"They have always--for generations back, I may say--been called

excellent servants; faithful in the discharge of their duties, and

attached to their owners," returned Mrs. Sutton tremulously. "And

since I have been in charge--ever since my dear sister's death, I

have done my best with them, as with everything else committed by my

nephew to my care. But of course I have nothing to urge against your

plan. If I can help you in any way"--"Thank you! You are extremely kind, my dear madam," honeyedly. "But

I should be ashamed and sorry to be compelled to call upon you for

assistance in performing what you have done so easily and

successfully for fifteen years. I must learn confidence in my own

powers, if I would be respected by underlings. They would be quick

to detect the power behind the throne; let me hold counsel with you

ever so secretly, and my authority would be weakened by the

discovery. I have not the vanity to believe that my maiden attempt

at housewifery will be attended by the distinction that has crowned

yours, but practice will perfect in this, as in other labors. And my

dear Mrs. Sutton, Mr. Aylett bids me say, in his name, as it gives

me pleasure to do in my own, that although your occupation is gone,

you are ever welcome to a home at Ridgeley, free of all expense. It

is our hope that you may still content yourself here, even if Mabel

has gone from the nest. I suppose, however, nothing will satisfy

her, when she goes to housekeeping, but having you with her as a

permanent institution. My brother intimated as much to me before his

marriage."

Declining with mild hauteur, that gave great, but secret amusement

to her would-be benefactress, the handsome offer of a free asylum,

Mrs. Sutton went to live with a cousin of her late husband's, whose

snug plantation was situated about twelve miles from the Aylett

place, and in the neighborhood of the Tazewells. It was a pleasant,

but not a permanent arrangement, she gave out to her numerous

friends, any of whom would have accounted themselves favored by an

acceptance of a home for life in their families.

"Ridgeley was changed and lonely since Mabel's departure, and her

own habits were too active to be conformed to those of so small a

household. Indeed, there was nothing for her to do there any longer,

so she was glad to avail herself of Mrs. William Sutton's invitation

to stay a while with her. The children made the house so lively. In

the fall, the house Mr. Dorrance was having built for his Southern

bride would be ready for them, and Mabel's claim upon her aunt's

society and services must take precedence of all others."




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