CHAPTER VII.
"Like an AEolian harp, that wakes No certain air, but overtakes Far thought with music that it makes,--
"Such seemed the whisper at my side; 'What is't thou knowest, sweet voice?' I cried; 'A hidden hope,' the voice replied."
--_Tennyson._
The second morning after this Mrs. Hayden awoke, feeling much betterthan she had for months. A strange, happy feeling possessed her. Allthat had seemed dark and hopeless now appeared as nothing but gossamerfog-wreaths. The world seemed so joyous and beautiful. God seemed sonear, so loving, so all-protecting. Why had she ever doubted thepossibility of health? Surely it was easy to feel well when she felthappy; and yet, would this last? Had this delightful change anyconnection with Miss Greening's treatment? No, surely not. It would betoo unreasonable to expect any benefit so soon; besides, she wasprobably no better physically, that is, her lameness and dyspepsia werenot touched as yet, if indeed they ever could be. Well, how it wouldastonish everybody if she really were cured, and could walk like her oldself again. Her stiffened limb would have to undergo a marvelous change,but time would tell--it seemed nothing was beyond reach of thisextraordinary Power. Miss Greening was so sincere and earnest, she couldnot for a moment doubt the truth of her statements, besides Mr. Haydenhimself confessed to having heard of the wonderful works, though he hadnever mentioned it before, strangely enough. At the time it probablyappeared so vague and visionary, that he had thought best not to exciteher curiosity and hope without cause.
How glad she was that he had at last allowed her to try this withoutridiculing or scolding her. How beautiful this theory was, but it seemedtoo good to be true. She would not be carried away with it until she haddemonstrated beyond doubt, until she could see the reason and understandit.
The clock struck nine. Why, it was time to rise, and she really felthungry, so hungry that dry toast and hot water had no attractions forher. She wondered if there would be anything on the table she dared noteat; it would be hard to resist if there were. Thus musing she dressedwith more alacrity and energy than she had displayed for many months.
Her husband stood in the doorway as she left her room, and remarked asthey went down stairs:
"You must have had a good sleep last night, you are so bright and sprythis morning."
"Yes, indeed, I can scarcely remember when the night has passed soquickly and the morning seemed so exhilarating; please help me down thisturn, won't you? It is always so hard to get down stairs."
The cane was brought into requisition, and with Mr. Hayden's help thestairs were descended, but the refractory limb was forgotten again inthe interest with which she viewed the breakfast table.
"Mamma, we've waited and waited till we thought we'd have to eatsomething, so we each took a doughnut to save time," was the explanatorygreeting of Fred, who acted as spokesman for the three hungry culprits,who had this time, at least, disobeyed the imperative injunction not toeat cake the first thing in the morning.
"Why, children, don't you remember how Dr. Jackson--"
"Well, mamma, I heard that lady 'at was here, say 'twouldn't hurt us toeat if you wasn't so 'fraid 'bout our stomachs; an' she's a doctor, too,an' ladies know 's much 's men, 'cos you said so," interrupted theirrepressible, as usual, with unanswerable argument.
"Well, we'll see this time, but you must be more careful to rememberwhat mamma wishes you to do," said Mrs. Hayden more mildly than usual,while her eyes smiled a little.
The breakfast was brought in, and, much to the astonishment of all, sherecklessly disregarded the dry toast and hot water, mutely appealing toher from the side of her plate, and ate heartily of beefsteak, potatoes,and pan cakes. "I am so hungry, and will risk it on the strength ofFred's reminder," she apologized, as she sent her plate the third timefor cakes.
"Don't tell me you've no faith in Fred's newly-acquired wisdom," laughedMr. Hayden, and then added, with some concern, "but, really, my dear,you ought to be careful. Remember the condition of your stomach."
"That is just what she told me to forget."
"Well, it beats all how things can be turned upside down," mused Mr.Hayden, as he rose from the table preparatory to going to the store.
"It certainly is strange about this, for you remember yesterday, I evenwalked over to Mrs. Reade's and back without any unusual fatigue."
"Oh, yes! I've noticed various daring breaches of the old code, and,more than all, I've seen the best color in your face that has been therefor many a month," and he went out with a thoughtful expression on hisface.
"Mamma's well now," said little Jem, timidly, "'cos she puts me to bed."
"Yes, an' we can make a noise when we dress, an' talk 'bout Christmas,"added Fred, as he was walking about, wiping his hands, in his usualrestless manner.