`` Is n't it ? '' said Gussie proudly . `` I love it . '' Her pupils dilated into dark pools , and I rather unwillingly admitted that Miss Ashley was a fine-looking girl . As we drove up Aunt Lucy was standing on the steps of the verandah , over whose white roof trailed a luxuriant creeper , its leaves tinged by October frosts into lovely wine reds and tawny yellows . Gussie sprang out , barely touching my offered hand with her fingertips . `` There 's Mother waiting to pounce on you and hear all the family news , '' she said , `` so go and greet her like a dutiful nephew . '' `` I must take out your horse for you first , '' I said politely . `` Not at all , '' said Miss Ashley , taking the reins from my hands in a way not to be disputed . `` I always unharness Charley myself . No one understands him half so well . Besides , I 'm used to it . Did n't I tell you I 'd always been Father 's boy ? '' `` I well believe it , '' I thought in disgust , as she led the horse over to the well and I went up to Aunt Lucy . Through the sitting-room windows I kept a watchful eye on Miss Ashley as she watered and deftly unharnessed Charley and led him into his stable with sundry pats on his nose . Then I saw no more of her till she came in to tell us tea was ready , and led the way out to the dining room . It was evident Miss Gussie held the reins of household government , and no doubt worthily . Those firm , capable white hands of hers looked as though they might be equal to a good many emergencies . She talked little , leaving the conversation to Aunt Lucy and myself , though she occasionally dropped in an apt word . Toward the end of the meal , however , she caught hold of an unfortunate opinion I had incautiously advanced and tore it into tatters .
The result was a spirited argument , XXXXX which Miss Gussie held her own with such ability that I was utterly routed and found another grievance against her .
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