 CHAPTER 13 A PIECE OF NEWS Collect the whole bunch of peppers, and send them into my writing-room, Marian. Old Mr. King, mounting the stairs, turned to see that his command was heard. You want Mother Pepper too, I presume? said Mrs. Whitney, pausing at the foot. Mother Pepper! No indeed! The last person in the world I wish to see! cried her father irritably. The bunch of pepper-children I want, and at once, see that they all report to me directly. With that, he redoubled his efforts, and was soon at the top of the long oaken steps. Polly and Ben, closely followed by Joel, David, and Franzi, soon rushed over the same ascending thoroughfare, and presented themselves, flushed and panting, at the writing-room door. Come in, called Mr. King from within. Here we are, sir, said Ben, spokesman by virtue of being the eldest. Yes, yes, said Mr. King nervously, and turning away from some papers he was fumbling to occupy the waiting moments. Well, do sit down, all of you. I sent for you to have a talk about something that you—that you—well, do sit down. So all the peppers deposited themselves in various resting places, all but Joel. He immediately marched up to the old gentleman's chair. If it's good news, he said abruptly, please let us have it right this minute, but if it's bad, why? A gathering alarm stole over his chubby countenance, as he scanned the face before him. I'm going outdoors. It's good or bad news, according as you take it, said the old gentleman. It ought to be good, but there—pushing back his chair to look at the row of anxious figures on the other side of the table. Do sit down with the rest, Joe, and stop staring me out of countenance. Polly, at that, pushed a chair over to Joel, who, persuading himself into it, sat uncomfortably perched on its edge, where he stared harder than ever. Well, children, now you are all remarkably sensible boys and girls. Remarkably sensible. I've always said so, and I see no reason to change my opinion of you now, and so, although at first my news may not be quite to your liking, why, you'll quickly make it so, and be very happy about it in the end. Well, did you ever think about that, that your mother might possibly marry again? The last words were brought out so abruptly that to the five pairs of ears strained to catch their import, it seemed as if the news had shot by harmlessly. But after a breathing space the dreadful Mary and your mother came back to them, bringing the several owners of the ears out of their chairs at one bound. Our mother, Ben Horsley exclaimed. Oh, how can you? cried Polly passionately, a little white line showing around her mouth. Say such perfectly dreadful things, sir. Franzi clasped her hands in silent terror, and raised big eyes to his face. David began to walk helplessly down the apartment. See here, said Joel, turning to the others. Wait a minute, and hold on. Perhaps it's you, sir. Whirling back to question with piercing eyes the old gentleman. Who's going to marry our mother? Then it's all right. Me, roared the old gentleman. Oh, bless my soul! What should I want to marry for at my time of life? Oh, my goodness me! His distress was now so frightful to see that it brought the peppers in a measure out of theirs, and they began at once to endeavor to soothe him. Don't! Oh, don't! they cried, and a common trouble overwhelming them. They rushed around the table, seized his hands, and patted his shoulders and hair. Oh, this is very dreadful, gasped Polly. But don't you feel badly, dear, dear grand-papa? I should think it was, said Mr. King. Franzi here, child, get into my lap. I'll come to myself then. There now, that's something like. As Franzi, with a low cry, hopped into her usual nest. Now perhaps I can communicate the rest of my news when I get my breath. The peppers held theirs, and he began once more. Now, children, it isn't in the course of nature for such a fine, bright woman as your mother to remain single the rest of her life. Somebody would be sure to come and carry her off. I'm glad it's to be in my lifetime, for now I can be easy in my mind, and feel that you have a protector when I am gone. There there, we won't talk about that. As the young faces turned dark with sudden pain, while Joe rushed convulsively to the window. You can see how I feel about it. Are you glad? cried Ben Horsley. Polly, for her life, could not speak. The whole world seemed turning round and sinking beneath her feet. Yes, I am, said the old gentleman, and it won't alter the existing state of things, for he will live here with us, and things will be just the same, if only you children will take it rightly. But I've no doubt you will in the end. No doubt at all, he added, brightening up. For you are very sensible young people. I've always said so. Who is he? the dreadful question trembled on all the lips, but no one asked it. Seeing this, Mr. King broke out. Well, now of course you want to know who is going to marry your mother, that is, if you are willing, for she won't have him unless you are happy about it. Would you like Dr. Fisher for a father? Joe broke away from the window with a howl, while Polly tumultuously threw herself within the kind arms encircling fronze. Next to you, cried the boy, why he's a brick, Dr. Fisher is. Why didn't you tell us before that it was he, sobbed Polly, with joyful tears running over her face? Davy, coming out of his gloomy walk, turned a happy face towards the old man's chair, while Ben said something to himself that sounded like, thank God! Fronze alone remained unmoved. What is Dr. Fisher going to do, she asked presently, amid the chatter that now broke forth. He's going to live here, said old Mr. King, looking down at her, and smoothing her yellow hair. Won't that be nice, Fronze? Yes, said Fronze, it will, and he'll bring his funny old gig, won't he, and I'll drive sometimes, I suppose, she added with great satisfaction. Yes, you will, said the old gentleman, winking furiously to keep back the excited flow of information that now threatened the child. Well, Fronze, you love Dr. Fisher, don't you? Yes, I do, said the child, folding her hands in her lap. Love him very much indeed. Well, he's going to be your father, communicated Mr. King cautiously, watching her face at each syllable. Oh, no! cried Fronze. He couldn't be, he's Dr. Fisher. She laughed softly at the idea, why, grand-papa, he couldn't be my father. Listen, Fronze, and Mr. King took both her hands in his, and I'll tell you about it so that you will understand. Mr. Fisher loves your mother. He has loved her for many years. All those years when she was struggling on in the little brown house, but he couldn't tell her so, because he had others depending on him for support. They don't need him now, and as soon as he is free he comes and tells your mother and me, like a noble good man as he is, all about it. He's a gentleman, children, he declared, turning to the others, and you will be glad to call him father. I don't know what you mean, said Fronze, with puzzled eyes. Dear grand-papa, please tell me. Why, he is going to marry your mother, child, and we are all to live here together just the same, and everything is going to be just as happy as possible. Fronze gave a sharp and sudden cry of distress, but Mamze, my Mamze will be gone, and then she hit her face in the old gentleman's breast. Oh, dear, dear, get a glass of water, Polly! cried Mr. King, one of you run and open the window. Fronze, Fronze, their child, look up and let me tell you. But Fronze burrowed yet deeper in the protecting nest, regardless of his spotless linen. Polly speak to her, he cried in despair. Where is she gone for the water? Oh, dear, here, Ben, you try, dear, dear, what a blunderer I am. Fronze, said Ben, leaning over the shaking figure, you are making Grand-Papa sick. Up came Fronze's yellow head. Oh, Grand-Papa, she welled, putting out an unsteady little hand. I didn't mean to, dear Grand-Papa, only Mamze will be gone now. Bless your heart, you'll have Mamze more than ever, cried Mr. King heartily. Here, you children, tell her. Polly, we don't want the water now, she's come too, as Polly came rushing in with a glassful. Make her understand, I can't. So Polly, setting down her glass, the others crowding around, took up the task of making the piece of news as delightful as possible, and presently Fronze came out of her despair to ask questions. Are you really and truly very glad, Polly, she asked? Really and truly, I am so glad I don't know what to do, said Polly, kneeling down by the chair-side. Don't you see we are so much the richer, Fronze? We have lost nothing, and we gained Dr. Fisher. Where's blended, Dr. Fisher? You've always wanted to repay Dr. Fisher for his kindness, said Mr. King, and now's your chance, Polly. I guess he'll get his payback for his stove, cried Joel, in a burst. Polly will wait on him and kill herself doing things for him. And for your new eyes, sank Fronze in a pleased way. Oh, Polly! She jumped out of the old gentleman's lap and began to dance around the room, softly clapping her hands and exclaiming, Oh, Polly! Well, now, children, said Mr. King, as the excitement ran low, you just run and tell your mother, every one of you, how happy she will make you by bringing Dr. Fisher here as your father. Scamper now! No need to urge them. On the wings of the wind ran the five peppers up into Mamsey's own room. Mrs. Pepper, for once turning aside from the claim of her pressing duties, was standing by the work-table. Here stood the mending-basket before her, piled to the brim with the weakly installment of stockings big and little, clamoring for attention. But the usually busy needle lay idle, and the busier hands were folded as the mother-heart went over the words she knew were being rehearsed downstairs by the kind friend who had made a home for them. He was pleading her cause with her children. They shall be happy, anyway, she said softly to herself, bless their hearts, as they burst in. Mother, said Ben, how the boys' cheeks glowed, and what a world of joy rang in the usually quiet tones. We want to thank you for giving us Dr. Fisher for a father. Mamsey! Polly hid her happy face on the dear neck. I've always loved him, you know. Oh, I am so glad!" Joel whooped out something incoherent, but his face told the words, while Davy clasped one of the firm, closely folded hands. "'If you'll take me in your lap as much as ever,' said Fronsey deliberately, and patting the other hand, why I shall be really and truly glad, Mamsey.' "'Bless your dear heart,' cried Mother Pepper, clasping her tightly, "'and you children, all of you!' and she drew them all within her arms. Now I want you to understand once and for all that it isn't to be unless you all wish it. You are sure Mr. King hasn't persuaded you to like it?' "'Look at us,' cried Ben, throwing back his head to see her eyes. "'Do we act as if we have been talked over?' "'At that, Polly burst into a merry laugh, and the others joining, Mother Pepper laughing as heartily as the rest. The big room became the jolliest place imaginable. "'No, I don't really think you do,' said Mrs. Pepper, wiping her eyes. "'Dear me,' cried Jasper, putting his head in the doorway. "'What good fun is going on! I'm not going to be left out!' "'Come in, Jasper,' they all called. "'And weave a piece of news that will make your hair stand on end,' said Joe Gailey. "'Joe, don't announce it so,' cried Polly and dismay, "'who dearly enjoyed being elegant. Ben must tell it. He is the oldest.' "'No, no, let Polly,' protested Ben. "'Polly shall,' said Jasper, hurrying in to stand the picture of patience before the group. "'Hurry, do, for I must say my curiosity is hard to keep within bounds.' So Polly was gently pushed into the center of the circle. "'Go on,' said Joe, and hurry up, or I shall tell myself.' Jasper said Polly, her breath coming fast. "'Oh, you can't think. We are so glad,' but she got no further for fronzey, rushing out of Mother Pepper's arms, piped out suddenly. "'Dr. Fisher is coming here to live always and forever, and I'm going to ride in his gig, and Mamsey likes him, and I'm going to call him father. Now, Jasper, I told you.' "'I should think you did,' exclaimed Ben. "'Who!' cried Jasper. "'That is a piece of news, all in one breath. "'Well, Mrs. Pepper, I'm glad of it, too. I congratulate you.' With that he marched up to her, fronzey hanging to his arm, and shook her hand heartily, and in two days everybody in the king's set knew that the mother of the five little peppers was going to be married. "'I should think you'd want to be conjoaled with Ben,' said Pickering Dodge, clapping him on the shoulder, as he rushed down the aisle of the store occupied by Cabot and Van Meter. "'Halloo!' cried Ben. "'Can't stop!' rushing passed. "'I suppose not,' said Pickering carelessly, and striding after, so I'll whisper my gentle congratulations in your ear on the wing. "'But I'm awfully sorry for you, Ben,' he added, as he came up to him. "'You'd needn't