmen and crew on board
the Chicago that they had made all their plans
for the elaborate tea and dance to be given on
board the ship of the winning crew.
Boatloads of Jackies had been sent ashore
for evergreens, and a force of men had been put
to work decorating the quarter-deck, the ward-
room and the steerage until the ship presented
a wonderful picture. The dance was to be held
on the quarter-deck of the ship of the victorious
crew immediately after the race, so the prepar-
ations were elaborate and hopes more than
sanguine. Already the Chicago's officers men-
tally pictured the gay gathering upon her taste-
fully decorated decks; saw the handsomely
gowned chaperones and the daintily clad girls
in all the bravery of summer gowns tripping to
the enticing strains of the ship's band. Oh, it
was the prettiest mental vision imaginable !
274
A SPOILED TEA PARTY 275
And on the old Olympiad That stately vet-
eran of Manila Bay upon whose bridge his loyal,
devoted admirers had outlined in brass-headed
nails the very spot where Commodore Dewey's
feet had rested as he spoke the memorable
words :
"When you are ready you may fire, Grid-
ley."
And the Olympia's personnel? The admiral
of the fleet, the captain and the officers straight
down to the very stokers'? Well, they had an
idea what "the Olympia's men were worth
when it came to the scratch" and a few things
were privately moving forward which might
have made the Chicago's personnel sit up and
take notice had they found time to do so.
There were no evergreens brought over the
side, it is true, but launches had been darting
to and fro with systematic regularity, and each
time they came from New London significant-
looking boxes, important junior officers, and
odd freight came, too, but no one was the wiser.
Not only were awnings spread fore and aft, but
they were hung in such a way that passing
craft, however curious the occupants, could not
see what might be taking place on board.
But with five bells came a revelation. A
276 PEGGY STEWAET
steady line of launches put off to the shore,
some to the east, some to the west, to return
with a gay freight, and as they came up the
starboard gangway the festive femininity broke
into rapturous exclamations, for on every side
were roses ! Bed roses, white roses, pink roses,
pale yellow roses, begged, bought or — hush!—
from every farmhouse within a radius of five
miles, and every nook and corner of the deck
was made snug and attractive with bunting, or
rug-covered — well, if not chairs, improvised
seats which served the purpose equally well
and from which "the get-away" could be
clearly seen, the course being a triangular one,
starting on the port side of the Olympia and
ending on the starboard bow. The Chicago,
with all her bravery, lacked the position held
by the Olympia.
Captain Stewart's party were the guests of
the Olympia and had come aboard early.
Peggy and Polly were wild with excitement.
At least Polly was; Peggy took her pleasures
with less demonstration.
The cutter crews were already in their boats
and ready to pull out to the starter's launch
which bobbed gaily within easy range of the
quarter-deck.
A SPOILED TEA PABTY 277
Peggy and Polly hung over the rail calling
cheery farewells to Durand and Lowell and
telling the others that they would never forgive
them if they did not win the trophy.
4 'Win! Win! Fill up that tin cup right now
and have it ready to hand over when we come
back the proud victors of the day, for we'll be
thirsty and you can just bet we're going to
come back in that fascinating guise — winners,
we mean. What? Let those lobsters from the
'Chi' beat us out? Not on your life! You
just watch us play with them, and pull all
around them," shouted Lowell as the cutter
shoved off at the coxswain's word.
Meanwhile the Chicago's cutter had taken
her berth and was ready for the send-off from
the committee's launch.
Now a cutter race is no holiday pastime but
a long pull and a stern pull from start to
finish, for a cutter weighs something over and
above a racing shell, to say nothing of her lines
being designed for service in stress rather than
for a holiday fete. Add to the weight of the
boat herself her freight of twelve men, and all
pretty husky fellows, and you've got some pull-
ing ahead in order to push that boat through a
given distance of water.
278 PEGGY STEWAET
If all the civil world had been on the alert
during the previous day's contest, certainly all
the little Navy world assembled at New London
was on the alert that afternoon. The decks of
the Chicago and Olympia were crowded with
friends. The ships' launches were darting
about like distracted water-bugs, and innumer-
able "shore boats" were bringing guests from
every direction.
Presently, however, the course was cleared,
the signals given and the heavy oars took the
water as only "man-o-war's men's" oars ever
take it: as though one brain controlled the
actions of the entire crew.
The start was pretty even, the huge sweeps
dipping into the water simultaneously and
cleanly. Then the Chicago 's men began to pull
slowly away from the Olympia' s, the coxswain
right at the outset hitting up the stroke faster
than the Olympia' s coxswain considered good
judgment so early in the race, for that triangle
had three sides, as is the rule of triangles, and
each side presented a pretty good distance.
But the people on the Chicago were cheering
and yelling like bedlamites, pleased to the very
limit to see their men putting up such a show-
ing, and confident of their ability to hold it to
A SPOILED TEA PARTY 279
the finish. They did not pause to reason that
they had begun at a stroke which meant just a
degree more endurance than most men are
equal to, but they were sanguine that their ship
was to hold a function in their honor.
