She waved her hand at a great wicker
armchair with deep pockets at the sides for newspapers and magazines,
which had been Mr. Birch's contribution to the living-room, and at the
fine calendar which Just had hung by the desk. Her own offerings were
the dressing-table furnishings up-stairs.
All these were by no means wedding gifts, but afterthoughts, inspired by
a careful inspection of the details of Doctor Churchill's bachelor home,
and the noting of certain gaps which only love and care would be likely
to fill.
In four hours now the travellers would be at home, in time, it was
expected, for the late dinner being prepared by Mrs. Hepzibah Fields.
For the present, at least, Mrs. Fields was to remain. "I've had full
proof of Charlotte's ability to cook and to manage a house," Doctor
Churchill had said, when they talked it over, "and I want her free this
first year, anyway, to work with her brush and pencil all she likes, and
to go about with me all I like."
Mrs. Fields, although a product of New England, had spent nearly half
her life in Virginia, in the service of the Churchills.
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