And though these orphan sisters could not hunt or fish, they could buy

cheaply a plenty of game from the negroes who did. And besides this,

they had a pig, a cow, and a couple of sheep that grazed freely in the

neighboring fields, for no one thought of turning out an animal that

belonged to these poor girls. In addition, they kept a few fowls and

cultivated a small vegetable garden in the rear of their hut. And to

keep the chickens out of the garden was one of the principal occupations

of Nora. Their spinning-wheel and loom supplied them with the few

articles of clothing they required, and with a little money for the

purchase of tea, sugar, and salt. Thus you see their living was good,

though their dress, their house, and their schooling were so very bad.

They were totally ignorant of the world beyond their own neighborhood;

they could read and write, but very imperfectly; and their only book was

the old family Bible, that might always be seen proudly displayed upon

the rickety chest of drawers.

Notwithstanding their lowly condition, the sisters were much esteemed

for their integrity of character by their richer neighbors, who would

have gladly made them more comfortable had not the proud spirit of

Hannah shrunk from dependence.

They had been invited to the festival to be held at Brudenell Hall in

honor of the young heir's coming of age and entering upon his estates.

This gentlemen, Herman Brudenell, was their landlord; and it was as his

tenants, and not by any means as his equals, that they had been bidden

to the feast. And now we will accompany them to the house of rejoicing.

They were now emerging from the valley and climbing the opposite hill.

Hannah walking steadily on in the calm enjoyment of nature, and Nora

darting about like a young bird and caroling as she went in the

effervescence of her delight.




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