Just astern the Chicago's boat the Olympiads
coxswain was keeping up his steady "Stroke!
Stroke! Stroke! Stroke!" which sent the boat
boiling through the water as though propelled
by a gasoline engine. The Olympiads men were
holding their own if not breaking a record.
"Hold her steady. Keep the stroke. We
won't try to set the Thames afire — not yet"
were the coach's significant words from his
launch.
Lowell nodded quick understanding but kept
his steady weight against the oar which was
setting the stroke for the men behind him, and
Durand's eyes hardly left the sway and swing
of that splendid broad back just in front of
him as on they rushed to the first flag-boat, mak-
ing the turn of the triangle just a length astern
of the Chicago's men, and amidst the cries of:
"Hit it up, Olympia! Overhaul 'em! Pull
down that lead!" from the launch following,
in which several officers were yelling like
Comanches.
280 PEGGY STEWAET
" Takes better men. You didn't know how to
pick 'em," were the taunting cries from the
Chicago's launch on their starboard beam.
''Wait till they round the next stake-boat.
They're only playing with you now."
"Playing outl They've got to do better than
this to overhaul us. We are rowing some,"
were the laughing answers.
"Now we'll play for fair. Hit her up to
thirty-six," was the order of the Olympia's
coxswain, and the oars flashed response to the
order, the cutter seeming to fly.
There was a quick exclamation from the cox-
swain of the Chicago's cutter, a sharp com-
mand, and the stroke jumped to thirty-eight
which sent the boat boiling forward. Another
command on the Olympia's as the second stake
boat was neared and the Olympia's crew was
holding it at forty, a slip to tell, and the boats
rounded the second stake-boat bows even.
Then came the home stretch ; the last telling,
racking effort of the two-mile triangle. The
Chicago was still pulling a splendid thirty-
eight as they swept by the stake-boat, but once
the turn was made oars flashed up to forty-two,
for the Olympia's nose had forged half a length
ahead after that turn.
A SPOILED TEA PARTY 281
Meantime pandemonium had cut loose in the
launches as well as on board the ships, and if
yelling, hooting, or calls through megaphones
could put power into a stroke, certainly no in-
spiration was wanting.
Half the last stretch was covered, the lads
rowing in splendid form when the Chicago's
men started in to break the record and their
launch went mad as they spurted to forty-six
to overhaul their rival's lead. But a forty-six
stroke is just a trifle more than can be held in
a heavy cutter with twelve, fourteen and six-
teen-foot oars weighing many pounds each; it
simply could not be held.
"Give 'em forty- two for a finish, fellows,"
bawled the Olympia's coxswain through his
megaphone, literally pro bono publico. And
forty-two did the trick, for forty-six could not
be held, and the Olympia's cutter swept past
the stake-boat a length in the lead, while Cap-
tain Boynton on the bridge beside the admiral
of the fleet fairly jumped up and down.
Alas, and alack for the dance on board the
Chicago and the tea to be served to her admir-
ing guests !
One of the conditions of that tea and dance
was victory with a capital V for the hosts.
282 PEGGY STEWART
"Bring 'em aboard! Bring 'em aboard! Pass
the order," rumbled the admiral.
"Just as they are?" questioned Boynton, not
quite sure that he understood aright.
' ' Yes ! Yes ! Bring 'em aboard ! ' '
"The ladies," gasped Boyntou. "Their
clothes don't amount to much."
"Hang their clothes! Get 'em some. Pass
the word, man. Bring them up the starboard
gangway. Bring 'em up, I say, and get down
there to welcome them ! They own the ship and
everything on board!"
Boynton lost no time in passing the word
and hurrying down to greet the winning crew
and it seemed as though the whole personnel of
the old Olympia had gone stark mad.
But to see and hear was to obey and the
Olympia' s lads, clad in raiment conspicuous
principally for its limitations, came piling up
the sacred starboard gangway to be met by
Captain Boynton who grasped each hand in
turn as he shouted:
"You're a bunch worth while! You spoiled
their tea party! You busted up their dance,
confound you, you scamps ! You did 'em up in
shape and we're the whole show! Now go be-
low and get fit to be seen, then come back and
A SPOILED TEA PAETY 283
let the ladies feed you and make fools of you,
for they'll do it all right."
And they were fed ! They were ready to be.
A pull over such a course means an appetite,
but whether these level-headed chaps were made
fools of is open to question.
It was long after dark before that frolic
ended, and the ships were a fairy spectacle of
electric lights, the band's strains floating across
the water as light feet tripped to the inspiring
strains of waltz or two-step.
That was one of the happiest afternoons and
evenings Peggy and Polly had ever known, and
so passed many another, for Neil Stewart meant
that month to be a memorable one for Peggy,
little guessing how soon a less happy one would
dawn for her, or how unwittingly he had laid
the train for it.
For two weeks there were lawn fetes at Navy
Bungalow, long auto trips through the beautiful
surrounding country and the delightfully cosy
family gatherings which all so loved.
After Gail's graduation Mrs. Howland re-
turned bringing that golden-haired lassie with
her, Snap and Constance coming too.