be,' said Ben brightly. "'We are all as glad as can be.' "'Sweet innocent, you don't know a stepfather,' said Pickering, leguberously. "'I know Dr. Fisher,' said Ben, that's enough. "'Well, when you want comfort, come to me,' said Pickering, or your uncle. "'Don't you fill Ben's ears with your foolishness,' said the senior partner, coming out of the counting-room. "'Take yourself off, Pickering. You're hindering Ben.' Pickering laughed. "'I'm caught in the very act. Now, Ben, remember I'm your friend when you get into trouble with your dear pa. "'Goodbye, uncle,' with a bright nod, and a lazy shake of his long figure. "'Trade always demoralizes me. I'll get back to my books.' And he vanished as quickly as he came. "'Back to your books,' said his uncle grimly. "'I wish you would. See here, Ben,' he put a controlling hand on the boy's shoulder, one word with you, marching him into the private office of the firm. "'Don't you follow Pickering too closely, my boy,' he said abruptly. "'He's a good lad in the main. "'But if he is my nephew, I must give you warning. He's losing ground.' Ben lifted his head and said an alarm. "'Oh, I hope not, sir,' he said. "'It's a fact.' Master Nelson says he could be first scholar in the grammar, but for the last six months he's failed steadily. There's no particular reason. Only ambition's gone. And when you say that, you mean there's a general collapse of all my hopes concerning him.' "'Oh, no, sir,' Ben kept on protesting, his ready cheek losing its color. He'll take hold by and by and give a pull at his books again. "'It isn't a pull now and then that gets a man up a hill,' observed Mr. Cabot, leaning back in his revolving chair to look into the blue eyes. "'That you know as well as I. Now, Ben, I'm not going to see you throw away your prospects too. Don't let him influence you in the wrong way. He's bright and attractive, but don't pay attention to his ridicule of good things. I have a mother,' said Ben, proudly, and I don't believe any boy could say much to me that I'd think of twice if she didn't like it.' "'You always tell her everything, do you, Ben?' said Mr. Cabot with a curious glance. "'I should think so, sir,' said Ben, with a short laugh. "'You'll do, then,' said Mr. Cabot, bringing his palm down on a pile of unread letters awaiting him. "'Go ahead. I don't promise anything, but I will say this. If you work on as you've done these two years since you've come in here as an errand boy, Ben, I'll make you a power in the house. Understand I don't expect you to do brilliant things. That isn't in your line. You will be a success, only as a steady, faithful worker. But keep at it, and hang on to Cabot and Bandmeater, and we'll hang on to you.' CHAPTER XIV. OF FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS MIDWAY. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. CHAPTER XIV. Polly, said Dr. Fisher, coming suddenly out of a corner of the library as she ran around the poor T.A. folds. Are you sure you are willing? Are willing it should go on? The little man peered at her anxiously through his big glasses, and he looked so exactly as he did on that morning, so long ago, when Polly's eyes were at their worst, that she could do nothing but gaze speechlessly into his face. I see you don't consider it quite best, child, said the little doctor, brokenly, but you are trying with your good heart to make it so. Don't be afraid. It is not too late to end it all. I was thinking, cried Polly with a gasp. How good you were to me when you saved my eyes, and how you kept Joel from dying of the measles. Oh, I couldn't speak, but I love you so. She threw her young arms around him. Papa Fisher, for you are almost my father now. I am the very, very happiest girl because you are going to live here, and now I can show you just how much I really and truly love you. The little man beamed at her. Then he took off his spectacles, wiped them, and clapped them into place again. You see Polly, he said deliberately. It was impossible to see your mother and not love her. She has had—well, there, child, I cannot bear to talk about it. And he walked to the window, blew his nose violently, on an immense pocket handkerchief, leaving the words poised in mid-air. It was the greatest trial of my life that I couldn't show her then when she was struggling so bravely to keep the wolf from the door, how I felt, but my hands were tied, child. He added, coming back, his usual self again. Now I can make her, she says, happy, that is, if you children like it. Just think, Polly, she said happy, it's stupendous, but she said so, Polly, she really did. He folded his hands and looked at her in astonishment, behind which shown an intense gratification that lighted up his plain little face till he seemed to grow younger every instant. But she did, repeated Polly like a bird, and laughing merrily, oh, Papa Fisher, you ought to hear Mamzy sing, she doesn't know that I'm hearing her, that she sings at her work now. Does she, cried the doctor radiantly, well, Polly, we must see that she sings every day after this. Yes, let us, cried Polly, clasping his hand, we will. And, proceeded the doctor, after the wedding is over, I really dread the wedding, Polly, but after that is over I do believe we shall all be comfortable together. Polly gave a little cry of delight. Then she said, you needn't dread the wedding one bit, Papa Fisher, there will only be the people that we love, and who love us, Grand Papa promised that. But that will make it very big, said Dr. Fisher with round eyes, and a small shiver he could not suppress. Oh, no, said Polly cheerily, sixty-five friends, that's all we are going to ask, Mamzy and I made out the list last night. Sixty-five people? exclaimed Dr. Fisher in dismay. Oh, isn't it possible to be married without sixty-five friends to stare at you? Oh, that's not many, said Polly, sixty-five is the smallest number that we could manage. We've been over the list ever so many times, and struck out quantities of names. You see, everybody loves Mamzy, and they'll want to see her married. I know, I know, assented the doctor. But that makes one hundred and thirty eyes. Did you ever think of that, Polly? Polly burst into such a laugh that Jasper popped in, and after him Franzi, and a general hilarity now reigning, the dreaded wedding preparations soon sank away from the doctor's perturbed vision. But they went on merrily, nevertheless, all over the old stone mansion. There were hints of the oncoming festivities, and though all signs of it were tucked away from the little doctor on his occasional visits, the smothered excitement flamed afresh immediately, his departure became an assured thing. Everybody had the wildest plans for the occasion. It appearing impossible to do enough for the one who had stood at the helm for five long years, and who was to be reigning housekeeper for as much longer as her services were needed. And Dr. Fisher never knew how perilously near he had been to the verge of brilliant evening festivities, in the midst of which he was to be ushered into matrimony. Where Polly had suddenly waked one morning to find herself not famous, but alive with a sense of being, as her mother had so often expressed it, Mamsey's little right-hand woman. It would be much better to have everything plain, said Polly, communing with herself, as she turned on her pillow. Mamsey has always been without show of any kind, and so, but here Polly's heart stood still. Suddenly she loved the bright conspicuous accompaniments to the wedding, whereby Mr. King was determined to show his respect for the family under his care, and her soul secretly longed for the five hundred guests named on the list of the old gentlemen's drying up, and the feast and the lights and the pretty dresses, and the dancing party for the young people to follow, for Mr. King had announced himself as about to usher in the brightest of days for the young peppers to remember. Besides, it brings our new physician into notice. He would answer when any faint protest was made, and we shall all have reason to be immensely proud of him, I tell you. Oh, dear! cried Polly, burrowing deeper within the pillow folds. Why aren't pleasant things best to do? Why, I wonder? Cherry, twittering in the window, chirped something vague and unsatisfactory. Polly brought up her brown head suddenly and laughed. Nonsense! Our happiness doesn't depend upon a lot of people coming together to help it along. Mamsey's face whenever Grand-Papa plans all this magnificence, is enough to make me feel wretched at the thought of it. Dear Mamsey, she's afraid of ingratitude if she doesn't try to look like it. She shall have the little morning wedding with a few people around, and the gray silk gown instead of the lavender one. Grand-Papa wants her to wear, for Mamsey always knows just what is right. With that Polly sprang out of bed and rushed to her toilet, and after breakfast she quietly captured Mr. King on the edge of some other extravagant plan, and led him into the library. Everything is going on finally, Polly, he cried in elation, ring for Thomas, child. Stay! I'll do it myself. I shall go in an hour to give my orders for the wedding supper. Grand-Papa, cried Polly, turning quite pale, and laying a quick detaining hand on his arm. Oh! Do wait, dear Grand-Papa! I have something to say. Well, child, but he still retained his hand on the cord. Oh! Grand-Papa! How could she say it? But she must. Mamsey will be ever so much happier if the wedding might be a quiet one. She really would, Grand-Papa. No doubt Mrs. Pepper finds it a little hard to adjust her ideas to the large affair, said the old gentleman, considerably disturbed, and by no means relinquishing the bell-cord. But it is due to you children to have a bright time, and I must see that you all have it. That is my affair. And this time the cord was polled, and the bell rang a loud, insistent message. Polly stood still in despair. Grand-Papa, she said distinctly, finding it hard to proceed with his face before her. We children do not want the large party, that is, I do not. It was all out at last. Stuff and nonsense exclaimed Mr. King sharply, for his surprise was too great to allow of composure. Who has been putting this idea into your head? Your mother could not have done it, for she promised it should all be as you young people wanted. Mamzy never said a word, cried Polly, recovering herself, as she saw a chance to make things right for Mother Pepper. It all came to me, Grand-Papa, all alone by myself, oh, I hate the big display! She declared with said ambience, astonishing herself with the repulsion that now seized her. Hoity-toity! exclaimed Mr. King, it is not quite the thing, Polly. It is my child to express yourself so decidedly, considering your years. Grand-Papa, cried Polly, with a sudden rush of tears, forgive me, do, I did not mean to be so naughty, I did not, dear Grand-Papa. She looked like Fronzy now, and the old gentleman's heart melted. But I am quite sure that none of us children would be a bit happy not to have it as Mamzy would like it. Well, but I am not sure that the others wouldn't like it, said Mr. King persistently. Ben wouldn't, said Polly triumphantly, I know, for he all along shrank from the big party. Oh, well, Ben, I suppose, would object somewhat, conceded the old gentleman slowly. And Davy cried Polly eagerly, oh, Grand-Papa, Davy would much prefer the morning wedding and the plain things. But how about Jolin Fronzy interrupted Mr. King utterly ignoring Davy's claims to be heard. Ah, Polly, my dear, until you tell me that they will prefer to give up the fine party you mustn't expect me to pay any attention to what you say, it is due to Fronzy that your mother's wedding is a thing worthy to remember as a fine affair. Perhaps Jolin Fronzy will think as we do, said Polly, but her heart said no. All right, if they do, said Mr. King easily, but unless you come and tell me it is their own choice why I shall just go on with my plans as mapped out, he added obstinately. Thomas, as that functionary appeared in the doorway, take the letters to the post at once, you will find them on my writing-table. All right, sir. I'll give you till tomorrow to find out, said Mr. King. Now come and kiss me, Polly dear, you'll see it's all right after it's over, and be glad I had the sense to keep my mind about it. Polly put up her lips obediently, but it was a sad little kiss that was set upon his mouth, and it left him feeling like a criminal. Running out, she met her difficult task without a moment of preparation. Hello, Polly, whooped Joel, rushing around an angle in the hall. Grandpapa promised me that I might go out with him to give the supper orders and all that kind of nonsense. Polly's heart stood still. Joel, she began, seizing his jacket with trembling fingers, come up into my room a minute. What's up? cried Joel with curiosity. Some more mysteries? There's nothing but whisperings and secrets, and no end of jolly