Chapter 11

JANE RECEIVES A LESSON

"There are times in life when circumstances decide for us; it is then
the part of wisdom to accept and make the best of what they offer."

Of course Harry would have felt it intolerable to come home just like
his neighbors. So he returned to the Hatton district as if he had
condescended to accept some pressing invitation to do so. It was,
however, almost the last exhibition of his overweening youthful egotism.
His mother's best carriage was at the station for Mrs. Henry Hatton and
family; his mother's gigs and wagons there for his servants and baggage.
Two or three of the village societies to which he had belonged or did
yet belong crowded the railway platform. They cheered him when he
alighted, and sent him homeward to the music of,

There may be fairer lands beyond the sea,
But it's Home! It's Home in the North Country!

Harry's mother was delighted. This public approbation justified her own
rather extravagant welcome, and when John's face showed a shadow of
disapproval, she was not pleased.

"It is too much especially at this time, mother. It is more than Harry
can or will live up to. Trust me, mother, for I know the men. This noisy
welcome was not so much a mark of their friendship and admiration as it
was a bid for Harry's help and patronage, and when Harry gets weary of
giving and doing or becomes unable to give or do, they will feel wronged
and offended and perhaps express their dissatisfaction just as
pointedly."

"He is thy own brother, and I wouldn't be jealous of his popularity if I
was thee."

"Jealous! Mother! How can you accuse me of such a feeling?" He could say
no more for he was deeply pained at the charge.

"Well, John, I was wrong to say 'jealous.' I said it because it was the
ugliest word I could think of at the moment."

"If you thought I was jealous, you were right to tell me so."

"Nay, my lad, I didn't think so--not for a moment--so I was wrong. Well,
then, we all say the wrong word sometimes."

"To be sure we do."

"Just out of pure ugliness."

"Or misunderstanding?"

"Not in Martha Hatton's case. She understands well enough. Sometimes she
is sorry, as she is now. Generally speaking, she is satisfied with
herself. Why did you not go to Yoden with your brother? Were you afraid
of vexing Jane?"

"I thought as you did, that they would prefer going home alone. The
children were tired and hungry. Lucy had a headache, and after sending
off their baggage and servants, I gave them a promise to see them
tomorrow. I think, too, that Mr. Lugur was sure to be at Yoden."