The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1880-11-27

thought-yes, l remember she is Mary
White. Is your aunt expecting you ~
The girls voice trembled.
Not SO soon. had written her that
should come, but not by this steamer. :"
what, are you just from England ~
Eyes, Mrs. Cabot"
"Well, will speak to Mary
"Wait, please, Mrs. Cabot. I am sure
there must be some mistake from your
manner. Let me go away again. ana
she turned with sudden resolution
The driver was standing by his carriage,
and watching the two ladies curiously.
The girl caught sight of his face, and
turned back. "Oh, l can't go. I have
no place to 90 to-
"1ou need not go. Here. driver.
bring up the trunks. if yon please and
presently the luggage was deposited in
the hall. and the door was closed. Now
come into the parlor. and tell me exactly
how it is" said Mrs. Cabot. First.
what is your name ~ The question was
not unkind in it's tone. 1t had some
thing of the re-assuring ease Of its posi-
ton in the catechism.
My name is Stella Greyson. and Mrs.
White is my aunt. as l said" Miss
Greyson hesitated. but as Mrs. Cabot did
not ask the next question. she asked it
herself. HAS my aunt never told of
her English family ?"
"No; I never asked her anything
about her relations
Miss Greyson looked puzzled. "And
yet she has lived with You since her hus-
band died."
81 remember that she was widow.
hut never talk over their affairs with
my-servants. Mrs. Cabot stopped a
moment before the word; she was talking
TO the niece of her cook but the niece
was plainly lady, and a very prett,
lady. too.
Miss Greyson co ored violently. There
must be some mistake, am convinced. 9"
she said, family; and then. presently.
{" Mrs. Cabot. will you kindly explain t."
me just shat my ADMINISTRATION to you
is?"
why, told you she lived with me.
thought you understood it; she is my
cook. always thought her much above
her station. I am sure" she went on,
rapidly, as she saw the changing color in
Miss Greyson's face, nothing could be
more proper every way than your aunt's
position. She came to me, remember
without ever having lived out anywhere
before, but 1 understood perfectly her
situation. Her husband had died, and
she had no means of support. She was
used to housekeeping, and preferred the
home of widow like myself to any less
domestic means of support. She has
been with me now year, and we have
got along admirably. I give up every
thing almost to her. Indeed, she is real
Iy housekeeper, and I think ought to
call her so, but
But what ~ asked Miss Greyson, who
had had time to regain her composure,
and now looked determined to hear the
worst.
Butch. only she isn't; she is cook"
said Mrs. Cabot, with helpless candor.
THAT'S all. had really nothing what
ever against her. have the greatest re-
spect in the world for her." Mrs. Cabot
was trying again to set up the figure
which Miss Greyson's face had helped
her to construct, and which had sudden
ly fallen over. That young lady. how
ever. seemed to have recovered her equa-
nimity.
81 am extremely sorry, Mrs. Cabot
she began, at this most awkward state
Of things. My aunt is not at all to blame.
She did not know I was coming. 1t was
entirely my own misunderstanding; but
must take advantage of your good ma
ture to let me pass the night, for am an
entire stranger to the city. You will
pardon me, am sure? ?" and she looked
at Mrs. Cabot with pretty beseeching-
ness.
"Why, of course, of course, Miss Grey
son. Stay as long as you like. Now
shall call Mary-I mean Mrs. White,
YOUR aunt? ''
"Please let me go to her alone"
"Certainly. certainly. But perhaps you
would rather not see her in the kitchen.
There are some men there who are look
ing after the supper. You see. have
little party tonight. think heard
some one come just now. So you'll ex-
cuse me if don't ask your aunt to come
here? You might 60 into the dining
room-but no, they're setting the table
now. III tell you how we'll arrange it.
Just come into the hall. and sit there
while l have your trunks carried up
stairs. It's lucky the men are here.
will coax them to do it, and then I'll
send your aunt to see you in your room.
That will be the easiest" Mrs. Cabot
smiled with pleasure at her management,
and led Miss Greyson out of the draw
ing room. "Oh," she said, suddenly,
won't you just turn up the gas while l
speak to the men? for some one will
be coming down Immediately" So she
gathered her skirts together for an ex-
cursien to the kitchen. and Miss Grey
son, giving look at herself in the mir
ror. which laughed suddenly back at her.
went round the room with alacrity, turn
ing on the gas until the chandeliers were
wide awake with brilliancy. She glanced
at the door; it was closed, and standing
before mirror she made low courtesy
to her pretty figure, rising from the sa-
lutte just in time to turn demure face
toward Mrs. Cabot.
Now come, Miss Greyson, the coast
is clear. I have a little room next to
your aunt's, which can let you have
while Won stay"
"You are very, very kind, Mrs. Cabot.
Now want to ask another favor Of you.
Let me go into the dressing room and
assist the ladies when they arrive"
evil you? That would really be what
I should like, but never should have
asked it of you "But it was very
proper of her to propose it." said Mrs.
Cabot to herself as she went down to
send Mary to her niece.
"There is some one who would like to
see you, Mary Mrs Cabot said as she
entered the kitchen :" You will find her