About this story
Dinner brings Horace Chase, a visiting businessman, who unfolds nuts and orange peel into a working model of the railroad he means to drive through the mountains and the resort town he means to build around it. Roses arrive addressed in his own approximate French, and by evening the whole household is headed to a costumed benefit at the skating rink.
How it opens
A cold spring wind persuaded your family to relight the broad parlor fire at Far Edgerley.
You stretched upon the rug with Petie Trone while Dolly criticized the scale of your indolence.
A smaller sister could sprawl charmingly; you occupy the floor like disputed territory.
Comfort is our household religion, and I am observing it more faithfully than either of you.
Mrs. FranklinIts first commandment is not to ruin clothing faster than I can mend it.
Choose
Imagine me upright and preserve us both the effort.
Join me here and we will make informality a principle.