A Little Girl of Long Ago; Or, Hannah Ann

by Amanda M. Douglas

  CHAPTER VI

  THE LAND OF OPHIR

  Spring came on apace, and spring in New York had many beautiful featuresthen. The Battery, the Bowling Green, City Hall Park, with its fountain,the College grounds, Trinity and St. Paul's churchyards, and the squarescoming into existence farther up-town. Trees and grass and flowersdelighted the eye, and lilacs made the air fragrant. All up the countryways there were patches of wild honeysuckle,--pinxter flowers, as it wascalled.

  The little girl had so many things to distract her attention that shewondered how grown-up people could be so tranquil with all theirknowledges and their cares. She began to realise the great difference intastes and characteristics, though she would not have quite comprehendedthat long word. Perhaps Ben, being in the midst of stories and books,and hearing so much talk about the great men of the day, roused the sametrain of thought in her, though I think hero-worship came natural toher. The Dean girls read the sweet pretty domestic stories with greatrelish. Miss Macintosh, Mary Howitt, and even Jane Austin were theirdelight. Hanny and Daisy were deeply interested in history. And duringthe last year some very spirited stories had been written on the Mexicanwar, and all the struggles of a few years before. The wealth andsplendour of Montezuma and his sad ending, the wonders of that land ofancient romance, were rendered more real on account of the presentstruggle that Hanny and her father had followed closely. She kept intouch with all the generals. The hero of Monterey, General Worth,General Scott's entry into the city of Montezuma, General Watts Kearny,who led his men a thousand miles through the desert to seize Santa Fe,and hold New Mexico, and his brilliant young nephew, Philip, who was thefirst man to enter the gate of San Antonio, and who lost his left arm atthe battle of Churubusco. Little did she dream, indeed, who could havedreamed then, that he was to be one of the heroes of another war, nearerand more dreadful to us!

  Then there was a great celebration over the final victory. City Hall wascrowded. There were some magnificent fireworks and much rejoicing. Andthough there were questions for diplomacy to adjust, we had gainedCalifornia and New Mexico; and both were destined to have a greatbearing on the future of the country.

  When Hanny could spare time from this exciting topic and her lessons,there was little Stevie, who was the sweetest and most cunning babyalive, she was quite sure. He could run all over, and say ever so manywords. The hard ones he had to shorten, so he called the little girlNan, and Dolly and Stephen caught it up as well. When they came over toFirst Street, the neighbourhood paid him the highest honours. All thechildren wanted to see him, and walk up and down with him. He was somerry, laughing at the least little thing, and chattering away in hisbaby language, with a few words now and then in good English. And, oh,delight! his hair curled all over his head, and had a golden gleam toit. Certainly, as a baby, he was a tremendous success.

  But the crowning point of this May was Hanny's birthday party. She wastwelve years old. Dolly and Margaret came down to spend the day andhelp. Oddly enough, Hanny knew very few boys. First, she thought shewould only have a girls' party. But there was Charlie, and some of herschoolmates had brothers; and Jim said he knew two splendid boys inschool that he would like to ask; and when they counted them up, theyfound there were plenty enough.

  They played games, of course,--pretty laughable things that had not goneout of fashion. And the supper-table was a feast to the eye as well asto the appetite. Toward the last, there were mottoes, and they had agood deal of fun in exchanging. Doctor Joe was as merry as any boy, infact, he laid himself out, as people say, to make the party a success,for Hanny would have been a timid little hostess. Dolly and Margaretwere not much behind.

  After they went upstairs some one proposed the Virginia Reel. The olderones were not long in taking their places.

  "Come," said Doctor Joe to Daisy Jasper. "It's very easy. You will haveto learn some time."

  "Will I surely have to?" and she gave an arch little smile.

  "Yes. You are to learn all the things girls do, even if you can drawportraits, which every girl can't do."

  "Oh, no," when she saw that he was in earnest; "I am afraid. And then,I--"

  "You are not to be afraid." He put his arm about her and gently drew herout. "You are to be my partner."

  Hanny stood second in the row, looking so bright and eager that she wasabsolutely pretty. And Jim's chum, the handsomest lad in the room, hadchosen her. When she saw Daisy, she wanted to run down and kiss her, shewas so delighted.

  What with braces, and several appliances, Daisy now had only oneshoulder that was a little high; and as she had grown stronger, shecould get about without much of a limp. She was quite tall for her age,and every gesture and motion was very graceful, in spite of themisfortune. She sometimes danced at school.

