Mollie Peer, Or The Underground Adventure of the Moosepath League by Van Reid

Author:Van Reid
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781608935215
Publisher: Down East Books

35

Diversion and Duty

The home of Mrs. Capt. Ledland Blythe, on the corner of Lincoln and Middle Streets, was imposing in its extent and in the view it commanded atop a broad knoll overlooking the Kennebec and many a more humble rooftop. When Miss McCannon and Mister Walton arrived, the fall gala, already in progress, could be heard. Music and chat and laughter blended through the walls to form a congenial welcome to the ears; every light in the house burned brightly, and the smoke of wood fires spiced the air.

A young man took the bridle of the horse when they pulled up before the front door and took over the reins when they stepped out.

It was a consummate fall night, with a bracing wind off the river and brilliant stars in a moonless sky, and they paused to quietly revel in it. There was perhaps nothing really wrong with Mister Walton's collar, but standing at the very bow of the drive, between two hedges, Phileda reached up and tweaked it slightly—an intimate gesture that was seasoned with a happy smile.

“Did Sundry miss something?” he wondered.

“No,” she said enigmatically, and took his arm.

The wide double doors opened before them as they mounted the steps, and two liveried men took their coats and hats. A third man, similarly accoutred, led them through the front hall to a ballroom, from which the largest share of noise arose.

“If you will wait, ma'am, sir,” said the fellow, “I will announce you.” And with full appreciation of the comic affectation, he declared, “Miss Phileda McCannon! Mister Tobias Walton!” which delighted Mister Walton, since the man had not asked their names.

There was a good deal of laughter then; it was the joke of the evening that everyone should be introduced in this fashion, and the unmarried women, with their leap-year escorts, drew the loudest reactions.

There was not just laughter but admiration, for Miss McCannon's dress was bold in its simplicity, which she carried off very well. Her gown was blue, with long sleeves and accordion shoulders; hers was not a figure of great extremes, so a cascade of frills at the bust distracted the eye and a lack of frill or pleat at the skirt drew attention to the purity of line there.

Mister Walton carried his portly frame with unconscious dignity and ease and demonstrated, by his attire, the ability to buy and to dress.

The periphery of the room was lined with men in their ties and tails, women in their fall gowns; small islands of conversation dotted the parqueted floor, and from a raised platform in a far corner a band (sort of a string quartet with the addition of a banjo and a flute) played something softly. Phileda's friend Miriam and her husband came from the crowd to greet them, and Mister Walton was introduced to Mr. Nowell.

“Very glad to meet you,” said the husband. “My wife asserts you have stories to tell.”

“I fear,” said Mister Walton, “that Phileda has overstated my involvement in some interesting affairs.

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