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Page 39
"Listen, Jack.
--to establish and maintain a high social standing with no
adventitious aids. You cannot at present afford a large
establishment, but you must have one that is striking and
elegant. I was first attracted to this house by its external
appearance--not especially the form, but the material, as we
often see a lady of inferior _physique_ whose rich and tasteful
attire makes her the observed of all observers."
[Illustration: BRICKS AND BOULDERS ON GRANITE UNDERPINNING.]
"Aunt Melville is inclined to be dumpy, and is immensely proud of her
taste in dress.
"'The walls near the ground--the underpinning, I suppose--is of
solid granite blocks, irregular in size, rough and rugged in
appearance. Indeed, the impression is of exceeding solidity and
strength, perhaps because the walls slope backward as they
rise. The first story is also of stones, but such peculiar
stones as I never expected to see in a dwelling house,
precisely like those used in the country for fences.'"
"How exquisite!" exclaimed Bessie, clapping her hands in ecstacy.
"'Some of them seemed to be covered with the gray lichens that
are found growing on rocks,--'
"How delicious!"
"'--but I very much fear these will be destroyed by the action
of the lime in the mortar. The stones vary in color, and at a
little distance the effect is like a rich mosaic. The corners
of the house and the sides of the windows are made of
peculiarly dark, rough-looking bricks that harmonize well with
the general tone of the stone walls. The second story is of
wood, covered with shingles that have not been painted, but
simply oiled, and they have turned a dark reddish-brown. I
found on inquiry that they are California red wood. The roof is
of red tiles, and the chromatic effect of the entire building
is very charming and aristocratic.'"
"That would suit _us_ perfectly," said Jack, "but I think our
aristocratic aunt is more tiresome than the architect. Jim is asleep
and Bessie is on the verge of slumber." But just at that moment Bessie
gave a piercing scream and bounded from the sofa in uncontrollable
affright, while an army of reckless June bugs came dashing in through
the open, unscreened windows.
CHAPTER XII.
FROM MATHEMATICS TO ANCIENT BRIC-A-BRAC.
Taking advantage of the incursion of the June bugs, Jim withdrew in
good order, and Bessie shortly after retired with her tin candlestick.
"Do you seriously intend to allow that pair of incompatibles to go off
to-morrow looking for old furniture and antiquated household
implements?" asked Jill.
"Most certainly I do. It will he the greatest fun in the world. I only
wish we could go as invisible spectators; but, on the whole, we shall
best enjoy imagining what they will say or do if left to their own
devices, knowing, as we should, that our presence would prevent some of
their wildest absurdities. I'm awfully sorry they are not going to
build and furnish a house somewhere in this vicinity, according to
their combined notions."
"And I am extremely sorry you cannot take your thoughts from Bessie
long enough at least to hear the conclusion of Aunt Melville's letter."
"My dear, like John Gilpin, 'of womankind I do admire but one.' I shall
listen with undivided attention to whatever you lay before my ears.
Pray go on."
"'I was fortunate enough to get a drawing of the interior of
the reception hall, which, while it is simple and inexpensive,
is also dignified and impressive. Houses often resemble
people, and you will easily recall among your friends certain
ones who, without being either wealthy or brilliant, are still
very impressive. The other rooms which we visited are ample for
your needs, as you will find it far more advantageous to
entertain but few people at a time, and those of the best
society, than to have larger and more indiscriminate
gatherings. The amount of room in the house is surprising; but
that, of course, is because it is so nearly square.'"
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