Gail's introduction to the circle was a funny
one:
284 PEGGY STEWART
Captain Stewart had been curious to see
whether "Rowland number four would uphold
the showing of the family," as he teasingly told
Polly, and Polly who was immensely proud of
her pretty sister had brindled and protested
that: "Gail was the very best looking one of the
family. ' '
"Then she must be going some," he insisted.
She was a sunny, bonny sight in spite of a
dusty ride down from Northampton, and Cap-
tain Stewart was at the steps to help her from
the auto which had been sent up to the New
London station to meet her. She stepped out
after her mother and Constance, but before Mrs.
Howland had a chance to present her Captain
Stewart laid a pair of kindly hands upon her
shoulders, held her from him a moment, peer-
ing at her from under his thick eyebrows in a
manner which made a pretty color mantle her
cheeks, then said with seeming irrelevance:
"No, the Howland family doesn't lie, but on
the other hand they don't invariably convey
the whole truth. You'll pass, little girl. Yes,
you'll pass, and you don't look a day older than
Polly and Peggy even if you are hiding away
a sheepskin somewhere in that suitcase yonder.
Yes, I'll adopt you as my girl, and by crackey
A SPOILED TEA PARTY 285
I'm going to seal it," and with that he took the
bonny face in both hands and kissed each rosy
cheek.
Poor Gail, if the skies had dropped she
couldn't have been more nonplussed. She had
heard a good deal of the people she was to visit
but had never pictured this reception, and for
once the girl who had been president of her
class and carried off a dozen other honors, was
as fussed as a schoolgirl.
Peggy came to her rescue.
Running up to her she slipped her arms about
her and cried :
"Don't mind Daddy Neil. We are all wild
to know you and we're just bound to love you.
How could we help it? You belong to us now,
you know. Come with me. You are to have
the room right next ours — Polly's and mine, I
mean — and everything will be perfectly lovely."
Within three days after Gail's arrival Happy,
Wheedles and Shortie had to leave for their
own homes, as their families were clamoring
for some of their society during that brief
month's leave before they joined their ships.
But fortune favored them in one respect, for
Happy and Wheedles were ordered to the Con-
necticut, the flag-ship of the Atlantic fleet, and
286 PEGGY STEWART
Shortie to Snap's ship, the Rhode Island in the
same fleet. So, contrary to the usual order of
things where men in the Academy have been
such chums, their ways would not wholly
divide.
Two weeks later the practice ships weighed
anchor for Newport, and the party at Navy
Bungalow was broken up. Mrs. Rowland, Con-
stance, Gail and Snap returned to Montgentian.
Captain Stewart and Captain Harold were
obliged to rejoin their ships, Mrs. Harold, with
Polly and Peggy, going on to Newport, thence
along the coast, following the practice squadron
until its return to Annapolis the last day of
August when all midshipmen go on a month's
leave and the Academy is deserted.
Mrs. Harold was to spend September with
her sister, a pleasure upon which she had long
counted. Peggy was invited to join her, but
alas! Captain Stewart had rendered that im-
possible by asking his sister-in-law to pass
September at Severndale.
Of this Peggy had not learned at once, but
was bitterly disappointed when she did, though
she strove to conceal it from her father, when,
too late, he awakened to what he had done.
Mrs. Stewart had contrived to spend as many
A SPOILED TEA PARTY 287
hours as possible at Navy Bungalow, but she
had certainly not succeeded in winning the
friendship of its inmates, and Neil Stewart bit-
terly regretted the impulse which had prompted
him to invite her to Severndale. When too late
he realized that he had fallen into a cleverly
planned trap, dragging Peggy with him. And
what was still worse, that there would be no
one at hand to help her out of the situation into
which his short-sightedness had involved her.
As a last resort he wrote to Dr. Llewellyn:
"I've been seven kinds of a fool. Watch out
for Peggy. She's up against it, I am afraid,
and it is all my doing. I'll write you at length
later. Meanwhile, I'm afraid there'll be ruc-
tions."
Poor Dr. Llewellyn was hopelessly bewil-
dered by that letter and prepared for almost
anything.
Mrs. Harold and Polly bade Peggy good-bye
at New York. Jerome and Mammy acting as
her body-guard upon the homeward journey.
It was a hard wrench, and the two girls who
had been such close companions for so long felt
the separation keenly.
"But you know we'll meet in October and
have all next winter before us,"' were Polly's
288 PEGGY STEW AST
optimistic parting words, little guessing how
the coming winter would be changed for both
her and Peggy.
It had been arranged that Mrs. Stewart
should arrive at Severndale on the fifth of
September. Peggy reached there on the second
and in a half-hearted way went about her prep-
arations for receiving her aunt.
Nor were Mammy and Jerome more enthus-
iastic. They had pretty thoroughly sized up
their expected guest while at New London.
Nevertheless, noblesse oblige was the watch-
word at Severndale.
CHAPTER XIX
BACK AT SEVERNDALE
THE first two days of Peggy's return to
Severndale were almost overwhelming for the
girl. True, Dr. Llewellyn met and welcomed
her, and strove in his gentle, kindly manner to
make the lonely home-coming a little less lonely.