understandings ever since Mamsey commenced to marry Dr. Fisher. Go ahead, I'll come. And Fronzie, too, said Polly, seeing the yellow head emerge from the breakfast-room doorway. Come on, Fron, saying out Joel, up in Polly's room she wants you. And the three hurried off. Now Joel, said Polly, closing the door and facing him desperately, you are Mamsey's own boy. I should think so, said Joel, I'm not anybody's else. Is that all you brought me up here to say, thrusting his hands in his pockets and looking at her? And you can make her happy, or just as miserable as I can't say what, went on Polly incoherently. What in the world are you firing at, demanded the boy, visions of certain pranks at school, unpleasantly before him? Don't shoot over my head, Polly, but keep somewhere near your mark, he advised irritably. Fronzie surveyed the two with wide eyes and a not-holy pleased manner. Mamsey does not want a big wedding, declared Polly, going to the heart of the matter, but dear kind grand-papa thinks it will please us children, and so he wants to give her one. And so it will, cried Joel, please us children, woop-la! Give us your hand, Fronzie, this is the way we'll dance afterwards at the party. I don't want to dance, said Fronzie, standing quite still in the middle of the room. The morning sun shone across her yellow hair, but no light came into the large eyes. Polly wants something first. What is it, Joel? I'm sure I don't know, said Joel, poised on a careless foot, and executing a remarkable pah-soul. I don't believe she knows herself. Polly is often queer, you know, Fronzie, he added cheerfully. Tell me, Polly, do—whispered Fronzie, going over to her. Fronzie said Polly very slowly. Fronzie doesn't want a big party in the evening to see her married. But to have a cunning little company of friends come in the morning and ugg, cried Joel and disgust, coming down suddenly to both feet. It will please Mamzie best, went on Polly, with a cold shoulder to Joel, and I never should be happy in all this world to remember that I helped to make Mamzie unhappy on her wedding day. Fronzie shivered, and her voice held a miserable little thrill as she begged, oh, make her be married just as she wants to be, Polly, do. Now that's what I call mean, cried Joel in a loud vindictive tone, back of Polly. To work on Fronzie's feelings, you can't make me say I don't want Mamzie to have a wedding splurge, so there, Polly pepper. Polly preserved a dignified silence, and presented her shoulder again to his view. You can't make me say it, Polly pepper, shouted Joel shrilly. Oh, Fronzie exclaimed Polly in a rapture, throwing her arms around the child. Mamzie will be so pleased, you can't think. Let us go and tell her, come. See here, called Joel, edging up, why don't you talk to me? I haven't anything to say, Polly condescended to give him, without turning her head. Come, Fronzie, holding out her hand. Wait a minute! Well, what is it? Polly's hand now held Fronzie's, but she paused on the way to the door. I guess I can give up things as well as she can, if I know Mamzie wants me to," said Joel, with a deeply injured manner. Mamzie doesn't want any of us to give up anything unless we do it as if we were glad to," said Polly, for her life she couldn't conceal a little scornful note in her voice, and Joel winced miserably. I—I wish she wouldn't have the big party, he whined. I thought you wanted it, said Polly, turning to him. I—I don't. I'd rather Mamzie would be happy. Oh, dear, don't look at me so. I'm not looking at you so, said Polly. You acted just as if you had your heart set on the party. Well, it isn't. I'll—I'll—if you say party to me again," and he faced her vindictively. Joel Pepper, cried Polly, holding him with her brown eyes. Do you really mean that you are glad to give up that big evening party, and have the little teeny one in the morning? Yes, said Joel. As true as I live and breathe I do. Oh, oh, oh! cried Polly, and seizing his arm, she led off in a dance so much surpassing his efforts that Franzi screamed with delight to see them go, when they could dance no more Polly, flushed and panting ran out of the room, leaving the two to find out as best they might the cause of the strange demeanor. Grand Papa, rushing over the stairs, met him coming up to Mrs. Whitney's room. Joel says it's the little morning wedding, please, and Franzi, too. The old gentleman gave no sign of his defeat, beyond a huff, and so I'm beaten after all. And Dr. Fisher never knew all this. Mamsey's wedding day, at last it came, was any other ever so bright and beautiful. Franzi thought not, and thereupon she impeded the preparations by running up to kiss her mother every few moments, until such a time as Felicia carried her off to induct her into a white muslin gown. Polly, here, there, and everywhere, was in such a rapture that she seemed to float on wings, while the boys of the household, with the exception of Jasper, lost their heads early in the day and helplessly succumbed to all the demands upon them. Every flower had to be put in place by the young people. Old Turner, for once, stood one side, and Polly must put the white satin boxes filled with wedding-cake on the little table, where one of the waiters would hand them to departing guests. And Franzi must fasten Mamsey's pearl brooch, the gift of the five little peppers, in her lace collar the very last thing. And Jasper collected the rice, and set the basket, holding it safely away from Joel's eager fingers, till such a time as they could shower the bride's carriage. And all the boys were ushers, even little Dick, coming up grandly to offer his arm to the tallest guest, as it happened. And old Mr. King gave the bride away, and Dr. Fisher, at the last, forgot all the one hundred and thirty eyes, and his, I will, rang out like a man's who had secured what he has long wanted, and ever so many of the guests said what a good father he will make the children, and several attempted to tell the peppers so, as if we didn't know it before, said Joel indignantly. And Alexia and all the other girls of Polly's set were there, and Joel's little blue-and-white creature came, to his great satisfaction, with her aunt, who was quite intimate in the family, and Pickering Dodge was there, of course, and the Alice Dines, and the host of others. And Mother Pepper, in her silver-gray gown and bonnet, by the side of her husband, with Franzi clinging to one hand, heard nothing but heartfelt wishes for her happiness, and that of the five little peppers. And there was not so much as the shadow of a skeleton at the wedding breakfast, and cousin Mason Whitney took charge of the toasts, and everybody felt that just the right things had been said, and then there was a flutter of departure of the bridal party, and in the rattle of the wheels Franzi piped out bravely, as she threw the slipper after the departing coach. Mamzy has been taking care of us all these years, now we're going to be good, and let her be happy. Polly is learning to play beautifully, mused Franzi nursing one foot contemplatively, as she curled up on the floor, and Ben is to be a capital businessman, so Papa Fisher says, and Joel is going to buy up this whole town some time, and Davy knows ever so many books from beginning to end, but what can I do? Down went the little foot to the floor, and the yellow head drooped over the white apron. Nothing, mourned Franzi, just nothing at all, not even the weas-tiniest bed of anything do I know how to do, oh dear! Outside Jasper was calling to Prince. Franzi could hear the big dog rushing over the lawn in response, barking furiously as he went, but she did not move, and Mamzy will never be glad for me, unless I learn how to do things, too. If I don't hurry, I shall never be grown up. Tweet, tweet, chrr, charry in his cage over her head, chirped vigorously by way of consolation, but Franzi did not lift her head. Cherry, seeing all his efforts in vain, stopped his song and rolled one black eye down at her in astonishment, and soon became quite still. Presently the rustle of a stiff black satin gown became the cheap intruder upon the silence. It was so asserting that Franzi lifted her head to look into the face of Mrs. Chatterton, standing before her, playing with the rings on her long white hands, and regarding her as if she would soon require an explanation of such strange conduct. What are you doing, Franzi? At last demanded the lady. Thinking, said Franzi, and she laid her chin in her hand and slowly turned her gaze upon the thin, disagreeable face before her, but not, as if in the slightest degree given up to a study of its lines and expression. So I perceive, said Mrs. Chatterton harshly, well, what are you thinking of, pray-tell? Still Franzi looked beyond her, and it was not until the question had been repeated that an answer came. Of many things, said Franzi, but I do not think I ought to tell you. And why not, pray? cried the lady with a short and most unpleasant laugh. As I do not think you would understand them, said Franzi, and now she looked at the face she had before overlooked, with a deliberate scrutiny as if she would not need to repeat the attention. Indeed, exclaimed Mrs. Chatterton angrily, and, pray, how long since your thoughts have been so valuable! My thoughts are nice ones, said Franzi slowly, because they are about nice people. Ah! And they won't tell themselves, and I ought not to make them. They would fly away then, and I should never find them again when I wanted to think them. Your mother brought you up well, I must say, observed Mrs. Chatterton deliberately drawing up a chair and putting her long figure within it. To talk in this style to a lady as old as I am. Franzi allowed one foot to gently trace the pattern on the carpet. Before she answered, I know you are very old, she said at last, but I cannot tell my thoughts to you. Very old! cried Mrs. Chatterton, her chin in the air. Indeed! Well, I am not. I would have you know, Miss Franzi, and she played with the silk cord of her satin wrapper. I hate a child that has made a prig! She added explosively under her breath. Franzi made no reply, being already deep in her own calculations once more. Now Franzi, said Mrs. Chatterton, suddenly drawing herself out of her angry fit, and clearing her brow, I want you to give your attention to me a moment, for I have something I must say to you. That's why I came in here, to find you alone. Come, look at me, child! It isn't polite to be staring at the carpet all the time. Franzi, thus admonished, took her gaze from the floor to put stow it on the face above her. It's something that nobody is to know but just you and me began Mrs. Chatterton with a cautious glance at the door. Then she got out of her chair, and going across the room closed it carefully. There! That's better! Polly is always around. Now we are quite alone, coming back to her seat. You see, Franzi, she proceeded, not caring that the brown eyes were slowly adding to their astonishment an expression that agured ill for any plans she might be hoping to carry out toward propitiation. It is necessary to be careful not to be overheard, for what I am going to say to you must be kept quite secret. I must tell Mamzy, said Franzi distinctly. Indeed you will not, declared Mrs. Chatterton. She is the very one of all others who add not to know. You can help her, Franzi, if you only keep quiet. Franzi's eyes now became so very large that Mrs. Chatterton hastened to add, you know Polly is learning to be a music teacher when she grows up. Franzi made no reply, and a very creditable one she will be, from all accounts I can gather, contributed Mrs. Chatterton carelessly. Well, Ben is doing well in Cabot and band-meters, so he's no trouble to your mother. As for the two boys, I know nothing about them one way or the other. But you, as you are a girl, and the only one not provided for, why, I shall show a little kindness in your direction. It's wholly disinterested and a quixotic, I know, added Mrs. Chatterton with a sweeping gaze at the walls and ceilings, for me to give myself a thought about you or your future, and I shall never receive so much as a thank you for it. But I've passed all my life in thinking of others, Franzi. Here she brought down her attention to the absorbed little countenance, and I cannot change now, she finished pensively. A silence fell upon them, so great that Mrs. Chatterton broke it nervously. Goodness me, Franzi, you are not like a child, you are too uncanny for anything. Why don't you ask questions about my secret? Because I ought not to know it, said Franzi, finding her tongue. Haven't I told you that you will help your mother only by not telling her? Said Mrs. Chatterton, how would you like to learn how to take care of yourself when you are a big girl? A light slowly gathered in the brown eyes, becoming at last so joyous and assured that Mrs. Chatterton's face dropped its hard lines to lose itself in a gratified smile. Now you make me see some