The daughter, Eleanor, was a year or two younger than Betty, and the girls were friendly, though of widely differing tastes; the brothers Varian were much alike; but the two matrons were as opposite as it is possible for two women to be. Mrs Herbert was a strong character, almost strong-minded. She had no patience with her sister-in-laws nerves or hysterical tendencies. It would indeed be awkward if the Herberts were to arrive in the midst of one of Mrs Fredericks exhibitions of temperamental disturbance.
Wonderful place! exclaimed Herbert Varian as they ascended the steps to the verandah. Great, old boy! I never saw anything like it.
Reminds me of the Prisoner of Chillon or the Castle of Otranto or said Mrs Herbert.
Climbing that steep path reminded me of the Solitary Horseman, Herbert interrupted his wife. Whew! let me sit down! Im too weighty a person to visit your castled crag of Drachenfels very often! Whew!
Poor Uncle Herbert, cooed Betty; its an awful long, steep pull, isnt it? Get your breath, and Ill get you some nice, cool fruit punch. Come on, Eleanor, help me; the servants are gone to the circus, every last one of em
Oh, I thought you were having a party here this afternoon, Eleanor said, as she went with Betty.
Not a party, a picnic. Theyre the proper caper up here. And only a little one. The baskets are all ready, and the men carry them, then we go to a lovely picnic place, not very far, and we all help get the supper. You see, up here, if you dont let the servants go off skylarking every so often, they leave.
I should think they would! exclaimed Eleanor, earnestly; Im ready to leave now! How do you stand it, Betty? I think its fearful!
Oh, it isnt the sort of thing youd like, I know. Put those glasses on that tray, will you, Nell? But I love this wild, craggy place, its like an eagles eyrie, and I adore the solitude, especially as there are plenty of people, and a golf club and an artist colony and all sorts of nice things in easy distance.
You mean that little village or settlement we came through on the way from the station?
Yes; and a few of their choicest inhabitants are coming up this afternoon for our picnic.
That sounds better, Eleanor sighed, but Id never want to stay here. Is Rod Grannis here? Is that why you came?
Hush, Nell. Dont mention Rods name, at least, not before Father. You see, Dads down on him.
Down on Rod! Why for?
Only because hes too fond of little Betty.
Who is? Rod or your father?
Betty laughed. Both of em! But, I mean, Dad is down on any young man whos specially interested in me.
Oh, I know. So is my father. I dont let it bother me. Fathers are all like that. Most of the girls I know say so.
Yes, I know its a fatherly failing; but Dad is especially rabid on the subject. There you take the basket of cakes and Ill carry the tray.
It was nearly five oclock when the picnic party was finally ready to start for its junketing.
Mrs Blackwood had arrived, bringing her two promised young men, Ted Landon and John Clark.
Rearrayed in picnic garb, the house guests were ready for the fun, and the Frederick Varians were getting together and looking over the baskets of supper.
If we could only have kept one helper by us, bemoaned Minna Varian, her speech accompanied by her usual wringing of her distressed hands. I begged Kelly to stay but he wouldnt.
The circus is here only one day, you know, Mrs Varian, Landon told her, and I fancy every servant in Headland Harbor has gone to it. But command me
Indeed, we will, put in Betty; carry this, please, and, Uncle Herbert, you take this coffee paraphernalia.
Divided among the willing hands, the luggage was not too burdensome, and the cavalcade prepared to start.
No fear of burglars, I take it, said Herbert, as his brother closed the front door and shook it to be sure it was fastened.
Not a bit, and Frederick Varian took up his own baskets. No one can possibly reach this house, save through that gate down by the lodge. And that is locked. Also the windows and doors of the house are all fastened. So if you people have left jewelry on your dressing tables, dont be alarmed, youll find it there on your return.
All aboard! shouted Landon, and they started, by twos or threes, but in a moment were obliged to walk single file down the steep and narrow path.
Oh, my heavens! cried Betty, suddenly, I must go back! Ive forgotten my camera. Let me take your key, Father, Ill run and get it in a minute!
Ill go and get it for you, Betty, said Varian, setting down his burden.
No, Dad, you cant; its in a closet, behind a lot of other things, and youd upset the whole lot into a dreadful mess. I know you!
Let me go, Miss Varian, offered several of the others, but Betty was insistent.
No one can get it but myself, at least, not without a lot of delay and trouble. Give me the key, Father, Ill be right back.
But, Betty
Oh, give her the key, Fred! exclaimed his wife; dont torment the child! I believe you enjoy teasing her! There, take the key, Betty, and run along. Hurry, do, for its annoying to have to wait for you.