Esther knew it was not, and that her doings had been with admirable system; she was a little disappointed that they met with no recognition. She had counted upon her father's being pleased, and even a little surprised that so much had been done. Silently she made his tea, and toasted him with much difficulty a slice of bread. Mrs. Barker disappeared with her skillet. But the colonel was in the state of mind that comes over many ease-loving men when their ease is temporarily disturbed.
'How long is it going to take two people to get these things unboxed and in their places?' he inquired, as his eye roved disconsolately over the room and its packing-cases. 'This is pretty uncomfortable!'
'_Three_ people, papa. I shall do the very best I can. You would like the sitting-room put in order first, where your sofa and you can be quiet?'
'Oh, papa! but I must see to the house first. Barker cannot get along without me.'
'It is her business,' said the colonel. 'You are going to school.'
'But, papa, please, let me wait a few days. After I once begin to go to school I shall be so busy with study.'
'Time you were. That's what we are come here for. The season is late now.'
'My comfort must take its chance. I wish you to go to Miss Fairbairn on Monday. Then Barker and Christopher can take the house between them.'
There was no gainsaying her father when once an order was given, Esther knew; and she was terribly disappointed. Her heart was quite set on this business of righting and arranging the new home; nobody could do it as it should be done, she knew, except by her order; and her own hand longed to be in the work. A sudden cloud came over the brightness of her spirit. She had been very bright through all the strain and rush of the morning; now she suddenly felt tired and dispirited.
'Papa, I do not know; he has been opening boxes.'
'Yes, papa.' Esther knew it was impossible, however.
'And let Barker get the rooms up-stairs arranged.'
'Papa, don't you want your sitting-room prepared first?--just so that you may have a corner of comfort?'
'I do not expect to see comfort, my dear, for many a day--to judge by what I have around me.'
Esther swallowed a choking feeling in her throat, commanded back some tears which had a mind to force their way, and presided over the rest of the meal with a manner of sweet womanly dignity, which had a lovely unconscious charm. The colonel did even become a little conscious of it.