real hope that my scheme won't be wholly a wild piece of philanthropy, she exclaimed. Only look like that, Franzi, and I'll do anything for you. If I can do anything for Mamzy, cried Franzi, clasping her hands in rapture, oh, do tell me, dear Mrs. Chatterton, she pleaded. Oh, now I am dear Mrs. Chatterton, cried that lady with a hard, ill-favored smile. But she lowered her tone to a gentler one, and extending one jeweled hand, took the little folded ones in her clasp. I will be a good friend to you, and show you how you can learn to do something so that when you grow up you can take care of yourself, just as Pauli will. Just think, Franzi, just as Pauli will, cried Mrs. Chatterton artfully. How, how! demanded Franzi, scarcely breathing. Listen, Franzi, now you know I haven't any little girl. Franzi drew a long breath. Well, I have been looking for one for a long time. I want one who will be a daughter to me, who will grow up under my direction, and who will appreciate what I sacrificed in taking her. She must be nice-looking, for I couldn't stand an ill-favored child. I have found several who were much better looking than you, in fact, they were beauties. But I don't like the attitude of their families. The poor things actually thought they were doing me a favor by accepting my proposition for the children. As this statement required no remark on the part of the hearer, Franzi was silent, not removing her eyes for Mrs. Chatterton's face. Now, although you haven't as much to recommend you as many other children that I have fancied, I hope to make you serve my purpose. I am going to try you, at least. Every day, Franzi, you can come to my room. It's lucky that you don't go to school but do pretty much as you like in this house, so no questions will be asked. I go to Grandpa's room every day, said Franzi, in a distressed tone, to do my lessons. Of course, I know that, a very silly thing it is, too. There's no use in trying to break it up now, I suppose, or I'd put my hand to the attempt. But you can come to me after you've gone through the toadying, Mr. King. Who is toading, asked Franzi. Never mind, that doesn't have anything to do with the business in hand, replied Mrs. Chatterton impatiently. Now, if you come to me every day and give me as much time as you can, why, I'll show you what I want of you and teach you many things, then, after a while, Franzi, when you learn to appreciate it, I shall tell you what I am going to do, the adoption will be an easy matter, I fancy when the child is interested, she added, taking the precaution to mutter it. You must do everything as I tell you, Mrs. Chatterton leaned forward, and said with great deliberateness, else you will lose this chance to help your mother, and you will never have another like it, but will grow up to be a good-for-nothing little thing when Polly and all the rest are earning money for your mamsy, as you call her. I shall earn money, too, declared Franzi in a high note, in nodding her yellow head with great decision. Never, Mrs. Chatterton brought her foot encased in its black satin slipper down with force on the carpet. You will never earn a cent of money in all this world unless you do exactly as I say, for you are a child who hasn't it in her to learn anything, but you can help me, and I shall teach you many things and do well by you. When I grow up, big girl, will anybody want me to do those things that you are going to teach me, asked Franzi, drawing near to lay her hand on the stiff black gown, and speaking earnestly? Then if they will, I'll try to do them just exactly as you tell me. Of course they will, declared Mrs. Chatterton carefully, edging off from the little fingers. Ever so many people will want you, Franzi, and I shall give you a great deal of money. I shall give it all to mamsy, interrupted Franzi, her brown eyes dilating quickly. Every single twenty-five cents you give me, then I guess she will be glad, don't you?" She cried, clasping her hands in sudden rapture, while she began to dance up and down. I shall give you so many twenty-five cents, cried Mrs. Chatterton, beginning to fill her old heart beat with more enthusiasm than she had known for many a day, that you will be very rich, Franzi. Oh! Oh! cried Franzi, coming to an abrupt pause in the middle of the floor, her cheek paling in excitement. And then she could say no more. But you must do exactly as I tell you, Mrs. Chatterton leaned forward suddenly, and seized the little hands, now still in their delight. Remember, it is only when you follow my commands in every single thing that you will have any chance of earning all this money for your mother, and helping her just as Polly is going to do. Remember now, Franzi. I will remember, said Franzi slowly, as her hands were released. Very good. We will begin now, then. Mrs. Chatterton threw herself back in her chair, and drew a long breath. Lucky I found the child alone, and so tractable. It's a singularly good fortune, she muttered. Well, aloud with a light laugh, now, Franzi, if you are going to be your mother's helper, why this is your first duty, let us see how well you perform it, run upstairs to the closet out of the lumber-room, and open the little black box on the shelf in front of the door, the box isn't locked, and bring me the roll of black velvet ribbon you will find there. Franzi was about to ask, why does not Hortense go up for it? But Mrs. Chatterton forestalled the question by saying with a frown, Hortense has gone down to the dress-makers. No child who calls me to account for anything I ask of her can be helped by me. Do as you like, Franzi, no one will compel you to learn how to do things so that you can be a comfort to your mother. Only remember if you don't obey me you will lose your only chance. After this speech Mrs. Chatterton sat back and played with her rings, looking with oblique glances of cold consideration at the child. I'll go, said Franzi with a long sigh, and do everything you say. I do really believe I can bend one of those dreadful pepper children to my will, thought Mrs. Chatterton exultingly. She is my only hope. Polly does better than she did, but she is too old to be tractable, and she has a shrewd head on her practical body, and the others are just horrible, she gave a shiver. But Franzi will grow up to fit my purpose, I think. Three purposes, I may say, to get the peppers gradually out from under Horatio King's influence, and to train up a girl to wait on me so that I can get away from these French villains of maids, and to spite Alexander's daughter by finally adopting this Franzi if she suits me. But I must move carefully. The first thing is to get the child fastened to me by her own will. Franzi ascending the stairs to the lumber room, with careful deliberateness, found no hint of joy at the prospect before her, reaching into the dim distance to that enchanted time when she should be grown up. But there was a strangely new sense of responsibility born in an hour, and an acceptance of life's burdens that made her feel very old and wise. I shall be a comfort to my mother," she said confidently, and mounted on. CHAPTER XVI. OF FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS MIDWAY. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Brianna Simmons. Five Little Peppers Midway by Margaret Sidney. CHAPTER XVI. WHERE IS FRONSI? Franzi shut the door of the lumber room, and with a great sigh realized that she had with her own hand cut herself off from the gay life below stairs. But they are not so very far off, she said, and I shall soon be down again, as she made her way across the room and opened the closet door. A little mouse scurried along the shelf and dropped to the floor. Franzi peered into the darkness within, her small heart beating fearfully as she held the knob in her hand. There may be more, she said irresolutely. I suppose he wouldn't live up here all alone. Please go away, mousy, and let me get the box. For answer there was a scratching and nibbling down in the corner that held more terrors for the anxious ears than an invading army. I must go in, said Franzi, and bring out the box. Please good mouse go away for one moment, then you may come back and stay all day. But the shadowy corner only gave back the renewed efforts of the sharp little teeth, so at last Franzi, plucking up courage, the door swung to after her, giving out a little click, unnoticed in her trepidation as she picked her way carefully along, holding her red gown away from any chance nibbles. It was a low narrow closet, unlighted saved by a narrow lattice window in the ceiling for the most part filled with two lines of shelves running along the side and one end. Franzi caught her breath as she went in. The air was so confined, and stumbling over in the dim light put her hand on the box desired, a small black affair easily found as it was the only one there. I will take it out to the lumber room, then I can get the velvet roll, and gathering it up within her arms she speedily made her way back to the door. Why? Another pull at the knob, but with the same result, and Franzi setting the box on the floor still with thoughts only of the mouse put both hands to the task of opening the door. That sticks, I suppose, because no one comes up here only once in a great while. She said in a puzzled way, I ought to be able to pull it open, I'm sure, for I am so big and strong. She exerted all her strength till her face was like a rose. The door was fast. Franzi turned a despairing look upon the shadowy corner. Please don't bite me, she said, the large tears gathering in her brown eyes. I am locked in here in your house, but I didn't want to come, and I won't do anything to hurt you if you will let me sit and wait till somebody comes to let me out. Meanwhile, Mrs. Chatterton shook out her black satin gown complacently, and with a satisfied backward glance and the mirror, sailed off to her own apartments. Madame, exclaimed Hortense breathlessly, meeting her within the door, de moir este, will not send a gown you must, will not send it, repeated her mistress in a passion, a pretty message to deliver, go back and get it at once. She said, a drapery, did tournée all wrong, and she must try it on again, said the maid, glad to be defiant since the dressmaker supported her. What utter nonsense! Yet I suppose I must go, or the silly creature will have it ruined. Take off this gown, Hortense, and bring me my walking suit, then ring and say I'd like to have Thomas take me down there at once, and throwing off her bracelets, and the various buckles and pins that can find her laces. She rapidly disrobed, and was expeditiously inducted by Hortense into her walking apparel, and a parlor maid announcing that Thomas, with the coup, was standing at the door. She hurried downstairs with no thought for anything beyond a hasty last charge to her maid. Where's Franzi? cried Polly, rushing into Mother Fisher's room. Oh dear me, my hair won't stay straight, pushing the rebellious waves out of her eyes. It looks as if a brush wouldn't do it any harm, observed Mother Fisher critically. Oh dear dear, well I've brushed and brushed, but it does no good, said Polly, running over to the mirror. Some days Mamsey, no matter what I do, it flies always. Good work tells, generally, said her mother, pausing on her way to the closet for a closer inspection of her and her head. You haven't taken as much pains, Polly, lately with your hair, that is the trouble. While I'm always in such a hurry, mourned Polly, brushing furiously on the refractory locks, there will you stay down to a particularly rebellious wave. When at a time is the best way to take things, said Mrs. Fisher dryly, when you dress yourself Polly, I'd put my mind on that, if I were you. With that she disappeared within the closet. Oh dear, I suppose so, sighed Polly, left her own reflections and brushing away. Well that's the best I can make it look for now, for I can't do the braid over. Where is Franzi, I wonder, Mamsey? And she threw down the brush and ran to put her head in the closet. Where did she go? I told her she might run over to Helen Fargo's right after breakfast, said Mrs. Fisher, her head over a trunk from which she was taking summer dresses. Polly, I think you'll get one more season's wear out of this pink cambrick. Oh, I'm so glad, cried Polly, for I had such splendidly good times in it. With a fond glance at the pink folds and ruffles. Well, if Franzi is over at Helen's, there's no use in asking her to go downtown with us. Where are you going, asked Mrs. Fisher, extricating one of Franzi's white gowns from its winter imprisonment. Down to Candice's, said Polly, Jasper wants some more pins for his cabinet. No, I don't suppose Franzi would tear herself away from Helen for all the downtowns in the world. You would better let her stay where she is, advised Mother Fisher. She hasn't been over to Helen's for quite a while, so it's a pity to call her away, and she turned to her in packing again, while