It did not take long to make Mrs.Bell admit that if the business went on as it had been going Diantha would be able to pay her a salary of a thousand dollars, and have five hundred left--from the food business alone.
There remained the hotel, with large possibilities.The present simple furnishings were to be moved over to New Union House, and paid for by the girls in due time.With new paint, paper, and furniture, the old house would make a very comfortable place.
"Of course, it's the restaurant mainly--these big kitchens and the central location are the main thing.The guests will be mostly tourists, I suppose."Diantha dwelt upon the prospect at some length; and even her cautious mother had to admit that unless there was some setback the year had a prospect of large success.
"How about all this new furnishing?" Mrs.Bell said suddenly."How do you cover that? Take what you've got ahead now?""Yes; there's plenty," said Diantha."You see, there is all Union House has made, and this summer's profit on the cooked food--it's plenty.""Then you can't pay for the motor and cases as you planned," her mother insisted.
"No, not unless the hotel and restaurant pays enough to make good.But I don't _have_ to buy them the first year.If I don't, there is $5,500leeway."
"Yes, you are safe enough; there's over $4,000 in the bank now," Mrs.
Bell admitted."But, child," she said suddenly, "your father!""Yes, I've thought of father," said the girl, "and I mean to ask him to come and live at the hotel.I think he'd like it.He could meet people and talk about his ideas, and I'm sure I'd like to have him.""They talked much and long about this, till the evening settled about them, till they had their quiet supper, and the girls came home to their noisy one; and late that evening, when all was still again, Diantha came to the dim piazza corner once more and sat there quite alone.
Full of hope, full of courage, sure of her progress--and aching with loneliness.
She sat with her head in her hands, and to her ears came suddenly the sound of a familiar step--a well-known voice--the hands and the lips of her lover.
"Diantha!" He held her close.
"Oh, Ross! Ross! Darling! Is it true? When did you come? Oh, I'm so glad! So _glad_ to see you!"She was so glad that she had to cry a little on his shoulder, which he seemed to thoroughly enjoy.
"I've good news for you, little girl," he said."Good news at last!
Listen, dear; don't cry.There's an end in sight.A man has bought out my shop.The incubus is off--I can _live_ now!"He held his head up in a fine triumph, and she watched him adoringly.
"Did you--was it profitable?" she asked.
"It's all exchange, and some cash to boot.Just think! You know what I've wanted so long--a ranch.A big one that would keep us all, and let me go on with my work.And, dear--I've got it! It's a big fruit ranch, with its own water--think of that! And a vegetable garden, too, and small fruit, and everything.And, what's better, it's all in good running order, with a competent ranchman, and two Chinese who rent the vegetable part.And there are two houses on it--_two_.One for mother and the girls, and one for us!"Diantha's heart stirred suddenly.
"Where is it, dear?" she whispered.
He laughed joyfully."It's _here!"_ he said."About eight miles or so out, up by the mountains; has a little canyon of its own--its own little stream and reservoir.Oh, my darling! My darling!"They sat in happy silence in the perfumed night.The strong arms were around her, the big shoulder to lean on, the dear voice to call her "little girl."The year of separation vanished from their thoughts, and the long years of companionship opened bright and glorious before them.
