"Why do we not have some more horses?" said Mrs. Franklin one morning when the question was being discussed.
"Why, we can't afford to," replied Cynthia, in some surprise. "Besides the farm horses we only have two, you know, and they get all used up going to and from the village so much."
Mrs. Franklin glanced at her husband. Then she said, "It seems as if we ought to have more. You know, John, there is all that money of mine. Why not buy a horse and trap for the children to use?"
"My dear Hester, I can never consent. You know I wish you to keep all your money for your own exclusive use. You may have all the horses you want for yourself, but--
"John, don't be absurd. What can I do with all that money, and no one but Neal to provide for? Your children are mine now, and I wish them to have a horse of their own."
The thing of all others for which Edith had been longing for years. But she determined that she would never use her step-mother's gift.
"Yes. Haven't I told you about him? He is my dear and only brother. He is off on a yacht now, but he is coming here soon. He is older than you and Jack, just about Edith's age."
"I'm glad there's another fellow coming," he said. "There are almost too many girls around here."
"Jack, how hateful of you, when you always have said I was as good as another fellow!" exclaimed Cynthia.
"Well, so you are, almost; but I'm glad he's coming, anyway."
The new horse was bought, and a pretty and comfortable cart for them to use, a "surrey" that would hold two or four, as occasion required. At first Edith would not use it. She jogged about with the old horse and buggy when she went to the village, thereby exciting much comment among her friends. Every one suspected that Edith could not reconcile herself to the coming of her step-mother.
The day of the tournament arrived. Before Mr. Franklin went to Boston that morning he called Edith into the library and closed the door.
"I have something to say to you, Edith. I have been perfectly observant of your conduct since I came home, though I have not spoken of it before. I preferred to wait, to give you a chance to think better of it. Your treatment of my wife is not only rude, it is unkind, as rudeness always is."