  Dolly struck up some merry music, and Stephen called off. How prettilythey balanced and turned, and joined hands left and right, and marcheddown and up again, and then the first couple chassed down the middle!When it was Hanny's turn, she came down looking like a fairy, and smiledover to her friend.

  Daisy was a good deal frightened at first, and would have run away butfor Doctor Joe's encouraging eyes. However, when her turn came, she didvery well. By this time they were all so intent upon their own pleasureno one really noticed her. Oh, how jolly it was!

  After that some of the children tried the three-step polka, and found itvery fascinating. A little after ten, the plates of cream came in, andat half-past, they began to disperse.

  Stevie was asleep upstairs on Nan's bed. All the girls had to go andlook at him; and when Dolly picked him up, and bundled his cloak abouthim, and put on his cap, he only stretched a little and settled himself,being as famous a sleeper as some of his Dutch ancestors. But the girlshad to kiss him; and then he did wake up and laugh and rub his eyes withhis fat fist. Before Stephen had him settled on his shoulder, he wasasleep again.

  "Oh!" cried Hanny, "it's _his_ first party as well as mine. And when hegets old enough, I'll have to tell him all about it."

  "Yes," laughed his father. "His memory can hardly he depended upon now."

  Jim's friend came to wish Hanny good-night, and say that he had enjoyedhimself first rate,--quite a boy's word then. And he added, "I thinkyour doctor-brother is the nicest man I ever met. If my mother is everill, I mean she shall have him. He is so sweet and kindly. And thatMiss Jasper is a beautiful girl!"

  Hanny flushed with delight.

  One day, not long afterwards, Mrs. Jasper took both little girls down toStewart's beautiful store at the corner of Chambers Street and Broadway.When the ladies were out for a promenade, they used to drop in and seethe pretty articles. It was the finest store in New York; kid-gloves andlaces were specialties, but there were no end of elegant silks and Indiashawls, which were considered family heir-looms when you became theowner of one.

  Some of the more careful business-men shook their heads doubtfully overthe young merchant's extravagance, and predicted a collapse presently.But he went on prospering, and even built another marble palace, and amarble dwelling-place for himself.

  Then the Reeds and the Underhills were full of interest in their boyswho were to pass examinations for Columbia College. Charles stood high,but he was rather nervous about it; and Jim never studied so hard in allhis life as the last three months. When there was any doubt, or evenwhen there wasn't, he pressed Joe into service. However, they both cameoff with flying colours. Charles was the best scholar, undoubtedly; butJim had a way of making everything tell in his favour.

  Miss Lily Ludlow had quite given Jim the cold shoulder; but now shesmiled upon him again. Her sister had married very well; but Lily hadquite resolved upon a rich husband. Still it would be something to havethe young and good-looking collegian in her train.

  Mrs. Jasper pleaded to take Hanny with them to Saratoga for a littlewhile; and Margaret said she and her husband would go up and spend aweek and bring her home. The Jaspers were to stay at a quiet cottage;and, after much persuasion, Mrs. Underhill consented, though she h
ad anidea a fashionable watering-place was hardly proper for little girls;and her father was very loath to give her up even for a few weeks.

  To tell the truth, the little girl was rather homesick for a night ortwo. There was so much to see, so many drives and all; but she had neverbeen away alone before. And she did so miss sitting in her father's lap,and kissing him good-night. She was too big a girl of course; and onetime her mother asked her if she meant to keep up the habit when she wasa woman grown!

  She had not thought of being grown-up. And she wished she could stay alittle girl forever. Josie Dean was quite womanly already, and didn'twant to wear her hair in "pigtails" any more--indeed, quite frettedbecause her mother wouldn't let her put it up. But Tudie confessed toHanny "that she should be awful sorry when she was too big to play withdolls."

  "I put my beautiful doll away the Christmas Stevie was born," saidHanny.

  "Oh, well, if we had a big brother married, and a lovely little babylike that, I wouldn't mind so much. But Josie is going to study andteach, and--oh, dear! Hanny Underhill, you're just the luckiest girl Iknow."

  And the Deans thought it another piece of luck that she should go toSaratoga.

  They went to Congress Hall, and drank some of the water that Hannythought just horrid. Daisy didn't like it very much; but it had provedbeneficial the summer before. And they used to watch the beautifullyattired ladies promenade the long piazza. Such lovely lawns andorgandies and embroidered white gowns; such laces and sashes andribbons! Every afternoon they were out in force. They promenaded up anddown the street too, with dainty parasols, and often times no bonnet,but a little square of lace with long lappets.