It was all so different from what she had an-
ticipated. That he was there to welcome her
at all was a mere chance. He had planned a
trip north and completed all his arrangements,
when an old, and lifelong friend fell desper-
ately ill. Deferring his trip for the friend's
sake, Neil Stewart's letter caught him before
his departure, and after reading that his own
pleasures and wishes were set aside. Duty,
which had ever been his watchword, held him at
Severndale.
When questioned by him — circumspectly it
is true — Peggy's answers conveyed no idea of
pending trouble, nor did they alter his charit-
able view of the world or his fellow beings.
19 289
290 PEGGY STEWART
"Why, Filiola, I think it must be the very
happiest solution of the situation here: I am
getting too old and prosy to make life inter-
esting for you; your father will not be retired
for several years yet, so there is little hope of
your claiming his companionship ; Mrs. Harold
is a most devoted friend, but friendships in the
service must so often be broken by the exigen-
cies of the duties ; she may be compelled to leave
Annapolis at almost any time, and if she is,
your friend Polly will be obliged to leave also.
Why, little one, it seems to me quite providen-
tial that you should have met your aunt in New
London and that she will visit vou here," and
»/
good Dr. Llewellyn stroked with gentle touch
the pretty brown hair resting against his
shoulder, and looked smilingly down upon the
troubled young face.
"Yes, Compadre, I know you think it will be
quite for the best and I'm sure it would if —
if—"
Peggy paused. She hated to say anything
uncomplimentary of the person whom the law
said she must regard as her aunt.
"Are you prejudiced, my dear?"
There was mild reproof in Dr. Llewellyn's
tone.
BACK AT SEVEBNDALE 291
"I am afraid I am. You see I have been
with the 'Little Mother,' and I do love her so,
and Polly's mother, too, and oh, Compadre, she
is lovely. Perfectly lovely. If you could only
see Polly with her. There is something — some-
thing in their attitude toward each other which
makes me understand just what Mamma and I
might have been to each other had she lived. I
never guessed what it meant until last winter,
or felt it as I did up there in New London.
Daddy Neil is dear and precious but Mamma
and I would have been just what Polly and her
mother are to each other; I know it."
"Will it not be possible for you and your
aunt to grow very deeply attached to one an-
other? She, I understand, is quite alone in
the world, and you should mean a great deal to
each other."
Peggy's slight form shuddered ever so little
in his circling arm. That little shudder con-
veyed more to Dr. Llewellyn than a volume of
words could have done. He knew the sensitive,
high-strung girl too well not to comprehend that
there must be something in Mrs. Peyton Stew-
art's personality which grated harshly upon
her, and concluded that it would be wiser not
to pursue the subject.
292 PEGGY STEWAET
"Go for a spin upon Shashai's silky back,
and let Tzaritza's long leaps carry you into a
world of gladness. Nelly has been asking for
you and the five-mile ride to her home will put
things straighter."
"I'll go,'7 answered Peggy, and left him to
get into her linen riding skirt, for it was still
very warm in Maryland.
From the moment of her return Tzaritza had
never left Peggy's side, and her horses, espe-
cially Shashai, Eoy and Star had greeted her
with every demonstration of affection. She
now made her way to the paddock intending to
take out her favorite, but when she called him
the other two came bounding toward her, noz-
zling, whinnying, begging for her caresses.
"What shall I do with all three of you?"
cried Peggy. "I can't ride three at once.'!
"You'll be having one grand time to git shet
o' the other two whichever one you do take;
they've been consoling themselves for your
absence by stickin' together as thick as thieves:
Where one goes, there goes 'tothers," laughed
Shelby, who had gone down to the paddock with
her.
1 1 Then let them come along if they want to, ' '
and Peggy joined in the laugh.
BACK AT SEVERNDALE 293
"You couldn't lose 'em if you tried; first they
love you, and then they're so stuck on each
other you'd think it was one body with a dozen
legs."
Without another word Peggy sprang to
Shashai's back. Then with the clear whistle
her pets knew so well, was off down the road.
That was a mad, wild gallop but when she came
to Nelly's home her cheeks were glowing and
her eyes shining as of old.
"Oh, have you seen Pepper and Salt?" was
almost the first question Nelly asked.
"Well, I guess I have, and aren't they won-
ders? Oh, I'm so glad I saw them that day.
Do you know they are to be entered in the
horse-show and the steeple-chase this fall?
Well, they are. Shelby has made them such
beauties. But now tell me all about yourself.
I'm going to write to Miss Polly tonight and
she will never forgive me if I don't tell her just
everything. You are looking perfectly fine.
And how is the knee ? ' '
"Just as well as its mate. I wouldn't know
I had ever been lame. Your doctor is a wonder,
Miss Peggy, and he was so kind. He said you
told him you had adopted me and he was bound
to take extra good care of me because I was
294 PEGGY STEWART
your girl now. I didn't know you had told Mm
to attend me until after you had gone away and
I can't thank you enough, but father is so wor-
ried because he thinks he will never be able to
pay such a bill as Doctor Kendall's ought to be
for curing me. But I tell him it will come out
all right, just as it always has before, for things
are looking up right smart on the farm now.
