He did not want to make any
use of them — that was certain, for as fast as he cut and
trimmed out one he threw it away and cut another. Ellen was
glad when they got out into the open fields where there were
none to be found.
"It is just about this time a year ago," said she, "that Aunt
Fortune was getting well of her long fit of sickness."
"Yes!" said Mr. Van Brunt, with a very profound air; —
"something is always happening most years."
Ellen did not know what to make of this philosophical remark.
"I am very glad nothing is happening this year," said she; "I
think it is a great deal pleasanter to have things go on
quietly."
"Oh, something might happen without hindering things going on
quietly, I s'pose — mightn't it?"
"I don't know," said Ellen, wonderingly. "Why, Mr. Van Brunt,
what is going to happen?"
"I declare," said he, half-laughing, "you're as 'cute as a
razor; I didn't say there was anything going to happen, did
I?"
"But is there?" said Ellen.
"Han't your aunt said nothing to you about it?"
"Why, no," said Ellen — "she never tells me anything; what is
it?"
"Why, the story is," said Mr. Van Brunt — "at least I know,
for I've understood as much from herself, that — I believe
she's going to be married before long."
"She!" exclaimed Ellen. "Married! — Aunt Fortune!"
"I believe so," said Mr. Van Brunt, making a lunge at a tuft
of tall grass, and pulling off two or three spears of it,
which he carried to his mouth.
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