"You wouldn't wish it at dish-washing time, I bet! But they are a
lively bunch. I wonder sometimes how Mother escapes _nerves_. If
she feels irritable or tired she seldom shows it. I believe six of us
can ask her questions at once and she knows how to answer each in its
turn. But Mother never does much useless worrying. That keeps her
youthful and calm. She has often said to us, 'What's the use of
worrying? Worrying never gets you anywhere except into hot water--so
what's the use of it?' That's a pet philosophy of hers."
"I remember that. I've heard her say it. Your mother's wonderful!"
"She thinks the same about you, Amanda, for she said so the other day."
"Me?" The girl turned her face from him so that the moonlight might not
reveal her joy.
"You," he said happily, laughing in boyish contentment. "We think
Amanda Reist is all right."
The girl was glad they had reached the gate of her home. She fumbled
with the latch and escaped an answer to the man's words. Then they
spoke commonplace good-nights and parted.
That night as she brushed her hair she stood a long time before the
mirror. "Amanda Reist," she said to the image in the glass, "you better
take care--next thing you know you'll be falling in love!" She leaned
closer to the glass. "Oh, I'll have to keep that shine from my eyes!
It's there just because Martin walked home with me and was kind. I
don't look as though I need any boneset tea now!"