Polly ran off on the wings of the wind in a trimmer at having kept Jasper waiting so long. Candice was the widow of an old-colored servant of Mr. King's. She called herself a relict. And the pride in her little shop made her hold her turban head high in the air while a perennial smile enreathed her round face. The shop was on Temple Place, a narrow extension thrown out from one of the city's thoroughfares. She was known for a few specialties, such as big sugary donuts that appealed alike to old and young. They were always fresh and sweet, with just the proper amount of spice to make them toothsome. And she made holders of various descriptions, with the most elaborate patterns brought always in yellow worsted, with several other things that the ladies protested could never be found elsewhere. Jasper had been accustomed to run down to Candice's little shop since Pennefor days, when he had been taken there by his nurse, and set upon a high stool before the small counter, and plied with dainties by the delighted Candice. The first thing I can remember, he had often told Polly, is Candice taking out huge red and white peppermint drops from the big glass jar in the window, and telling me to hold out both hands. And after the Pennefor days were over, Candice was the boy's helper in all his sports, where a woman's needle could stitch him out of any difficulty. She it was who made the sails to his boats, the marvelous skate bags. She embroidered the most intricate of straps for his schoolbooks, and once she horrified him completely by working in red cotton large jays on two handkerchiefs. He stifled the horror when he saw her delight in presenting the gift, and afterwards was careful to remember to carry a handkerchief occasionally when on an errand to the shop. Laterally Candice was occupied in preparing pins for Jasper's cabinet out of the old needles that had lost their eyes. She cleverly put on red and black ceiling wax heads, turning them out as round as the skillful manipulation of deft fingers could make them. In this new employment the boy kept her well occupied, many half-dollars thereby finding their way into her till. I wish Franzi had come, said Polly, and she and Jasper sorted the pins in the little wooden tray Candice kept for the purpose. How many red ones you will have? Jasper, see, fifteen. Well, they're prettier than the others. If little Miss had come with you, said Candice, emerging from the folds of a chintz curtain that divided the shop from the bedroom, she'd seen my doll I made for her. Land but it's a beauty! O Candice! exclaimed Polly, dropping the big pin she held and allowing to roll off the counter to the floor. What a pity we didn't bring her! Do let us see the doll! She's a perfect beauty! repeated Candice in satisfaction, and I'd done made her all myself for the little miss. And she dodged behind the curtain again, this time bringing out a large rag doll with surprising black bead eyes, a generous crop of wool on its head, and a red worsted mouth. That's my own hair, said Candice, pointing to the doll's head with pride, so I know it's good, and ain't that move pretty? O Candice! exclaimed Polly, seizing the doll, and skillfully evading the question, what a lovely dress and an apron is dear! Ain't it? said Candice, her black face aglow with delight. O Miss, gimme that yellow satin' long ago when I belonged to her before the war, and that your apron was a piece of Ole Miss knot-cap she used to have sights of him and they was all ruffled like to kill and made it old tamber work. Polly had already heard many times the story of Madame Carol's night-caps, so she returned to the subject of the doll's beauty as a desirable change. Do you want us to take this one to Franzy, she asked. Jasper, won't she be delighted? Lange, no! cried Candice, recovering the doll in alarm. I'd never sleep a wink of night if I didn't put that year doll into that breasted child's arms. Then I'll tell Franzy to come over to-morrow, said Polly, shall I, Candice? Yes, said Candice, you tell her I got some from for her. Don't you tell her what and send her along? All right, said Jasper, just imagine Franzy's eyes when she sees that production. Candice, you've surpassed yourself. You go long!" exclaimed Candice in delight and bestowing a gentle pat of depreciation on his shoulder. Taint like what I could do, but la, well, you send a fleshed child along, and maybe she like it. Jasper will stop at Helen's now, said Polly, as the two hurried by the tall iron fence that, lined with its thick hedge, shut out the Fargo estate from vulgar eyes, and get Franzy, she'll be ready to come home now, it's nearly luncheon time. All right, said Jasper, so the two ran over the carriage-drive to a side door by which the King family always had entree. Is Franzy ready to come home, asked Polly of the maid, tell her to hurry and get her things on. We'll wait here. O Jasper, turning to him, why couldn't we have the club next week, Wednesday night? Miss Mary, said the maid, interrupting, what do you mean, I haven't seen Miss Franzy to-day? Polly whirled around on the step and looked at her. Oh, she's upstairs in the nursery, playing with Helen, I suppose. Please ask her to hurry, Hannah. No, she isn't, Miss Mary, said Hannah. I've been sweeping the nursery this morning, just got through. She pointed to her broom and dustpan that she had set in a convenient corner as proof of her statement. Well, she's with Helen somewhere, said Polly, a little impatiently. Yes, find Helen, and you have the two, broken Jasper, just have the goodness, Hannah, to produce Helen. Miss Helen isn't home, said Hannah, she went to Green Point yesterday with Mrs. Fargo to spend Sunday. Why? exclaimed Polly in bewilderment. Franzy said she told Franzy right after breakfast that she could come over here. She hasn't been here, said the maid positively. I know for certain, sure, Miss Mary. Has she, Jane, appealing to another maid coming down the hall? No, said Jane. She hasn't been here for ever so many days. Franzy played around outside, probably, said Jasper quickly. Anyway, she's home now, come on Polly, she'll run out to meet us. Oh, Jasper, do you suppose she will? cried Polly, unable to stifle an undefinable dread. She was running now, on frightened feet, Jasper having hard work to keep up with her, and the two dashed through the little gate on the hedge where Franzy was accustomed to let herself through, on the only walk she was ever allowed to take alone, and into the house where Polly cried to the first person she met. Where's Franzy? To be met with what she dreaded. Go over to Helen Fargo's. And now there was indeed alarm through the big house. Not knowing where to look, each fell in the other's way, quite as much concerned for Mr. King's well-being, for the old gentleman was reduced to such a state by the fright that the entire household had all they could do to keep him in bounds. Madame is not to come home to luncheon, announced Hortense to Mrs. Whitney in the midst of the excitement. She told me to tell you that Miss Taylor met her at the moist day, to take her home with her. Mrs. Whitney made no reply, but raised her eyes swollen with much crying to the maid's face. Hortense run as quickly as possible down to Dr. Fisher's office and tell him to come home. Thomas should be sent, said Hortense, with a toss of her head. It's not to work for me, besides I am Madame's maid. Do you go at once, commanded Mrs. Whitney, with a light in her blue eyes that the maid never remembered seeing. She was even guilty of stamping her pretty foot in the exigency, and Hortense slowly gathered herself up. I will go, Madame, with the air of conferring a great favour. Only I do not such tings again. CHAPTER XVII. I am glad that you agree with me, Mrs. Chatterton bestowed a complacent smile upon the company. But we don't in the least agree with you, said Madame Dice, her stiff bracade rustling impatiently in the effort to put her declaration before the others. Not in the least. Ah? Well, you must allow that I have good opportunities to judge. The pepper entanglement can be explained only by saying that my cousin's mental faculties are impaired. The rest of the family are afflicted in the same way, aren't they? Mrs. Hamilton diced nonchalantly. Huh! Yes! Mrs. Chatterton's still shapely shoulders allowed themselves a shrug intended to reveal volumes. What Jasper Horatio King believes the rest of the household accept as law and gospel, but it's no less infatuation. I'll not hear one word involving those dear peppers, cried Madame Dice. If I could, I'd have them in my house, and it's a most unrighteous piece of work, in my opinion, to endeavor to arouse prejudice against them. It goes quite to my heart to remember their struggles all those years. Mrs. Chatterton turned on her with venom. Was all the world arrayed against her to take up with those hateful interlopers in her cousin's home? She made another effort. I should have credited you with more penetration into motives than to allow yourself to be deceived by such a woman as Mrs. Pepper. Do give her the name that belongs to her. I believe she's Mrs. Dr. Fisher, isn't she? Drawed Livingston Bailey, a budding youth, with a mustache that occasioned him much thought, and a solitary eyeglass. Stuffed in nonsense. Yes, what an absurd thing that wedding was! Did anybody ever hear or see the like? Mrs. Chatterton lifted her long, joled hands into region, but as no one joined in the laugh, she dropped them slowly into her lap. I don't see any food for scorn in that episode, said the youth with the mustache. Possibly there will be another marriage there before many years. I'm sweet on Polly. Mrs. Chatterton's face held nothing but blank dismay. The rest shouted. You needn't laugh, you people, said the youth, setting his eyeglass straight. That girl is going to make a sensation, I tell you, when she comes out. I'm going to secure her early. Not a word, mind you, about Miss Polly's preferences, laughed Hamilton Dice aside to Miss Mary. It isn't possible that she could be anything but fascinated, of course, Mary laughed back. Of course not! The callow youth knows his power. Anybody else in favor of the peppers? Allowed and looking at the company. Could ask us if we like the peppers, cried two young ladies simultaneously. They are a special and particular pet, every one of them. The peppers win, said Hamilton Dice, looking full into Mrs. Chatterton's contemptuous face. I'm glad to record my humble self as their admirer. Now, well, paw! Mary could not refrain from interrupting as her father suddenly appeared in the doorway. I can't sit down, he said, as the company made way for him to join. I came home for some important papers. I suppose you have heard the trouble at the King's. I happened to drop in there. Well, Dice, laying his hand on that gentleman's chair, I scarcely expected to see you here to-day. Why aren't you at the club's bread? Cousin Horatio! I suppose he's had a paralytical tack, interrupted Mrs. Chatterton, with her most sagacious air. What's the trouble up there, queried Mr. Dice, ignoring the question thrusted him? It's the little beauty Franzi, said Mr. Taylor. Nothing's happened to that child, I hope, cried Madame Dice, pailing. Now, Mr. Taylor, you are not going to harrow our feelings by telling us anything has harmed that lovely creature, exclaimed the two young ladies excitedly. Franzi can't be found, said Mr. Taylor. Can't be found, echoed all the voices, except Mrs. Chatterton's. She ejaculated. Ridiculous! Hamilton Dice sprang to his feet and threw down his napkin. Excuse me, Miss Taylor, come, Bailey, now is the time to show our devotion to the family. Let us go and help them out of this. Young Bailey jumped lightly up and stroked his mustache like a man of affairs. All right, Dice, bonjour, ladies. How easily a scene has gotten up, said Mrs. Chatterton, over a naughty little runaway. I wish some of the poor people in this town could have a tithe of the attention that is wasted on these peppers, she added, virtuously. Madame Dice turned uneasily in her seat, and played with the almonds on her plate. I think we do best to reserve our judgments, she said, coolly. I don't believe Franzi has run away. Of course she has, asserted Mrs. Chatterton in that positive way that made everybody hate her to begin with. She was all right this morning when I left home. Where else is she if she hasn't run away, pray tell? Not being able to answer this, no one attempted it, and the mill ended in an uncomfortable silence. Driving home a half hour later, in a cab summoned for that purpose, Mrs. Chatterton threw off her things, angry not to find hortense at her post in the dressing room, where she had been told to finish a piece of sewing, and not caring to encounter any of the family in their present excitement. She determined to take herself off upstairs, where, I can kill two birds with one stone, get rid of everybody and find my box myself, because of