  One evening after Margaret and the Doctor came, they all went in to thehop to look on. Hanny thought the dancing a bewitching sight, and couldhave stayed up until midnight watching it. There were a good many quitefamous people whom Dr. Hoffman knew, and Hanny had seen on Broadway orup at Washington Square.

  Daisy was almost in despair at the thought of Hanny's return. Dr.Hoffman had promised to take a brother physician's practice when he wentaway to recuperate, so he felt that he really could not extend his staybeyond the week.

  "Oh, I do wish I had a sister!" groaned Daisy. "Auntie is very nice, andmamma is the sweetest mother in the world; but I like to have some onewho thinks real young thoughts. I don't want to be grown up andsensible, and take an interest in tiresome things."

  "Let's just stay little," laughed Hanny. "Twelve isn't so very old."

  "But being in your 'teens' seems on the way to it. _You_ may staylittle; but see how tall I am getting. I grow like a weed."

  Hanny gave a soft sigh. How curious to want to stay little, and feelsorry you were not getting big at the same time!

  When they returned to the city, Hanny found that Charles and his motherhad gone to the sea-side, out on Long Island. Mrs. Reed didn't seem toget strong. She had thought all along first she could soon do withoutCousin Jane; and to give her the opportunity Cousin Jane went away on alittle visit. But Mr. Reed sent for her ten days later.

  "I'm never going to be good for anything again!" Mrs. Reed saidfretfully.

  "Oh, yes, there are a good many useful things in the world beside work,"replied Mr. Reed. "You've done your share. Cousin Jane is splendid tohave around. Anyhow, I think we will keep her for awhile."

  "You just go down on Great South Bay, and eat fish and clams, and havethe sea-breeze," advised Cousin Jane. "The Seamens will board you veryreasonably. And Charles looks as if something of the kind wouldn't hurthim. He will have a pretty hard pull in college the first year, and heought to have some good backbone to start on."

  It was very extravagant to go away to board when they were payinghouse-rent. And there had been a doctor's bill, and a nurse for threeweeks, and Cousin Jane--

  "Never you mind," said Mr. Reed, "I'm not anywhere near the poor-house.I've only you and Charles. He is going to be a credit to us if he keepshis health; but he does look rather pale and thin. You ought to go forhis sake."

  The Reeds seemed insensibly to have changed places. It was Mr. Reed whogave the orders and suggested the plans, and Mrs. Reed who acquiesced.

  "You've worked steadily all your life, harder than I ever wanted youto," continued her husband. "We had better take the good of what wehave, and let Charles earn his own money when it comes his time to work.And if you could improve a little,--at least I think it is your duty totry for both our sakes. It will be a sad thing if, when Charles takeshis degree, you are not here to congratulate him."

  She was not anxious to die; very few people are. So she listened, andallowed herself to be over-ruled. She was really proud of her son'smanliness, though she would not have admitted it. They went off to staya fortnight, and both improved so much they remained a whole month.

  Janey and Polly Odell and another cousin came to visit Hanny, and had afine time seeing the city sights. Then Daisy came home, school began,and wonderful events were happening all the time.

  The old story of Eldorado repeated itself. Strange rumours ran aboutlike wildfire in meadow grass. A Captain Sutter was having his mill-raceon one of the forks of the Sacramento River deepened and repaired, whena workman accidently discovered a shining nugget that proved to be gold.Crowds flocked to the spot: men who had been in the army, adventurerswho had followed Fremont in his prospecting journeys; and they foundgold on every hand.

  When Congress opened, President Polk proudly announced the wealth of ournew possessions. It was Mexico and Peru over again. The Spaniards hadnot despoiled the whole earth.

  Men talked themselves up to fever-heat. Why plod along years making afortune, when here you could dig it out of the ground in a few months!As if wealth was the great and only good to mankind.

  Now, when one flies across the continent in a palace-car, it seemsstrange indeed to think of the long journey of these pilgrims to theland of Ophir, as it was called. The overland route, that across Mexico,or the isthmus, comprised the sail to Vera Cruz, and then up the Pacificcoast, and was costly. That around Cape Horn took five months. Yet menwere selling their property or business that they had been years inbuilding up, leaving their families, and hurrying off, promising to beback in a few years, millionaires perhaps.

  The Underhills were not seized with the mania. There were several othermatters that occupied their attention. John was to be married inJanuary, and to go in business with his employer, who would be hisfather-in-law. And in December, two granddaughters were added to thefamily.

  Hanny was quite dazed with the conflicting claims. Margaret's littlegirl had large dark eyes like Dr. Hoffman, and dark, silky hair; whileDolly's daughter was fair. Margaret's baby was really beautiful.

