She
disliked nature in its crude state; she preferred it softened and
toned down to drawing-room pitch.
She glanced up in disapproval as Ruth's laugh sounded in the hall.
"Rachel, tell her that lunch is waiting," she said to the colored
girl at her side.
Carter looked up as Ruth came breezily into the room. She wore her
riding-habit, and her hair was tossed by her brisk morning canter.
"You don't look as if you had danced all night," he said. "Did the
mare behave herself?"
"She's a perfect beauty, Carter. I rode her round the old mill-dam,
'cross the ford, and back by the Hollises'. Now I'm perfectly
famished. Some hot rolls, Rachel, and another croquette, and--and
everything you have."
Mrs. Nelson picked several crumbs from the cloth and laid them
carefully on her plate. "When I was a young lady I always slept after
being out in the evening. I had a half-cup of coffee and one roll
brought to me in bed, and I never rose until noon."
"But I hate to stay in bed," said Ruth; "and, besides, I hate to miss
a half-day."
"Is there anything on for this afternoon?" asked Carter.
"Why, yes--" Ruth began, but her aunt finished for her:
"Now, Carter, it's too warm to be proposing anything more. You aren't
well, and Ruth ought to stay at home and put cold cream on her face.
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