Page:Lippincotts Monthly Magazine-70.djvu/774

766 "Didn't you like it?"

"She drives middlin' fast."

Melissa nodded. "I should know she would. I can see her now." She straightened the baby's clothes and shook her gently.

"You have to set up kind o' straight," said Abner reflectively, "with nothin' to do—and look as if you didn't know folks was starin' from the sidewalks. It's kinder hard work."

"Don't Aunt Nancy mind?" asked Melissa wonderingly.

"Mind? She don't see 'em—or know it. She's so busy turnin' the crank an' enjoyin' herself she can't see anything. Has to look out for corners too," he added. "We went round comers—most of 'em—on two wheels."

Melissa shuddered. "I shouldn't think it'd be safe."

"Yes, it's safe, I guess,—for her. Other folks have to step lively." He chuckled. "One day when she was goin' pretty fast an' a policeman happened to see her she was taken up" He stopped suddenly. There were some things it was just as well not to tell Melissa—and the baby.

"What'd you say?" demanded Melissa breathlessly.

"I said she was so taken up with the thing she never saw him. She's having a terrible good time," added Abner, switching the conversation back to the safe track.

"I don't see how she can," murmured Melissa. She raised her eyes doubtfully. "You don't s'pose she's out of her head, do you, Abner?"

He laughed cheerfully. "Not a mite. She's havin' the first good time of her life."

Melissa gave a faint sniff. Her mild face grew almost stem. "I shouldn't think 'twould be a very good time without any folks or Baby." She patted the bundle.

"She says it's a good deal like the New Jerusalem," responded Abner gravely. "There's a river flowing through it, you know, and it's level an' good wheelin'. And it's a city, so there's folks around to talk to an' look at."

Melissa looked down at the baby. Her eyes softened. "Poor Aunt Nancy. I don't s'pose we ever knew how she missed 'em," she said softly.

they comin', Abner?" Melissa looked up anxiously. Her round, placid face was tear-stained.

Abner stamped the snow from his boots. "They're on the way with her," he said slowly, drawing off his mittens. "I come on ahead to tell you, so's to have things ready."

"They're all ready. I've been keepin' 'em hot all the morning, ever since I got the word. Was she much hurt, Abner?"