course that child ran away before she got it. She mounted the stairs laboriously, counting herself lucky indeed in finding the upper part of the house quite deserted, and shutting the lumber room door when she was well within it, she proceeded to open the door of the closet. Hortense didn't tell me there was a spring-lock on this door, she exclaimed, with an impatient pull. Oh! Good heavens! She had nearly stumbled over Franzi Pepper's little body, lying just where it fell when hope was lost. I have had nothing to do with it, repeated Mrs. Chatterton to herself, following Mr. King and Jasper, as they bore Franzi downstairs, her yellow hair floating from the pallid little face. Goodness! I haven't had such a shock in years, my heart is going quite wildly. The child probably went up there for something else. I am not supposed to know anything about it. Is she dead? cried Dick, summoned with the rest of the household by Mrs. Chatterton's loud screams, and quite beside himself, he clambered up the stairs to get in everyone's way. Mrs. Chatterton, with an aimless thrust of her long-jeweled hands, pushed him one side, and Dick boiled over at that. What are you here for? he cried savagely. You don't love her? You would better get out of the way! And no one thought to reprove him. Polly was clinging to the post at the foot of the stairs. I shall die if Franzi is dead, she said. And she looked at Mother Fisher, waiting for her baby. Give her to me, said Franzi's mother, holding out imperative arms. You would better let us carry her. Well, put her in your bed. Only get the doctor. Mr. King was almost harsh, as he endeavored to pass her. But before the words were over his lips, the mother held her baby. Mamzy, cried Polly, creeping over to her like a hurt little thing. I don't believe but that she'll be all right. God won't let anything happen to our Franzi. He couldn't, Mamzy! Dr. Fisher met them at the door. Polly never forgot the long, slow terror that clutched at her heart as she scanned his face while he took the child out of the arms that now yielded up their burden. And everything turned dark before her. Was Franzi dead? But there was Mamzy, and Polly caught her breath, beat back the faintness and helped to lay Franzi on the big bed. Clearly I have had nothing to do with it, said Mrs. Chatterton to herself, stumbling into a room on the other end of the hall. But her face was gray, and she found herself picking nervously at the folds of lace at her throat. The child went up there, as all children will, to explore. I shall say nothing about it, nothing whatever. Oh, how is she, grasping blindly at Jasper's hand as he rushed by the door. Still unconscious. Stuff and, oh, well, muttering on, she'll probably come to. Children can bear a little confinement, and hour or two doesn't matter with them. Hortense, allowed, bring me my sal volatile, dear me, this is telling on my nerves. She crawled side of her face in the long mirror opposite and shivered to see how gasly it was. Where is the girl, Hortense, I say, come here this instant. A maid, summoned by her cries, put her head into the door. Hadn't you better go into your own room, Mrs. Chatterton? She said, in pity at the shaking figure and blanched face. No, she sharply repulsed her, bring Hortense, where is that girl, she demanded passionately. She's crying, said the maid, her own eyes filling with tears. I'll help you to your room. Crying, Mrs. Chatterton shrieked, she's paid to take care of me. What right has she to think of anything else? She says she was crossed to Franzi once, though I don't see how she could be, and, and now she's going to die, she and the maid burst into tears and threw her apron over her face. Die, she shan't! What utter nonsense everybody does talk in this house! Madame Chatterton seized her arm, the slender fingers tightening around the young muscles, and shook her fiercely. The maid, roused by her pain out of her tears, looked in a fright into the gray face above her. Let me go! she cried. Oh, madame! You hurt me. Give me air, said madame Chatterton, her fingers relaxing and making a great effort not to fall. Help me over to the window and open it, girl, leaning heavily on the slight figure she managed to get across the room. There, now! Drawing a heavy breath as she sank into a chair and thrust her ashen face out over the sill. Do you go and find out how the child is, and come back and tell me at once? But, damn, I'm afraid to leave you alone, said the girl looking at her. Afraid? I'm not so old, but that I can take care of myself, said Mrs. Chatterton with a short laugh. Go, and do as I tell you, stamping her foot. Still unconscious. Would no one ever come near her but this detestable maid with her still more detestable news? Mrs. Chatterton clutched the window casing her extremity, not filling the soft springy air as she gasped for breath. The maid, too frightened to leave her, crept into a corner where she watched and cried softly. There was a stir in the household that they might have heard betokening the arrival of two other doctors, but no word came, and darkness settled upon the room. Still the figure in the window-nitch held to its support, and still the maid cried at her post. As the gray of the twilight settled over the old stone mansion, Franzi moved on her pillow. Dear Maus, the circle of watchers around the bed moved closer. I'll go away when someone comes to open the door. Hush, Dr. Fisher, put his hand over the mother's lips. Don't please bite very hard. I won't come again to your house. Oh, where's Grandpa Pa? Old Mr. King put his head in his hands and sobbed aloud. The little white face moved uneasily. Grandpa Pa always comes when I want him, in piteous tones. Father, said Jasper, laying a hand on the bowed shoulders. You would better come out. We'll call you when she comes to herself. But Mr. King gave no sign of hearing. A half-hour ticked slowly away, and Franzi spoke again. It's growing dark, and I suppose they will never come. Dear Maus, the words died away, and she seemed to sleep. I shall not tell, Mrs. Chatterton was saying to herself in the other room. What could it do? Oh, this vile air is stifling! Will no one come to say she is better? And so the night wore on. As morning broke, Franzi opened her eyes and gave a weak little cry. Polly sprang from her knees at the foot of the bed and staggered toward the child. Don't! cried Jasper with a hand on her arm. Let her alone, said Dr. Fisher quickly. Oh, Polly! Franzi raised herself convulsively on the bed. You did come! You did! Winding her little arms around Polly's neck. Has the mouse gone? Yes, yes, said Polly, as convulsively. He's all gone, Franzi, and I have you fast, just see, and I'll never let you go again. Never! cried Franzi, straining to get up further into Polly's arms. No, dear, I'll hold you close just as long as you need me. And he won't come again. He can't, Franzi, because, you see, I have you now. And the door will open, and I'll have Mamsey and dear grand-papa. Yes, yes, my precious one, began Mr. King getting out of the large arm-chair into which they had persuaded him. Don't do it, stay where you are, said Dr. Fisher, stopping him halfway across the room. But Franzi wants me, she said so, exclaimed old Mr. King hoarsely, and trying to push his way past the doctor. Why, man, don't stop me! Dr. Fisher planted his small body firmly in front of the old gentleman. You must obey me. Obey? When had Mr. King heard that word addressed to himself? He drew long breath, looked full into the spectacled eyes, and said, All right, Dr. Fisher, I suppose you know best, and went back to his arm-chair. I'm so tired, Polly, Franzi was saying, and the arms Polly could feel were dropping slowly from her neck. Are you pet? Well, now, I'll tell you what we'll do. Let us both go to sleep, there, Franzi. Now you put your arms down, so Polly gave them a swift little tuck under the bed-clothes, and I'll get up beside you, so, and she crept into the bed, and we'll both go right to knit-knit-naught-land, don't you know? You're sure you won't let me go? I'm so tired, Franzi, cuddling close and feeling for Polly's neck again. Oh, just as sure as I can be, declared Polly cheerfully, while the tears rained down her cheeks in the darkness. I feel something wet, said Franzi, drawing back one hand. What is it, Polly? Oh, that! Said Polly with a start. Oh, well, it's well. I'm crying, Franzi, but I'm so glad. Oh, you don't know how glad I am, sweet! And she leaned over and kissed her. If you're glad, said Franzi, weakly, I don't care, but please don't cry if you're not glad, Polly. Well, now we're fixed, said Polly, as gaily as she could. Give me your hand, pet, there, now, good night. Good night, said Franzi. Polly could fill her tucking the other hand under her cheek on the pillow. And then, blessed sound, the long quiet breathing that told of rest. Oh, better is she! Mrs. Chatterton looked up quickly to see Mrs. Whitney's pale face. Well, I suppose she would be. I thought I'd sit here and wait, you know, since you were all so frightened. But I knew it wouldn't amount to much. Now, girl, nodding over to the maid still in the corner, you may get me to bed, and she stretched her stiff limbs and held out her hand imperatively. It was very fortunate that I did not tell, she said, when the slow passage to her own apartments had been achieved. Now, if the child will only keep still, all will be well. CHAPTER 18 of Five Little Peppers Midway This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Brianna Simmons. Five Little Peppers Midway by Margaret Sidney. CHAPTER 18 The Girls Have Polly Again Franzi shall have a baked apple this morning, said Mother Fisher, coming into the sunny room where Franzi lay propped up against the pillows. Did Papa Doctor say so, asked Franzi, a smile of supreme content spreading over her wane little face. Yes, he did, said her mother, as nice an apple, red and shiny as we could find, is downstairs baking for you, Franzi, when it's done Sarah is to bring it up. That will be very nice, breathed Franzi slowly. And I want my little tea set, just the two cups and saucers, and my own little pot and sugar bowl. Do let me, Mamzie, and you shall have a cup of milk with me, she cried, a little pink color stealing into either cheek. Yes, yes, child, said Mother Fisher. There, you mustn't try to lean forward, I'll bring the little table, Grand Papa bought. So she hurried over, crossed the room, and wheeled it into place. Now isn't that fine, Franzi? As the long wing swung over the bed. Would you ever see such a tea-party as you and I'll have? Breakfast party, Mamzie, hummed Franzi, isn't that just lovely? Wriggling her toes under the bed-clothes, do you think Sarah will ever bring that apple? Yes, indeed, why, here she is now, announced Mrs. Fisher cheerily. Come in, Sarah, as a rap sounded on the door. Our little girl is all ready for that good apple, my, what a fine one! Miss Honey's heart ejaculated Sarah, her black face shining with delight. Ain't ye a beauty, though? Setting down on the table-wing, a pink plate, in the midst of which reposed an apple, whose crackling skin disclosed a toothsome interior. I'll bring pink sass or so's to match his insides, but ain't ye rich, though? Sarah, said Franzi, with hungry eyes on the apple, I think he is very nice indeed, and I do thank you for bringing him. Bless her precious heart, cried Sarah, her hands on her ample hips, and her mouth extended in the broadest of smiles. Do get me a spoon, Mamzie, begged Franzi, unable to take her gaze from the apple. I'm so glad he has a stem on, Sarah, carefully picking at it. Well there, said Sarah, I had the greatest work to save that stem, but, law, I wouldn't abrong it without a stem, I knowed you'd want it, to hold it up by when you eat most off. Yes, I do, said Franzi, in great satisfaction, fondling the stem. And here's your spoon, said her mother bringing it. Now, child, enjoy it to your heart's content. Franzi set the spoon within the cracked skin, and drew out half full. Oh, Mamzie, she cried, as her teeth closed over it. You just taste! It's so good! He he he, laughed Sarah, I guess, too, such works as I had to bake that apple just right, but he's a beauty, ain't he, though? Franzi did not reply, being just at that moment engaged in conveying a morsel as much like her own as possible, to her mother's mouth. Seems to me I never tasted such an apple, said Mother Fisher, slowly swallowing the bit. Did you now? cried Sarah. Downstairs Polly was dancing around the music room, with three or four girls who had dropped in on their way from school. Give me a waltz now, Polly, begged Felina. Dear me, I haven't had a slight of you hardly for so long, I am positively starved for you. I don't care for you other girls now, she cried, as the two went whirling down the long room together. Thank you, Miss Felina, cried the others, seizing their partners and whirling off, too. I feel as if I could dance for