Tom and Jerry certainly do earn their keep, as
Mr. Shelby said they would, and they are so
splendid and big and round and roly-poly, and
strong enough to pull up a tree, father says.
Don't you want to come and see them?"
11 Indeed I do,"' and following the beaming,
healthy girl whose once pale cheeks were now
rounded and rosy, Peggy walked to the stump
lot just beyond the little cottage where she was
heartily greeted by Jim Bolivar, who said:
"Well, if it ain't a sight fit ter chirker up a
dead man ter see ye back again, Miss Peggy.
Will you shake hands with me, miss? It's a
kind o' dirty and hard hand but it wants ter
hold your little one jist a minute ter try ter
show ye how much the man it belongs ter
thinks of ye."
Peggy laid her own pretty little hand in Jim
Bolivar's, saying:
BACK AT SEVEENDALE 295
"I wish I could make you understand how
glad I am to shake hands with you, and it al-
ways makes me so happy to have people like me.
It hurts if they don't, you know."
''Well, you ain't likely ter be hurt none ter
speak of; no, you ain't, little girl, an' that's a
fact. God bless ye! And look at Nelly. Ain't
she a clipper? My, things is jist a hummin' on
the little old farm now, an' 'fore ye know it
we'll be buildin' a piazzy. Now come 'long an'
s-ee Tom and Jerry."
And so from one to another went the little
chatelaine of Severndale, welcomed at every
turn, cheery, helpful, sunny, beloved yet, oh, so
lonely in her young girlhood.
And thus passed the first days of Peggy's
return to Severndale. Then the eventful one
of Mrs. Stewart's arrival dawned. It was a
gloriously sunny one; cool from a shower dur-
ing the precious night. Mrs. Stewart would
arrive at five in the afternoon. All morning
Peggy had been busy looking to the prepara-
tions for her aunt's reception. Harrison had
followed out her young mistress' orders to the
letter, for somehow of late, Harrison had grown
to defer more and more to "Miss Peggy,"
though secretly, she was not in the least favor-
296 PEGGY STEWART
ably inclined toward the prospective addition
to the household: Mammy's report had not
tended to pre-dispose her in the lady's favor.
Nevertheless, she was a guest, and a guest at
Severndale stood for more than a mere word
of five letters.
Peggy ordered the surrey to meet the five
p. M. car but chose to ride Shashai, and when
Jess set forth with the perfectly appointed car-
riage and span, Peggy, in her pretty khaki
habit fox-trotted beside Comet and Meteor,
Tzaritza, as usual, bounding on ahead.
They had gone possibly half the distance
when a mad clatter of hoof-beats caused her to
exclaim :
''Oh, Jess, they have leaped the paddock
fence!"
"Dey sho' has, honey-chile. Dey sho' has,"
chuckled Jess. "Dat lady what's a-comin'
gwine get a 'ception at 'tention what mak' her
open her eyes.'3
"Oh, but I did not want her to have such a
welcome. She will think we are all crazy down
here," protested Peggy.
""Well, if she think five thoroughbreds tu'ned
out fer ter welcome her stan fer crazy folks she
gwine start out wid a mistake. Dem hawses
BACK AT SEVEENDALE 297
gwine mind yo' an' mak' a showin' she am'
gwine see eve'y day of her life lemme tell yo'."
But there was no time to discuss the point
further, for Silver Star and Eoy came bounding
up on a dead run, manes and tails waving, and
with the maddest demonstrations of joy at hav-
ing won out in their determination not to be left
behind. They rushed to Peggy's side, whinny-
ing their "Hello! How are you?" to Shashai,
who answered with quite as much abandon.
And then came the transformation: At a word
from Peggy they fell into stride beside her and
finished the journey to the little depot in as
orderly a manner as perfectly trained dogs.
When they reached it Peggy stationed them in
line, and slipping from Shashai 's back ordered
Tzaritza to "guard.'1 Then she stepped upon
the platform to meet the incoming car, just as
little less than a year before she had stepped
upon it to welcome the ones whom during that
year she had learned to love so dearly, and who
had so completely altered her outlook upon life,
and who were destined to change and — yes-
save her future, just as surely as the one now
momentarily drawing nearer and nearer was
destined to bring a crisis into it.
The car came buzzing up to the station.
298 PEGGY STEWART
There was a flutter of drapery, as a lady with
a white French poodle, snapping and snarling
at the world at large, and the brakeman in par-
ticular, into whose arms it was thrust, descended
from the steps.
"Handle Toinette carefully. Dear me, you
are crushing her, the poor darling. Here,
porter, take this suitcase," were the commands
issued.
"I ain't no po'tah," retorted the negro who
had been singled out by Madam. Then he
turned and walked off.
"Insolent creature,'3 was the sharp retort,
which might have been followed by other com-
ments had not Peggy at that moment advanced
to meet her aunt. When the negro saw that
the new arrival was a friend of the little lady
of Severndale his whole attitude changed in a
flash. Doffing his cap he ran toward her saying:
"I looks after it fo' yo', Miss Peggy." The
accent upon the pronoun was significant.
