Leaving the general store with an armful of items, Olivia and the girls headed to the hotel. There was a sitting room near the front desk with a few tables large enough for a game of whist. She settled the girls at one of the tables to work on their handwriting. Today business was good for the restaurant, teacher and students curiously watched a steady flow of diners from their vantage point. The interest seemed mutual but the three were used to people staring and paid them no mind. A strict teacher but easy with praise when well deserved, Daisy and Anna enjoyed these private moments. “Auntie, when I grow up will I be as beautiful as you?” Daisy asked. Olivia shook her head in all seriousness, “No my pet, you will be beautiful but more importantly, smart and resourceful.” Not to be outdone, Anna wanted the same. “Silly, you’re sisters. If one is beautiful, smart, and resourceful so shall the other be.” Satisfied, the youngest went back to laboriously working on her cursive.<br/><br/>Mabel, the elderly woman who served in the restaurant was getting grumpier by the moment with the customers. “You just order your meal and don’t ask another question that has nothing to do with here nor there.” She snapped at a lady wearing the largest bustle Olivia had ever seen. They would later learn the bustle woman was the mayor’s wife who took herself way too seriously. After accomplishing a goodly amount of writing, satisfying Olivia, they were considering lunch when Mr. Walker walked into the lobby. All three lit up with pleasure seeing a familiar face.