In the midst of her reverie, Lenora entered the kitchen, and to her
the old lady detailed her grievances, ending with, "Pears like she
don't know nothin' at all about etiquette, nor nothin' else."

"Etiquette!" repeated Lenora. "You are mistaken, Polly; mother would
sit on a point of etiquette till she wore the back breadth of her
dress out. But it isn't that which she lacks--it's decency. But,
Polly," said she, changing the subject, "where do you intend to go and
how?"

"To my brother Sam's," said Polly. "He lives three miles in the
country, and I've sent Robin to the village for a horse and wagon to
carry my things."

Here Mrs. Hamilton entered the kitchen, followed by a strapping Irish
girl, nearly six feet in height. Her hair, flaming red, was twisted
round a huge back comb; her faded calico dress came far above her
ankles; her brawny arms were folded one over the other; and there was
in her appearance something altogether disagreeable and defiant. Mrs.
Hamilton introduced her as Ruth, her new cook, saying she hoped she
would know enough to keep her place better than her predecessor had
done.

Aunt Polly surveyed her rival from head to foot, and then glancing
aside to Lenora, muttered, "Low-lived, depend on't."

Robin now drove up with the wagon, and Mrs. Hamilton and Lenora left
the room, while Polly went to prepare herself for her ride. Her
sleeping apartment was in the basement and communicated with the