"Thank you, Sam," was the quick, smiling
answer. Then :
"How do you do, Aunt Katharine? Wel-
come to Severndale," and her hand was ex-
tended to welcome her relative, for Peggy's
instincts were rarely at fault.
BACK AT SEVEBNDALE 299
But her aunt was too occupied in receiving
Toinette into her protecting embrace to see her
niece's hand, and Peggy did not force the greet-
ing. "Will you come to the carriage?'1 she
asked, "I hope you are not very tired from the
journey."
"On the contrary, I am positively exhausted.
I don't see how you can endure those horrid,
smelly little cars. We would not consent to
ride a mile in them at home. Is this your car-
riage? Hold my dog, coachman, while I am
getting in," and Toinette was thrust into Jess'
hand which she promptly bit, and very nearly
had her small ribs crushed for her indiscretion,
her yelp producing a cry from her doting
mistress.
"Be careful, you stupid man. You can't
handle that delicate little thing as though she
were one of your great horses. Now put the
suitcase by the driver and leave room here be-
side me for my niece," were the further com-
mands issued to "Sam."
Sam did as ordered, but when a dime was
proffered answered:
"Keep yo' cash, lady. I done dat job fer ma
little quality lady hyer, an' she pays wid some-
thin' bettah."
300 PEGGY STEWART
Mrs. Stewart was evidently not in her ami-
able guise, but turning to Peggy she strove to
force a smile and say:
"Ignorant creatures, aren't they, dear? But
come. I've a thousand questions to ask."
"Thank you, Aunt Katharine, but. I rode
over on my saddle horse, and shall have to ask
you to excuse me."
Not until that moment did Mrs. Stewart
notice the three horses standing like statues
just beyond the carriage with the splendid dog
lying upon the ground in front of them.
Peggy crossed the intervening space and
with the one word "Up,"1 to Tzaritza, set her
escort in motion. They reached forward long,
slim necks to greet her, Tzaritza bounding up
to rest her forepaws upon her shoulders and
nestle her silky head against Peggy's face, sure
of the solicited caress. Then Peggy bounded
to Shashai's back, and the little group, wheel-
ing like a flash, led the way from the depot.
"Good heavens and earth! It is quite time
someone came down here to look after that
child. I had no idea she was leading the life
of a wild western cowboy, ' ' was the exclamation
from the rear seat of the surrey, plainly over-
heard by Jess, and, later duly reported.
BACK AT SEVEENDALE 301
"Huh, Um," he muttered.
The ride to Severndale held no charm for
Madam Stewart. She was too intent upon
"that child's mad, hoydenish riding. Grood
heavens, if such were ever seen in New York,"
New York with its automaton figures jigging
up and down in the English fashion through
Central Park being her criterion for the world
in general.
Presently beautiful Severndale was reached.
Dr. Llewellyn was waiting upon the terrace to
greet his ward's aunt, which he did in his
stately, courtly manner, but before ten words
were spoken he comprehended all Neil Stewart
meant in his letter by the words :
' ' Stand by Peggy. I've landed her up against
it," and as the young girl led her aunt into the
house, with Mammy, all immaculate dignity fol-
lowing in their wake, he mentally commented:
"I fear he lias made a grave mistake; a very
grave one, but Providence ordereth all things
and we see darkly. It may be one of the
'wondrous ways.' "\Ye must not form our con-
clusions too hastily. No, not too hastily."
And just here we must leave Peggy Stewart
upon the threshold of a new world the entrance
to which is certainly not enticing. What the
302 PEGGY STEWART
experiences of that month were, and the revela-
tions which came into Peggy's life during it;
how the perplexing problem was solved and who
helped to solve it, must be told in the story of
Peggy Stewart at School. But just now we
must leave her doing her best to make "Aunt
Katharine" comfortable; to smooth out some
of the kinks already making a snarl of the
usually evenly ordered household, for Mammy
had not changed her opinion one particle, and
when Harrison went back to her own undis-
puted realm of the big house she was overheard
to remark:
"Well, Neil Stewart is a man, so of course,
he's bound to do some fool things, but unless I
miss my guess, he's played his trump card this
time."
PROFI
Or TS:
•
following pages contain advertisements of a
*• few of the Macmillan books for juvenile readers
Every Boy's and Girl's Series
A series of books which have been proved to have
each its points of special appeal to young readers.
Attractively bound in cloth, each 75 cents net
The Adventures of Dorothy
BY JOCELYN LEWIS. Illustrated by Seymour M. Stone.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
BY LEWIS CARROLL. With forty-two illustrations by John
Tenniel.
Aunt Jimmy's Will
BY MAB-EL OSGOOD WRIGHT. Illustrated by Florence Scovel
Shinn.
The Bears of Blue River
BY CHARLES MAJOR. With illustrations by A. B. Frost and
others.
The Bennett Twins
BY MARGARET HURD.
Bible Stories Eetold for Young People. 2 vols.
The New Testament Story
BY W. F. ADENEY. With illustrations and maps.
