She put up her lips to be kissed, for she had learned Fred’s habit when talking with her; and so the matter was settled for the present, and the marriage deferred until some time in the spring, when it was to take place in London, and the party was to sail at once for America. CHAPTER XXIV AT HOME The month of May that year was unusually wet, with warm sunshine between the rains, so that with the sun and the rain June came on apace, and by the middle of the month the roses and the early summer flowers were in full bloom, and nowhere in Merivale was there a lovelier spot than the grounds around the Grey house. They had been well cared for during the previous year, and now special pains were taken with them, and the house as well. The proprietor, about whom there had been so much speculation, was expected, Mr. Blake said, and had given instructions for everything to be put in order, from the stables to the attic, while every nook and corner of the garden and grounds was to be cleared from weeds and put under the highest state of cultivation. To Nancy Sharp the news that the master was expected came as a crusher, for that might mean a return to White’s Row, which would be a great descent from her present quarters; but when told that she could stay on as laundress for the family, she assumed her old assurance of manner as preferred creditor and occupant of the finest place in town, not excepting that of Judge White, which, if more massive and solid, could not compete with the Grey house in grace and artistic beauty. It was when curiosity with regard to the owner, who had been incog. so long, was at its height that a message came from England to the effect that Fred Lansing and Louie had been married quietly in London, and that later on “they were coming to Merivale for a few days,” Mr. Blake said, with a knowing wink, which told as much as words could tell, and confirmed the people in the suspicions which had been strengthening ever since Mr. Grey’s debts were paid by Fred Lansing. Evidently Judge White, who had received a letter from Fred, knew more than was in the cablegram, but he was not to tell it.