  But in her secret heart the little girl thought no baby in the worldcould ever be the sweet and joyful surprise that Stevie had been,--theChristmas gift to them all. Dr. Hoffman declared that he was reallyjealous that she should not transfer all her affections to his littledaughter. "He should not call her Haneran now."

  "I should hope you wouldn't," declared Hanny, mirthfully. "You ought toname her Margaret, and we could all call her Daisy. That's such acheerful, pretty name!"

  "But she won't be white and gold. She would have to be a Michaelmasdaisy. And we couldn't call her Pearl, with her dark eyes and hair.Still, I think Margaret one of the noblest and sweetest of names."

  "I don't suppose any one will think Hannah a sweet name," said thelittle girl, rather ruefully. "They all say--it's a _good_ name. But Idon't want to be just like Grandmother Van Kortlandt. When I am real oldI would rather be like Grandmother Underhill."

  "Luckily, the names do not endow us with the natures."

  In the end, it _was_ Margaret; and they called her Daisy, much to thelittle girl's delight. When Mrs. Jasper heard of the name, she sent hera beautiful pair of sleeve-pins. They were used to pin through theshoulders and sleeves of babies' dresses. It seemed then as if allbabies had beautiful fat necks, and pretty dimpled arms.

  Dolly's little girl was calle
d Annette Dorothea; but her household namewas Annie.

  Little Stevie had come to grandmother's to stay a week or so. He cried alittle the first night for mamma. Hanny begged to have him put in herbed; and she sat and told him Mother Goose Melodies until he droppedasleep. He was such a sweet, cunning roly-poly, that she couldn't helpkissing him when she came to bed; and she longed to take him in her armsand hug him up; but she was afraid he might wake and cry.

  The next night he was quite ready to go to Nan's bed, and didn't cry abit.

  Hanny had a delightful time taking him round among the girls. Her mothersaid, "You and your father will have that child spoiled." But Hannymight have turned the tables, if she had seen grandmother when she hadto be in school.

  As for Grandfather Underhill, he thought with Hanny there never had beensuch a smart and wonderful baby. Jim taught him some ratherreprehensible tricks. He was still full of fun and mischief, and alreadyhad a crowd of admirers in college.

  And, oh, how they missed the baby when he was gone! It didn't seem asif one little mite could fill the house; but it was big and empty now.

  John's courtship had not been so engrossing as Stephen's. They had metMiss Bradley, to be sure; and Mr. Bradley was a well-to-do man with twosons and one daughter who had been named Cleanthe, after the heroine ofa story Mrs. Bradley had read in her girlhood. Mr. Bradley had wantedhis daughter called Priscilla, after his mother; and Mrs. Bradley'smother's name was Jemima.

  "I did think Mimy and Silly two of the worst names in the world. Andthere isn't any nickname for Cleanthe," was Mrs. Bradley's explanationwhen any one wondered at the name.

  Miss Cleanthe was a very nice, well-bred, rather conventional girl, withnone of Dolly's dash and spirit. She was a good housekeeper, and couldmake all but her best dresses. They were to take the second floor of Mr.Bradley's house, and set up their own home, until they felt rich enoughto indulge in a house owned by themselves.

  George came down about this time to spend a month. He was decidedlytired of farming.

  "Of course, if I wanted to marry and build on the old place, it wouldn'tbe so bad. Uncle Faid keeps in the same rut, and you can't shake him outof it. Barton Finch is the kind of man who begins with a great flourish,but flats out towards the end. I'm tired of them all!"

  "It will be your turn to marry next," said his mother. "And then I'llseem quite a young woman with only three children. I _do_ suppose we'llgo up to Yonkers some time and spend our old age there; though I beginto think your father is weaned away."

  George laughed. "Father seems about half Uncle Faid's age. And ateighty, you won't be as old as Aunt Crete. If I had lots of money, to doas I liked--but farming so near by doesn't amount to much."

  The Germans and Swiss had to come in and show us about market-gardeningand floriculture.

  George went down-town with Stephen, and talked with Ben, and listened tothe groups on every corner discussing the golden land. He was young andstrong; why shouldn't he go and seek his fortune?

  Miss Bradley had a very nice evening wedding, with dancing and a supper.She was very well looking, but not as handsome as Margaret, or as prettyand piquant as Dolly. She did not seem to come close to their hearts, asDolly had; though Mrs. Underhill was very well satisfied, and knew shewould make John happy. John was a sort of solid, sober-going fellow,quite different from Steve and Joe.