The Old Testament Story
BY W. H. BENNETT, M.A. With illustrations and maps.
Boy Life on the Prairie
'BY HAMLIN GARLAND. Illustrated by E. W. Deming.
Children of the Tenements
BY JACOB A. RIIS. With illustrations by C. M. Relyea and
others.
The Children Who Ran Away
BY EVELYN SHARP. With illustrations by Paul Meylan.
Dogtown
BY MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT. Profusely illustrated from
photographs by the author.
Eight Secrets
BY ERNEST INGERSOLL. Illustrated.
The General Manager's Story
BY HERBERT ELLIOTT HAMBLEN. Illustrated.
A Little Captive Lad
BY BEULAH' MARIE DIX. With illustrations by Will Grefe.
Every Boy's and Girl's Series— Continued
The Merry Anne
BY SAMUEL MERWIN. With illustrations and decorations by
Thomas Fogarthy.
Merrylips
BY BEULAH MARIE DIX. With illustrations by Frank T Mer-
rill.
Picket! 's Gap
BY HOMER GREENE. With illustrations.
Tales of the Fish Patrol
BY JACK LONDON. With illustrations.
Through the Looking Glass
By LEWIS CARROLL. With fifty illustrations by John Tenniel.
Tom Benton's Luck
BY HERBERT ELLIOTT HAMBLEN. With illustrations.
Tom Brown's Schooldays
By An Old Boy — THOMAS HUGHES. With illustrations by
Arthur Hughes and Sydney Hall.
Trapper Jim
BY EDWIN SANDYS. With many illustrations by the author.
The Wonder Children
BY CHARLES J. BELLAMY. Illustrated.
The Youngest Girl in the School
BY EVELYN SHARP. With illustrations by C. E. Brock.
The Railway Children
BY E. NESBIT. With illustrations by Charles E. Brock.
The Pho?nix and the Carpet
BY E. NESBIT. Illustrated by H. R. Millar.
"Carrots" Just a Little Boy
BY Mas. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated by Walter Crane.
Us : An Old-Fashioned Story
BY MBS. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated.
Cuckoo Clock
BY MRS. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated.
PUBLISHED BY
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
64-66 Fifth Avenue, New York
New Books For Boys
BY JOSEPH A. ALTSHELER
The Horsemen of the Plains
Colored illustrations by CHARLES L. BULL. $2.50
A story of scouts and trappers, full of the genuine atmosphere of
the plains, and of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the hunter;
while it is full of interest and excitement it is also told in a
thoroughly sincere manner.
BY ELIZA H. FIGYELMESSY
Two Boys in the Tropics
Decorated cloth, fully illustrated.
Equatorial South America is a new country which should prove
fascinating to the most blase and modern child. The author de-
scribes it as seen by two boys for whom its strange customs, novel
games, and curious bird and beast pets made it seem the children's
paradise.
BY CHARLES MAJOR
Author of "Dorothy V«
River," etc.
Uncle Tom Andy Bill
Illustrated. Cloth, 12mo, $1.50
Thousands of children will remember "The Bears of Blue River"
as one of the best stories they ever read. No one but Mr. Major
could match it, as he has, in this story of bears and Indian treas-
ure. From beginning to end it is adventure — good, lively, healthy
adventure, such as every normal boy craves.
BY JAMES MORGAN
Author of "Theodore Roosevelt: The Boy and the Man."
Abraham Lincoln : The Boy and the Man
Illustrated. Cloth, crown 8vo, $1.50
Mr. Morgan's biography of Roosevelt proved that he knows how
to tell the story of a man's life so as to make it interesting as well
as inspiring. In this life of Lincoln he has kept in mind the needs
of the young reader, and has made a simple, straightforward, but
dramatic, story of the great War President. The abundant illus-
trations will include some little-known portraits and views of
scenes associated with Lincoln's life.
Author of "Dorothy Vernon of Haddon Hall," "The Bears of Blue
River," etc.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
MBS. SARA ANDREW SHAFER'S
The Day Before Yesterday
Cloth. 12 mo. $1.50
"It is not so much a child's book — though the right sort of child
would revel in it — as a book about children — a family chronicle, humor-
ous and yet reverent, written in sweetest English and with flawless
taste. .. .infinitely amusing, infinitely affecting." — Atlantic Monthly.
"It's a book to be bought ; not taken from the library or borrowed
from a complaisant neighbor. You will want to dip in it again and
again after the first persistent reading. It refreshes as much as it en-
tertains. It is restful. It is reconstructive. It brings back a time' —
it seems longer, though, than yesterday and the day before — when life
was simple and sane and sweet ; when men seemed to get hold of better
things of existence than they do now. . . .These old-time virtues and
graces make the book fragrant as with lavender." — Cleveland Leader.
"This book may well go on the shelf that holds Rebecca of Sunny-
brook Farm, Emmy Lou, and The Would-be-Goods. In other words,
it is a true, charming, and entertaining story of child life. It is written
with delicacy and feeling as well as humor. The misadventures,
fun, and achievements of Rachel and her brothers, sisters, and play-
mates are capitally set forth, while the story is pervaded by an
atmosphere of cheerfulness and refinement. The story is natural and
simple, and has freshness of spirit in an unusual degree." — Outlook.