ever, cried Polly, when Amy Garrett turned away from the piano and declared she would play no more, and she still pirouetted, on one foot, to come up red as a rose to the groove. Look at Polly's cheeks, cried Amy. You've been a white little minx so long, said Alexia, putting a fond arm around Polly. I went home and cried every day after I would still around the back to see how fronzy was. Won't fronzy be downstairs soon? asked Amy. I don't know, said Polly. Papa Doctor is going to be dreadfully careful of her, that she doesn't get up too soon. Say Polly, cried another girl. Don't you have to take a lot of pills and stuff now that Dr. Fisher is your father? Polly threw back her head and laughed merrily. It sounded so strangely to her to hear the sound echoing through the room so long silent that she stopped suddenly. Oh, girls, I can't hardly believe, even yet, that fronzy is almost well, she cried. Well, you'd better, advised Alexia philosophically, because she is, you know. Do laugh again, Polly, it's good to hear you. I can't help it, said Polly. Kathy asked such a funny question. Kathy's generally a goose, said Alexia Coley. Thank you, said Kathy, a tall girl with such light hair and a sallow face that she looked ten years older than her fourteen summers. I sometimes know quite as much as a few other people of my acquaintance, she said pointedly. I didn't say but that you didn't, said Alexia, composedly. I said that you were generally a goose, and so you are, why everybody knows that, Kathy. Come, come, girls, don't fight, said Polly, how can you when fronzy is getting better, Alexia didn't mean anything, Kathy. Yes, she did, declared Kathy with a pout. She's always meaning something. She's the hatefulest thing I ever saw. Nonsense, said Polly, with a gay little laugh. She says perfectly dreadful things to me, and so I do to her. But we don't either of us mind them. Well, those are in fun, said Kathy. That's a very different matter. So you must make these in fun, said Polly. I would if I were you. But she drew away from Alexia's arm. Polly, don't be an idiot and fight with me, whispered Alexia in her ear. Go away, said Polly, shaking her off. Polly, Polly, I'll say anything if you won't look like that. See here, Kathy, let's make up. And she ran over, seized the tall girl by the waist, and spun her around till she begged to stop. Is that your way of making up, cried Kathy, when she had the breath to speak? Yes. It is as good as any other way. It spins the nonsense out of you. There, with the last pat on the thin shoulder, she left her and ran back to Polly. It's all done, she cried. I'm at peace with the whole world. Now don't look like an ogre any longer. Franzi's actually hungry now all the time, confided Polly in a glow, and we can't get enough to satisfy her. Good, good, cried the girls. I'm going to send her some of my orange jelly, declared Alexia. I'll make it just as soon as I go home. Do you think she will like it, Polly? She asked anxiously. Yes, I do believe she will, said Polly, because she loves oranges so. Well, I shan't make any orange jelly, cried Kathy, her nose in the air. Fah! It's insipid enough. But tisnt when it's made the way Alexa makes it, said Polly, viewing an alarm the widening of the breach between the two. I've eaten some of hers, and it's too splendid for anything. I don't know anything about hers, but all orange jelly I've tasted is just horrid. I hate it. I'm going to make almond macaroons. They're lovely, Polly. Oh, don't, Kathy, begged Polly in distress. Why not, pray tell? Whirling on one set of toes. You needn't be afraid, they won't be good. I've made them thousands of times. But she couldn't eat them, said Polly. Just think, almond macaroons. I pop a doctor-wood. Now I know the doctor makes you take perfectly terrible things, and won't let you eat anything, and macaroons are the only thing I can make, it's a shame. And down-set Kathy in despair on an ottoman. What's the matter? Dr. Fisher put his head in at the doorway, his spectacled eyes, sending a swift glance of inquiry around. Oh, dear me, exclaimed Kathy in a fright, jumping up and clutching the arm of the girl next to her. Don't let Polly tell him what I said, don't. Polly won't tell, said the girl with a superb air. Don't you know any better, Kathy Harrison, you goose-yoo. To be called a goose by two persons in the course of an hour was too much for Kathy's endurance, and flinging off the girl's arm she cried out passionately, I won't stay, I am going home, and rushed out the door. Dr. Fisher turned from a deliberate look at the girl's white cheeks as she ran past, to the flushed ones before him. I am very sorry that anything unpleasant has happened. I dropped in to tell you of a little surprise, but I see it's no time now. Oh, pop a doctor, cried Polly, flying up to him from the centre of the group. It was nothing, only—a girl's quarrel is not a slight thing, Polly, said little Dr. Fisher, gravely. And one of your friends has gone away very unhappy. Oh, I know it, said Polly, and I'm so sorry. We can't any of us help it, said Alexia quickly. Kathy Harrison has the temper of a gorilla, so there, Dr. Fisher. Dr. Fisher set his spectacles straight and looked at Alexia, but he did not even smile as she hoped he would do. I can't help it, she said, tracing the pattern of the carpet with the toe of her boot. She makes us all so uncomfortable—oh, you can't think! And I wish she'd stay home for ever! Still no answer from the doctor. He didn't act as if he'd heard, but bowing gravely he went through his head and shut the door. Oh, dear, dear, cried Alexia, when they had all looked at each other a breathing space. Why didn't he speak? I'd much rather he'd scold like everything than to look like that. Polly, why don't you say something? Because there isn't anything to say. Polly got no further and turned away suspiciously near to tears. Was this the first meeting with the girls to which she had looked forward so long? To think of that Kathy Harrison making such a breeze, cried Alexia, angrily, a girl who's just come among us, as it were, and we only let her in our set because Miss Salisbury asked us to make things pleasant for her, if it had been anyone else who raised such a fuss. Meantime Dr. Fisher strode out to the west porch, intending to walk down to his office, and buttoning up his coat as he went along. As he turned the angle in the drive, he came suddenly upon a girl who had thrown herself down in a rustic seat under a tree, and whose shoulders were shaking so violently that he knew she was sobbing, though he heard no sound. Don't cry, said the little doctor. And what's the matter, all in the same breath, and sitting down beside her? Kathy looked up with a gasp, and then crushed her handkerchief over her eyes. Those girls in there are perfectly horrid. Softly, softly, said Dr. Fisher, I can't help it. No matter what I say they call me names, and I'm tired of it. Oh dear, dear! Now see here, said the doctor, getting up on his feet and drawing a long breath. I'm on my way to my office. Suppose you walk along with me a bit, and tell me all about it. Kathy opened her mouth, intending to say, oh, I can't! Instead she found herself silent, and not knowing how, she was presently pacing down the drive by the doctor's side. Polly Pepper exclaimed Alexia, as a turn in the drive brought the two figures in view of the music room windows. Did you ever see such a sight in your life? Kathy is walking off with Dr. Fisher. There isn't anything her tongue won't say. Did you tell Polly? cried Jasper, a half hour later putting his head into Dr. Fisher's office. Oh, beg pardon, I didn't know you were busy, sir. Come in, said the doctor, folding up some powders methodically. No, I didn't tell Polly. Oh! said Jasper in a disappointed tone. I hadn't a fair chance. But she ought to know it just as soon as it's talked up, said Jasper, fidgeting at a case of little vials on the table. Oh! Beg pardon again. I'm afraid I've smashed that chap. As one rolled off to the floor, I'm no end sorry, picking up the bits ruefully. I have several like it, said the doctor kindly, and settling another powder in its little paper. There were a lot of girls with Polly when I looked in upon her on my way out, but we'll catch a chance to tell her soon, my boy. Oh! I suppose so. A lot of giggling creatures. How Polly can stand their chatter, I don't see, said Jasper impatiently. They've been shut off from Polly for some time, you know, said Dr. Fisher quietly. We must remember that. Polly doesn't like some of them a bit better than I do, said Jasper explosively. Only she puts up with their nonsense. It's rather a difficult matter to pick and choose girls who are in the same classes, said the doctor, and Polly sees that. Don't I know it, exclaimed Jasper, in an astonished tone. Dear me, Dr. Fisher, I've watched Polly for years now, and she's always done so. He stopped whirling the articles on the office table, and bestowed a half-offended look on the little physician. Softly, softly, Jasper, said Dr. Fisher, composably. Of course you've used your eyes. Now don't spoil things by saying anything, but let Polly go get her own gate, I beg of you. Then he turned to his powders once more. She will, anyway, declared Jasper, whatever she makes up her mind to do, Polly does that very thing. Not a bad characteristic, laughed the doctor. I should say not. Now, when I come up home for dinner, you and I will find Polly and tell her the good news. If she's with a lot of those silly girls, I'll tear her off this time. Dr. Fisher glared so fiercely as he declared this determination that Jasper laughed outright. I thought no one was to disturb Polly's good intentions in that line, he cried. Well, there's an end to all things, and patience ceases to be a virtue sometimes. So I've thought many times, but I've borne it like a man. Jasper drew himself up, and laughed again at the doctor's face. Oh, you go along, cried Dr. Fisher, his eyes twinkling. I'll meet you just before dinner. All right, as Jasper rushed off. Dr. Fisher jumped to his feet, pushing aside the litter of powder papers and bottles, and ran his fingers through the shock of gray hair standing straight on his head. Yes, yes, he muttered, walking to the window. It will be a good thing for Polly, now I tell you, adoniram. He always preferred to address himself by his first name, then he was sure of a listener. A vastly good thing. It's quite time that some of the intimacies with these silly creatures are broken up a bit, while the child gains immensely in other ways. He rubbed his palms gleefully. Oh, good morning, good morning. A patient walked in, looked up at the jolly doctor. I wish I could laugh like that, he ejaculated, his long face working in unusual effort to achieve a smile. You would if you had a gay crowd of children, such as I have, cried the little doctor proudly, why, man, that's better than all my doses. But I haven't the children, said the patient sourly, and sitting down with a sigh. I pity you, then, said Dr. Fisher, with the air of having been a family man for years. Well, besides owning the peppers, I'm going off with them, too. There he stopped, for before he knew it the secret was well nigh out. CHAPTER XIX OF FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS MIDWAY This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. FRIENDSY IS WELL AGAIN But Polly was not to be told yet. When Papa Fisher walked into dinner, the merry-party around the oak-table were waiting over ices and coffee for his appearance. Oh, Papa Fisher, cried Polly in dismay, turning from one of Alexia's sallies and dropping her spoon. Now you're all tired out! Too bad! Another Fisher flushed up and set her lips closely together. Ben looked disapproval across the board, and Polly knew that the wrong thing had been said. Oh! I didn't mean—of course you must take care of the sick people, she said impulsively. Yes, I must, said Dr. Fisher wearily, and pushing up the shock of gray hair to a stiffer brush over his brow. That's what I set out to do, I believe. But that's no reason why you should tire yourself to death and break down the first year, said Mr. King, eyeing him sharply. Zounds, man! That isn't what I brought you up from the country for. Dr. Fisher looked into his wife's eyes and smiled. I believe you brought me, the smile said, but he kept his tongue still. And you must get accustomed to seeing suffering that you can't help. Why, man alive, the town's full of it. You can't expect to stop it alone. I'll do what I can to help, said the little doctor between his teeth. And taking a long drought of the coffee his wife put by his plate. I suppose there's no objection to that. Now that's good, smacking his lips in a pleased way. Of course not, if you help in the right way, said old Mr. King stoutly, but I'll wager anything that you're picking up all sorts of odd jobs among the poor that belong to the young doctors. Your place is