The Old Gray Homestead

Excerpt: ...No one else is going to pester you, said Austin quietly, and they won't any more. But you'll have a good time in New York-I think it's fine that you're going. He tossed the bundle into the very midst of the burning pile, and tried to speak lightly, pretending not to notice the excitement of her manner and the undried tears on her flushed cheeks. I think you're just right about that stuff, too. Will this mean all sorts of fluffy pink and blue things, like what Flora Little wears? I should think you would look great in them! No-but it means lots and lots of pure white dresses and plain black suits and hats, without any crepe. Then in the fall, lavender, and gray, and so on. I see-a gradual improvement. Won't you sit down a few minutes? It's a wonderful night. Thank you. Austin-you and Sally will have to help me shop when I get to New York-Heaven knows what I can wear to travel down in. Austin stopped raking, and flung himself down on the grass beside her. Sylvia, he said quickly, I'm awfully sorry, but I can't go. Can't go! Why not? she exclaimed, with so much disappointment in her voice that he was amazed. Father's a selectman now, you know, and away all day just at this time on town business. There's too much farmwork for Thomas and Peter to manage alone. I didn't foresee this, of course, when I accepted your uncle's invitation. I can't tell you how much it means to me to give it up, but you must see that I've got to. Yes, I see, she said gravely, and sat silently for some minutes, fingering the frill on her sleeve. Then she went on: Uncle Mat wants me to stay a month or six weeks with him, and I think I ought to, after. deserting him for so long. When I come back, my own little house will be ready for me, and it will be warm enough for me to move in there, so I think these last few days will be 'good-bye.' Your family has let me stay a year-the happiest year of all my life-and I know your mother loves me-almost...