"Of The Day Before Yesterday much may be written in way of
praise, but a summing up of its good points forces the conclusion that
its chief claim for popularity rests upon its absolute truthfulnf •*,
unexaggerated beauty of description and candid simplicity." — Evanxi-illi'
Courier.
"It is good and heartening to go back in this way to regather some
of our childhood flowers — even in imagination; to pick up the threads
of old-while friendships. It is helpful and inspiring to catch this
glimpse of the old home and the old folks; the old and quaint ways
of the quiet life ; the old ways of love ; the solid comfort and content of
it all." — Syracuse Herald.
"Sweet as June roses is this dainty story of the days of childhood.
Appealing to those whose childhood lies long years behind their pn
as well as to the interest of those whose youth is still a long way in
the future. The Day Befor< I is to be ranked with that classic
by Kenneth Graham, Dream Days." — Baltimore Sun.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
Peeps at Many Lands
Travel books which aim to describe foreign
places with special reference to the interests of
young readers. They deal with children's life
in home and school, their games and occupa-
tions, etc.
Each is illustrated with 12 colored plates
and sells at 55 cents net; by mail, 65 cents
The volumes included in the series : —
BELGIUM
BURMA
CANADA
CEYLON
CHINA
CORSICA
DENMARK
EDINBURG
EGYPT
ENGLAND
FINLAND
FRANCE
GERMANY
GREECE
HOLLAND
HOLY LAND
ICELAND
INDIA
IRELAND
ITALY
JAMAICA
JAPAN
KOREA
MOROCCO
NEW ZEALAND
NORWAY
PARIS
PORTUGAL
RUSSIA
SCOTLAND
SIAM
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH SEAS
SPAIN
SWITZERLAND
PUBLISHED BY
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
64-66 Fifth Avenue, New York
BY E. V. LUCAS
The Slowcoach
Decorated cloth, illustrated, $1.50 net
Children enjoy the quaint Lamblike humor of Mr. Lucas's books
as heartily as their elders, and he seems as uniquely intended for
the writing of stories for children as for compiling anthologies
which without an original word beyond headlines manage to sug-
gest a personality of unusual charm.
BY JACOB EIIS
Hero Tales of the Far North
Decorated cloth, illustrated, $1.50 net
Many a character whom it is well to know appears in these pages.
King Christian the Fourth, Gustavus Adolphus, King Waldemar,
and other names dear to the hearts of Danes and Scandinavians
figure in these pages.
BY CHEISTINA COWANS WYTHE
The Story Book Girls
Cloth, illustrated in colors, $1.50
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ginning to lengthen her skirts, and do up her hair instead of
letting it hang in braids — a girl, that is to say, on the joyous
verge of womanhood? Here is the book that fills the require-
ments. . . .It is sweet, quiet, wholesome, full of fun, yet with a
sedate earnestness of undertone that is at once a part of its charm
and an essential element of its merit." — Record-Herald, Chicago.
Nina's Career
Cloth, illustrated in colors, $1.50
"The very best story for girls, and incidentally for boys, that has
been written for many a long day. It is so gay, so chatty, and
so full of incident that is the best of fun. Such a lot of boys
and girls and children, with older men and women and wise
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other, come together on its pages that it never lacks variety, but
under all runs a steady purpose that makes for the developing
of manly men and womanly women." — Boston Universal Leader.
THE MACMILLAN COMPANY
Publishers 64-66 Fifth Avenue New York
Outdoor Stories for Boys and Girls
BY J. W. FORTESCUE
The Story of a Red Deer
Cloth, 16mo, $.80; Leather, $1.25
"A beautiful story of animal life." — Critic.
BY JACK LONDON
Tales of the Fish Patrol Illu8tr*|e*bjLa VA£IA*
Cloth, 12mo, $1.50
"Full of action." — Plain Dealer.
BY CHARLES MAJOR
The Bears of Blue River Crated )>y AoB- *«<«*
Cloth, 12mo, $1.50
"A thrilling and absorbing tale of boy life in Indiana." — Indian-
apolis Star.
Uncle Tom Andy Bill
Illustrated. Cloth, 12mo, $1.50
BY EDWYN SANDYS
Sportsman Joe
Illustrated. 12mo, $1.50
Trapper Jim
Illustrated. 12mo, $1.50
"A book which will delight every normal boy." — New York
Tribune.
BY ERNEST INGERSOLL
An Island in the Air
Illustrated by WILLIAM McCuLLOUGH. Cloth, 12mo, $1.50
BY STEWART EDWARD WHITE
The Magic Forest
Colored Illustrations by JOSEPH GLEESON Cloth, 12mo, $1.20 net
BY MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT
Dogtown
Illustrated with Photographs. Cloth, 12mo, $1.50 net
A story of people as well as of dogs, and several of the people,
are old friends, having been met in Mrs. Wright's other books.
Gray Lady and the Birds
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