considerably higher, where you can pick and choose your patients. Dr. Fisher laughed, an odd little laugh, that, along with its pleasant note, carried the ring of a strong will. Oh, well, you know, I'm too old to learn new ways, he said. Better let me wag on at the old ones. Mr. King gave an exclamation of disapproval. It's lucky your time is short, he said grimly, and the secret was nearly out. Oh, no indeed, I think not, answered Mr. King before Dr. Fisher had time to reply. She would better wait a day or two longer. Isn't that so, doctor? At last appealing to him. I don't agree with you. The little doctor drew off his attention from his plate. You see, she has regained her strength remarkably. Now the quicker she is in the family life again, the better for her. Oh, good, good! cried Polly, delighted at the safe withdrawal from the precipice of dangerous argument. Alexia, now you must help us think up something to celebrate her coming downstairs. Not so fast, Polly. The little doctor beamed at her in a way surprising to see after the morning's affair. Fronzie won't be ready for any celebration before next week. Then I think you may venture. Alexia pouted and played with her spoon. Oh, dear! cried Dick Dolphily. What's the reason we must wait a whole week, pray tell? Because Father Fisher says so, replied Ben across the table, that's the principal reason, and it doesn't need any more to support it. Well, I'll tell you, broken Polly in her brightest way, let us think up perfectly splendid things. It is best as it is, for it will take us a week to get ready. I shall get her a new doll, declared Mr. King. The rest shouted. Or others must be quite worn out. What could you get her, cried Mr. Whitney, in the way of a doll? Do tell us, for I really do not see. Why one of those phonograph dolls to be sure, cried Mr. King promptly? Are they on sale yet? asked Jasper. I thought they had not perfected them enough for the market. I think I know where one can be bought, said his father. They must be perfected. It's all nonsense that I can't find one if Fronzie wants it. Yes, she shall have a phonograph doll. That will be perfectly elegant, exclaimed Polly with sparkling eyes. Won't Fronzie be delighted when she hears it talk? She ought to have a Punch and Judy show, said Mrs. Whitney. She's always so pleased with them, father. Mr. King pushed away his coffee-cup, and pulled out his notebook. Punch and Judy, down that goes, he said, noting it after phonographed all. What else? Can't we have some of those boys up from the orphan asylum? Asked Polly, after a minute in which everyone had done a bit of hard thinking, Fronzie loves to hear them sing when she goes there. Oh, they are so cunning! She'll want to give them her best toys and load them down with all her possessions. You see if she doesn't, warned Jasper. Well, she won't give away her new doll, anyway, cried Polly. No, she never gives away any one of the dolls you've given her, father, said Mrs. Whitney slowly. Not a single one. I tried her one day, asking her to give me one to bestow on a poor child, and she quite reproached me by the look in her brown eyes. I haven't asked her since. What did she say? asked Mr. King abruptly. I can't, auntie. Dear grand-papa gave them to me himself. Then she ran for her savings-bank, and poured out the money in my lap. Let's go out and buy the poor child a doll, she begged, and I really had to do it. And there must be at least two hundred dolls in this house. Two hundred dolls, cried Alexia in astonishment, and raising her hands. Why, yes, father has been bringing fronzy dolls for at least five years, with the greatest faithfulness, till her family has increased to a painful extent. Oh, dear me, cried Alexia, with great emphasis, I should think they'd be underfoot in every room. Well, indeed they're not, said Polly. She keeps them up in her playroom. That's a playroom closet, said Mrs. Whitney. That is full. I peeped in there yesterday, and the dolls are ranged according to the times when father gave them to her. And the baby-houses just crowded, laughed Jasper. I know, because I saw her moving out her chairs and tables to make room. Oh, dear me, exclaimed Alexia again, for want of something else to say. I just hate dolls, exploded dick. How can girls play with them? They are so silly, and fronzy always has something to do for hers, so she can't come when I want her to. I wish they were burned up, he added vindictively. Mr. King rubbed his forehead in a puzzled way. Perhaps she has enough, he said at last. Yet what shall I give her if I don't buy a doll? I'd give her the phonograph one, father, said Mrs. Whitney, anyway. Yes, of course, but after that what shall I do? He looked so troubled that Mrs. Whitney hastened to say, oh, well, father, you know, when you are a bra—and the secret was nearly out for the second time. But they were saved by the appearance of Alexia's father, who often dropped in on the edge of the dinner-hour for a second cup of coffee. The next morning fronzy was waiting for Grand Papa King, who insisted that no one else should carry her downstairs. The remainder of the household in various stages of delight and expectation revolved around her chair, and curbed their impatience, as best they might, in hall and on-stair case. Oh, Grand Papa, do hurry, begged Dick, kicking his heels on the stairs. Hush, Dicky Boy, said Mama, Grand Papa can't come till his agent is gone. Don't you hear them talking in the library? Well I wish Mr. Frazier would take himself off. He is a nuisance, declared the Boy, he's been here a whole hour. Here comes Grand Papa, announced Polly gleefully from a station nearer the library. Hush, now, Mr. Frazier's going. The library door opening at this announcement, and a few sentences charged with business floating up the staircase, the bustle around fronzy became joyfully intense. Mamzy, don't you think she ought to have a shawl on, cried Polly anxiously, running over the stairs? She's been shut up so long. No, said Mother Fisher, doctor told me particularly not to bundle her up. It was the last thing he said before he went to his office. Well, said Polly with a sigh, then there isn't absolutely anything more to do for her. Why doesn't Grand Papa come? You are worse than Dicky, said Mrs. Fisher with a little laugh. Dear me, Polly, just think how old you are! Franzi stood quite still in the middle of the floor and folded her hands. I want to see Grand Papa all alone when he comes up, she said. What for, cried Polly, pausing in astonishment? Do you want us all to go out, Franzi? asked her mother slowly. Yes, said Franzi, shaking her yellow head with great decision. Please every single one go out, Mamzy, I want to see Grand Papa quite alone. All right, child, said Mrs. Fisher with a look at Polly. So after a little demure and consequent delay on the part of the others, the door was closed and she was left standing all alone. Franzi drew a long breath. I wish Grand Papa would come, she said to herself. And so you wanted me, did you, dear? cried Mr. King joyfully as he hurried in and closed the door carefully. Well now, see if I can guess what you want to tell me. Grand Papa said Franzi standing quite still and turning a puzzled face toward him. I don't want to tell you anything, I want to ask you something. Well, well, dear, what is it? Old Mr. King, not stopping for a chair, leaned over her and stroked her yellow head. Now then, look up and ask me right off, Franzi. Must a person keep a promise, asked Franzi, a really and truly promise, Grand Papa? Yes, yes, said the old gentleman with great abruptness, to be sure one must Franzi, to be sure. So now, if anyone has promised you anything, do you make him stick to it? It's mean enough to break your word, child. Franzi drew a long breath. That's all, Grand Papa, she said, and lifting up her arms. Now take me downstairs, please. She laid a cool little cheek against his, as he raised her to his shoulder. Remember what I say, Franzi, laughed Mr. King, his mind more intent on the delightful face that he was carrying down the longed foreburden to the family life than on what he was saying. And if anyone has promised you anything, keep him up sharp to pay you. I verily believe it is that scamp-dick. Here goes, and reaching the door he threw it wide. Forward march! Well, is the important conference over, asked Polly with a keen look at them both? Mrs. Fisher's eyes did their duty, but she said nothing. Yes, indeed, declared Mr. King marching on gaily. Now clear the way, there, all you good people. Here, you dick, drumming your heels, and go ahead, sir. I'm glad enough to do it, shouted Dick, racing down the remainder of the stairs. Hello, Franzi! Waving his hand at her. Three cheers and a tiger! Bother, here comes Mrs. Chatterton. Which was quite true, to every one's astonishment, the door of that lady's apartment opened slowly, disclosing her in new-morning wrapper, preparing to join the cavalcade. Good morning, cousin Eunice, cried Mr. King gaily. He could be merry with any one this day. Come on, this is a festival occasion, you see, Franzi's going downstairs for the first time. Fall into line! I'm not able to go down, said Mrs. Chatterton, coming slowly out into the hall, but I'll stand here and see the parade. Bully, exploded Dick softly, peering up from the foot of the stairs. Franzi looked over Mr. King's shoulder at her as she was borne down the stairs and putting out her hand. I'm all well now, she said. Yes, I see, said Mrs. Chatterton. Then she pulled up her white shawl with the shiver. It's rather cold here, she said. After all, I believe, I must get back to my room. Nobody noticed when she crept back. The hilarity now being so great below stairs. I certainly am losing ground, she muttered. Every little thing affects me so. I'll step into Bartram's office next time I go downtown and set that little matter straight, since I've made up my mind to do it. It would never do to let him come to the house. Horatio would suspect something to see my lawyer here, and the whole household imagine I was going to die right off. No, no. I must go there, that's clear. Then if it's attended to, I'll live all the longer with nothing on my mind. Franzi, meanwhile, was going around from room to room in a pleased way and touching different objects gently. Everything's new, isn't it, Polly? She said at last, when you stay upstairs. Oh! There's my kittens in the basket, pointing to a bisque vase on the table. Yes, said Polly, Mamsi brought it in here, and weaved some flowers, Alexia sent them over. They're out in the back hall. We saved them for you to put in yourself. Oh! exclaimed Franzi. That's so good in you, Polly. Don't stop now, cried Dick, and discussed. Bah! You can fix flowers any time. Come out into the dining-room, and you'll see something you like. Franzi smothered a sigh, and turned slowly away from the kittens waiting in their basket for Alexia's flowers. Come on, shouted Dick, seizing her hand. You never can guess what it is in all this world. Is it a new dog, asked Franzi fearfully, whose memory of Dick's latest purchase was not altogether happy? No, said Dick, pulling her on. Better than that. Don't hurry, her so, said Polly. What have you got, Dick? Now, do you mind, sir, cried Jasper, else we'll stop your pretty plan. I won't hurry, her, said Dick, slackening his gate. Well, here we are, opening the dining-room door. Why Jane has let it out! Franzi fell back a step at this, and tried to cover her feet with her gown, searching the floor for it. Look out, cried Dick suddenly. There he goes, and something whirred over Franzi's head. Oh, what is it, she cried, tumbling into Jasper's arms, and clasping his neck. Oh, oh! Why, it's a swallow, cried Dick, in the babble that ensued. A beautiful one, too. I've just caught him, and I made Jane let me bring it in here to surprise you, he added proudly. Well, you've succeeded, cried Jasper, holding Franzi close. There, there, child, it's all right, it's a bird, Franzi, and he's gone upstairs. He'll frighten my dolls, cried Franzi, in new alarm, hanging to Jasper's neck. Oh, do let us go upstairs and tell them he's only a bird. Run along, Dick, and catch your old bird, cried Jasper, and clear out with him, quick now. He's the best thing there is in this house, cried Dick, going over the back stairs, too, at a time. Girls are so silly! Bring him down, said Polly, moving along to the foot, and I'll show him to Franzi and tell her about him, then she'll like him, Dick. I'll like him, Dick, echoed Franzi, if he doesn't frighten my dolls. This episode, taking the family life to the rear of the house, no one noticed that the soft footsteps were passing through the open front door, that Jane, who was sweeping the vestibule, had left a jar to run and tell Dick that she had not let the bird out of the dining-room, so the uninvited guest to the household let himself up easily to the scene of his hopes, the location of the ladies' jewel-boxes.